It's okay not to fit in
Young people mostly want to invest in their social capital. As a result, they compromise many of their inner values in order to belong. However, what happens when you are without values? You are just devalued and become socially and emotionally invalid; an empty and light shell in a whirlwind spinning to the trash of society. Hold on to your values, do not strive to fit in at any cost for it’s okay not to fit in!

As we observe these very different days, it’s a meaningful time to reflect on the importance of understanding and respecting the diverse identities that shape our community. Whether it’s about sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious beliefs, learning about what matters to others helps us build empathy, create a more inclusive environment, and strengthen the bonds of support we offer one another. Let’s continue to listen, learn, and uplift every member of our community.

My first bit of advice is a bit more serious and something near and dear to my heart:
Treat others the way you would like to be treated-both in person and on social media. If you see someone who is being unkind or bullying a peer, SAY SOMETHING. Don't be that person who piles on and perpetuates the negative energy because it makes you feel a sense of belonging. Have the courage to go against the grain and call out inappropriate behavior when you see it.

Have friends to socialize with and create strong relationships (loneliness can trigger mental issues)

Find hobbies (music, sports, movies, podcasts, travel, art…)

Manage your expectations and your time to avoid being overwhelmed, stressed and possibly disappointed in yourself. Having a day by day approach and not overthinking can help dealing with different aspects of life.

Stay close to your family and make sure you keep an open and healthy communication with your parents, siblings or others members of your family (no secrets).

If you are not close to your family, talk to your chosen family: your friends.

Communication with loved ones. Practice Yoga.

Take a break and listen to music. If you need to cry and let it out, do it. Don't hold it in.
Think about your life and what you want it to look like in 10 years. That's a long time. In 10 years, are you going to be able to look back at this moment/event that made you worried or stressed? Will you remember that it changed your life in 10 years? If the possibility is slim, try to focus on the things that you WILL remember in 10 years. Focus on the memories, the experiences, and your time with your friends. Those are the memories you will remember in 10 years and not how you did on one test in 10th grade.

I lean into my femininity. My apartment looks like a Barbie dreamhouse (everything is pink or white and fluffy). Living in a dreamy, cozy, environment makes me so happy to come home and unwind. I also run a few times a week. My runs are almost always only two miles, but that's enough to reap the mental health benefits of cardio.

So much--remember that the college you go to doesn't matter as much as what you do with your education. Work hard, study hard, and be nice to everyone. You might think the last one doesn't matter, but as you get older, you will find yourself leaning on your network so much more. You'll be surprised how small connections and genuine little acts of kindness along the way come along to serve you in the future.

On that note--choose really good friends. Don't focus on friendships for the group dynamics and the appearance of having a lot of people around you. Focus instead on the really GOOD friends, the kind who really know you. You're going to need them when life inevitably gets hard and they'll be there to remind you of your humanity. That was invaluable to me.

Learn to laugh at your faults. Everyone has them. Just don't laugh at other's faults.
Follow what interest you, not your friends' interests. You will work hard for things that really matter to you.Go for a walk. Talk to older students. Make art ;)