8 answers
Farida
Student
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
6
Questions
Asked
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I'm in 10th grade, what do you wish somebody told you when you were in 10th grade?
Being a high schooler, especially one with only 2 more years before graduation is difficult and stressful for many.
What is some advice you would give your 10th grade self now, that maybe I could benefit from?
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8 answers
Ivuelekwa Michael
Script writer
7
Answers
Owerri, Imo, Nigeria
Updated
Ivuelekwa’s Answer
Find a path and fall in love with it , for this path will guide you through success in college!.
Thank you for answering my question, I really appreciate it and will 100% be taking your advice!
Farida
Beth Kirshenberg
Partner Sales Operations
6
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Beth’s Answer
Hi Farida,
What a wonderful question! High school is such an exciting time. Remember to trust yourself and believe in your abilities. Everything changes, and that's a good thing. Stay open to new possibilities and opportunities. Keep exploring different areas and topics as you grow.
As you get ready to graduate and start your next adventure, keep seeking out what inspires and excites you.
I wish you all the best in everything you do.
What a wonderful question! High school is such an exciting time. Remember to trust yourself and believe in your abilities. Everything changes, and that's a good thing. Stay open to new possibilities and opportunities. Keep exploring different areas and topics as you grow.
As you get ready to graduate and start your next adventure, keep seeking out what inspires and excites you.
I wish you all the best in everything you do.
Thank you so much for answering my question! Your advice seems thoughtful, and your words will 100% continue to echo through my brain as I move forward with my life, especially as a teenager.
Farida
You are most welcome. All the best.
Beth Kirshenberg
Rugvedh Rugvedh
high school student
2
Answers
Montgomery, New Jersey
Updated
Rugvedh’s Answer
If I could go back and talk to my 10th grade self, the first thing I would say is this: you don’t need to have everything figured out right now—and that’s completely okay. In 10th grade, it often feels like time is running fast and every decision will define your entire future. In reality, this stage of life is about exploration, growth, and learning how you work, not about being perfect.
I would remind myself to focus more on building strong habits rather than chasing short-term results. Learning how to manage time, stay consistent, ask for help when needed, and recover from setbacks matters far more than one test score or one bad semester. These habits will carry you through high school, college, and life far beyond graduation.
Another thing I wish I understood earlier is that comparison is a trap. Everyone grows at a different pace. Some people discover their passion early, others much later—and both paths are valid. Instead of measuring yourself against others, focus on becoming a little better than you were yesterday. Progress, not perfection, is what truly counts.
I would also tell my 10th grade self to take care of mental and physical health. Sleep, movement, and breaks are not laziness—they are necessities. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’ve been trying too hard without giving yourself space to breathe. Learning how to balance ambition with self-care is a skill that will protect you for life.
Most importantly, I would say: be curious and brave. Try new subjects, join clubs, volunteer, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is not a sign that you’re not capable—it’s proof that you’re learning. Every mistake teaches you something valuable, even if it doesn’t feel that way at the moment.
High school goes by faster than you expect. Work hard, yes—but also enjoy the journey. Be kind to yourself. Trust that even if the path feels unclear now, you are slowly building the skills, confidence, and resilience you’ll need for whatever comes next.
You’re doing better than you think—and your future self will be proud of you.
I would remind myself to focus more on building strong habits rather than chasing short-term results. Learning how to manage time, stay consistent, ask for help when needed, and recover from setbacks matters far more than one test score or one bad semester. These habits will carry you through high school, college, and life far beyond graduation.
Another thing I wish I understood earlier is that comparison is a trap. Everyone grows at a different pace. Some people discover their passion early, others much later—and both paths are valid. Instead of measuring yourself against others, focus on becoming a little better than you were yesterday. Progress, not perfection, is what truly counts.
I would also tell my 10th grade self to take care of mental and physical health. Sleep, movement, and breaks are not laziness—they are necessities. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’ve been trying too hard without giving yourself space to breathe. Learning how to balance ambition with self-care is a skill that will protect you for life.
Most importantly, I would say: be curious and brave. Try new subjects, join clubs, volunteer, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is not a sign that you’re not capable—it’s proof that you’re learning. Every mistake teaches you something valuable, even if it doesn’t feel that way at the moment.
High school goes by faster than you expect. Work hard, yes—but also enjoy the journey. Be kind to yourself. Trust that even if the path feels unclear now, you are slowly building the skills, confidence, and resilience you’ll need for whatever comes next.
You’re doing better than you think—and your future self will be proud of you.
This is one of the most beautiful responses I have gotten to this question! It feels so genuine, and as if it truly come from the heart and I truly adored reading every single word. This meant a lot to me.
Farida
Rakesh Joseph K V
Assistant Professor
2
Answers
Kushalnagar, Karnataka, India
Updated
Rakesh’s Answer
If I could talk to my 10th-grade self, I’d say:
“Don’t worry about having everything figured out. Focus on building good habits, trying new things that excite you, and asking for help when you need it. Growing is way more important than being perfect.”
High school, especially the last couple of years, can feel super stressful. But here’s the thing:
Keep balance in mind: Grades matter, but so does your mental health. Take care of yourself.
Follow your interests: Join clubs, try new activities, and do things that make you excited to learn.
Connect with people: Teachers, mentors, and friends can help you through tough times—don’t be afraid to reach out.
Take it step by step: Small, steady progress now will pay off later.
Your 10th-grade years are just the start of something amazing—trust yourself and enjoy the ride! ✨
“Don’t worry about having everything figured out. Focus on building good habits, trying new things that excite you, and asking for help when you need it. Growing is way more important than being perfect.”
High school, especially the last couple of years, can feel super stressful. But here’s the thing:
Keep balance in mind: Grades matter, but so does your mental health. Take care of yourself.
Follow your interests: Join clubs, try new activities, and do things that make you excited to learn.
Connect with people: Teachers, mentors, and friends can help you through tough times—don’t be afraid to reach out.
Take it step by step: Small, steady progress now will pay off later.
Your 10th-grade years are just the start of something amazing—trust yourself and enjoy the ride! ✨
Thank you very, very much for your response! I've found that starting 10th grade has been of great stress to me, as time seems to constantly be ticking faster than desired. However, your response has soothed me and shone light upon my current experience. You have given me simple, fun tasks to complete and I really appreciate your words of encouragement and advice.
Farida
Monique Polk
2
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Monique’s Answer
Hi Karina, that's a fantastic question! Tenth grade is such an exciting time. Make sure to enjoy every moment. Dive into your friendships, hobbies, and interests. Don't stress about having everything figured out—just enjoy being young. When you find what you love, use that as a stepping stone to discover your true passion and career path!
Loved reading this, thanks! I definitely will look forward to all that is to come.
Farida
Yasmin Mohamed Alamin
Clinical Nutrition Student
63
Answers
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
Yasmin’s Answer
Hi Farida👋🏻...
I wish someone told me in 10th grade to focus on balance Don't get so caught up in stress about grades and college that you forget to enjoy learning and your hobbies
Also start exploring your interests early Try different clubs, volunteer work, or projects so you can figure out what really excites you Colleges notice real passion more than just perfect grades
Time management is huge Start practicing it now even with small things It makes everything later easier
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help Teachers, mentors, or older students can give advice and open opportunities that you wouldn’t find on your own
I wish someone told me in 10th grade to focus on balance Don't get so caught up in stress about grades and college that you forget to enjoy learning and your hobbies
Also start exploring your interests early Try different clubs, volunteer work, or projects so you can figure out what really excites you Colleges notice real passion more than just perfect grades
Time management is huge Start practicing it now even with small things It makes everything later easier
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help Teachers, mentors, or older students can give advice and open opportunities that you wouldn’t find on your own
Thank you for answering my question! I truly appreciate your advice, and love how you formatted each and every single thing I will definitely continue on to do.
Farida
Connie Chang
Product Manager
1
Answer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Connie’s Answer
Hi Farida, you’ve asked a fantastic question. The 10th grade is a wonderful time in high school because there are so many things to explore. I encourage you to visit university open houses to learn about different faculties and discover what interests you. This way, you can plan your 11th and 12th-grade courses to keep your future options open. Having many opportunities will let you choose what matches your interests and skills, leading to a fulfilling life. Wishing you all the best!
attend the open house in universities
Connie recommends the following next steps:
Thank you very much for answering my question! I've been feeling awfully stressed about not doing enough, but the way you worded what 10th grade entails really assisted me view it a bit differently for a moment. I will definitely begin going to open houses to truly explore my options.
Farida
Nicole Muhammad
Group Facilitator, Educator, Speaker, Job Coach, and Teen Mentor.
10
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Greetings Farida!!
Thank you for your question, what I would tell my 10th grsde self. That I'm good enough, and to take more risks in life. I allowed fear and low self-esteem to stop me from trying new things. I would also start a savings account or invest in a money market account. So when I went to college, I wouldn't get caught up with credit cards or student loans.
Thank you for your question.
Thank you for your question, what I would tell my 10th grsde self. That I'm good enough, and to take more risks in life. I allowed fear and low self-esteem to stop me from trying new things. I would also start a savings account or invest in a money market account. So when I went to college, I wouldn't get caught up with credit cards or student loans.
Thank you for your question.
Thank you so much for your response! This is actually really great advice, and has allowed me to deeply reflect about my own finances. I've thought about what I might do financially during college, but this motivated me to begin planning as soon as is humanly possible.
Farida
You are so welcome!! And thank you for the compliment!!
Nicole Muhammad