What would I say to my teenage self?

This post is from Saturday. I'm posting it on Monday after being otherwise engaged in Wales for the weekend. Sometimes it's important to switch off.

Being back in Wales, not far from where I grew up in the Rhondda Valleys, and a visit to Big Pit has put me in a mood to look back. There was an assembly this term to Years 10 and 11, and the Head of Year asked staff to contribute by giving the advice we'd give our teenage selves.

This was a great idea, and resulted in a wide range of practical and inspirational advice. Made me wonder what staffrm contributors would say to themselves. We were also asked to contribute a photo. I have no shame.

My advice to my teenage self:

1. Have better hair.

2. Don't put in the bare minimum into school just because you can get away with it.

3. Open up and talk about how you're feeling - some stuff just can't be kept inside. Keep in touch with friends and family better.

4. You won't be able to follow your Plan A, but that's ok. Turns out you have far more resilience and determination than you think.

I wonder what you would have said to your teenage self?

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David Rogers

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