As we celebrated the 15th anniversary of the BOOST Conference this year, we are still reeling from our inspiring and impactful event. We welcomed over 3,000 attendees to our conference in sunny Palm Springs and offered 200+ workshops, 4 Pre-Conference Academies, Master Classes, Town Hall and Panel Sessions, a Film Festival, 125+ exhibitors, networking events, and so much more.
What I’d tell my younger self at 15 years old
We asked educators to share what advice they would give to themselves at the age of 15. We got so many inspirational and positive responses, and a few honest ones, too! Here’s what they said:
- I know it hurts. You’re having a normal response.
- Don’t give up.
- Give yourself permission to just BE!
- Things feel like the end of the world sometimes, but it always works out.
- Why wonder when you can find out?
- Put yourself first!
- Your IDENTITY is not found in other people.
- Set your personal boundaries.
- You’re not “dramatic.”
- You’re allowed to rest.
- Weird works!
- Tell a teacher about it.
- You are beautiful.
- Don’t underestimate your power.
- Don’t marry THAT one – Those other people’s opinions don’t matter really.
- Don’t apologize for who you ARE!
- Start a business.
- Stay lifted.
- Stop caring about what others think about you!
- Live Laugh Love.
- Listen 1st, then listen to yourself.
- Live Life! You are young!
- Keep going, keep learning.
- There’s nothing wrong with being a leader.
- The “cool kids” don’t all “win everything” in the end.
- Focus on friends, not boyfriends.
- Don’t stress, be happy.
- It gets better.
- Be yourself.
- Size matters.
- Invest in Apple stock.
- Be bold.
- Be friends with the nice girls.
- Laugh more!
- You got this!
- Be free and listen. Love yourself.
- Protect your peace.
- You are good enough.
- Smile.
- Let your inner confidence push you forward.
- Take your time!
- Take risks.
- Do what makes you happy.
- Hurry up and mess up to get really started.
- Better things are coming… and you will name him Mylo.
- Listen to your parents.
- Take it slow.
- Be resilient.
- GO!
- All of this will make you stronger.
- Love your mom more.
- You only get to be 15 once.
- Lean into the pain.
- Wait to date!
- Never give up, it will work out.
- Trust your gut.
- Self-respect.
- You are awesome.
- Don’t do it!
- Take care of you!
- Be grateful.
- You will be an adult longer than a child.
- Slow down.
- Don’t be so hard on yourself.
- Value who you are.
- Sorry.
- Give yourself grace.
- Everything will be okay.
- Don’t try to grow up so fast.
- Trust the process.
- Believe in yourself.
- It’s not a big deal.
- Get a job at In n Out.
- Be persistent.
- Keep going.
- Speak up!
- You matter!
- You are SMARTER than you think!
- You are capable of great things!
- Stay in school.
- You should have never cared what others said.
- You are more than enough.
- You are cool.
- Buy crypto early.
- Love yourself.
- You’re not alone.
- Follow your own dreams!
- You can do anything.
- Make better choices!
- Work hard, be patient, never give up.
- Shine your light.
- Be a kid, don’t rush your youth!
- Don’t let others define you.
- I’M HIM.
- Don’t be a follower.
- Appreciate your family and spend time with them.
- There is no one like you. You are unique and 1 in a million.
- Be loud and proud.
- Be kind to all!
- Never change.
- Be you, Be cool.
- Don’t trust internet love.
- Live in the moment.
- It doesn’t last forever.
- Enjoy life.
- You are on the right path.
- You have time to explore.
- Search the scriptures.
- Greatness will come.
- Save your money.
- Don’t go home with the guy from the party.
- Go for it! Ignore people that bring you down.
- Believe.
- Never give up.
- You are amazing.
- You are worthy.
- Everything will make sense later.
- Keep pushing!
- Dump him!
- Don’t date him!
- Follow your passions early.
- Stay patient.
- Knowledge with application.
- Being an adult isn’t as cool as it looks.
- Look up, your redemption is high.
- Do you!
- Have fun.
- It’s okay to say no.
- Go to school.
- Be kind to all.
- Don’t do drugs.
- You’re gonna want to kill yourself, don’t 🙂
- Have fun, be safe.
- Don’t worry, It all makes sense!
- You are loved.
- You are who you hang out with.
- Be confident in yourself.
- Stay healthy.
- So much to do… still!
- Be 15! 40 comes too fast!
- Focus on your spark.
- Use speed bumps in life as motivation.
- It’s okay to just take care of you!
- That’s a tomorrow prob.
- Don’t ditch.
- It’s okay to not always be okay.
- You don’t need him!
- Pick a career and just do it!
- Be kind to yourself.
- Take a sec to breathe and enjoy.
- Keep doing what you’re doing.
- You’re doing amazing sweetie.
- Join that team!
- Keep asking questions.
- You’ll be successful.
- Be proud.
- Talk to others, it’s ok!
- Know yourself.
- Your cultural history is important.
- Live large, life is short.
- Don’t let Abuelita cut your bangs!
- Follow the dead!
- You’re gonna make it!
- Challenge yourself.
- Don’t plan anything,
- Keep moving forward.
- Don’t settle.
- Love will find you in due time.
- Watch out for semis, open windows, and MOOSE!
- Don’t follow status quo influences.
- Read more.
- Dream big.
- Don’t be afraid to use your voice.
- Learn to drive.
- People care.
- Do what scares you.
- Don’t be shy.
- Stand tall, proud, strong.
- Wait!
- You get to do what you want forever!
- You’re fine just the way you are.