High school is made for memories. It is made for mistakes and learning experiences, living life a little while working hard. One lesson I learned the hard way was how the past can come back to haunt you. And, if you have the right friends, it does not have to be such a bad thing. It all started with a text to my best friend, Jack*.
When I went to prom my freshman year of high school with my former boyfriend, I had an experience that lead to months of tears. There were no drinking or life-changing regrets, but prom left a bad taste in my mouth. I doubted that I would ever go back.
But, as fate would have it, I decided to go with my best friend, Amanda* my sophomore year. At first I was not sure if I would go, if I had the dress, the shoes-- money was a big problem I faced. In the end, my dress was one my mother let me borrow-- a beautiful royal blue number with lace and the same heels I wore the past year. I felt and looked beautiful.
I knew weeks in advance that my ex-boyfriend would be at prom and that I would see him there because we have the same friends. Amanda, my date, was bringing several other girls with her, so I thought I was going to be a third wheel. Thoughts and fears from my past experience with prom came bubbling back up in waves that couldn't help but make me cry. I was in my car on the way to my school's dance when I felt like I was going to have a break down.

My mom wasn't sure how to help me and I wasn't sure how to explain it. I was sure to be the little kid who would be too embarrassed to dance, leaning up against the wall, trying to fight back the tears that I was not really wanted.

I tried to tell myself it was all in my head, but that didn't work. Jack and I had been friends for nearly one year and were very close. I found myself texting him. I knew in the back of my mind that I shouldn't-- he was on a date with his girlfriend, a mutual friend of ours, but I needed him. Much to my surprise, he replied within minutes.
I said: "I am regretting going to prom. I can't hang out with my friends, my date has other friends she's going with, and I feel like I am a second option. I've gotten used to this feeling after so many years of feeling this, but it still hurts. I just feel like if I go I will be left alone. I will leave early or I'll be that girl on her phone, reading a book she downloaded because no one will notice her. No one cares. I am always pushed aside so why would one night change that? I might just bring my headphones and drown out with world. Maybe I'll stay with Mrs. Tammie since she would be the only one to kind of pay attention because she knows how I'm awkward. But at the same time, I don't want to because it would be out of sympathy."

Jack replied with a simple and short text that changed not only my views about that night, but about life in general.
"This is why you are I are similar. We both fear the same thing. But this night, do not let fear overtake you. Go to the prom with confidence. If you don't, you'll force a bad time on yourself. But if you go there without the fear, you'll have a great time. Now go out and have fun."

There were times while I was at the prom that I had to leave the dance floor, have a deep breath, and collect my nerves, but Jack's words came to mind. 

There are many past experiences that were ruined by my negative thinking, self-doubt, and insecurities. I have had a hard time with many things that would have been avoided had I made an effort to not bring myself. down. 

Despite my nerves getting control a few times, I was able to bounce right back and smile. My night was wonderful, spending time with all my friends, making new ones, and dancing he night away.

Even more important, through Jack, I was able to realize how a simple smile and positive thinking can go such a long way. I might not have everything I want, but I have everything I need. If I have more confidence in who I am, nothing can stop me.