Luxe Multi-Hyphenate

High school wasn’t just about equations, essays, and exams—it was a crash course in life. One of the biggest things I learned is that not everyone is your friend. That sounds harsh, but it’s real. Trust is a currency, and being selective about who you’re vulnerable with can save you from a lot of unnecessary hurt. People come and go, and learning to protect your peace is a survival skill.

I also began to understand the true weight of decisions. Every choice comes with a consequence or a reward—and often both. High school taught me to slow down, think twice, and take responsibility, whether I liked the outcome or not.

One of the most empowering lessons? If I want something, I have to make it happen. Nobody is going to hand me my dreams. There are no shortcuts, no guarantees—just grit, hustle, and intention. That mindset changed everything.

Financial awareness started early for me, too. I saw how fast money could disappear and how much stress it could cause when it wasn’t managed well. So I started thinking about savings, plans, and long-term goals. Budgeting might not be glamorous, but it’s a freedom move.

And finally, maybe the deepest realization: life is fragile. People I thought I’d always have around weren’t there anymore. Tomorrow isn’t promised, and that truth made me appreciate the people I love a little more, and the time I have a little deeper.

High school gave me more than a diploma—it gave me a lens to view the world a little more clearly.