What I wish I had learned in school...

I wish that I had realized in school that getting the highest mark did not matter, I wish I had learned that standing up and making a mistake or being wrong would have been a better lesson than sitting quietly in my seat and letting everyone think I was right, I wish I learned that looking for the art I loved to do would have been better than listening to the well meaning guidance counsellor and their thoughts of what would be a good future.
I had to go through a lot of crap and hard learning to realize that doing my true art was what would make me happy and what would allow me to make a real contribution to my world.
I guess I had to learn some things the long hard way, and perhaps that was helpful in my being able to do what I really love, however if I could offer school age me some advice it would have been to look inside, try and find how I can express my art and don't be afraid to screw up once and a while, or even quite often as that is where you will discover what form and message your art can take.
If you are listening mistakes and screw ups are not the end of the world for a history paper or a book report or an algebra test.  You can make these mistakes, you can stretch your limits and walk outside your comfort zone.  Later in life when you are looking to get your art delivered, it's not the "A" in math or History that will make the difference, but the fact that you have the courage to try something new or push yourself definitely will!