High school wasn’t the best time in my life, so I don’t often think of it. Yet, when I was recently in search of character names beyond online sources and a baby name book, I turned to a stack of old yearbooks—and took a stroll down memory lane.

Long-forgotten memories of people, places and events resurfaced.

So did a tsunami of old feelings.

As a writer, emotions are my stock in trade. To make characters believable, I have to experience what they do and capture those experiences on the page.

In going through those yearbooks, I relived some of the intensity of my teenage years.

And looking at old photos of myself made me think about what adult me would tell that young girl.

Here are my top three:

Don’t worry over what you don’t have. Be grateful for what you do.

I wasn’t popular, but I had several good friends and enjoyed drama club, choir, creative writing and learning from teachers who encouraged and supported me.

Your hair looks better than you think it does (ditto your nose, figure, etc.)

Oh, the self-consciousness of those teen years when every perceived flaw is magnified.

If I could go back, I’d be less self-critical and more accepting—as kind to myself as I try to be to others.

Struggle builds resilience

You’ll never need algebra or geometry in your adult life. Ditto how to dissect a frog, execute a volleyball spike and remember the difference between drumlins and eskers.

Yet, in persevering with those things—and high school mean girls—I built resilience which continues to serve me well, especially as an author.

My yearbooks are back on the shelf, and in A Christmas Proposal, my second WW2 British home front story as Rose Warner (out in August 2026), a minor character’s surname comes from someone who was part of my high school life.

And while the memories aren’t so easily packed away, I have a new appreciation for those awkward and uncomfortable teenage years.

As for drumlins and eskers?

When Tech Guy and I were driving in southern Ontario, Canada last December, I glanced out the car window and suddenly realized I was looking at those same glacial landforms I learned about in Grade 10 social studies.

Thank you, Mr. McLean, wherever you are. Some of those long-ago lessons stuck!