Part 1 - What I Wish I Knew in High School: Honest Advice from Teen Girls

On this week’s episode of the Raising Confident Girls podcast, host Melissa Jones sits down with two insightful high school students, Vaishu and Varnika, for a powerful conversation about what it really means to navigate high school with confidence, connection, and courage.

With openness and warmth, Vaishu and Varnika reflect on their own high school journeys—sharing the highs, the surprises, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. From the friendships that shaped them to the mentors who guided them, these two young women offer an honest glimpse into the world of today’s teens.

Together, they explore:

• The role of influential figures in helping teens stay grounded and motivated.
• Why mentorship matters—and how it shows up in everyday life.
• How middle school experiences prepared (or surprised) them for high school.
• The challenge of balancing academics with simply enjoying high school.
• What it means to embrace individuality and stand out with pride.
• The power of a supportive community—especially during tough times.
• When to push yourself, and when it’s okay to pause and give yourself grace.
• Tips for navigating independence and building healthy communication with adults.

Whether your daughter is stepping into her first year of high school or just starting to find her voice, this inspiring episode offers real-life reflections and relatable advice from girls who’ve been there—and are still figuring it out.

Melissa, Vaishu, and Varnika remind us that confidence isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about feeling safe enough to explore, speak up, and grow into who you’re meant to be.

Download the Quick Tips PDF of today’s episode for future reference.

If you know a parent who could benefit from this conversation, share this episode with them! Let’s work together to raise the next generation of confident girls.

Melissa's Links:
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok
• LinkedIn