“My BFF Taught Me Everything”

From busting stress to being confident, GI girls are #blessed with besties who’ve doled out a+ lessons you won’t find in the classroom. Toss aside your pencil, ditch the spiral notebook and study up on these awesome life secrets.

“BREAK OUT OF YOUR SHELL”

Heading back to school means all-new everything: classes, friends, extracurriculars—sometimes even a new school. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming to connect with a new crew. Take Carolyn W., 16, for example. For months, she had a tough time making friends—until one day she opened up and talked to a new girl (now her best friend). “From that point on, she basically dragged me everywhere: lunch, parties, the movies,” Carolyn tells us. “I met my closest friends that way.” After a while, Carolyn became so comfy around others that she was introducing friends to her BFF. And, yeah, she’s not going back to the shy life any time soon.

“GET BACK OUT THERE”

The lazy days of vacay morph into the crazy days of BTS...fast. In those moments, it’s great to have a bestie who can keep you grounded (and sane). That’s one reason Taylor J., 14, is grateful for her optimistic BFF. “Whenever I have a bad day, she shows me the bright side of things,” she says. That sunny influence makes stressful days seem less intense and gives some perspective when you’re turning a tiny problem into a major worry mountain.

“SMART GIRLS STICK TOGETHER”