Ryan:

Sorry to add to the frustration but these will be the longest 2.5 years of your life. They were for me. That day you get your license and take off in a car by yourself for the first time will be one of the best days of your life. Be careful driving, it takes many years to learn how to drive safely.

In the meantime, ride a bike and not anything motorized so you can stay in shape. Study hard and get good grades so you can get into a good college. Play team sports as much as you can. In the summer, find a local country club with a good caddy program and become a "looper". Even though the IRS has virtually killed caddy programs in the US, it's probably still the best money you can make for a summer job. Stay the heck away from booze, drugs, and tobacco.

You're probably thinking I sound like an old fart who doesn't know squat. Old fart is right, but if I had it to do all over again, I'd take my advice because I've been there and done that...mostly to excess.