Dear 17 year-old me,
You made it to your junior year of high school! Congratulations! You are officially an upper classman and have so many things to look forward to! Prom, being cheer captain, football, and even beginning the college selection process. You will be visiting schools, starting your "lasts", and working harder than you have in a long time to save up your money. It’s an exciting time in your life, even if it feels just like every other year. You have a lot to look forward to, but I would be lying if I told you it was going to be an easy year. I can say with 100% certainty that this year will be a challenge, but you are going to make the most of it and make it to an even better senior year!
You are going to change in a lot of ways and those around you are going to change too. Your morals will be questioned, friendships threatened, and you will begin to question yourself and God. You’re going to shed a lot of tears and you will lose some friends but you are going to be O.K. You are a strong young woman with a great head on your shoulders and even though you are going to feel like breaking, you won’t. You are going to be tested. That party isn’t going to be as much fun as you think. That boy you like is going to choose her. Don’t get those lip piercings. Ignore the rumors. Spend more time with Mak. Never turn down an opportunity to hang out with your friends. Tell Grandma you love her. Don’t wear your "cute" clothes to the farm; you can’t play in the fields with them on. Tell mom to turn the car around after that party. There are so many choices that are coming your way and you are going to grow so much, just don’t let these events harden you.
You will lose some friends, but you will become closer to those who are real. You will be bullied, but you are strong and you can tune them out. You will feel like the most hated person in the school, but then one of the guys will come up and thank you. Another one will stand up for you in the lunch line. Things will get better, just push through. Stay true to who you are and don’t be ashamed of your choices; you will be proud of yourself in the future. I know it’s hard to see the light right now, but it’s coming. You will find it in Mak, Josh, David and Jacob, who will be there to make you laugh. You will find it in your mom who will give you the best advice. You will find it in your little sister who will sit in your room with you making you giggle until you cry on a Saturday night. You will find it in making dinner with daddy and watching games. It’s there; just wait for that happy feeling and hold onto it.
With all the hard times coming your way you are going to want to shut down. You are going to want to build walls and harden yourself. Don’t do that to yourself. Stay open to people and remember that not everyone is going to do you wrong. Things aren’t always bad. With everything going on you are going to want to throw yourself into school and you’re going to spend an awful lot of time with your thoughts. Neither is bad, but don’t deprive yourself of all the other great experiences! Don’t sell yourself short, don’t give up, and have the time of your life. You have such a bright future and you are going to do so many great things.
I’m proud of who you are and what you are doing with your life. Keep that gorgeous curly head of yours held high but don’t look down upon others. Laugh until your cheeks hurt but never laugh at another’s expense. Be confident but don’t stop working hard, because nothing will be handed to you. Celebrate your talents and delight in others’ talents as well. This year may be hard but you will come out on top and you will do it with class and sass. Congratulations again, miss. I’ll see you in the mirror.
Love Always,
21-year-old You
