Dear Teen Girls,

First of all I want you to know that as I approach my 21st birthday in just a couple of days I find myself looking back to the days when I was only 12. I want you to know that things change a lot, but at the same time some things feel like they will never change, which can be comforting.

At this time of your life you will feel like everything around you is changing; things may seem hard and confusing, but know that you are not alone. Keep in mind that change is good.

Please remember that being yourself is OK! You should be able to like whatever it is you like, whether it is fashion or books, without the fear of being rejected or judged. There is definitely a lot of people who will judge for what you like, but please don't let them take that away from you.

There is so much more to life than being what some may consider popular, so remember that it's much better to have a few really good friends rather than a bunch of fake friends. Don't take your good friends for granted; as you grow you will go do your own thing, but if you are really lucky those friends will still be there for you no matter how far apart you guys may be.

Also, don't take for granted your parents and family. I know at this period of your life you may feel like they are just a bother, but they are the ones who will be there for you at every step no matter how bad times get.

You will feel like you need to dress and look a certain way to fit in with society. Don't listen to them. Remember that everyone is different; everyone has different body types, different hair, different skin, etc. If you want to change something of yourself, make sure it's because you want to and not because you feel pressured to do so. You are beautiful the way you are, and everything that makes you, you, makes you beautiful.

Don't let boys take advantage of you. Be sure that you don't have to do anything you don't feel comfortable with, especially not to just to impress them even though it's not what you want.

Boys, and other girls as well, might talk behind your back. Know that this says more about the type of person they are than about you. Don't let anyone make you feel like you are worthless. Finally, don't let them take away your shine because you are a star, and you will shine as bright as the sun and blind everyone in the way.