Dear Younger Self,

You just promoted from 8th grade? Congratulations! High school is on the near horizon for you. The world is in the palm of your hands and time is moving fast. You are excited for the new experiences, to try out for the sports teams, and to make your mark somehow at this new school for the next four years. Will it be easy? Yes... and no. Yes, it will be, because it's your life and you're in the driver's seat; you can decide to make it however you want. But no, because a lot of challenges may come your way throughout the course of the next four years.

Your friends when you go to high school may not be the same group when you leave. That is okay. People have their disagreements and can part ways. Yeah, you may feel betrayed and hurt but you must realize that the two of you have different paths in the course of life. Do not dwell on how things ended but focus on the good memories you shared and maybe one day you two can reconnect. However, never lose yourself in order to try and fit into a friend group. Despite if they are the "popular" kids or not, stay true to yourself. Real friends will take you for who you are not for who you are trying to be.

Now, the boy situation. Yes, there will be cute boys throughout your four years and maybe you start a few relationships during that time, but never let a boy make you feel less than you are. Do not spend your nights crying when you are so young. The world is at your fingertips and sometimes in order to get to where you are going, you must go alone. It is hard. Trust me, I learned the hard way. If you're one of those people who have a genuine heart, you will hurt, but the healing process will be beneficial when you surround yourself with great people. It will break your heart, but the strength you gain and how you cope with this situation will help you later on in life.

Lastly, your parents do love you. Whether they tell you that you will not be going to the party that all your friends will be at or they take your phone because your room is not clean, they are acting out of love. Their job is to prepare you for what is next, the real world. That could mean college, work or the military. Take every no as an "I love you" because if you walk in their shoes, all they want is to protect you because they love you. You may be upset but they are trying their best and that is what really counts.

Now, go on. The world is waiting for you to be extraordinary, to be brave, to be courageous, and to be human. Work hard for everything you have and never feel anything is owed to you. Smile at strangers that walk by and do not hesitate to help someone. What goes around comes around. Dr. Seuss said," Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!"

With Love,

Your Older Self