Dear 16 year old me,
I know what you're thinking, "older me, how could you possibly have any wisdom to impart on me if you're only 3 years older than me?". Well, 16 year old version of myself, the past 3 years have actually been the most telling years of my life, and I'm still learning but I just want to assure you of a few things that I know you're stressing out about right now.
First of all, don't be too upset about failing your license test. You're not a very good driver and it's probably best you're not on the roads for now, but don't worry you'll get your license eventually. And total your car. But that's besides the point.
Don't forget to thank your friends. The group of people you hang around now are going to be in your life for a long time, and you need to appreciate all of them more than you do right now. They're going to help you out when you're at your worst, and cheer you on when you're at your best. Don't take even a second of time you get to spend with them for granted, because when you're all spread around the country at different colleges, those seconds are going to matter so much.
Please hang out with your mom. That probably sounds like the lamest thing in the world right now, but she rocks. You're not going to realize this until you spend a few months away from her at college, but she's pretty much the best person in your life, and she's gone above and beyond for you. Just make sure you spend a little extra time with her now and then.
Boys will notice you and you'll fall in love and you'll go on good dates and you'll go on bad dates and you'll get your heart broken. A few times. I just need you to understand that boys are nothing. Because someone breaks up with you or doesn't reciprocate your feelings, it's not the end of the world. Fall in love with yourself, because you're pretty awesome, and do the things you love, and realize that everything is temporary at this stage in your life. Stop equating your worth to how many boys think you're pretty, because in the long run, none of them matter at all.
I'm begging you to stop spending time stressing about where you're going to college. You're going to find a place so perfect for you and it'll all work itself out. It might not be where you planned, but you're going to love it.
If you're sad right now, I can tell you for sure that you won't be sad for long. You're going to be so happy. So chin up and enjoy yourself. Make mistakes, but learn from them. Go out with your friends when you feel like staying in. Take risks. I can assure you that you're going to turn out just fine.
See ya when I see ya,
19 year old you
