Dear Emily,
The time is here for you to start high school and I can't believe it's already here. Seems like you just came home from your first day of third grade and asked me if it was okay that you weren't popular but that you were a "nerd." You've come so far in your life already and you still have so much to accomplish. It breaks my heart that I can't be there to help you get ready, or to be there to hear about how your first day went, but I know it will be great.
Even though you say you're not, I'm sure you're nervous for your first day. Along with your other friends you're wondering: "What am I going to wear?" "Are the seniors going to prank me on 'Freshman Friday?'" "Am I going to get asked to Homecoming?"
Rest your pretty little mind, all these things work out. And no, you won't get put in a trash can or get a swirly on Friday, or any other day of the week. Everything will be fine, and this will be a day to look back a smile at. But for now, here are some things to keep in mind for your first day, and over the next four years of high school:
1. Be confident: Even though its natural to think this way, not everyone is looking at you and just you. You are wonderful and beautiful and people will see that. Remember how great you are and don't worry about others and their opinions. "Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
2. This is only high school: Your life is going to go on after these short, four years. What you do here matters, but it doesn't make or break you. No one will remember the brand of jeans you wore or if you got your homecoming dress from a department store or if you borrowed it from someone. You'll look beautiful either way. So don't worry to much about any one thing, because none of it will matter five days, month or years down the road.
3. "People won't remember what you did, they'll remember how you made them feel": Sometimes it's easy to say and do things to fit in, but remember this quote and know that you're better than gossip and poor decisions. Keep God close in your heart and relevant in your life and remember where you came from. Don't forget the things you believe in and don't change yourself for anyone. You're too wonderful as you are. So make others feel good, pick up your peers when they are down, and always strive to do what is right.
4. Be determined and keep your eye on the prize: Even though there is more to life than high school, how you preform in high school determines your next step after graduation. Do your homework, study hard and develop good habits. You can do anything you want to do in life if you try hard enough. Make connections with your teachers and treat them with respect, you never know how they will be able to help you in the future. Figure out what you want to do, and make it happen.
A lot of this won't matter or make sense to you right now, and that's okay. Just remember these things along the way and know how much we all love you and believe in you. You're going to do great things Emily Kay, and we all know it. Keep your head high and have the sky your point of view.
I love you so much, and I can't wait to embark on this journey with you.
