Dear Me at 15: I know you think you have it all figured out and that this will be “your year", but let's face it. It won't. Yes, you may have a hard time figuring out what you want to do and you may not understand why things are the way that they are, but you'll get over it. Face the fact that even though you think he is amazing and such a great guy and you deserve him, he is a jerk and he never liked you anyway. You are better off without him. From what I hear, he didn't get much nicer over the years anyway.
Dear Me at 16: I realize that this is the hardest year in school for you, and at times you feel like giving up. Don't. I know you feel like at times you don't have it all together and life is a mess, but it gets better. You are meant to do so many great things. Don't give up.
Dear Me at 17: First and foremost — be happy that you have found your place at Good Shepherd. Be happy that some of those people are still your friends down the road and that you are very lucky to have them in your life. Be happy that you have allowed God to come in and change your life for the better. Second, I know you think it's not fair that you're still in junior level dance and you feel like you shouldn't be, but trust me, it's for the best. You may not be the best in the class, but the time you spend with those girls will be some of your fondest memories. Your time will come. I know right now it feels like life is not fair and you deserve so many things you aren't getting, but they will come, I promise. Be patient. Finally, be happy that you got your heart broken. You think you are meant to be with him, but you are much better being friends anyways. Cristina Yang could not have said it better, "He is not the sun, you are." It may seem like he's everything you want now, but trust me, a few years down the road you'll meet a guy who will change all of that.
Dear Me at 18: I know you think that high school is so overrated at this point and you are so ready for college, but please take a minute and think. Think about how much you truly will miss these people. I know you say that you are so ready to move on and be independent, but cherish the time you have with Mom and Dad. They are pretty cool people. Don't take that for granted. Ever. Also, make sure you love them as much as you can. I know they tell you all the time that they love you (and trust me, they do), but make sure to tell them. A lot. You have no idea what they have sacrificed to give you the amazing life that you lead. Don't let silly high school drama run your life. Pretty soon, it will seem petty and stupid. Make every moment count. Soon, you will blink and it will all be over. You have no idea how fast time will fly by.
Believe it or not, in a short time, you will begin to learn what true friends are, what love really means, and how much life truly is worth living. Well done, Em. I'm proud of you.
