I was cleaning my room the other day and stumbled across a picture of myself in the seventh grade. I was awkwardly standing on the edge of a large group of my classmates, not even looking at the camera. My arms were wrapped around my stomach and my legs were crossed. I could tell that I was uncomfortable just by the picture alone, and it saddened me. I remember those days of self-consciousness, and I’m sure many of you have also felt that way. We could all use come encouragement here and there, and I often wonder how I would have turned out if I had known then what I know now.

If I could send a letter to my seventh-grade self, this is what I would write:

Dear little girl,

You are beautiful. You may not feel like it right now, but you are not yet finished. You’re like clay, being molded and shaped over time. That “frizzy hair” that people tease you for and stick pencils in will keep your ears and shoulders warm during the cold winters. You will find that people appreciate it, even if you can’t see that right now. You’ll find that the people who love you also love your crazy curly hair. Your weight does not define you, and even though you aren’t as thin as the other girls, you are strong. You are healthy. You can dance on those strong legs and sprint between softball bases faster than you can imagine.

You are intelligent. Never feel ashamed to talk about what you love, even when others call you a “nerd” or “geek.” The people who mind don’t matter, but those who matter won’t mind. Find friends who love what you do, and keep them close. You may be called a “teacher’s pet,” but that’s because you are wise enough to ask questions after class. Never feel ashamed for wanting to know more about the world around you. Always look for ways to learn more.

You are loved. Even when you feel alone, you never truly are. You have a family who loves you, and friends who you just haven’t met yet. You will learn that college is a much bigger place than your small school, and it is filled with people who share your interests. You will meet boys who will try to change you, but don’t let them. Stay true to who you are and learn to love yourself. You’ll find the right person who will love you for exactly who you are.

Learn to laugh at yourself. We all make mistakes, and the best way to learn is to make them. No one is perfect, and if you can laugh and move on from errors, you’ll be happier in the end. Don’t take life too seriously, for you only have one. Live it to its fullest.

You’ll be stronger than you can ever imagine, and you’ll find love in the craziest of places. Keep growing, but know that you are beautiful exactly as you are.

Love,

Your future self