It was not that long ago that I was you, with big dreams and the world at your fingertips. The world has its own way of working though, because here at 23, you have gone through struggles that would have broken some people. But somehow, you found your strength and light out of the darkness.

First off, you want to grow up, and trust me it is pretty cool doing things on your time, but there is a lot to worry about and deal with, and that Algebra II class that you hate is so much easier than your responsibilities at 23. These high school days have had their struggles, but you are about to face more. They will cut you deeper than anything you have ever known, but trust me it all makes sense in the end, so take each day on with a smile because it is not the end. Plus, Mom always said, “If it’s not good, then it is not the end because there are only happy endings.”

Always love and be true to yourself. You will always be in your mother’s shadow and be compared to everything she messed up with in life, but do not let your family steal that spark out of your eyes. Stand by your decisions and do not let anyone manipulate you into something you do not want to do. You have to live with the choices you make so be sure they are what you want and not what someone else wants for you. You know you better than you think, and you know what is best for you even when others do not believe in your choices. Also, love yourself more. You have a big heart, but have let people hurt you so badly that you have become bitter. Stop. Love yourself and be yourself.

Now, I know you feel like a loner, and that you do not matter. You hear that voice inside your head? Tune it out. It is wrong. Do not believe it. Right now you are dating the “greatest guy” you have ever met and I'd hate to tell you that relationship ends, but it does. You will be crushed, but do not worry because that same guy will surprise you later on in life, but not before going through hell and back in your separate lives. He does think the world of you though, do not ever doubt that! Aside from him, others will leave hand prints on your heart and you will love them. The ladies you have in your life at 23 are amazing and love you for you so do not fret over the lack of girlfriends you have in high school because your future girls make up for it! They are your rock, all from a distance, but they are there for you.

Lastly, forgive yourself. You forgive everyone else, so easily, but you have beaten yourself up over things that you could not control. It is not your fault. Let it go. You cannot control what other people do to you or anyone else, so please stop carrying that burden. Do not let it destroy you. Do your very best and you will never have regrets. Also, do not be ashamed of your story. Share it and help others overcome what they are going through because that is what you have always wanted to do, help others love themselves, and show them that someone cares; you do not have to have a degree for that for people.

There are many things still unclear to me, future you. I am still uncertain about a lot still, but I know that somehow we will make it. We always do. Hakuna matata.