Dearest Em,

Whenever life throws you obstacles and difficulties, read over this letter and you’ll know my dear, that you are always stronger than you assume yourself to be. I hope these advices you take and embed into your heart; your older sister may not have conquered the world—but she surely wants to protect you from the harshest of people and circumstances. I know that my advice will never be enough. You will be compelled to fight battles you had never asked for, and to struggle through even the best of your times. I can only wish that this will guide you and inspire you to be a stronger woman. But if you ever forget, I am always by your side.

1. Education is Everything

While this may seem yet obvious to you, when you start going to college and develop other priorities and passions, keeping up with your education may seem all the more difficult. Darling, having state-of-the-art instruction from top universities in the world; it’s a dream for many. And you have that dream, so do not allow anything to fall in the way of your ambitions and goals. Parties and weekends will always come and go, but you will only get one shot at your academic life, and it’s now or never. Learn with fervor; kindle the spark of enlightenment—make something out of yourself. Regardless of what any person says to you, keep your ground and stay firm and confident. And lastly, always remember: you’re much more than the content of random whispers; however, you are solely responsible for the woman you become.

2. You don’t have to please anyone

I know this will probably be the most difficult thing you have to do, but don’t ever please anyone for the sake of being on their good side. When peer pressure comes to you—don’t ever accept it to be ‘cool’; you know that your value is much more than being forced to do something. It may sometimes seem that you have to act a certain way in order to be accepted, but always recall that you are never obligated nor responsible for keeping anyone interested in you.

3. Your parents mean much more

I guarantee you will have days of silence, arguments, and laughter with our parents. You may feel at moments that they are restricting you from enjoying life, but in reality, they really do know better than you do. When they scold you, listen carefully and give them a hug afterwards. Our parents will be our lifetime cheerleaders, and it is not only our duty but our love towards them that will direct us to always uphold their values and teachings.

4. The right man...

Emily, I don’t know if you will go through a couple relationships, two, or even none. Whenever you do decide to get in a relationship, always evaluate yourself and your needs. Do not ever let heartbreak decide your fate; you are much more valued than a man who does not want you, my dear. Your job is never to run behind him and make him yours, but rather to wait along for the man who will stick with you through the toughest of times as well as the good ones. Wait, my love. Things will fall into place even when it seems like they are scattered. Don’t ever settle for less, and always remember: the right man will always love everything about you that the wrong man was intimidated by. He will love you for the delicate heart you possess; your capabilities and strengths, and lastly, the morals and beliefs you share.

5. Be more of yourself

In this crazy rollercoaster we call life, you will indefinitely face circumstances in which you will question your existence. Please don’t take it lightly when I say that you need to travel, build on your passions, and do the things that light a fire in your soul. Don’t ever regret not doing anything because you didn’t have the time. Fifty years from now, you will look back and realize the importance of being more of yourself—even if that is defined as crazy, impulsive, and weird.

I love you Em, and this letter is just a mediocre representation of that love and care.

Sincerely,

Tanisha Kulkarni