Hey Malia,
We need to chat about these pictures of you that keep surfacing on Twitter. We need to talk about your "Smoking Kills" t-shirt, your fraternizing at, well a frat house, and your pictures with bongs at music festivals. I'm sure your parents aren't too thrilled about these things, and I'm not either. So that's why we need to have this talk.
First off, I'm not thrilled with your behavior, I'm 100% supportive of it. You never asked for your parents to be the two most influential people on the planet, and I'm sure you never asked to be taken to school in cars with body guards. You probably didn't want to make all of those appearances with your family when you were younger, and you probably didn't like sitting through those boring dinners that had nothing to do with you. Despite all of this, you made it out, and are now one of the millions of eighteen year olds deciding what to do about college. So congrats on spending your formative years in the White House and still acting like a normal teenager.
As for your "Smoking Kills" t-shirt and hat, you look awesome. You look just like a normal college kid. Speaking of normal college kids, especially girls, I know very few who haven't wanted to hang out with boys. Really, the people hating on you for being in a frat house have probably never been to one. It's hard to believe, but hanging out with members of the opposite sex doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. You're just networking and making new friends. That's what all of our parents tell us to do in the first place.
Finally, the bong picture and the music festivals. You know, I really don't have a defense for you on this one, but I do know that it is possible to be near a bong and not take part in any illegal activities. Music festivals aren't just breeding grounds for experimental drugs. Part of the college experience is making mistakes and finding your way through the consequences. Learning in college isn't about sitting in a classroom every day. College teaches you how to think for yourself and how to help yourself get out of the sticky situations. Sometimes you have to mess up a little to learn, and that's okay.
I really feel for you Malia. You're just out there, trying to be a normal teenager, and people are documenting your every move. Some articles praise you for being "just like us," and then change their tune when you are less than perfect. Forget the haters. Be smart and safe, but keep wearing your "Smoking Kills" tee and hanging out with boys. The worst thing that happens is that you act just like us and make it out with some stories and lessons learned.
