Dear 11-year-old me,

You’re almost done with elementary school and will soon be starting middle school. You’ll be moving from one end of the school to the other (which can be a bit daunting) and gaining a new sense of freedom you’ve never had before. Until now, you’ve always walked in a line everywhere, remained silent in the hallway, had a fairly big locker (everything looks big to you, but don’t worry, you will grow), the same group of friends, and the same teacher the whole year. All of that will change in a matter of months. You’ll go from class to class without supervision (no need to be line-leader anymore), you’ll have a dreaded bottom locker (like I said, you will grow), and you’ll have five different teachers throughout the day. No more recess, no more sitting at a certain table at lunch, and you won’t have the same friends. Don’t be too concerned; you will make other friends who will still be standing by your side eight years later, but you will lose contact with the ones you made in kindergarten. Don’t fret; it’s all a part of growing up. There are somethings I want you to know. I promise it won’t mess up the time stream.

You’re smart.

There will be times when you won’t believe this, but I am telling you that you are. You’ll struggle in middle school math because it’s vastly different than anything you’ve ever done before, but you will do just fine. Due to these classes, you’ll have a strong foundation in math which will allow you to succeed in high school. You will also do very well in English and History, but big surprise there. I love those things just as much as you do now, maybe even more. In fact, I’m considering majoring in English because I love it so much. Good job me.

You’re tough.

For this one you’re probably thinking I’m pulling your leg, but I’m not--not by a long shot. You’re one of the toughest people I know, and you learned everything from Mom. You won’t back down when people challenge you. It’ll take some time for you to understand the balance of giving in and never giving up, but you figure it out eventually, and once you do, you’ll be unstoppable. You may be small, but you are mighty.

You’re interesting.

There are times when you feel like you’re the product of other people. Where you’re only into certain things because everyone else is, and you aren’t interesting without your friends by your side. This will take a while for you to understand, but you do get it. Everyone in school sees you in only one light, but you are a rainbow of colors. The only thing is they look at you through a black and white film. It isn’t until college that you realize who you were all those years. You aren’t what other people make you to be, so don’t let them dim your light. Keep fighting and keep shining bright because there will come a day where your friends see all your colors, and that’s when you’re truly happy.

You make mistakes.

This is also something that will take a while to grow out of; I’m still working on it. Mistakes are wonderful, and while the school system says they’re wrong and should be avoided, keep making those mistakes. I wouldn’t be here today if you hadn’t messed up from time to time and had to figure out a way to overcome that mistake. So if you get that problem wrong, figure out where you messed up and ask questions. There really is no such thing as a stupid question. If you say something you regret, don’t let it stew. Take initiative and fix it before it’s too late. Everyone is flawed, including you. Learn how to embrace your flaws and see them as parts of you.

Don’t be afraid.

I cannot stress this enough--do not be afraid. The Bible says this phrase (or statements like it) 365 times; God wouldn’t say it that many times if he didn’t mean it. Don’t be scared to speak up during class. Most of the time you’re right. Don’t be afraid to say something if you see anything you don’t think is right; trust your gut. Do not roll over every time someone bares their teeth, like I said before, you’re tougher than you look. Don’t be afraid to stare down the world when everyone is telling you something you know is wrong is right; plant yourself like a tree and say, "No, you move."

You’re beautiful.

These are everyone’s awkward years, middle school that is. You’ll get through it. Soon, you will love your body the way it is, not the way everyone wants it to be. You’ll see all the other girls around you and want with all your heart to be and look like them, but you’re you. The first step in loving someone else is to love yourself first. While you may have zits all over your face, or feel awkward during everything you do, or feel insignificant compared to your peers, I’ll let you in on a little secret: all those girls you look up to feel the exact same way you do. Don’t for one second let yourself believe that you are any less. You are stunning in your own way and can outshine anyone if you believe in and love yourself.

Now, I’m telling you this, but there are somethings I still struggle to do. Some days are worse than others, but I always make it through. That’s one thing we still have in common; our perseverance and the inability to give up and let anything slow us down. These next eight years will have rough patches, but there will be a lot of wonderful memories too. Just remember to cherish each moment and never forget the tough times because everything will shape you into, well, me. You’re beautiful and my favorite human being. I love you and I’m always rooting for you.

Your biggest fan,

19-year-old you

P.S. Play more with your brother and sister. You won’t regret it.