Dear Future Me,

It's 2026. You're graduated, smarter and (hopefully) richer. Maybe not by a lot, but one can hope, right? You're almost 30-years-old now, but it's okay, by now there's probably some sort of anti-aging magic potion, 'cause it's the future and anything is possible. Hey, by the way, where are the flying cars?

I hope you've followed your dreams. I hope that, even if you strayed from what you concentrated in your freshman year of college, you kept your passion. If there's one thing I know that you are, it's passionate. I've always prided myself on being excited about learning and excited about growing up and seeing what life has to offer. I hope you kept that feeling and you're still open to growing as a person.

Today, as a person, I know that I have a lot of growing up to do. I may consider myself mature, but there is so much out there. There are thousands of cultures, languages, states, cities and countries to visit and learn about. There are millions of people I've never met before. Have I explored new parts of the world? Did I spend a year in Australia like I always dreamed of doing? If you forgot about these passions, I'm reminding you. Now get on it.

Whenever I read about writing letters to your future self, it always says to write something that will surprise yourself in five or 10 years so that you feel you've gained something or grown when the letter is open. I hope that all of the experiences I am holding so heavy on my heart now haven't affected my future. I've always known that what seems so drastic right now will be small and unimportant down the road. My wish for myself in 10 years is that my moving constantly, the arguments with my parents or loss of friendships didn't diminish my future. I want to learn from everything, each and every moment.

Right now, I'm only 19-years-old. The world is at my feet. If I did continue my passion in criminal justice or I decided to be a nurse, teacher or something totally different, I am hopeful that you have stayed positive and happy. I don't know much now, and I certainly don't know the future, but I think that's a beautiful thing.

Sincerely, 19-year-old you.

P.S. Stop eating full boxes of Girl Scout cookies.