Dear Brooke,
You've survived the junior high drama. Well done!! I know it sometimes felt like it would never end. As you enter into high school, you'll be faced with a whole new set of challenges. Oh yes, there will be drama. But there will also be excitement and anticipation as you get ready to prepare for college.
Even as a freshman, teachers will pepper you with questions about what you want to do with your life. Even if it may seem like they are appointing themselves to be your shrink, let them help you. In their own weird way, they truly do want you to succeed. And yes, even the teachers that "hate" you want you to succeed.
Unfortunately, the drama doesn't end with junior high. It will continue into high school. The only difference between junior high drama and high school drama: how you handle it.
As you get older, some people will get tired of it. They will get tired of the back stabbing gossip. They will get tired of the constant struggle for the queen bee to keep her throne. They will get tired of the popular crowd dictating how everyone should act.
If you don't believe me, just watch. See how everyone is at the beginning of the year. And watch as they change—for better or worse—before your eyes as the year goes on. Then at the end of the year, you will see what has changed.
As you begin to explore your sexuality, practice safe sex. I know this may seem like a weird conversation. But it's one worth having. Yes, babies are cute (as Kylie Jenner has showed us). But behind the Snapchat filters, cute little Stormi is messy and expensive.
Don't put your dreams on hold. Talk to your OBGYN doctor about birth control. And condoms are available at your nearest grocery store. Let's face it, if you have to put effort into staying safe when having sex, then so do the guys.
I know that drugs and alcohol are nothing new to you. You've heard the teachers ramble on about it in health class. Drugs are bad. Don't do this. Don't do that. Blah. Blah. Blah.
But as you enter into high school, you'll be able to have more of an access to these things than you realize. But a word of warning: once you go down that path—there's no going back. As a college student, I have witnessed many of my high school classmates go down that path.
In high school, they thought they were being cool taking drugs, escaping their problems. Now, two years later, they are dying on their sofas as a result of a series of overdoses. The consequences will catch up to you eventually. The only question is when. This may seem harsh, but it is a reality that needs to be faced.
If you think you are having a problem with drugs or alcohol, follow Demi Lovato's example and seek help! Contact an adult you trust. It doesn't have to be someone involved at the school. It can be a parent. A coach. Someone you know can help you be a better version of yourself.
As you enter into high school, you will meet new people, make new friends. Try to surround yourself with people who help you be the best version of yourself. People who won't tear you down to make themselves feel better. People who won't force you to do things you know are wrong or that you don't want to do. Your friends will influence your decisions more then you realize.
Brooke, you truly are an adult now. But if you want society to treat you like an adult, you need to act like an adult. You will get some more independence this year. But you will also be responsible for your actions. You are free to decide what you want to do with your life. That's your right and no one can take that away from you. But if you make a decision, you have to be prepared for the consequences that come with it.
We may get on each other's nerves, but you are the best little sister a girl could ask for. I have enjoyed eating Ramen Noodles with you as we watched Dr. Pimple Popper. And as we both move on with our lives, please remember that I will always be there for you when you need me.
As a big sister, I have always wanted to protect you, sometimes even from your own insecurities. There's so much more I wish I could tell you. But I know that you will have to figure out things for yourself. You are beautiful inside and out Brooke. I hope one day you realize that as you enter into this new time of your life.
With love always,
Francesca
