Dear 16 year-old me,

Looking back, I can't even recognize you. Your eyes don't shine, your smile is never real and your sadness radiates from your very soul. I wish I could go back in time and tell you about how much better it gets. I wish I could tell you that your first high school relationship wouldn't be your last, and that the best friend you prayed for wouldn't come until another year later. I can't travel back in time, but I can share how much better life has gotten.

You didn't end up being friendless. Instead, you found a group of friends who you now consider you family. It took you awhile to let them in, but when you did, man, did your life change. You will have late night sonic runs, dance parties in the rain, and heart to hearts at three am with people you never even knew existed. They help you find yourself, and show you how much you're worth. When you break down because school is hard and people are cruel, they pick up the pieces and help you make yourself whole again. You lose some friends along the way, but every one of them left a mark, a smile, a tear and a story to share with your children one day. You make it.

You ended up in jazz band, and will go on to win two state championships. You get to rejoice over your hard work, and the group who helped you will become your family. You travel and make new friends. You found your niche. You were wanted, a piece to the puzzle that made the picture whole. You are so incredibly happy. It ends your senior year on a happy note, and you will never forget the time you spent perfecting your technique and vibrato.

You make it to prom, in a sleeveless dress no less! You hated yourself for so long, and you slowly learned to accept your flaws. You change them to be assets and reasons to love yourself. You learn how to apply makeup and style your hair. You learn to love yourself, even though you fight every day not to. You are worth the selfies you take, and your smile will be real as you change your view of yourself.

There's so much I wish I could tell you, but the best way to learn is to experience. So go, and grow, little caterpillar. You'll get your wings someday. Please, just never give up. Don't let cruel voices overpower your own, and stay true to yourself. You will make it. You will become the best you can be, and keep getting better.

I believe you are worth it.

Love always,

Me