When I came to college, it was like a whirlwind of emotions. I was terrified of leaving my family, I was excited to start being independent and I was nervous of what life would bring for me. Never did I expect things to this extremity to happen. I never expected to lose my Nana, who was my person. I never expected my parents to get a divorce, and I never expected my life to spiral in a way that tore me down emotionally. So here is a letter to myself when I was at my lowest point in life.

Hi Tyler,

I know that things are hard right now and you are going through a version of hell you never expected, but take it from your future self—things get better. Nana just died and your parents are getting divorced, you have hit rock bottom. But don't give up. I know that you are sad a lot more and have lost the will to even try in school, but Nana would not have wanted that. Be the strong woman she helped you become.

Nana would be so proud of who you have become in the short amount of time she has been gone. You have joined the sorority she wanted you to. You became a writer and are following a dream she imagined for you. You are finally doing something for yourself. Don't keep being sad she is gone. She is always with you.

When you get older you are going to be so much happier. You will have a job that you adore with some amazing people to make you laugh. You will live with two of your best friends in this entire world and love every second of it. You will have an amazing Little sister who never fails to put a smile on your face and reminds you every day to stay young and alive. Just like her. You will have some of the most amazing friends and actually continue to make new friends, which Nana would have loved. Your family will support and give you unconditional love and lastly you will find this amazing guy who will put a smile on your face every day. He will come into your life completely unexpected but will be there for you and make me you realize why the guys before never worked out. Because you two were meant to be.

So Tyler, I know that you have hit this rock bottom, and I know you don't think that there is light at the end of this miserable tunnel. Just keep praying and believe that things will get better. Listen to mom with her advice. Hold yourself to a high standard and be strong just like Nana. You can get through anything, because that it how you were raised.

Your Future Self