Dear __________,
I know we still talk regularly and I hope you know you're still one of my best friends, despite our age differences. Doesn't it suck that we aren't the same age? When this fall came around, you were going back for another year of high school, while I was preparing for all of my college classes. I know you think it sucks that you're the younger one, but trust me, it doesn't.
I was the one who had to endure high school first, so by the time you were there, I could tell you how to get through it. I'm the one who made the terrifyingly blind transition from high school to college first, so I will make sure you're more than prepared to do the same. I'm sorry that I left you in high school, but I promise that one day you'll be thankful that I did. If we were the same age I wouldn't have experienced all of the things you're going to soon, and I wouldn't have been able to write you this letter. I hope you take everything I say to you in this letter seriously because I do know what I am talking about, and I wish I had someone to give me this advice while I was still in high school.
Right now you're probably stressed out about a variety of things, but believe me when I tell you that everything you're currently worried about is not going to matter ever again. When you're in college you'll laugh at your high-school-self for allowing yourself to be consumed by such stupid, pointless, and minor issues. One bad assignment now isn't going to affect your college acceptance; you will still get in to college and you won't even remember that you got a C on that anatomy quiz. There are probably some girls causing drama with you, right? WHO CARES. When you're in college you'll lose touch with 90 percent of your high school friends, so don't let Jessica's mean, immature comments affect your happiness now. She'll be completely irrelevant to your life in a few months, so who cares what she says or thinks. Also, I know you're in love with your boyfriend but there's a very high chance you're not going to get married. When you're in college you'll meet so many new people that you will realize why your high school sweetheart isn't your soulmate, and you'll eventually move on to someone so much better.
When it comes to choosing a college, go with your gut feeling. Don't let anyone or anything influence your decision other than yourself, and your family. If you want to go to a college close to home because you don't want to be far from your family then do it; but don't go close to home because you don't want to be far from your friends or boyfriend. College is a time for you to find yourself, and you won't be able to do that if you let your high school life hold you back. You'll always go back home during the holidays to see your high school friends, so don't be afraid to branch out and go to a college where you don't know a single soul. Not knowing anyone as you enter college is a glorious feeling because you're finally getting a fresh start. I know you love your high school friends, but you'll make even better ones in college. Your college friends will have the same interests as you, and will probably be the bridesmaids in your wedding. Go to the college that you want to go to and you will undoubtedly find the purest form of happiness within yourself.
Lastly, don't be afraid to let your plans change. In college you will have so many new, exciting opportunities so don't turn them down simply because you're afraid of failing. Get involved in every club that interests you, or even the clubs that semi-interest you, because you never know what may spark a new passion inside of you. You'll most likely change your major a few times, and that's OK. I did, too. Everyone does. I know you're going into college with a set plan of how the next four years will go, and how your life will turn out, but don't let that plan restrict you. Learn to go with the flow, learn to accept change, learn to let go of the past. If you can learn to do these three things, you will love your college experience, and you will end up exactly where you're supposed to in life.
To my friend that I left in high school, I promise that I will be by your side every step of the way if you need me.
Love,
Your forever (older) friend
