Dear Morgan,

There’s a lot that we have learned by the time we turn 21. That may seem like it’s forever away to you, but time passes faster than anticipated. You’re going to make mistakes – a lot of them – but we manage to survive and learn from them.

The first thing I want to tell you is that you will make it through high school. At times it will seem impossible. You’re dealing with something much deeper that you wont come to realize until you get to college. Try not to worry so much. Life is hard, but always remember that you can rely on mom and dad. They love you and will always be there no matter what.

Speaking of mom and dad, don’t be afraid to tell them when something’s wrong. You try to deal with your problems all on your own – you don’t really like being a burden on others – but it’s okay to ask for help.

Don’t waste your time on people who make you unhappy. You’ll experience some heartbreak, people will let you down and use you, but you’ll get through it. Someone you care about will hurt you. Please tell someone. Don’t try to handle it yourself. Say “enough,” and cut that person out of your life for good. Listen to every piece of advice that people give you because there’s always something to learn. Even if you know it’s bad advice, listen and learn what not to do.

Don’t give up on your art. It may not be something you want to make career out of, but it’s going to improve over time, and others appreciate it more than you will ever know. Art is an escape. It’s something to distract you from the rest of the world for a bit and gives you a new kind of voice. Don’t ever stop writing either. You may not think you’re very good, but writing will change your life later on.

You’re still going to have problems dealing with situations when you get older. Go to the doctor. You don’t want to admit that you’re sick, but it will be okay. There’s nothing wrong with you, you just need to admit that you need help. It’ll be a lot of trial and error, but you’ll find what works eventually. Don’t hold things in all the time. Eventually it will become too much and everything will come pouring out at once.

You’re kind of a crybaby. You get lonely a lot and feel like no one really likes being around you, but it’s not true. You will meet the greatest group of people that will be more than just your friends; they’re basically family. You may not feel like you’re a “sorority girl,” but go through recruitment anyway. Dad is right; you eventually learn to love it. Don’t be afraid to talk to people. They’re all just as weird as you are. Go to more parties, meet new people, and get to know the other people in your classes.

Signed,

An older (slightly wiser) You