It's your last week being twenty-three. It's not a huge deal that you're turning twenty-four; twenty-five — maaaybe. But you've still got your whole life in front of you, so don't make a big deal out of getting older. You've created quite a life for yourself and I'm so proud of who you've become. You have an amazing family that loves and supports you in everything you do. You have some of the best friends that this life could ever offer. You have a job that you love that supports you while finishing school. And you're even attending a university and heading down a career path that's absolutely perfect for you. Yes, it's taken five years, four changes of your major and a thousand mile move from one state to another, but you found out what you really want to do with your life and that's all that matters.

Although you've come across some hardships within this last year, what's important is that not only did you get through them, but you overcame them. Unfortunately, time is the best healer. And it took time for you to come to that realization. But with these hardships came growth, and that's what matters most as you really emerge into adulthood.

I know you're always worried about your future and never knowing who's going to be a part of it, but please remember the people who are a part of your life now. They're the ones who are gonna encourage you to embrace who you truly are and help shape you into who you're gonna become. If you're ever feeling down or just need to talk to someone, they're there for you. Please don't ever forget that. You're getting older, but that doesn't mean you need other people any less.

If anything, you should be so excited for what's to come. You're one ginormous step closer to becoming a teacher and shaping the minds of little ones. You might be traveling Europe within the next year with some of your best friends. You still have so many life events to look forward to. And the exciting thing about all of it is you have no idea of what's waiting for you around the corner. Please don't be sad if you ever feel like your life hasn't started yet...because it has only just begun. Remember that.

You're just starting to figure out who you really are. We only learn what we like and want for ourselves through experience. You've gone through a lot this past year, but twenty-four has so much more in store for you. Just keep your head up and go through as many experiences as you can - both good and bad. They'll only help you continue in your growth and make you stronger.

Whatever the changes that may come in this next year of your life, please embrace them and know that they are part of God's plan for you. It's okay if things don't go according to your plan, because God might have something in mind for you that's more than you could ever imagine. Just be patient.

Twenty-three had its ups and downs, but overall it was a good year. You laughed a lot, made friendships that will last a lifetime, ate lots of sushi, and showed yourself that you're really comfortable being you in a world where everyone tries to fit in with everything else. You were asked out by a guy who gave you a fake name so he could cheat on his girlfriend. But you reacted like an adult and instead of mailing him glitter, you calmly told him his girlfriend deserves better. You dressed up as Dumb and Dumber in their tuxes with one of your married best friends for Halloween because you care more about making others laugh than getting attention from guys that you don't want. You finally watched Star Wars (episodes four, five and six suck). If these aren't signs of growing up, then I don't know what are.

Just keep your head held high and your friends and family close, and maybe — just maybe, twenty-four will be one of the best years of your life. There's only one way to find out.