Dear 15-year-old Liz,

Please don't let your past define you. Please don't let life knock you down. You have potential, not only to have a successful career but to be a good human. Make the absolute most of that incredible opportunity. To my 15-year-old self, work on you for the time being. Don't go with the crowd. One day, you'll be so glad that you did what you thought was right, instead of listening to fair-weather friends. This is a true testament to maturity. Be thankful that you were taught that kind of thing.

Love yourself first. You know, it's true what they say, you can never truly love someone until you learn to love yourself. To that girl, who is so close to throwing in the towel, I have faith in you.

Although this is the worst year of your life, there are so many great things that lie ahead. By this time your dad is gone, your world is crushed, and you feel hopeless. Know that it's okay to feel that way every once in a while. Know that you're still worthy of love. More than anything, just know that experiences shape you. One day you'll look back on these hard times and realize that you were so strong.

You've been through your first breakup, and that's tough. However, you have been through so much worse. No boy is worth that much time and attention. One day you'll find the one who your soul truly loves and you'll wonder why you even wasted your time. Sometimes we must wait, dear.

Do whatever it takes to be the best version of you. Write the music you love and sing your heart out. Blast Stones albums and don't apologize for who you are, although you really should give The Beatles more of a chance.

If you're feeling emotional, talk about it. If you have a problem, talk about it. Although speaking of something like this makes you mad, it is seriously that simple. Let others in. Let them be there for you. You don't always have to be the strong one. Sometimes we all need a shoulder to cry on, or a hug, or someone to do something nice for us. This is not easy for you to grasp, but maybe one day you'll understand that like anything else in the world, kindness is a two-way street.

Treat others the way you want to be treated. Love and accept them for who they are and they just might do the same for you. At this point in your life you think that everyone is mean to you, but you know better than anyone that you can dish it out just as well. Work on that. Stay true to yourself; never lose sight of the goal, always strive to be happy, and be independent. Being worried about conformity is no excuse to disrespect those around you. Respect others and what they believe to be right, and at the same time you might learn something new about yourself.

You're unique. You're enough. Embrace all you have to offer.