Dear Jari,
If someday time travel exists and you reading this won't cause a tear in the space-time continuum then it is probably around your 14th birthday. First off, happy birthday. I can’t promise you a lot of things about your 14th year except it will be a weird one. Right now as I am writing this I am 4 years older than you and months into college, and I’m not here to tell you to make any changes in our history, or warn you of oncoming stressors. I’m just here to tell you what to expect, and to cherish every moment-even the bad ones.
So, it’s your birthday right? You have all of your friends over. Josh Wood is attempting to sing karaoke, Joy and Katie sit bashfully on the sofa and Morgan and Ginnie acquaint themselves for the very first time. You’re having the time of your life but can't help thinking that the party will end soon and you’ll never see these people again. You’re afraid to leave your friends, you’re afraid to meet new ones and you’re just afraid of the overall entity that is high school.
Just a heads up-it is scary…at first. On your first day, everyone hovers over you. Teachers force you to play awkward get-to-know-you games and there’s an earthquake. No, I’m not joking- there’s actually an earthquake. When the building shook it was the most terrifying five seconds of your life, but afterwards everyone made it out injury free, bonded and with a great story to tell. I guess you could say the same thing about your high school experience: It was briefly terrifying. Trust me- you made mistakes. Basically, if I could eradicate your entire freshman year from my memory I would. Then, it got better though and you got stronger. You found activities that fit your interest, you found people who understood and loved you and now that it’s all said and done you feel incredibly bonded to this once big, scary place and you cant wait to tell everyone your story.
I know you still won't believe me, and think I’m just a sappy, full of crap loser…and that’s fine, but please, please trust me when I say that the whole volleyball thing won't work out. Sports were never our forte anyway. You won't be the most popular girl in school and that’s a good thing. Join theater; endure your first and most embarrassing audition ever. While you’re sitting back stage nervous, make sure to talk to the blonde girl who does your stage makeup. When you meet this weird guy that talks about his “company," he’s actually not full of crap. While taking program pictures for “Bye Bye Birdie” you’ll meet him…try not to fall too hard, okay? And while we’re on the subject of love, it’s okay to not fall in love with someone or ever be in a meaningful and cliché high school relationship…other boys do come around. When you meet that girl with the insanely long hair? She’s a keeper. And make sure you listen to Mrs. Dietrich because one day she will help you discover your dream. When you’re accidentally placed in the signature class don't switch out, start speaking up for what you believe and take chances. When your mom buys an iPad, start making YouTube videos even though they’ll be awful quality and you’ll cringe watching them later on. Join improv and befriend the quiet girl in your AP lang class. In your senior year, eat lunch in Lange’s room and become closer to everyone there. Stay best friends with your mom and sister and listen to your dad…. challenge him, but still always listen. Also, always be grateful for the people in your life, and for the opportunities you’ll have.
So, that’s it, you’re ready now…. except you never really needed me anyway. Take it all in kid- this is your life for the next four years…but for me, I’m onto bigger and scarier things.
Oh yeah! And whatever you do, do not watch the last episode of "How I Met Your Mother."
