Hey, younger me - how are you? I’m writing this letter to you in 2016; you won’t ever receive it nor understand what it means. If only sending mail through time were possible because I would be thrilled to tell you about how good things will get and continue to be. However, that would be awfully rude of me to spoil the surprise, wouldn’t it? All I can say is that you have an exciting future ahead and a perspective you could only gain from years.

Allow me to begin by saying whatever is bothering you right now ends up meaning nothing. I am twenty now, pursuing political science, and life is beginning to make sense. I’m going to let you in on a secret; it gets better. Life has a funny way of paving your journey with surprises. These surprises are little, but that’s the beauty in life - to relish every moment and to enjoy the little things. Instead of loathing having to wake up early for classes or work, be grateful you have the opportunity to watch the sunrise. When you have chapter upon chapter to study and you feel exhausted, remember that your hard work will pay off. If you’re confused about a boy, stop that altogether. If you’re struggling to find inspiration, sit before a blank piece of paper anyway and write what comes to your mind. When someone upsets you, try not to take it personally. Instead, do your best to understand why that person may be the way they are. Appreciate every moment; in circumstances that are not fun (from waiting in line to feeling sad) find a way to take a lesson from the situation.

Your optimism counteracts what bothers you. Be ceaselessly optimistic and you will be happy. Spin positivity onto any situation and continue to put yourself in others’ shoes. Was a customer rude to you? Instead of internalizing it, realize that they may be having a bad day. Hope that their day improves and don’t let it ruin yours. Are there people you struggle to like? Try to understand why they are the way they are. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, concentrate on their good traits. I will admit I still have a habit of taking others’ words and actions a little too personally. I sometimes hold grudges still. I am working to let that go. Because I have a wide taste in movies and music, and because I think I am funny, I sometimes fall into the habit of thinking I am better than others. Younger me, there is no uglier trait. No one is above you and no one is below you, no matter how much you love Jackie Brown but no one knows what you mean. Stop being so self-righteous. Everyone is doing their best just like you are; each person with whom you interact is a potential friend. It takes you an awfully long time to realize it, but you will be happy when you do.

I try not to disappoint you, younger me. I remember the little girl I once was and I try not to let her down. I have not lost the enthusiasm for life, learning, and writing that I possessed as a child. I am easily moved. I am easily entertained. Each day, I pave a future for the younger version of myself to inhabit. I do well in school, write, work on various creative projects and spend time with family and friends. Within me, there are traces of the young girl I once was. I try not to disappoint her. I am proud of who I have become; I am certain younger versions of myself would be thrilled to hear about everything exciting going on in my life.

I can promise you something, younger me - you will be okay. When you think you have everything figured out but eventually are troubled by something else, don’t worry. I can promise you that your life is filled with surprises you could not predict not even in your wildest dreams. That is what makes life grand - the parts you can’t predict. From watching the sunset on the East Campus hill to amazing cups of

coffee, from receiving an A in a class you thought you wouldn’t to making lifetime friends, from staying up with great people until 5:30 in the morning to those rare days when you can sleep in, life is filled with gorgeous moments. Continue to relish them and seek them out.