Dear beautiful being,

Yes, I'm talking to you.

I am so proud of you.

I understand that sometimes you may not like yourself. That you may get frustrated with your panic attacks. That you get frustrated with the idea of liking and not liking labels. That you feel stupid when someone says a condescending comment. But, please understand that you've overcome all of those things. And that isn't all that easy.

Life has not been easy for you (but is it really that easy for mostly anyone?). I'm sorry that you've had to endure certain struggles. But even with conflicts going on, you've managed to stay on top of your game.

I want to say congrats for starting off your sophomore year a bit more open than last year. I've heard that you've made some pretty decent friends who want to get to know you. I'm glad that you're already killing the game by being ahead in some of your classes. That you've taken some "me-time", while also spending time with loved ones. Props to you for being able to time manage.

I know being at a prestigious school may be intimidating, but you deserve to be there.

You are intelligent.

You are resourceful.

You are creative.

You are a dreamer.

You are a risk-taker.

"The school didn't take a chance on you, you took a chance on the school."

While on the topic of school, I know there are some peers that still stereotype people from your intersectional identities, but understand that, unfortunately, there will always be ignorant people. You just gotta do you and keeping on breaking those barriers/stereotypes. You're a badass -- remember that.

As you strive for greatness, remember that it's okay to also trip and stumble once in a while (or often).

I want you to understand that it's okay to not have everything figured out. It's okay to not know what you want to do with your B.A. in English Literature (& minor in Web Technologies).

It's okay to feel uncertain about all your relationships. Some people will stay, others will go. Life will go on.

Find a balance with having (immediate, long-term) goals and also just going with the flow! (Have some fun, girl!)

I know you have this mentality of how in the end, you are all you have.

And though that may be an ideal that some people follow -- know that you don't have to follow that.

You are a loving person. You share love. You give love and expect nothing in return.

And that is YOUR strength.

No one can take that away from you.

But before giving love to others, promise me that you'll try to love yourself more and more each day.

It hurts to see you hurt. My heart breaks to hear your inner thoughts. Thoughts of wanting to be thin, smart, pretty.

But love, what you forget to remember is that you are curvaceous, intelligent, and beautiful. You are perfect the way you are.

And I know that it will take some time for you to understand this. And that's okay. I'll always be here for you.

I cannot wait to see you grow and become the person you are supposed to be. I am so happy that I get to spend this journey with you. I will forever be by your side. Fighting off your vices and demons. And finding ways to improve your life and self. I love you so much.

Con amor y cariño,

LKD