Hi there, future daughter.

Trust me, it’s weird to apply the word “parent” to yourself when you can barely make ramen noodles or figure out how to keep your room clean enough so it’s not a biohazard. But as a newly minted college girl with roughly two decades of life experience under my belt, I think I know a thing or two.

I know that middle school is the absolute worst. God, when puberty rocks your world you won’t know what hit you. It might seem like you're the only one along for this ride, but it’s not just you. Everyone’s a little bit awkward. When your crush asks you to the school dance, say yes and proceed with caution—during slow songs always keep each other at arms length, but don’t be afraid to make eye contact. When your lips meet and it’s a train wreck of braces and nerves and a little too much spit, laugh it off knowing that you have the rest of your life to perfect the art of kissing.

Kids might pick on you because your body just hasn’t caught up to your gangly limbs yet or because you like to read books instead of talking during lunch time. But I promise you that the pimple on your chin is not as big as it looks, and that what matters now won’t matter later. That cute jean skirt and those Converses that everyone seems to have? That trend will pass in six months time, no worries.

Just a heads up, high school goes by in the blink of an eye. When you’re a directionless freshman walking in through those big double doors, don't be intimidated by the seemingly confident upperclassmen. Take a deep breath and strike up a conversation with the girl who sits next to you in biology class. Maybe she’ll end up being your best friend.

Or maybe she won’t. Maybe in high school, you’ll learn that people can hide a lot behind a pretty smile and a couple nice words thrown your way. Maybe you’ll meet someone that makes your head spin, your heart flutter, your palms sweaty enough that you have to wipe them on your jeans before you hold their hand tightly in yours. They say there’s nothing like young love. When he asks you to prom, say yes and proceed with an open heart—during slow songs, always keep him close and tell him you want this moment to last forever.

Tell all your friends this because youth is not as eternal as they make it out to be. Study hard and play hard. Try new things, but don’t get too carried away. Always drive safely. Tell your parents you love them. Explore the town you live in. Live with the wind in your hair and adventure on your mind. And above all, do what makes your heart sing and drop what keeps you from being happy.

To my future daughter, I love you before I know you. If you’re anything like me, you’ll make more mistakes than you can count on ten fingers, but you also have the whole world at your feet. Go get ‘em, tiger.