~An Open Letter to My 17-year-old Self
I wrote this letter to a younger version of myself, looking back to when I was a Junior in high school. This was a way for me to reflect on what have learned over the past few years and to think of advice that I would give to myself as a teenager.
Hey Beautiful!
Congratulations on turning 17! By the way, you're already more than halfway done with high school! I know that the decision to switch schools was tough* but you were brave and took the plunge. You're going to learn so much at this school and meet some amazing people. I know right now you're excited about cheerleading, fun assignments, and cute boys in gym class, science class, every class.... But I have a little bit of advice to help you through the next few action-packed years.
1. You are beautiful, inside and out! You don't need to wear shorts skirts or cake your face in makeup to be beautiful. You have a light that shines from within. It may take you a while to recognize that light, but when you do, it will be glorious. All of the jewels in the world can't compare with the beauty of a young woman who knows who she is and shows respect for herself and others.
2. Talking to cute boys is fun and exciting (and I know that boy a few lockers down has his eyes on you), but you don't really need a boyfriend just yet. You need to get to know and love yourself better first. You're going to transform over the next few years. Yes, you'll meet some good-looking guys, steal a few hearts (and kisses), and maybe get your heart ripped out a couple of times. Everything that happens will shape you and prepare you for the future. God has an awesome guy waiting for you; He just wants you to be better prepared for your future relationship. Be patient; it'll take a few years.
3. Treasure your relationships with your family and friends. Yes, I understand your siblings are annoying, I had to grow up with them, remember? The good news is, they will grow out of their annoying habits. They may even surprise you with what they know and the skills they have. You guys will help each other through trials and grow closer together. You may even become really good friends. Also, don't write your parents off as old farts who don't know much. They know A LOT and have really good advice. Listen to them and consider their advice. It can save you a lot of headache and heartache. And enjoy your friendships. Get to know different kinds of people. Learn to get along with different kind of people. It will help you a lot!
4. Don't be afraid of your school teachers and church leaders. They are actually pretty cool. You'll be surprised by the stories they tell and the advice they give. I know that it can be hard to pay attention sometimes, but listen up. You never know what you could learn! Also, don't be afraid of your bishop or branch president*. They want you to succeed, and they are here to help! You'll make some great friends by getting to know your teachers and leaders better.
5. Be yourself! Be genuine. Be real. You don't need to be someone you're not to get people to like you. Don't be afraid to speak up. People will love the real you, quirks and all!
6. Find a balance. Life can be pretty tricky when you have to balance early-morning seminary*, school, cheerleading, homework, and church activities. Things will get even crazier after graduation, when you have to balance a job, classes, homework, church responsibilities, a social life, and a car with which you have a love-hate relationship.* It will be tough. You'll crash and burn. But eventually you will find a good way to balance your life.
7. Exercise and eat healthy foods! This one is hard to do! I know you're probably about to shove a pizza into your mouth and then eat some candy. I know that at this age, carrots and apples do not sound as appealing as pizza and soda, but you'll pay for poor health habits down the road. It's much harder to get back in shape and change eating habits when you get older. I'm having quite the struggle to lose weight and be healthy. Cultivate good habits now. Trust me, you'll thank yourself when you get older!
8. Do your best work. A lot of subjects come easy to you, and you find a way to put your personality into your assignments. I have some bad news for you: classes are not always fun or easy. You will have some tough classes in college, and sometimes you will be bored out of your mind! But don't give up. Remember that mediocre efforts results in mediocre grades and mediocre learning. Study and apply what you learn. Don't be afraid of talking to your teacher or going to study groups. There are people who want to help you succeed.
9. Be open to the unexpected. Life will throw you curves and give you unanticipated opportunities. Things will happen that will shock you. Doors and windows will open up when you least expect it. For example, for a couple of years, you'll tell everyone you know that you're not going to serve a mission. Then you'll eat your words when you're 22. You'll end up serving a mission* and loving it. Life isn't going to go exactly how you expect it. You won't always get what you want, but you will get what you need.
10. Pay attention in your church classes. I know it's hard to stay awake at 7 in the morning*. I know it's hard to understand Bible language. You will learn some valuable lessons when you pay attention. You will learn about how to build a relationship with God. You will learn about what Christ's sacrifice means to you. You will be able to apply what you learn on a very personal level and become a better person. Even when a class seems endlessly boring, pay attention, and you can pick out hidden treasures of knowledge.
Well, dear, this about wraps it up. I hope you learned something from the future version of yourself. These next few years will be fun and challenging. You will be stretched. You will laugh, you will cry, you will learn many things. Hang on and enjoy the ride!
Love, Future You in 2015
* Some background information:
1- My Junior year of high school I switched to a high school that was technology-based because I was ready for a change.
2- A bishop or branch president is a leader of a local congregation of my church.
3- I had a car in college that happened to break down at the most inopportune moments. Being stuck on the side of the road at -40 degrees is not fun!
4- I served an 18-month mission for my church. I served the Spanish-speaking population of Las Vegas.
5- Youth in my church attend a class during the school year, called seminary, where we study the scriptures. In Alaska, the class is held before school.
Hey Beautiful!
Congratulations on turning 17! By the way, you're already more than halfway done with high school! I know that the decision to switch schools was tough* but you were brave and took the plunge. You're going to learn so much at this school and meet some amazing people. I know right now you're excited about cheerleading, fun assignments, and cute boys in gym class, science class, every class.... But I have a little bit of advice to help you through the next few action-packed years.
1. You are beautiful, inside and out! You don't need to wear shorts skirts or cake your face in makeup to be beautiful. You have a light that shines from within. It may take you a while to recognize that light, but when you do, it will be glorious. All of the jewels in the world can't compare with the beauty of a young woman who knows who she is and shows respect for herself and others.
2. Talking to cute boys is fun and exciting (and I know that boy a few lockers down has his eyes on you), but you don't really need a boyfriend just yet. You need to get to know and love yourself better first. You're going to transform over the next few years. Yes, you'll meet some good-looking guys, steal a few hearts (and kisses), and maybe get your heart ripped out a couple of times. Everything that happens will shape you and prepare you for the future. God has an awesome guy waiting for you; He just wants you to be better prepared for your future relationship. Be patient; it'll take a few years.
3. Treasure your relationships with your family and friends. Yes, I understand your siblings are annoying, I had to grow up with them, remember? The good news is, they will grow out of their annoying habits. They may even surprise you with what they know and the skills they have. You guys will help each other through trials and grow closer together. You may even become really good friends. Also, don't write your parents off as old farts who don't know much. They know A LOT and have really good advice. Listen to them and consider their advice. It can save you a lot of headache and heartache. And enjoy your friendships. Get to know different kinds of people. Learn to get along with different kind of people. It will help you a lot!
4. Don't be afraid of your school teachers and church leaders. They are actually pretty cool. You'll be surprised by the stories they tell and the advice they give. I know that it can be hard to pay attention sometimes, but listen up. You never know what you could learn! Also, don't be afraid of your bishop or branch president*. They want you to succeed, and they are here to help! You'll make some great friends by getting to know your teachers and leaders better.
5. Be yourself! Be genuine. Be real. You don't need to be someone you're not to get people to like you. Don't be afraid to speak up. People will love the real you, quirks and all!
6. Find a balance. Life can be pretty tricky when you have to balance early-morning seminary*, school, cheerleading, homework, and church activities. Things will get even crazier after graduation, when you have to balance a job, classes, homework, church responsibilities, a social life, and a car with which you have a love-hate relationship.* It will be tough. You'll crash and burn. But eventually you will find a good way to balance your life.
7. Exercise and eat healthy foods! This one is hard to do! I know you're probably about to shove a pizza into your mouth and then eat some candy. I know that at this age, carrots and apples do not sound as appealing as pizza and soda, but you'll pay for poor health habits down the road. It's much harder to get back in shape and change eating habits when you get older. I'm having quite the struggle to lose weight and be healthy. Cultivate good habits now. Trust me, you'll thank yourself when you get older!
8. Do your best work. A lot of subjects come easy to you, and you find a way to put your personality into your assignments. I have some bad news for you: classes are not always fun or easy. You will have some tough classes in college, and sometimes you will be bored out of your mind! But don't give up. Remember that mediocre efforts results in mediocre grades and mediocre learning. Study and apply what you learn. Don't be afraid of talking to your teacher or going to study groups. There are people who want to help you succeed.
9. Be open to the unexpected. Life will throw you curves and give you unanticipated opportunities. Things will happen that will shock you. Doors and windows will open up when you least expect it. For example, for a couple of years, you'll tell everyone you know that you're not going to serve a mission. Then you'll eat your words when you're 22. You'll end up serving a mission* and loving it. Life isn't going to go exactly how you expect it. You won't always get what you want, but you will get what you need.
10. Pay attention in your church classes. I know it's hard to stay awake at 7 in the morning*. I know it's hard to understand Bible language. You will learn some valuable lessons when you pay attention. You will learn about how to build a relationship with God. You will learn about what Christ's sacrifice means to you. You will be able to apply what you learn on a very personal level and become a better person. Even when a class seems endlessly boring, pay attention, and you can pick out hidden treasures of knowledge.
Well, dear, this about wraps it up. I hope you learned something from the future version of yourself. These next few years will be fun and challenging. You will be stretched. You will laugh, you will cry, you will learn many things. Hang on and enjoy the ride!
Love, Future You in 2015
* Some background information:
1- My Junior year of high school I switched to a high school that was technology-based because I was ready for a change.
2- A bishop or branch president is a leader of a local congregation of my church.
3- I had a car in college that happened to break down at the most inopportune moments. Being stuck on the side of the road at -40 degrees is not fun!
4- I served an 18-month mission for my church. I served the Spanish-speaking population of Las Vegas.
5- Youth in my church attend a class during the school year, called seminary, where we study the scriptures. In Alaska, the class is held before school.
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