Dear Freshman Me,

It’s been a while since we’ve last spoken — I’m an adult now, which has been interesting, to say the least. I know you’re in such a rush to grow up and to go to college, but the days of high school are dwindling now, and I would give anything to go back to where you are now.
Just don’t cut your bangs again please for the sake of yourself, and others. It might be difficult to stop worrying about the future, but I can assure you that time spent with friends and with family is never wasted. Remember that you are not “too cool for school.”
The future can wait, the present is more important. You work yourself hard, but that one test grade isn’t going to ruin your life. I have hope that you’re going to try your best, but remember that if you make mistakes you’ll be okay.
Learn from your mistakes and then move forward. You’re boy crazy right now and super jittery, but don’t worry — that’ll pass in time. Sometimes, it can be easy to get in your head — so remember that many people feel the same way about being in high school as you do.
You’re sweaty and awkward, but that doesn’t mean anything. Trust me, your hair and eyebrows look fine, and no one cares about the stain on your sock. Although where did it come from? It’s a big world out there, and you are not alone in it. Wash your face, brush your teeth and laugh hard about the things you find funny.
Trust me, it’s worth it. The world will throw many challenges your way, but don’t be discouraged. I have full confidence and faith that everything will turn out okay, and I hope you believe that too.
I urge you to cherish and keep your friends close to your heart. Remember that they are there for you if you need them. If you ever find yourself brushing them off, remember that they know who you are and they love you regardless.
Don’t ever forget that the same can be said about your family. They love you more than you will ever realize and they will never leave you when you need them. Life is uncertain, but everything has meaning, believe me. Whatever happens to you is meant to happen to you.
You have the rest of your life to figure things out, so if you haven’t figured them out now it’ll be okay. I love you always and forever. Your forever friend.

Isabella Guadamuz

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Sindy Garcia

Dear Future Me,

I don’t know who you are or who you’ve become, even though we’re the same person, but I know you’re something greater than you once were. I hope you are a confident young lady with goals and dreams making each one come true with all your hard work and dedication. I know for sure you are still a sweet and caring young lady because the sweetness in you will never go away.
I hope you stayed friends with those who understand you and accept you for who you are, and I hope you’ve stayed away from those who don’t want to see you succeed because there are always some of those and you know it. Surround yourself with positive mind thinkers and motivational people who want to make you keep going. I know for sure you keep your family close because they are the reason why you keep accomplishing your goals and dreams in life. Without them, there would be no you. Family is the foundation of everything, they are precious gems that you will cherish forever. They will always be there supporting you every step of the way. Never forget where you came from and never take anyone for granted. Always say what you want to say to those you love because you never know when the last goodbye will be.
Woah, I still can’t believe you’re back there, and I’m WAY over here, on two different sides of the timeline. I know you are going to accomplish everything in life. I hope college goes well for you and that you get to study biology and medicine so you can become the successful doctor you’ve always wanted to be, helping people and caring for others just like you’ve always done.
When people tell you to be yourself and to not be shy, I hope you know what they mean.
I hope you are who I wish I could be. I hope you are someone I can look up to and always count on you.
I hope you are you. Good luck out in the real world, I know it’s scary, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.
So don’t mess anything up because I’ll be there before you know it! Also, I really hope you have a pet pig now.
Love you. See you soon,

Sindy Garcia