Dear Older Me,

Today is September 30, 2012, and I just started my freshman year of high school. By the time you read this, it'll be sometime around May or June 2016. It's crazy to think that the next time these pieces of paper are touched, I will be planning my last few weeks of high school.

I know that throughout this letter you will probably think to yourself, "Oh my gosh, was I really that lame?" And the answer is yes. Yes, you were. But right now, I don't really care. I think I can be myself around myself more than anyone...yet I'm very cautious about what I'm going to say to you. I guess this is because I don't know what I will be like in four years. Most likely, though, I will look in the mirror and not see the same person I see now.

I thought it might be cool to talk about what I want for myself now and see how that changes by 2016.

There are a couple schools I’m looking at for college. The ultimate goal is USC or UCLA. If you worked hard enough to achieve this goal, I am proud of you. Even if you didn't get into either of those places--or if your dreams changed--I’m still very proud.

You will go through so much and no one will understand the magnitude of those things like I do. Your strength is remarkable, and I hope you know that.

Thank you for being you. I know you are going to earn the lifestyle you’ve always wanted. You can achieve whatever you set your mind to. You are determined, kind, thoughtful, and ambitious. I hope everything you ever wanted comes to you because I know you deserve it.

Congratulations on graduating! You did it.

Love always,

You

A lot changes throughout the four years of high school. Four years ago, I never would have guessed my first choice school would end up being the University of Montana. Or that I would be able to call myself a writer. Life is crazy and you never know where it will take you; you never know what the next four years will bring.

One thing I learned from finding this letter is to always believe in myself. Despite the insecurities and anxieties that flooded me as I started high school, I still told my future self that I could do anything. Now as I’m entering college, I can give myself these same affirmations. Similar anxieties cross my mind often, but I know I’ll get through it; just me, myself, and I.