Dear 15-Year-Old me,

Hey there! It’s me, three years into the future. I’m currently at my university library, sipping on an iced Americano, and looking at the leaves change colors. But you’re probably in AP world history, with no liking to coffee, and gossiping about some new drama that happened with your friends. I’m writing this letter to give you some insight on what I learned over the past three years of my life, and why the problems you’re facing right now aren’t necessarily disastrous or long-term. These specific issues will pass, but I know how much it hurts as they are passing. That’s why I’m here to give you some advice.

First, your friend group begins to change – but that’s okay. I know it may seem like if you don’t hang out with your BFFs every single minute of the day, you guys will no longer be best of friends. But I assure you that even as you start hanging out with different people, your best friends remain exactly that. The group of friends that you entered high school with is certainly not the one that you left high school with, but you’re still in close contact with your first BFFs. You learn that true friendship isn’t dependent on constant contact, but rather faith in each other that allows us to pick up where we left off, no matter how long it’s been. The transition between friends is smooth and peaceful, albeit a bit awkward at times. Keep your head elevated, and take this as an opportunity to meet new people.

Second, there will be times when people hurt you. And while tears will be shed and emotions will be high, have patience and keep faith that you’ll grow from this situation. If it is a fight with true friends, don’t be afraid to reach out first to talk it out. Your silence could ultimately create more anger and hurt – and, it’s not worth it. At the same time, however, know how to identify which relationships are useful, and which are hurtful. Not everyone you first consider as a friend is going to remain as such. As painful and agonizing as it is, cut off relationships that only produce negativity and drama, because they will only continue to stunt your growth as a person if you keep getting caught in their webs.

Next, take a nap. Please, take a nap. I remember there was a time when you slept a total of six hours for an entire week. Your health begins to suffer around the second semester; your grades and your summer plans are impacted. It turns out alright in the end, but I hope you just take some time out of your busy world to just catch up on your sleep. Most of the times, you’re procrastinating on finishing the work that you procrastinated on doing the night before, and nothing will get finished. The world doesn’t end when you close your eyes for thirty minutes, an hour. Prioritize yourself.

Finally, don’t try to be someone you’re not. Both academically and socially, you won’t get far trying to pretend to do something you usually wouldn’t do. You struggle in your math class, so don’t push away the extra help that is offered. Your friends look, act, and dress in a different way from you, but don’t let that affect your individuality. Understand that just how different people can hurt you, trying to be someone you’re not has the potential to hurt you even more. Don’t be afraid of being your true self – people will love you even more.

I would never ever ever ever return back to my time when I was your age. I think of the time you’re in right now to be one of the most painful times of my life. But while I wouldn’t like to return, I definitely do want to do things differently. In the future, you won’t really struggle as much with the things I mentioned in the above. But, that doesn’t mean that these problems vanish as soon as you turn eighteen. Take this letter as a guideline on how to prevent yourself from falling in a pit when you do encounter these issues. Life is much easier that way.

Sincerely,

Your Future Self.

P.S. Please study for that AP World test.