Dear Rebecca,

What a ride you have in store for you the next few years. So much is going to happen to you in the upcoming years, but guess what? I'm still standing and we are better than ever. Right now you're a freshman in high school? I think? Obviously, our math skills don't get much better.

Let me guess, the biggest issue on your mind right now is probably trying to learn how to use those tampons that come in the cardboard tube thingy. Ah, the good old days. What a struggle that was and actually still is because I have no idea how those work to this day and still only can use the plastic ones. Although we share our tampon preferences, I firmly believe that we are completely different people. I would give anything to have simple struggles like that in comparison to what we have had to deal with. Not to scare you, but the image you have of your life right now is completely different than I am living today.

Right now as I am writing this, I am sitting on my bed in my own room at Michigan State, watching a Netflix show, with my best friend sitting next to me. You don't know her yet, she isn't even living in Michigan. You will soon be adding so many people into your life and finding out more and more about yourself. You even get to join a sorority. Yeah, I know, I didn't see that coming either.

I am only 19 and still have more adventures that I can count headed my way, so I can only give you the lessons I have learned thus far. First off, your parents know what is best for you. You don't talk to them too much right now, but when you go up to college, they're going to become your go-to with everything from questions of medical problems to relationship advice. They went through this all too, so be sure to appreciate them and listen to them. Second, you are the source of your happiness. Don't let anybody have the power to take it away; you should never find yourself that dependent on anyone. Also remember to do the things you love to do, and if you don't know what those things are, then find out. Third, have confidence in yourself. Most decisions you make can be changed. Do what you think you should do and stop worrying about others. People don't really care as much as you think that they do, and most likely aren't judging you for what you say or look like. As a matter of fact, they probably are judging themselves more than they're judging you.

I am not going to lie, high school will not be the best time of your life. You will make some mistakes, be depressed and anxious, and you will even get way more into a boy band than you are prepared to admit. Classes will suck and teachers will dislike you, and you will get a job that overworks you and pays you crappy. You will be sad a lot, but high school does have it's moments, though. You' will be given chances to be in charge and take leadership roles, find some passions, and even win some awards for them. You will also greatly enjoy the moments with your friends like late night gossip sessions, random trips to 7 Eleven, neighborhood bike rides, and even just simple moments of joy sitting with them at the lunch table eating Oreos.

You will have a lot of changes in your life, and you are going to have to learn to deal with that. People in your life will hurt you, leave you and surprise you. People in your life are going to also love you unconditionally. Even as a little baby in home movies, you were always looking to others to say and do the right thing. It is okay to be a follower, don't get me wrong, but in the upcoming years, you are going to have to learn how to speak up for yourself, become independent and understand why you are the way you are.

The main reason I am writing this is to remind you that you are strong. You are going to have some ups, and you are going to have some downs; but in the end, the most important thing to remember is that no matter how shitty you feel, time will always fix it. You will achieve so much given time and even blow your own mind. Those thoughts you are having in your head that make you crazy are normal, and I assure you that boy that hit you in the head with his french horn gets his fair share of karma. Everything works out, I promise.

Your life will get so amazing if you allow yourself to embrace it. The world is not ending anytime soon so please relax and enjoy the ride.

Love always,

Becca

P.S. Why do people call you by your full name? I am cringing at this!!! You sound like you're a 90 year old british woman.