Just this past weekend, my mom told me that a letter came in the mail for me. When I walked in the house and saw the envelope, I was confused at first. I couldn’t figure out who it was from, and the handwriting looked more like a child’s. Then, all of the sudden, it clicked--

It was a letter from myself.

In eighth grade, one of my assignments was to write a letter to my senior-in-high-school self. My reading and writing teacher told us that she’d mail it to us when our high school graduation approached. I never thought that the day would actually come. Reading the letter was pretty weird. It didn’t feel like a letter written by myself, but instead a little girl, someone different than me. I talked about my crazy obsession with Taylor Swift, my favorite book, my favorite memory. Some things have changed a lot, and some haven’t changed a bit.

This time four years ago I was writing a letter to my high school self, so I figured it would only be appropriate to write one to my college self so that four years later, I can read it again.

Dear Raquelle,

Hey there! Well, look at that--another four years has gone by. It went by fast, didn’t it? By now, you’ve probably graduated college--lucky for you because I’m still counting down the days before I graduated high school. I’m sure your emotions have already been running high, and I’m sorry to say this letter will probably only enhance your emotional instability. Afterall, you just graduated college; maybe you have a job, maybe you’re already set on where you’re going to law school, maybe you’re taking a year off. But regardless, you’re stepping into a new chapter of your life, just as you did short four years ago. And now, here I am, ready to reminisce, and remind you of the things that maybe you forgot about.

I suppose I’ll start with some basics. I still have the same long curly brown hair that maybe you’ve cut or gotten sick of and finally decided to permanently straighten. I still have braces and I'm counting the days until June 20th when I finally get them off. Interestingly enough, I just came back from college orientation and took my Marist ID photo. I’m sure you’re probably looking at that photo now and cringing at your freshman self. Who knows, maybe you were an orientation leader not too long ago. I just applied for housing and my first year seminar (hope you got your first choice). Prom was a little over a week ago, and I went with Luke Ferrante, my boyfriend of nearly three years now. I wore a white lace dress with my hair down. My best friends are Becca and Maria, the same ones that I met in sixth grade. I’m sure you guys still keep in touch because let’s face it: friends that go through their prepubescent phases together, stay together. I just finished writing a paper for my AP Government class about 20 minutes ago, in fact, one of my last papers of high school. In about a month I’ll be going to Europe with my European History class, and even sooner than that, I’m looking forward to the senior Dorney Park trip, Project Graduation, and of course, graduation itself. My favorite book is The Handmaid’s Tale, my favorite movie is The Great Gatsby, I love guacamole and mac and cheese, and I really can’t cook much more besides those two things. I hope you learn to cook in college, because living off of Pizza Rolls, as good as it sounds, really isn’t the most practical.

Before we talk about you, though, I just want to share some highlights of my high school senior year in case maybe you forgot. I played Julia in The Wedding Singer, and it was my first time ever being a lead in a play. I met tons of new friends like Michelle, Udhay, Anto, Jannel, Talia, Bella, Anya, the musical freshies, Daniel, and many more. Do yourself a favor, and even if it’s been four years since you’ve talked to them, tell them you said hi. I had senior fun night at Diamond Gymnastics, which pretty much consisted of a lot of laughs and failed cartwheels. I sang “A Million Reasons” by Lady Gaga for cabaret, went to junior dinner with Udhay, and went on a choir trip to Virginia and roomed with Talia, Anya, and Bella. I learned to play the ukulele, but hopefully you’ve gotten better. I went to the Women’s March with Aunt Mo, Naomi, and Michelle (aka Elaine) on January 21st, and went to seven different countries over the summer. I’m sure by now you’ve added more countries to that list.

But that’s enough about me. It’s been four years, and we have a lot of catching up to do. Did you major in history? Double major? Double minor? Triple minor? Hope you did well on the LSAT. I’m sure you’ve made so many new friends and memories and I can’t wait to hear about them. Hopefully by now, you’ve figured out how to do your own laundry. And cook. Like I said before, cooking really isn’t my thing right now. Where did you study abroad? Did you score a great internship, and also some tickets to those $25 Broadway trips? Did you still keep all of those Snapchat streaks? Is Snapchat even still a thing anymore? I think you get the point by now; a lot has happened and probably changed in the past four years, so do me a favor and take a minute to look back on all of it.

I know it’s been four years, but we really do have more in common than you think. For one, we’re both graduating or already graduated and are probably nervous about the unknown. What happens after I graduate? It’s going to be sad having to leave the people I just spent four years with. What is my future going to be like? I’m sure these are the same thoughts going through your mind. But guess what? We have another thing in common too: we’re both going to be just fine. You’re more than capable of reaching your goals. You’re smart, you’re motivated, you’re talented, you’re driven, you’re passionate, and I’m sure you’re taking the steps to becoming the successful and independent woman that you’ve always wanted to be. Maybe you’ve hit some obstacles along the way, and I’m sure there are going to be more to come, but I know that you can overcome them, just like you always have.

Before I go, there’s a couple things I want you to do.

1. Text, call, Snapchat or message those old friends, no matter how long it’s been. Remember how happy they made you. Maybe get some half-off appetizers at Applebees, just like the good ole days

2. Thank your parents. You would never be here if it weren’t for them. They’ve done so much for you; never ever forget that.

3. Reach out to your high school teachers; they’d be happy to hear from you.

4. Keep doing what makes you happy. During times like these, sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of that and put other things before your happiness. At the end of the day, do what you love and love what you do. It’s gotten you this far.

5. Don’t forget about me. You might not think it, but I am still a part of you. Remember the girl you were four years ago, because she’s still there. Remember the memories, the laughs, the tears, the friends, and the family.

With that, I guess it’s time to say my goodbyes. I hope this letter reminded you of some things you maybe forgot about, put a smile on your face, and knowing you, probably some tears in your eyes. Enjoy this next chapter of your life, because before you know it, you’ll be onto the next one.

Sincerely,

Your High School Self