I did an activity at summer camp several years ago where I wrote a letter to my future self. The counselor at the time had been running a lot of self-reflective programs, and one of them was about how even though you can’t reverse the past or give your younger-self advice, you can write to your future self, in my letter that day at camp, I gave advice and asked questions to my future self.

The time around the end of May, and the beginning of June, always stands out to me because not only do I finish a year of school, but I turn a year older (PSA my birthday is May 28, so don’t forget), and inevitably become very nostalgic. I take a step back at this time of year and look at the big picture and how old I am and where I was a year ago and where I will be in one year. So I’ve decided to write to my future self again, one year from now, and after posting this I won’t reread it until next year, and the I will answer everything I ask or comment about in the letter.

5/21/16

Dear End-of-Sophomore-Year Victoria,

I know you must be loving this May weather! Sailing in the warmth is definitely a whole lot better than in cold March and I bet you’ve been spending time on the Green lately with your friends. Were you able to reverse that freshman year weight gain? Which abroad program did you get into? I hope it’s the one in Paris- and are you going for a full year ? I feel like one semester just isn’t enough. Also, what did you declare your major in? I know French is a definite one but what about Computer Science? Or did you find something new that you like?

I hope you got that internship this summer at Kate Spade, the one in the city! That would be so much fun and right up your alley. Let me know if you got it, ok? I think your summers of being a sailing instructor are over by now, but that’s just my opinion.

Did the team qualify for any Nationals this year? Oh wait -- where are Nationals this year?! Hopefully some place as exciting and warm as this year’s in San Diego.

What was it like living in the language dorm this past year? I can’t wait to see how you decided to decorate your room. I also hope you’ve made so many more new friends and strengthened your friendships from last year. And I will be paying close attention to your healthy eating diet in this coming year.

How’s the fam? William is 12 years old now! That is so crazy. And you’ll be turning 20 soon! What are you doing for your birthday this year? Probably a low-key dinner, right? Maybe even just one with Mom, Dad and William -- no friends? That’s what I’m doing this year, and I think it’ll be perfect. Did Eliza come down for your birthday? I hope she does this year.

I probably shouldn’t even ask how your bank account is doing -- hopefully, better than what I have now. Remember, you don’t need to buy any more clothing.

Anyway, just remember that grades are everything and that sisters over misters is always. I hope you remembered your key card more often (you couldn't just climb through the window into your basement room like last year) now that you had a second floor room, and I hope you stuck to the plan to go to the gym every day, I’ve actually really wanted to try swimming as a workout, let me know how it goes.

I hope your year was amazing.

Xoxo,
V.

P.S. Did you end up joining Women’s Club Ice Hockey with Vanessa? I hope so -- it would be so fun and a really good way to stay fit.

P.P.S. Power moves only!