To my high school self,

As Brad Paisley felt the need to help his younger self prove it’s him, I think I should let you know that I know your diary is in between your nightstand and your bed and that you don’t wear socks with Converse. I’m kind of starting off not knowing what to say and trying to decide whether I truly have any regrets since you are going to love where you are at 21.

Times are not always going to be easy and soon you will lose people in your life that you never thought you could live without but you’ll make it. Tough times will always end, I can assure you of that. Don’t let yourself stay down for too long, remember that you have best friends and your mom to help you through anything. Remember that things will always work out in the end and there is so much to live for.

Maybe try a little harder in high school, I know that it can seem easier now to just make a 69.9 in classes and squeak by but you’ll feel a lot more accomplished when graduating if you do well. You have so much potential and I don’t want you to waste away your classes by sleeping, texting, or doodling. Also, don’t listen to your mom when she tells you to take Spanish instead of French, you’re just going to end up learning French on your own in college.

Some little tips too, I know that you are about to start learning how to drive. Don’t worry, parallel parking won’t be as annoying and terrifying as you think and if you like a boy, you should tell him. Don’t spend all of high school fawning over one guy if he doesn’t like you back. You’re wasting your time honey. Be sure you wear shorts to Lillie’s birthday party or you may embarrass yourself on the Ferris wheel.

Lastly, don’t worry about everything. You won’t get into a car accident until college, you find a wonderful guy working as a barista and you never become a drug addict just a coffee addict! Maybe try to go to at least one party too? Socialize? I don’t know, I guess your awkward self is pretty great too though.

I guess what I’m really trying to say is, here I am at 21 and looking back at all those years I wish I had cherished the time more. Life will pass you by and as cheesy as it is, make sure you live in the moment. Don’t worry, college will be better than you ever imagined. Even if it’s not the school you plan on going to right now.

Sincerely,

You.