So I was walking through a bookstore the other day and I came across a book called “Dear Me,” and it was basically a collection of letters that different people had written to their 16 year old selves. Well, I started thinking, “what would I tell myself?”… this lead to me wanting to write my own letter, just to see what came out. I decided to make it a letter to my 15 year old self, you know, just to make it an even 10 years haha so here goes….
Dear Elise,
Let me start off this letter by telling you that I am writing it to you from South Africa! Yes, my friend… we’ve made it to Africa! That’s all I’m going to tell you though… you gotta figure out how to get here just like I did, all I’ll say is no, we aren’t in Peace Corps… maybe someday, just not yet.
Now, I don’t want to give away too much, but here are some tips for you, just so that maybe by the time you get to where I am now you’ll have a little more figured out.
First off, you’re about to start learning how to drive… it’s gonna be frustrating and there will be times you’re going to want to punch Dad out, but don’t! Just make sure you’re actually in first gear, cause you’re probably actually in third (don’t worry, it’s a common beginner mistake).
High school doesn’t get really awesome until junior year, but you end up having an amazing time! Don’t worry though, freshman and sophomore year are pretty legit. Don’t listen to your freshman year soccer coach, she’s not worth the time, just work hard and get better… Team Evanston junior year is where you’ll shine, make sure you thank Julie for all that she does for you. Take Intro to Sports Medicine sophomore year! It’s a life changing class for us! Oh, and take Statistics senior year a little more seriously please, it’s really not as hard as you think. And… the guy… take your shot, but it doesn’t really work out for us, he becomes a great friend though, so don’t push him away. The guy in college though, we mess that up, so try not to the second time around haha… just quit over-thinking everything! J
Cut Mom and Dad some slack on the whole move to South Carolina thing, it’s really not the worst thing ever and it’s nice having them close by during college and grad school (yes we go to grad school… just accept it). Besides, we’ll always be a Chicago girl! We just add a lot more southern over the years!
As far as college goes it’s going to be a rough four years but you will have more fun than you ever thought possible! Junior year will be awesome and tough at the same time. Senior year though… is epic.
Tips for college:
1. Study harder for Science of Nutrition and Anatomy 1, please!
2. Just take Biology sophomore year, it’s easier with that professor and you get to know Jackie better!
3. Oh, beware of Jackie’s 21st bday… that’s all I’m gonna say about that
4. Remember what I said about the guy
5. That pain in your stomach on Lindsay’s bday junior year is more than just a stomach ache, it’s our appendix… accept the pain meds when the doc offers them the first time
6. Avoid Target!!!
Soak up senior year… you have the time of your life, but it goes by entirely too fast. As far as grad school goes, don’t do anything different as far as where you go… just get a roommate first year, it’ll save us so much money! And let Marla get you the cat, ‘cause he’s awesome! Grad school overall is an interesting experience, but you’ll have an amazing time, especially second year! Get ready for a crazy ride!
We will always have our weight struggles, but instead of worrying so much about the number on the scale, focus on building confidence in what we got! We tend to lose sight of our positives, we need to work on that cause we’re cooler than we give ourselves credit for! Also, when someone is your friend and tells you that they care about you, stop looking for constant reassurance! If they didn’t want to be around you, they wouldn’t be… so have trust in your friends… they love you! You will always be someone who does a lot for other people and loves so much, and that’s ok… it doesn’t make you weak no matter what people say!
Also, call family more… especially Grandma, Gammer, and Gaffer… trust me.
Stop wearing sweatpants all the time.
Convince Mom and Dad to get you contacts sooner!
Try not to talk so much.
Wear your hair down more.
Drink more milk.
Overall, we do pretty good! A lot of things that we want to happen don’t, and things that we never thought would be a part of the plan end up making things incredible! Trust yourself, follow your gut, and balance your checkbook! J
Love,
Me, you, us
So… that’s what I would tell myself… what would you tell you?
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