A Letter to 16 Year Old Me

Dear Jenn,

Currently you are 16 years old, without a care in the world. Well news flash, please start being a tad more responsible when it comes to…basically everything, because the real world is not anything like mom and dad’s house. There are a few things I want you to realize now, and they will make your life so much easier in years to come.

First lesson to learn, please stop trying to be friends with that girl who is consistently being mean to you…she is not worth your time. You already know at this point in life who your real friends are and trust me, you will meet many more when you go to college. Also, that boy on the football team has more than one girlfriend.

Be more than a sister to your sisters. Believe it or not, they love you and want the best for you. Consider them your friends, because soon they will be giving you the most wonderful gifts in payments of little children, who now call you their aunt. Soon, that short walk down the hall to see what they are up too will become a text that reads, “gotta call you later, busy at the moment.” Oh, and while we are on the subject of family, please go hug mom and dad right now for all the things they have done for you. You don’t get it right now, but that moment you walk across stage at college graduation you will understand.

STOP driving so fast and pay attention to the road. That bright red 2001 Chevy Cavalier does not look good with a silver hood, and yes dad will make you drive it like that as a punishment. Also, go look in your best friend’s back seat for your iPod you got last Christmas, so you can stop lying to mom.

LISTEN CAREFULLY and please take those college visits seriously. It’s not about the size of the dorm or who else is going there. And while we are talking about college, start doing your homework on time and get your grades up.

Your best friend is still the same and you will end up going to college together. There are going to be a lot of tears, laughs and memories trust me.

When it’s game point against Hudson for District Semi-Finals, PLEASE do everything in your power to keep the ball in-bounds and swing line (their setter is leaving early every time).

The real world is coming and don’t worry you will fail a few times, but I would say it all turns out just right.

Try to stay young forever,

Jennifer

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