Here's To Your Senior Year

Dear Future Me, Hi Jasmine. It's Jasmine. So, here we are, you're about to take that leap into a new school year-preferably your last school year as a high school student. Now, the roads you choose will be your own, and hopefully you'll choose not the right one, but the one that makes you happiest. If there's anything you've learned from these minuscule years you have lived is that being young is more than adults say it is. They put down the fact that we're facing real life problems and have no direction on how to face them. All of them are at the stage in their lives where all of that stuff has happened at least ten times. The first times will always be the ones that set the road for the rest. Our hearts at this age are so powerfully and beautifully messed up that it insists we think through them. Our brains aren't functioning yet when it comes to personal matters, but I know yours will in the near future. The part of being a teenager is using that heart of yours to guide you, no matter where it takes you or how it will make you feel. I hope that we'll be able to get through this year with our heart fully intact. Last thing we need to happen is our heart shattering into a million pieces and deciding which we are going to follow. You're an intelligent girl, find a way to protect yourself to a certain extent. Let's face it, you will get hurt this year. It's bound to happen because you always get yourself in these types of problems. Word to the wise, don't let it get to you. You won't think about them years from now. I know you well enough to know that you're gonna dwell on all the heartache for at least a month. Who cares if he doesn't like you back? There'll be someone out there someday. You're too young for any of that to matter. Who cares if they think you're the weak link? Show them that you're not. Show them that they can take their words and shove 'em right where they belong- their stuck-up, ignorant butts. Way to keep it PG. I will now give you an air high-five from the past. Anyway, keep your wit with you. It's your downfall, and your only saving grace. Be above those who swear every second they talk. Rant on, but be as classy as can be. The world has shown its true colors to you. It's a terrific shade of the darkest things, yet there's that beautiful lantern full of the brightest lights that I can't imagine you could miss. Everyone sees it, it just takes them time to do so. Have hope in the world, Jazzy. It's the strongest thing that a person can have. Keep in mind that you are the class president this year. This is the only year that counts. You're going to prove these people wrong, but also remember that the only person you have your prove yourself to is yourself. Things will be tough, maybe the toughest stuff to date. Make sure you look back at the things you've already accomplished and realize that you've been to hell and back. This stuff that bothers you now is only a small speck of hell. Don't stress out, and do not lose hope. This is your last year here. You moved here eight years ago, and everyday since you've been thinking of your way out. I know it's tough to think about leaving the place that's grown on you, but you need to do this for yourself. It's going to change your life if you make your own decisions instead of letting people drag you down. You deserve to be happy, even if you have to go through the grief first. This place has given you a home as well as family, both related and unrelated. Never forget them. They made you more than you think they have. Even those people you're come to despise have taught you lessons that you will never be able to thank them for. This place has been the bane of your existence, but let's be completely real with each other because no one else ever will. This place, beautifully scarred and defiled in your eyes, is always going to be your home, your beginning. Remember where you started, and never forget it. The people you've met, the memories you've made, and most importantly, the feelings you had. All of these will make for a better future if you keep in mind where you came from. There's so much to look forward to this year. Homecoming will be under your grasp, so make it count. From there, just make sure that this year will be one of best years you've ever had. It's up to you to make the sun shine over you. Don't lose anymore friendships, try to build more instead. Don't hold onto people who never pay you mind. You're better than that and deserve heaps more than what most of them offer you. Ask that guy to Prom, go to all the football games, take that open chance, study for that test you could care less about. No matter what you do, do it with all of your heart. Using your brain is overrated right now. Just go with your gut and take it away from there. You will be laughed at for this, or maybe they'll get mad at you, but never stop living to the fullest. My faith in you is undying because, well, you're me. We're the closest we could ever get. Me and you are going to be different from each other though. You have this me to guide you. Keep in mind where you came from, and the rest will come easy to you. I made many mistakes from listening to others when I was fully capable of listening to myself. I am worth listening to and so are you. Today will be your first day of school, and I challenge you to do something new today. I want you to come home from school today with a smile. You are the only thing inspiring yourself as of right now.You are also the only one who believes in you to the greatest extent. I would do anything for the you of this day to come. I want it to be as brilliant as it could ever be. It's crazy, but I love you Future Me. You've given me hope, and I never want to let go of how it feels to have hope. I feel free. For the first time in forever, my chest feels as if the restraints of life are finally loosening. If all goes well, you will be able to feel it too. Here's to your senior year. I have faith that it will be all you ever wanted and more. If it's not, make it. Stay true to you, and most of all, keep holding on to hope. Love, July 20, 2014 Jasmine