A letter from Jun 3rd, 2021

Dear Future Me, Hey Molly, this you from about four years ago (our last day of high school is tomorrow, along with our signing day)! I'm really excited about going to Florida Southern, I think we're going to love it! In caser you forgot, the past two-ish years there has been a pandemic that really ate into your junior and senior year, but we made it through! We did struggle quite a bit, but we are absolutely stronger because of it! Regardless of this obstacle, we were able to go to Prom, have in person classes, and have a real graduation!! I really hope there was not another natural disaster that cut into our time in college! Did we end up sticking with swimming all four years?! I certainly hope we did!! Olivia seems wonderful, I'm so glad she will be my first roommate! But that's enough of my hopes, let's reflect upon what actually happened! Did you make a ton of friends?! Are we getting a degree in Marine Biology? Are we dating anyone (wink wink), I don't mind if we aren't! At the moment I kind of hope we stay single for a bit while I settle into my new home! Where did you end up going for junior journey?! Right now I'm thinking that you probably went to Bimini, but maybe you surprised me! I already think you're super cool, I can't believe we made it this far! I wonder what the future holds for us! Graduation is so exciting, but I'm also extremely nervous. I'm really worried that I won't be able to make friends or form connections with people on campus. I know that I'll feel lonely at times, I just hope that I find a group of people who is kind and really cares about me the way I care about them. I don't know how much you remember, but senior year has been kind of difficult, with friends and the future and all that junk. I have so much hope though! I know that when we put our mind to something we never fail, you're a total badass, and I'm proud of you! Good luck with your future endeavors, whether that be a job, graduate school, marriage, maybe even motherhood (please get a job before you have a baby, it's the smarter option)! OH OH, don't forget to keep saving money, I know retail therapy is the best kind but we have a future to fund! Do we still keep in touch with people from high school? Now I'm necessarily talking about friends (although maybe Arav, Michelle, Josh, Ricky, Nick, or Jack), I guess I mean some of teachers (like Dr. Dobbs or Mr. Stiles, what about Mrs. Ausel, how are her babies?!)? You should also stop by Goosecup every once in a while, they really helped you out financially ;) Have you met any new professors that have left a lasting impact on our life? Or maybe Coach Andy, like Jess, Robbie, and Shannon, turned out to be an amazing influence and friend!! Double or, maybe there are new friends who will be with you for a lifetime to come, making you happy and being supportive! But don't get too caught up in that, make sure you're holding them up and being a good friend as well, we pride ourselves on that after all! Sorry is this letter is a bit rambly, I'm writing it in Mr. Faul's class so it's more of a continuation of thought, rather than a well written letter! I just want to reiterate how proud I am of you for trying, I know you probably overwhelmed your schedule and felt like you would never be able to actually succeed, but we always find a way (*ahem* this is your sign to go listen to "Found a Way" by Drake Bell, for the nostalgia)! Anyways, I'm going to sign off for now, you're amazing and I love you and I'm so super duper proud of you! Best Fishes, 18-year-old Molly P.S. call mom, dad, and Hannah!!! We miss them and they miss you!!!!!