A letter from Oct 20th, 2021

October 20, 2021 Dear Ms. Barrett: College is so intimidating. It is hard to see myself in those classes and believe, “Yes, I can do that.” I don’t want to disappoint my parents, nor do I want to live off of them for years and years of my adult life. However, I feel like I am destined to that fate due to my mental health and medical issues. I’m scared of my future. While you may be five years older than me, I don’t know your situation. Am I alright? Am I alive? Do I still have the love and support of my family and friends? I want to do so much good. The path to that, though, is long and expensive. I want so many things, and I think I should be so many things. That doesn’t mean I’m guaranteed them. I’m sorry for this being so disheartening/depressing. This may be a downer for you. But for some positivity, do you have a partner? Is Sunny still alive, or did she pass away? How is Colin? Did he go into college? Are you still friends with Dani? Emily? Did you ever have that roadtrip you always wanted with her? I hope you do things that make you happy. If not for you, do it for me - your past self that is so scared of everything uncertain. Sincerely, A younger you.