A letter from Feb 18th, 2022

Dear FutureMe, How is life at 22 years old? What did you end up majoring in college? What college did you end up going to? Are you still in contact with your friends from High School? Are you happy and not depressed anymore? Did COVID-19 finally end? How has it impacted you? I know now, at 17 years old, I feel as if the world is against me. I do not feel wanted or needed at any time. COVID has really changed things during this time. 2020 was really crazy; many people passed away, and so many things were happening in the world. There was Black Lives Matter protest, the presidency between Trump and Biden, and so many bad things were happening that I cannot describe it all. As of now, I feel depressed, but I'll get through to hopefully. How is life at 22 in college? Do you finally have a boyfriend? Are you happy where you are now? What things do you wish you could have changed in the past? How is college life? Did you live the full experience? Was it what you thought college was like? Did you make new life long friends in college? Now at 17 years old, I have no idea what I want to major in or what college I want to attend. I hope I did end up picking a major that made me happy. I hope I picked a college that best fits me. I hope you were able to fulfill your dreams of being the best version of yourself. Just remember, always look forward, never look back. There are greater things to come to you. At 17, I do not see myself having a future because I do not see myself becoming anything or succeeding in life. I cannot think that far ahead; it is just so hard for me because all I can think about is the stress, anxiety, depression holding me back from greatness. Hopefully, now you are not depressed anymore. Hopefully, you got the help you needed before you sunk too deep. I hope you accomplished the goals you set for yourself. I hope you were able to obtain better mental health because your 17-year-old self was just not it. Make sure that you do things that benefit you. Do not be lazy. Try new things because this is your life, and do better than I did and live it to the fullest. Because no one is there for you, it is just me, me, and I. You have to think for yourself and not let anyone or anything dictate your present or future because you deserve the world, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. I do not know why I am telling you all this because I am not mentally stable, but I still listen to me anyway. You got this; you survived and lived. You were able to get through college and experience that time with life long friends. Now starts a new chapter in your life. What are you gonna do now once you graduate? Are you gonna take a GAP year before obtaining your master's? Are you gonna go straight into college again, or are you just gonna get a job. Think wisely about this because I know you. You always want to take the easy way out.`Remember always be yourself and do not let anyone change that. Appreciate your beauty because you are worth it. You made it. Your 17-year-old self, Demya