A letter from May 15, 2026

Hello, Me! Happy birthday! You’re turning 17. I know you must feel scared, uncertain, and maybe even a little sad. By the time this reaches you, you’ll probably be halfway through or almost done with 12th grade! I know how scary it must feel to realize just how fast you’re growing up. I just want you to know that it is okay to be scared or nervous, but you must always keep pushing forward. Never ever ever give up because that’s cringe! Learn to feel satisfied with your accomplishments. Being average or not always being on top does not make you a failure. You are so much smarter than you think you are. Stop placing all your value in academic achievements. Just because others are good at it too does not diminish your own talents. You are so much more than what you think. Value yourself and everything that you do. Don’t let what other people may say about your interests bother you. I know you will meet many people, some judgmental, some just insecure about themselves. You are never cringe for liking something, as long as it is not harmful to you or to others. Genuinely, just stop caring so much about being cringe! Nobody is cringe! Everything is a preference, so don’t let anyone dictate what you like! You are only alive for maybe ninety years, maybe less... Very few people make it to ninety, which still proves my point. You only have a limited amount of time on this hunk of rock we call our planet, so why spend it caring about what other people think? Keep being optimistic, stay happy, but also learn when to stop and just cry. Crying is okay. You are not weak for feeling emotions. Your feelings and emotions are always valid. Don’t isolate yourself. Keep in contact with those you trust. Keep your heart open without leaving it unguarded. I hope you get to read this. Love you! Sincerely, Me! (Heh..)