A letter from March 16th, 2014

Dear FutureMe, I don't know if you'll ever read this again, but right now, on Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 11:44 pm, you are not studying for finals like you should be; or at least, not revising those essays for COMM 10. You are feeling depressed and sad and you don't know whether or not you made the right decision to go to UCSD. I know that times are tough and that you're really emotional right now, but I hope you stick with this and get through it. I know that you're a strong woman Abby. I know that you can do whatever you want. It shouldn't matter what anyone else says, I know that it has a big impact on what you do end up doing, but don't let them decide for you. In 11 years the choices I make tomorrow, or even the next day may or may not impact the rest of my life, but there some things that will stay consistent. Let those be the good things in your life. smile because you can, say hi to people you pass even if you don't know them. Laugh out loud because something is funny, don't hold back because life is meant to be enjoyed. Rewatch the old YouTube videos and laugh at how dumb you are and how impressive your editing skills were, when you were so young. Dance like no one is watching; even if you look like a fool, that's the point. When you get sad again, I hope you rewatch the rain scene in Pride and Prejudice and just love how the feels take over your life. No matter what you're doing right now, I guess 11 years into the future, you don't forget what Albus Dumbledore says, "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." I really hope you're happy 30 year old self. I really hope that you get to travel, see new things, experience love and don't let the stupid things get to you. Jolicoeur said that we wear our hearts on our sleeves, ready to bear and easy to get hurt; don't look at it like something that can keep you from anything, but use it to your advantage. BE HAPPY. That's my only request from your 19 year old you, I beg of you, be happy; happy with your job, where you live, and who you love. Don't forget where you came from and use that to push you to go far. DO GREAT THINGS AND DO IT WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE, YOU STILL GOT A LOT OF LIFE TO LIVE.