Creative Writing Challenge: Letter to my 18 year old self

Dear Me,

I know this will seem a bit odd, but I'm you from the future with some words of advice. First of all, Happy 18th Birthday! Secondly, Randy is going to show up. Maybe you should wear a better outfit. ;) Enjoy your party at the house tonight. But, after that, it's time to start getting down to business. You're just about done with your G.E.D., good for you. But, I think you need to get the ball rolling on your college applications. The way things stand right now, you're due to go to UWM next fall, but I know what happens and you won't graduate if you stay on the track you're on. Why waste time? I also suggest that you take Spanish while in school. Being bi-lingual will open up the door to more job opportunities. Taking french in high school was fun, but it won't get you too far here. You are intelligent and capable of accomplishing much, you just have to get off your duff and go for those dreams because sitting around and daydreaming won't get you too far at all. I also suggest you change your major. You plan on majoring in Inter-Arts, theater and music. Even today, they are both still passions of ours, but they're not practical for getting ahead in life. I'd still take the theater class, as well as the voice class. The creative writing class is pretty good too, it will keep your mind going. :) But, I would suggest making use of your mathematical talents and major in accounting. You later take aptitude tests and the majority of your talents lie within accounting, bookkeeping, etc. Later in life, becoming an accountant is something you want, so I say go for it now.

You will soon be going to Kentucky to finally meet Sonya. It is going to be a really fun trip! You're going to meet some really cool people, but I will advise you to stay away from Charles. He's a really cute guy and a good kisser, but I think you should wait because your first kiss should be with someone who isn't such a jerk. I'd also hold off on the whole sex thing. I know the guy you're going to lose your virginity to, bad idea! He cheats on you with someone who is supposed to be your friend. (and she has a boyfriend too.) I know they say that everything happens for a reason and one shouldn't change their past because it will change the future, but I think making certain changes will be good for us. ;)

Don't go to the carnival, lots of stealing, backstabbing, & drama await you there. In fact, as much as you love them, don't move in with Frank & Aimee. And, I would certainly not move to Ripon. You end up with a lot of fines, losing the license you get when you're 20, nearly dying in a bad car accident, and so on. Stay in Milwaukee and go to school! Oh go out and have fun, you're 18! Who knows who you will meet! I love you, but you have been known to make some pretty bad decisions. I guess in life, we all do...we all make mistakes till the day we die, but I just want to see us in a better place down the road. I know that by changing many of the events that a lot of what is now wouldn't come to pass, which then makes our future not yet known. But, I actually think that perhaps that wouldn't be such a bad thing. Even by avoiding certain mistakes, you are bound to make others, but I think if you take my advice that things will turn out better than they have.

You could choose to ignore my letter, if you do...that is your choice. I will say that some really good things have happened for us along the way. You have made some really good friends and most importantly, you have a son in 2002. I love him more than life, though there times I wonder if you shouldn't just avoid Jason and hanging out in Appleton too. Doesn't the future you want involve meeting a great guy, falling in love, getting married, and starting a family that way? Remember how you grew up and remember the vow you made to your children, that you'd give them the happiness and security you never had? I don't know how our life would turn out if you change even one thing, should you risk it or shouldn't you? I guess I will leave that up to you. Follow your heart and just live life the best that you possibly can. I think that no matter what you do that life will turn out okay. But, I would say this...be more willing to accept advice and don't take constructive criticism so hard, people are just trying to help you. You are overly sensitive, this hasn't changed even now. Just do remember, you are very loved and the people in your life just want the best for you. Be true to yourself and to others. Think twice before speaking more often...it might just keep you out of trouble. ;)

Look in the mirror and smile. You are a pretty young woman with a lot to offer the world. Believe in yourself, many others certainly do. And whatever you do, give back to others...especially your grandmother who has helped you out so much over the years. She is by far the person who has been there for you the most. Perhaps if you go to school and accomplish those goals of yours, you won't have to lean on her so much and find you're able to give back to her a little more. She's your biggest cheerleader, expect perhaps God and myself. ;) Well, I look forward to seeing what you decide and how things turn out for us. Will we end up right we are now or will things change? Life is full of many uncertainties, but oh what a ride it is! Good luck!!!

Love always,

Me

(or should I say you? :P)