Dear Future Jenna,

I know high school had a rocky finish. I know you were gasping for air at the finish line, but I just want you to know that we did it; regardless of the specifics, we did it. Maybe it was not the most enjoyable of times, I know there were times you absolutely hated it, but you have to remember your worth. I know it’s cliche, and I know you are not one to get pumped up by motivational speeches or fancy instagram quotes. I know you are going to keep pushing yourself to the breaking point time and time again no matter what this letter contains, so I’m not going to try and stop you. What I want you to get out of this is to sit back for a second, and take a breath. I mean it, relax your muscles and take a deep breath. Now, take a quick dive into your head. Swim past the embarrassing or anxious memories and swim all the way to your successes. See what I’m seeing? Right, there’s a lot of them. 

You have to see how much you bring to life. I know you’ll never feel like you’re enough, but you have to cut yourself at least a little slack. You’re going to be a engineer, attending a college you deserve to get into. Yes there were people here that you’d rather not see again; don’t worry about them. They are living their own lives, and so you should live yours. I know you’re insecure; I know you aren’t the most self-confident, but you have to stop living according to everyone else. I know there’s more to it than that, and I know you’re going to continue to overthink everything, but I just ask that you try, at least a little bit, to just enjoy yourself and realize that what you may be lacking isn’t much compared to what you do have. Because I know you are going to be successful. You will get through college and will be happier on the other side. You will stick to your morals and values and will look back at this time, laughing at your insecurities. Because you are powerful and smart and beautiful, and you need to accept this fact if you want to make that smile authentic. So, hang in there, this chapter is coming to an end, don’t ruin the last pages. Next chapter is going to be a great one.

Love, past Jenna