Hello you awkward little thing. How's it going? I ask only out of courtesy because obviously I know that it sucks. This is your, almost, 24 year old self. I know that things seem awful right now...I mean come on, you're probably throwing together that stocks project for Mrs. Noreen last minute or faking your way through that horrible science class for Mrs. Rusty. Let's be honest kid, 8th grade really wasn't for you.
Now let me give you some peace of mind...
The braces do eventually come off and trust me they worked wonders. In fact those suckers come off right before you get your license. Perfect timing right? And your teeth turn out great. My only beef is your stupid ass 16 year old self never wears her retainer and eventually loses it...I'll be writing to her later, don't you worry.
Basketball. Here's the thing twerp, work harder at it. Don't continue to blow off practices because this sport becomes so important to you. I know you're not going to listen because you never do but this time you should. Cherish being coached by Rick. The guy knows what he's talking about! You'll end up with inconsistent coaching in high school and some very unfortunate coaching decisions. And heads up you'll lose several teammates once you get into high school. Many of the girls quit and you don't really talk to them again until you graduate. Enjoy being on a team with them. And all the quarreling about point guard is irrelevant...you become an off guard and you like it.
Here's an important one: your friends and classmates. You lose some and you gain some kid. Some of those kids that were so cruel to you become friends and some of your best friends fade away. Here's the thing...that's ok. It has taken me many years to learn this but friendships are constantly in motion, changing. They aren't guaranteed or bonds that last forever. Now I believe that some people come into your life at certain points for certain reasons. Don't stress so hard about all these friendships. You end up with some really good ones.
Finally (and I have to make myself stop because face it, lots of things weren't peachy that year), don't you spend another second feeling bad about yourself or letting people tear you down. I know that some of your classmates make you feel like dirt and you just kind of have that angsty middle school thing going on. Don't you dare shed another tear. You my wonderful, little, misunderstand bundle of awkward end up Homecoming Queen, in the running for Prom Queen, and Voted Easiest to Get Along With. In the game of high school, you win...big time.
So fret no more and keep your pimpled chin up...things get better, just you wait.
Love,
Me
