Inspired by an article on College Candy, I’ve decided to write some advice to my 16 year-old self because well, it’ll be fun, and I don’t have anything better to do, like pack…
Dear Katelyn,
You may find this letter a little harsh, but consider it tough love. That being said, here is some advice from the older, wiser and cuter version of you.
- Put AAA in your speed dial. You’re gonna need it more than you think. (one day you’ll have a sweet car and name it Alice).
- You will learn how to get to Wal-Mart and many other places. It’s ok, directions just aren’t your thing.
- Dying your hair dark was the best idea you’ve ever had. Go you.
- YOU ARE NOT EMO. So please stop dressing like it (especially the piece of fabric with the safety pins in it, it’s not cool).
- Self-cut bangs are a bad idea.
- You’re still a bit of a chunker. Sorry.
- No worries, you’ll find what you love to do.
- School dances are overrated, as are having dates for them.
- Tan before prom. PLEASE. That whole dark hair with the pasty skin really doesn’t work as well as you think.
- Talk more. You’re too quiet.
- High school will never be what you think it is, but college will be. Just wait.
- It doesn’t matter what the people in high school think of you. You’ll never see them again.
- Kent State is the way to go even if it is your Dad’s idea.
- Listen to your mother – she is almost always right.
- Live, learn, love.
See you in six years.
xoxo,
your future self
10 comments
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07/15/2009 at 10:41 pm
Rebecca
Katelyn, this is such a great post! It made me smile, and it made me think.
Here’s a few things I’d tell my 16-year-old self:
1. High school relationships don’t last forever, so don’t give your heart away too soon. You’re going to change a lot between now and your early twenties, and so is he.
2. Always be true to yourself. In a few years, your high school accomplishments will mean nothing. And no one will believe you were the captain of the cheerleading squad, anyway.
3. Treasure your time with your friends. You’ll miss your moments together when you’re all spread across the country (and the world!), pursuing your dreams. But know that you’ll make some amazing friends in college, too.
4. Don’t be afraid to reach for the stars. Where you come from shouldn’t limit who you’re meant to be.
I’m excited to see what everyone else says!
07/16/2009 at 12:27 am
laurencarll
you are adorable
i miss you!
07/16/2009 at 4:01 pm
Angel
lol how wonderful! I would write a letter to my 16 year-old self but that was just three years ago. XD I think I have a bit more to learn. I was into the emo thing at age 16 so I think I’d’ definitely tell myself to STOP. Wonderful post.
07/16/2009 at 5:11 pm
Elisa
AAA on speed dial… that’s definitely going into my letter as well.
nice post!
07/16/2009 at 8:10 pm
katelyn luysterborg
Thanks everyone! I had so much fun writing this one, and I have a feeling I’ll be writing one to my college self as well. It’s kind of interesting looking back at high school and seeing how far you’ve come.
P.S. Lauren: I miss you too!
07/17/2009 at 3:50 pm
mom
almost????????
07/17/2009 at 3:51 pm
mom
you’re killing me smalls
07/21/2009 at 11:44 am
Rachel
What a great post! I love the idea of thinking about where I was at 16 and what advice I could have used back then!
07/23/2009 at 4:36 pm
Allison
things I would tell myself:
Stop being a blonde – it’s never going to look right.
Quit it with the overly blue contacts. Even without them, people will still accuse you of wearing colored contacts.
Deal with it. You will never have skinny legs.
Don’t pierce your belly button twice and don’t let your friend put a barbell through her ear. Even though you think it’s a good idea in VA beach, it won’t be when the guy doesn’t repierce it through the same hole.
Never stop reading. Library cards are cool.
08/29/2009 at 4:12 pm
Stephanie
Love This!! Kent State was the way to go because you met me! and dont forget to tell your 16 year old self to get a damn GPS!