Dear 13 Year Old Marissa,

First off I would like to say, you are so brave. I have seen the pictures and I have the (cringe worthy) memories, but every time I see you in Grandma Hila’s kimono I can’t help but crack a smile. Even though deep down you care so much about that other people think of you and your appearance, you give off the impression “I like to take risks.” Also, I’m proud of you for telling your friends that you didn’t want to get the dirt on that bully and didn’t participate in that chain email of bashing other people. I’m proud that you stuck to your morals and upheld your values even though you had the chance to be humiliated.

Most importantly, I want to tell you that you need to have more faith in yourself. It honestly doesn’t matter what anyone in Ubly Community Schools thinks of you. One day you’re going to graduate in the top ten of your class, win a shit ton of awards, and start a blog that will inspire people you never knew would give you the time of day. You have SO MUCH potential, kindness, and honesty running through your veins and when you move out of that little town there are going to be people who appreciate everything you’re about. Trust me on this one, you have so many amazing qualities and you’re going to help so many people.

Boys. I’m almost 21 right now and I still haven’t cracked their code. Sorry girl, but it’s still all confusing. However, you’re going to learn from them, grow from them, and make some really great relationships. You’re going to have your first kiss and fall in love! It’s a breathtaking experience if I’m being honest with you, but I’ll warn you to never lose sight of yourself. Don’t let them tell you that you can’t dream big, join/stay in a club, move away from home, or cut your hair. Trust your gut instinct, it’s never wrong and when it tells you to leave, Marissa GET THE HECK OUT OF DODGE. You WILL cut your hair, move away from your tiny town, dream bigger every single day, and be an amazing leader in that club. If they really love you, they won’t hold you back.

Take a chance. If you think that boy you met on that one random day is cute, please slide into his DMs (you don’t know what those are right now, but you will soon). Chances are he thinks you’re cute too and wants to get to know you. The worst thing that can happen is that he says no. If you never take a chance, you’ll always wonder what if.

Friends. Sooner than you think some of the people you hold so close will become jealous of your abilities. It sounds narcissistic, but it’s true. It’s going to be an all out war, but you’ll come out on top. You’ll come out stronger than ever. You’ll be left with the greatest of friends (aka Kady and Sydney are amazing people, never let them go) and you’re going to meet so many more it’s insane!

All in all I’m trying to tell you to be the good and honest person you are. Yes, you’re going to grow and change, but never lose sight of your big dreams and big heart. Marissa, you’re an amazing person and looking back I don’t have any regrets because God will only give you what you can handle. Just enjoy the ride and focus on the good in the world.

xoxo,

Marissa