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If only we knew that we were going to be okay; that we were going to make it, wouldn’t it have been nice.

Tina Baldwin

Dear 8^th grade Tina,

Hey girl, don’t worry you’ll do okay in high school. Its not going to be easy but nothing worth doing ever is, as you’re often told. Learn who loves you because there is people out there who do, and you’re not alone. Stick to your values, and don’t trust everyone around you. Learn to take care of yourself and what you believe in because at the end of the day people are not always who you think they are. Also, don’t worry about what people think about you, just because you’re not popular doesn’t mean that you don’t have friends or valuable relationships with the people around you who truly care about your well being. Stop being scared, and just do what you want to do; try out for the sports teams and try what you want to try. You’re just as pretty as the other girls out there, realize that, own it and love it and don’t let your fear of being made fun of prevent you from participating. Own the freckles and red hair, make it apart of who you are, don’t hide it and for the love DO NOT dye it blond ever again. Stay smart; you’re street smart, you read people well, you know who people are and you know how to handle situations so use that. There’s going to be things that are hard and things that will cut you down and try to ruin you, make these situations work for you and turn them into drive to accomplish what you want to do. You have the ability to do what you want, stay strong and don’t let anyone break you down. Let yourself be happy. Just because others around you are struggling doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your happiness. Don’t worry about all the “cute” boys, and all the preppy girls, and don’t let them be your happiness. Once again, don’t let your happiness be reliant on the other people in your life, let your happiness be about you.  You can handle anything that gets thrown your way, you make it through and you’ll be happy, owning your life and killing it in the real world. You’ve never been a fake person and you’ve always been blunt an witty, that’s who you are, love your honesty and don’t apologize for it; however, be careful you don’t step on toes and make sure you only burn the bridges that definitely need to be burnt. Don’t forget all the things that make you feel alive—music, dancing, singing, staring at the sky—make time for these things and appreciate the beauty in the world that exists. Love yourself forever for who you were, who you are, and all you will become.

Sincerely, Tina