Write a letter to sixteen-year-old you. Any advice or funny stories?
Dear 16-year-old Aubrey,
You are lucky 27-year-old Aubrey lives overseas and doesn't have access to our yearbooks right now and that our Myspace account was shut down about three years ago. Actually, 27-year-old Aubrey is pretty grateful on both accounts, so we'll just count that as an all around win.
Three things stick out to me when I think back to being 16. First, your sophomore year of high school ends up being huge- treasure it as best as you are able. Second, when dad insists on taking you to the movie for your birthday, don't grumble and just enjoy that time with him. Dad has good taste in movies and time with him is always precious. Third, learn to enjoy the ride that is your life.
Your choice to leave the private Christian school and transfer to the small public school outside of town will end up being in the top five, if not three, most influential decisions you will make in your life. It will give you opportunities as a high school student that you never thought to be possible and it will give you opportunities as a young professional that you never dreamed either. You will meet some of the best people of your life as well as some of the most challenging. Basically, you will learn what it means to be part of a community and you will find your identity in more ways than one.
Don't put up such a stink when dad wants to go out for your birthday. He just wants to celebrate you and your day. You will eventually realize that going to movies is kinda your "thing" and dad tends to choose good movies. Remember The Sum of All Fears? You may not actually remember much of Miracle but you will remember that is the movie dad chose and that he chose it for more than just the popularity. Enjoy those hours with dad because one day you'll be sitting across the ocean, wishing that you could meet dad for a movie again.
Finally, you have no idea the directions your life will actually end up taking. If you think switching high schools was crazy, don't even try to imagine what else life will hand you. Your life will definitely be beautiful, even if you don't see that at the time (and still struggle sometimes at 27). At the end of your sophomore year, you will be so over high school and living at home, but you still have two more years. They won't be easy years but you will survive. In some ways, you will even thrive. Don't be so scared to get your drivers license and enjoy the days with the Ford Tempo because you'll end up missing it soon enough. Let yourself love basketball, but also be aware that it will become your idol. Continue to work hard be aware that you will eventually find your identity outside of sports and school. You're only sixteen, my dear. In many ways, this will be your last year of innocent adolescence, but enjoy it nonetheless. Except for World History. That never really gets any better. It will always be pretty horrible, but, like everything else, it too shall end. As always, you will be broken but you will end up stronger as a result.
See you on the other side,
Your 27-Year-Old-Self
I am technically 17 here, but this picture is very important to you.
PS- If you'd like reference, here's a letter to our 18 year old self as well!
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