A Letter to Myself at 17: Summer Before College May 2002

It's graduation season again! Kids are graduating High School preparing for College or the Military. Some are graduating College and are about to step into "The Real World" and maybe get a real job for the first time in life. These times make me reminisce back on those days.Dear Nicole,Life isn't what you think it is going to be. There will be some up and downs, but you'll be alright in the end. That really cute guy you're with, isn't who you think he is. He's going to break you're heart into a million pieces and you will be devastated, for a long time but you will get over it. There's this really great guy that you've known for along time...well I'll let you find out for yourself. He comes in the picture a little later after you graduate from College.Anyways, don't go to College just to get a job and make a lot of money. You will be miserable! Really soak up the knowledge and the experience. Pursue what you want to be, not what you think everyone else wants you to be.Try to tune out all the foolishness and the distractions. Stay focused! Relationships are important, but now is not the time to be in anything serious. Oh yeah, drinking is okay, but just try not to over do it.You are a smart girl! Stay away from stuff you know you shouldn't be getting into. Remember you are Gods child and you're not alone. Your best friends in high school will take two different paths than you and that's OK, but you guys will grow apart, but you will find new friends eventually.This is a good time in life. You'll never be 17 again! Be nice to your roommates and forgive them every once in awhile. Except for the crazy one that will pee on the floor next to your bed when she drunk out of her mind.Sincerely,Yourself