A letter from May 18th, 2020

Dear FutureMe, Hi. I'm writing this letter in the midst of a pandemic. I finished my senior year online and I'm done with high school this Friday. The past 3 months have seemed like something out of a movie. At first, it was just in China and everyone was joking around. "oh it won't come here" "we'll all be fine". But now it's everywhere. the whole world is shut down and we have no idea when we will return to life as normal. They are working on a vaccine but it won't be ready at the earliest until next January. That's 8 months from now. I'm supposed to leave for college in 3 months. Grand Canyon University for nursing. Right now I'm just ready to get out of the house. As my 4 years of high school come to an end, I can't help but think back at all the memories I made. All the people I've met. Places I've been. Songs I've sung. In the past 4 years, I have been to hell and back. I've hit rock bottom and attempted my life multiple times. So sitting here now, I can only hope it gets better. That I went to college and found myself. Began to love life and myself. That I'm finally happy. Whatever happens between now and the time this letter is read, I just hope you're happy. If I don't become a nurse, who cares. As long as I'm doing what makes me happy. One thing I've learned in the past 4 years is to be myself. I know it sounds cliche, but I hope that you are being true to yourself. You've done the impossible, you've almost graduated from college. Promise me, your past self, that you will ALWAYS do what is right for you. That you will do what is right even if no one else does. Stand up and fight for those who can't fight for themselves. Be the person you needed when you were me. Be the change you want to see in the world. I hope you are doing well. And remember, there are many people out there who love you. Sincerely, 18 year old you.