A letter from Jun 1st, 2021

Dear A, Gosh, I can't believe you're a senior about to graduate. It seems that life has been going by so fast these past few years with the pandemic and all. Writing this as a junior I can't help but wonder where my future will lead. In the modern world I feel as though people view my hopes of becoming a mother cliche, or naive. Choosing a major is hard future A! I know that as you dream of becoming a mother it feels harder and harder to be decisive on a career. Especially when all the careers you dream of don't seem as esteemed as those of your older sibling. I hope that you've decided on a major by now and been accepted into BYU! Right now I've been really thinking about the Sociocultural Anthropology or Archaeology Anthropology majors. What I love about them is that they can really lead to so many different careers, and my Master's could always be different. I've always had a passion for learning, and the continual growth and understanding of the world around me is what I want to always continue. I could see myself as an archaeologist, working in an applied anthropology job, or a dream would be a museum curator! In the words of Anne Shirley, "you are never too old to dream, and dreams never grow old." A, don't get stuck on that guy. Yes, you know the one. You will go on to live a very different life than his, and though you may see that future route to a life with him perfect, you know that it isn't a fit for you. Think of how many people you will be able to meet at college, new friends, experiences, and people who have career aspirations just like you. Don't fret, the future is hard to see or understand sometimes. In the words of Valancy Stirling, "Isn't it better to have your heart broken than to have it wither up? Before it could be broken it must have felt something splendid. That would be worth the pain.” A, remember to love yourself first. Don't self-deprecate yourself because it is easy, putting in the effort to love your personality and body is worth it because you are worth it. A, you are so smart, and you can succeed if you put in the effort and will that you know you have. And don't be afraid to make new friends at college, just don't forsake your current ones for new ones. Remember who you are and where you came from, you are wonderful. Lots of love, AP