A letter to the girl I once was

What would I tell that 17-year old girl smiling into the camera one high school field day long ago?

1) When you get to college, you will cry every night for a few weeks, and it will feel like forever. Because you miss your family. You are scared. And you are unsure. Just hold on. 2) You will meet a boy and you will want to impress him with cooking. Except you can’t cook, and you will fail miserably. Believe in successful failures. He will become your best friend. 3) The world is a big one. Go see it. Taste their food, learn to dance, and always smile first. 4) You will get lost and find yourself on detours. Accept the kindness of strangers. 5) You will find many things you love to do. Ask yourself what you stand behind. And commit. 6) Never let anyone tell you who you are and what you can do. Figure it out for yourself and embrace possibilities. 7) Have courage and just try.

And one day, you will find yourself sitting under the African sun, holding your hands together much like you did 35 years ago. With gratitude.