Oct. 4, 2011
Dear 15 Year Old Alisha,
Hi! Just a little note from me, your 25 year old self. Don't freak out, ok? I know you still haven't seen Back to the Future, so the idea of time travel still seems like something only science nerds like, and your first blog is still two years away, so you have no idea what a blog even is, but don't worry. You'll figure it all out. I'm just visiting from the future to give you some friendly advice.
I just want to tell you a few things to help you make it through the rest of your teens and into your twenties successfully. First of all, I know what you really want in life is to be a "media-tition" (a word you so cleverly made up), but why don't you sit down and actually define what exactly that means before you just run off and apply to the the first college you've literally ever heard of (hint: majoring in "communications" at your parents' alma mater Bible college isn't what you're looking for)! Trust me, this will save you at least two transfers and a few classes. Do the research, baby. Also, are you absolutely sure that you want to make movies? I know you like taking photos and all, but is that really your passion? Yes? Okay-- just asking.
Secondly, in the next few years, you may find yourself obsessed with spending money, and end up working all the time to feed your crazy habit of buying every sale item you see when you walk into a store. Please don't. You really don't need all that stuff, and you'll spend all your time working and miss out on memories with your friends. You'll regret that. Promise. Also, it will lead to some questionable fashion choices and having to figure out if you're going to store or give away junk every time you move (which will happen roughly once a year for at least the next ten years-- get ready).
Thirdly, um, (Mom and Dad, if you happen to find this letter by some unfortunate chance, you can definitely skip this part) don't be so scared to kiss boys. You might like it (okay, full disclosure: you will). You don't have to kiss every boy who wants to kiss you, but a few are fine. Just sayin'.
And lastly, please don't have such high expectations for me. I'll tell you right now that I don't live up to them. But don't worry, even though your teens and twenties won't be what you expect, or necessarily want now, you are going to enjoy your life more as you age. I mean, at least until 25. I can't speak for 26 and on (but I do have a hunch!) Your life won't be perfect; like most of your peers, you'll spend a long time figuring out exactly what you want when you grow up, but that's okay: don't be afraid of it, just enjoy learning. The fact that you don't know everything about yourself is actually fine, and the sooner you learn to enjoy learning about you, instead of telling yourself who I am, the smoother the transition will be. Just take a chill pill. The future is not as scary, or as predictable, as you think it is.
Love,
Future Alisha
twitter: @alishasharayah
facebook: asagemy.facebook.com
email: gmail.com
(i know all of these web addresses mean nothing to you, but i have to prove i'm from the future somehow, right? also, in the future, no one uses capitalization-- i just did in the letter so you wouldn't be alarmed).
ps- this letter is part of a synchroblog you will participate in with some of your friends! find out more about them here.
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