Right now, you are starting high school at Pioneer High School for the Performing Arts. You're sooooo scared. You keep thinking about that one day when you auditioned for an acting class placement with that overdone Dorothy monologue from The Wizard of Oz. (There's no place like home, folks.) The teacher told you something comforting. She told you that on the first day of school, people would show you where you were supposed to go, and everything would be great. I still don't know why, but just hearing her say that keeps you looking forward with hope. It is a definite leap to choose to attend Pioneer. But girl, I can tell you that you will have zero regrets.

At Pioneer, you are going to learn so much. Not just in the classroom, but from your peers as well. Your whole world is going to explode...like, I'm not kidding. You're going to be introduced to many new things, and meet many different types of people, but you're going to stay true to yourself. That's absolutely critical. It will help you, I think, when you go to Lehi High School.

You'll be challenged. For example, you're gonna hate ballet at first. It's really difficult, but you can do it! Whatever other challenges come your way--and there will be a few--keep your head up and continue to work hard. Let me repeat. Work hard. It will be so worth it.

Even though you're gonna fight a lot with your mom, she knows what's up when she tells you to do your dang homework. She just KNOWS. So do your dang homework.

You are going to be scared of human interaction. Like. It's going to be scary for you to talk to boys. It's legit still hard for me now sometimes. And just talking to new people in general. That's one of the many things you're going to have to come to terms with about yourself. But try something that scares you. See what happens.

Oh. And just so you know, your hair is going to drive you crazy. You have these bangs that are too long to be bangs, and they're so awkward! Once you cut your hair, though, it will all even out. Plus, your braces will be off before you know it.






Cling tightly to your true friends. They will be with you for a long time. In fact, they never leave, no matter where they go on the map.

You're not going to be a perfect sister or daughter. Not even close. But remember that your siblings still love you. When you move out, they'll text you about how they miss you from your mom's phone. Try to follow Mom's example of being honest and having integrity. Appreciate Dad's example of being genuinely the goodest person you know. In time, you'll more fully come to see how important they are in your life.

Lastly, keep smiling at people. I still think it makes a difference.