Dear Lucy,

For you, it’s Wednesday, August 21, 2019, the first day of your freshman year. For me, it’s Friday, June 2, 2023, and I’m in the final days of high school. There are 1,381 days between the two of us, and I know that, for you, that number seems insurmountable. Frankly, I still struggle to grasp the passage of time—in my head, the seven days between now and graduation will last forever—but with the benefit of hindsight, I feel the need to remind you that it goes by so fast, so try to bask in it. 

But let’s start off with where you are right now. Today, you’re walking through the gates of this place that you think you already know so well from a week of assisting with registration for ASB. You’re getting ready to lead your class at the first rally of the year, but really, you’re just as clueless and uncertain as everyone else. 

And that’s okay. That’s how it’s supposed to be. There’s so much that will change between where you are and where I am, and there’s so much hyper-specific advice that I could give you: boys to stay away from, tests to study a bit more for, things you should or shouldn’t say, but I’m not going to, because we needed to learn those things for ourself. The one piece of advice that I will give you is to be less afraid. 

People are a lot nicer than you think they are, and in most cases, being yourself will show them that it’s okay to be themselves too. Try not to let your preconceived notions get in the way of some amazing friendships. And that fear that you have, that you’re the dumbest person in the room, the imposter syndrome that you will feel in L-104 during your first day of Honors English—that will go away. You are worthy to be in that room, and soon, that room will become your second home. 

Yes, so much has changed: the people who will intimidate you are some of our best friends, our nose is pierced, we’ll end up running cross country—something you vowed never to do—but so much is still the same, and I think you’ll take comfort in that. Mom and Dad still wake me up in the morning, and Lola still runs around on the table stealing my eggs and toast. I still stay up late on school nights “working on ASB stuff” (or watching weird videos) with Lily. I still listen to Taylor Swift, and still have a crush on that kid that we met in middle school.

This letter is just as much for me now as it is for you, because in a few months, I’ll be a freshman all over again, in a new place with an entirely new set of people. If I can channel any amount of your courage, I’ll be happy. 

Remember, you are right where you’re supposed to be.

Love, Lucy

1,381 days older