Dear Lisa

One of the reasons I love my job is because I remember what it was like to be a bright eyed 18-20 year old. I remember sitting in my high school and junior college classes so excited, anxious and scared for the future. As I started another new class today, I began to think about an assignment one of my mentors uses in his classes. He asks his students to write a letter to themselves as a 20 year older version of themselves. What would they be doing? What would their life look at? So, I have decided to write a letter to my 18-20 year old version based on what I have learned and where I am in my life. So here it is..

Dear Lisa,

Wow! The past 20 years have been quite a ride! As I look back, I have no regrets but I do wish I could have come back in a time machine just to give you a few pointers...

First of all, go with your gut with everything you do! You are an amazing judge of character with a good head on your shoulders and both will serve you well to keep you on course. Secondly, yes you will have people who try to bring you down. Try not to let them get to you. Haters are mostly just dealing with their own feelings of insecurities. They do not know you, they do not know what you are capable of accomplishing. Thirdly, you are not fat!! Love that little body you are in! In the future you will have another body that is just as good but so not the one you started with. So, embrace your curves because girl there will be more of them to come! (: Ok, now lets talk about relationships..yes you will have crushes, heartaches, and loves. Enjoy every moment of it, even the hard times, because with every experience you will come closer to the love of your life and the father of your children. Speaking of your hubby, yes there will be hard times. Just stick together and remember you two can and will conquer the world together as best friends, companions and your own biggest fans. Now lets talk about your kids. You will be the mom of two of the intelligent, amazing, headstrong kids so pay attention in your child development classes and keep working in preschools and kindergarten classes because those skills will serve you well both at home and at work. Now on to college, enjoy every minute of it! The people, the experiences, the education! These years make you who you are and the people you meet will make you a better person. On to work, stay up with your technology! I know this may come as a surprise but deep down inside of you is a tech geek just dying to come out! In terms of work, you are going to end up in a place you never imagined but will LOVE. Just go with it, and it will land you in the exact place you are meant to be...oh and by the way buy some stock in Apple and stay away from Worldcom. 

Love you!

Lisa