Dear 16 year old me,
What is it you really write when you do a ‘A letter to my 16 year old self’ This is something I would have advised you on, had I been able to go to the future or even back in time. I can not change the past, but maybe another 16 year old person will be reading or listening to this.
When you are 16, you think you’r exams are the most important thing in the world, and that you need them to do everything that you want in life. You do put yourself under emense pressure, wether thats parents or school. Look, I am not saying they are not important. I am saying don’t worry and do your best. When I was 19, i met a beautiful young man called Damian, and he didn’t get any GCSE’s but has been an incredible business man in Manchester and set up, all on this own a printing business. There are many other stories like Damian too. As for me, I did OK in my GCSEs despite major operations, but they have not got me where I am too. That B in Maths, and Merit in Textiles didn’t land me the Creative Diversity Partner Job! It was everything else around it that did. It is important you think about what you want to do in life, and what makes you happy. Don’t do courses because you think it will statify your parents and make them happy. do what is right for you.
When it comes to guy’s and you think you’r in love – they’ll be many more. For you, you know that boy, you want to ask to dance with at Prom…. do it! whats the worse that can happen… if he is a nice kind soul he will. They might be many points from this age on whereby you will get your heart ripped out by a partner of your choice. What do you do? Well…you move on. Yes, Crazy! you move on… it takes time and It feels raw and painful, you don’t realise you can feel these emotions and pains. Remember to just always treasure the memories that once made your heart flutter, try not to dwell too much on the negative. They will be more! I promise
The main thing is, just be you! be happy! express yourself how you wish to express, providing you are not hurting others. Be kind, be thoughtful, but don’t let others take the piss out of you. You are a good egg, and a credit to all that know you.