To my 16-year-old self,

You're just about to enter college. I know you're anxious about the huge change that is about to happen. You will be going to a new school in a new city filled with new faces and personalities. It's definitely a huge leap but, there's no need to worry. You will be able to meet a lot of people from different age groups and backgrounds that will not only help you adjust to the new place you are in, but will also guide you in finding yourself and your passion. 

There will also be a lot of ups and downs. You will have to face the stress of being part of a program that has tough competition and tough grade quotas. You will then find yourself struggling between your academic work and social life however, a time will come that will make you realize that you and your friends are experiencing the same thing. That will then make you feel better.

Also, your love and passion for writing will never go away despite your desperate struggle to not mix extra-curricular activity with your academic life. Trust me, it is a good decision. Why? The reasons are quite simple. First, you will be able to write and that is enough but it also comes with value-adding perks. Such perks include being able to meet friends that will turn to be your family. From there, you will be able to find your mentors and teachers that will not only teach you about writing, but will teach you the greatness of life. 

College life will also not be complete without a stir of drama. You will somehow find yourself caught up in between arguments and disagreements. It will definitely not be something to be enjoyed and happy about, but it will teach you that people are different and from that difference, you have to adjust and accept. You have to accept people despite your differences because, in the end, we are all human beings struggling with the vastness of the world. 

But more than all of that, with your time in college, you will realize the importance of correct timing and significant opportunities. This is so because there will come a time when you will feel betrayed and down. This will make you question your personality and passion as a whole. Am I enough? The question will ring inside your ears for days and weeks and months. 

However, from that low moment, you will be able to see that maybe, it just wasn't your time. Maybe God wants you to grow more as a person and as a leader. This will enable you to look back and not feel any resentment and sadness. Instead, you will look back and see the long journey you had been on for quite sometime. It will also make you see the people that greatly influenced you and that will make you thank God. And that will be enough. And that will be awesome. 

There's more to life for the both of us to live. Hold on to your values, hold on to your passion and hold on to your faith. Meet new people. Go to different places. Find yourself and maybe, just maybe, we will be able to meet again.

Love, Pia.