Greetings

Dear 15-year-old Ashley,

Don't ask how or why this letter has arrived.  It really doesn't matter.  Here in a few years, a new TV series will debut called LOST.  After falling in love with this show, you'll begin to think anything is possible as far as time travel is concerned.

So, you've been in high school for about a year and I know you hate it.  Chin up, though.  A piece of advice-- you may not want to skip school so much.  College scholarships will really come in handy in the future.  Believe me.  Go to class.  Study every once in a while.

With the help of a few ignorant high school boys (and their parents), you'll go through high school thinking you're too big or not pretty enough to find love and you'll settle in relationships because of that notion.  Let me stop that thought right in it's tracks.  You ARE pretty.  You shouldn't put up with anyone who says otherwise.  I would say don't even bother with high school "love," but you'll learn some valuable lessons and figure out exactly what you want in a man.  I will say this: don't get so torn up over ended relationships.  It's for the best.  In more than one way.

Don't be that shy and timid girl who sits in class and doesn't talk to anyone.  You will probably miss out on getting to know some pretty awesome kids.  Come out of that shell and realize you're capable of so much more.  Oh, and there's more to your wardrobe than jeans, converse, and t-shirts.  You know that, right?

You might want to take a few art classes to see if you still have a passion for it.  Oh, and maybe take a few general education classes at Fo' Tech the summer before you go to college.  I'm tellin' ya... it'll save some major bucks.

When you get to college, it will be life-changing.  I won't go into all of the details.  You'll see.  :)  However, I will say this again-- go to class and study.  I'm for real.  It will make life a lot less stressful.

You're going to meet a whoooole lot of people in the next several years.  Some of those people will become your best friends.  You'll laugh with them and cry with them... and grow together as Christian brothers and sisters.  Don't take time with them for granted.  I know you're not a huge fan of the phone, but try harder to keep up with old friends.

Go to more campus-wide devos.  Never miss a Clayton Chapel Singing.  Read your Bible more.  Sing louder.  Pray more.  ...and chapel 5 days a week really isn't that bad.

I could go on and tell you all the secrets of life... ha!  But I'll let you figure out some things on your own.

With Love,
23-year-old Ashley