Dear Charlie,

As a freshman, I read your letters and assumed, naively, that I would have solutions to most, if not all, of your problems. I wish I could tell you why you’re happy and sad at the same time and how to subtract the sadness. I wish I could tell you why people hurt good people, especially those who are defenseless. The unsatisfying truth is, it just happens. In spite of this, I still have knowledge to share with you as to how to make it through your next three years of high school.

First off, you don’t have to be involved in everything. If it doesn’t interest you, you don’t have to do it. On the flipside, trying new things will open up so many opportunities to you, so I definitely encourage exploring as well. Don’t run away just because a task, job, or activity seems intimidating. You are stronger than you think.

Remember that not every relationship will last forever. It is most likely that you and Sam will both move on from your relationship and simply remain friends. That’s okay. Don’t tie yourself to an idea of forever at such a young age (because in my experience, a lot of high school kids are determined to have forever with their current significant other). Don’t let anyone hold you back; move forward, explore, and figure out who you are. It’s important that you don’t put off that last bit, as it will most certainly take your whole life. Refuse to remain stagnant.

The people who bully you, look down on you, and hurt you will most likely become shockingly different people. Forgive them, even if they never ask you to. This next part is difficult, and you’ll have to use your judgment, but practice knowing when to show them kindness and when to tell them off. From personal experience, I can tell you that compassion at the right time can make all the difference. I can also tell you from experience that when someone intentionally hurts you and is not remorseful that you do not owe them anything.

Almost done, I promise.

There is a painfully large amount of people in this world who care only about saving themselves, lining their pockets, and being popular. They will lie, cheat, pass unfair judgments, and even make those with the purest, most noble intentions feel like trash. Sometimes you’ll be the person who feels like trash. These people just want to be at the top, and unfortunately they do a good job of getting there. More unfortunately, they might be your boss. My only advice is this: don’t let them ruin your ambition. Don’t let them keep you from helping others. In a nutshell, don’t lose your enthusiasm for your goals or the morals you hold in high esteem. Do little things to affect change and you, too, can rise to the top. When you do, be what they should have been in that position, and never forget how it felt at the bottom.

Finally, your kindness is your greatest gift. Never stop making a conscious effort to not judge. When you hear things, private things, on accident or otherwise, continue to keep those secrets for those people, unless keeping those secrets will cause someone to hurt themselves or others. Those people may never know that you honored their privacy or prevented some danger, but you’ll be a better person for it.

I will close by promising you two things. I will believe things are good with you, and even when they’re not, they will be soon enough. I also promise to never forget what it was like to be sixteen when I turned seventeen, and I’ll always cherish the old photographs as I move on to make new memories.

Love always,

Your Dear Friend