Dear Younger Self

Dear Younger Self, 

 You've faced many challenges that's for sure. You've been looked down upon because of your Hispanic background and dark skin. Been turned away for being different and not fitting in easily. But you didn't let those negative aspects of your life beat you down. You took those awful words people said to you and proved to those people that you're worth something and that you're proud of your Hispanic background. You weren't afraid to be different and you weren't afraid of people's judgments because they made you stronger. They made you work harder to prove them wrong and prove to yourself that you should be viewed with love and respect.  

You'll always be different or even odd to some people. It's more fun to be different and out of the ordinary. You experience different things than others and that's okay. Whether it's the food you eat or the clothes you wear on your back, you are different. No one can change how you are, and you shouldn't let anyone try to change you. You're beautiful in your own unique, wacky, wonderful way.  

When you look in the mirror don't see that facial scar or that little bit of pudge pooled around your midsection...see your bright eyes and how they shimmer with joy and hope or your smile and how it brightens up anyone's day. Maybe not even pay attention to the physical features, but the features you hold within yourself. Like your passion to help a friend get through a rough patch in their life even though your situation may be worse or how you show determination and hard work through your grades at school.  Anything positive about yourself you find, focus on that and find ways to improve them so that they outshine the negatives.  

All in all, you're one amazing kid and I can't wait to see where life takes us in the future. 

With Love, 

Your Present Self 

(Evelyn V.P. )