D'Angelo_LetterToMyYoungerSelf

A student named Leah D'Angelo shares a letter to her younger self in a podcast. She talks about the challenges she faced when she decided to move to a new school and offers advice and encouragement to her past self. She mentions that change can be difficult but also brings new opportunities and the chance to meet amazing people. Leah assures her younger self that everything will be okay and that she will find her place in her new environment. She also mentions the importance of cherishing relationships and not letting fear hold her back from seeking new experiences. Leah talks about joining a journalism program called Odyssey, which has been both stressful and rewarding. She emphasizes the importance of embracing change and reminds her younger self to continue reading books. Overall, Leah's message to her younger self is that despite the challenges, she will be okay and find her place in the world. Hi, my name is Leah D'Angelo, I'm a freshman in Journalism 1 student with the Odyssey Media Group at Clark Central High School, and this is a letter to my younger self. In this podcast, students share a letter they'd like to give their past selves, full of advice, warnings, encouragement, and insight into what their future holds. This is my letter to my younger self. Dear 13-year-old Leah, Hey, to your 15-year-old self, the present seems much older to you, but a lot has changed in the last few years. It's been a little rough, really rough actually, but you've gone through it. You're so much stronger now. You've just made a decision, a pretty big one I might add. You've just told your parents that you'll move to Clark County instead of staying in Jackson County for 8th grade. A small part of you is excited, but I know you can't think past the anxiety. Worry about all the things that are going to change by uprooting everything you currently know. So before I say anything else, let me tell you what you need to hear most right now, what you'll continue to try to convince yourself of over the next couple of years. It's going to be okay. You probably don't believe me, you may not for a while, but that's okay. You'll start to see it eventually as you become used to your new environment. Things are going to change, but you already know that, it's exactly what you're scared of. But also know that while change can hurt, it can also lead to new opportunities. You'll meet amazing people, some of whom will become the greatest friends you could ask for. Believe it or not, you meet them in your classes, so don't be afraid to start a conversation. You don't know what could lead to. There will be moments where you start to regret your decision, where you second guess yourself. But trust me, you're leaving a place that will only catch you from growing into the person you need to be. I know the anxiety is crippling right now. You're unsure, but you can't take back what you said you'd do. You don't want to have to start at a new school again. You're introvert and the idea of new people freaks you out. That fear gets better too, by the way. But believe me when I say this change is inevitable. Don't get caught up in the what if, because this isn't going to get you anywhere. You're currently in a pot with dried out soil, no rain in sight. It's hard from your desperate imagination for the possibility of it. But this new pot is filled with water, with life, and you fit so much better here. I don't want to take away all of your fears. I really do, but I can't. The French are scared of losing with this move. The two of you hold on as long as you can. I promise. But you lost all communication one day and you still haven't gotten it back just yet. This is going to be the thing that makes you regret leaving the most, but this is going to happen anyway. It's just a matter of time. So cherish every moment you get with her. It's one of the things you want to because there are so many things you never said. You'll be in the dark for a while, no hints of sunlight shining through, but it'll get better. That's all I can tell you. She's okay. You're okay. Don't believe me? Yeah, I wouldn't either, but I need you to. Allow yourself to mourn the loss of this person. The French you've trusted more and more over the past four years. The French has given you a space to be yourself. You haven't really found that anywhere else. But don't let it hold you back from seeking new opportunities, new friends, new experiences. Don't close the doors completely because I can tell you that they've opened some amazing places you'll finally feel comfortable in. You really will find that place. You joined Odyssey, that journalism program your mom kept talking about just like you said you would. In almost a year, it's been one of the most stressful experiences of your life, but also one of the most rewarding. You found a community where you're accepted, where you're not the only nerd who likes to read and write. You're still an introvert, and I don't think that's ever going to change, but you're not the odd one out anymore. You actually talk at school now. There are people in your classes who you're comfortable with turning to for help when you're stuck on something. You can set a table with others and contribute to a conversation without disappearing into a book, even though you still do that sometimes. But, hey, nobody's perfect. So embrace this new pot. Don't fight it. It's not perfect. The edges are chipped and the paint is peeling. But your roots are free to spread here. You're going to be okay. I promise. Love you, 15-year-old Leah. PS, read as many books as you can. Soon you won't have the time.