Nov. 5, 2024

Dear future Sophia,

First of all, hi! It feels funny writing to my future self  because I don’t really know how to write a note to my future self, but here it goes.

So, here I am at 13-years-old, in eighth grade. I play the cello and piano, and guess what? I’m a black belt in karate, and have been doing it since second grade at PKSA! I plan on testing in February for E Dan, which is second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. In my free time, I absolutely love  to bake cookies and experiment with recipes. I enjoy reading (currently I’m reading “Majesty” by Katherine McGee), and listening to music (and maybe singing along with it occasionally). I also love spending time with my friends, and capturing moments through photography.

Enough about me; I want to talk about my future self! I have so many dreams for what’s ahead.  First of all, I really hope to join the rowing team at Huron, since Lydea, our older sister,  has said so many great things about it — I’ve also gone to a few of her regattas, which is a boat race. I loved the energy during them! I also went to the Learn to Row camp this summer, and had a blast! Well, except the running part. But before joining, I need to master how to swim first, lol. 

Another goal I have for high school is to make it into at least the Green level for the orchestra at Huron. The levels at Huron are Gold, Green, and Symphony,  and  I think that I’m on the right path so far. There is still so much to learn, but I can’t wait to continue!

I also hope to be involved in yearbook or newspaper because I’ve had the best time helping out with both, while also being with my friends! I love writing articles about the community, and capturing memorable moments throughout the year in these activities. 

When I’m done with high school, I hope that I attend college (I don’t have a specific college in mind just yet) and pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian.

But I hope that you — future me — understand that if I don’t achieve all (or even any) of these goals, it’s okay. Sure, I may feel a little disappointed at first, and shed a waterfall of tears (just kidding ) — after all, we all have high hopes and dreams. However, I trust that I will find another path that is right for me. Life is full of twists and turns, and I believe that everything I experience is a learning opportunity, whether or not it fits my original plans that I have. I hope that I will embrace every moment, be happy, and know that there is always room for opportunities and growth! 

And now, future me, as I wrap up this letter, I hope that you’re still baking cookies, snapping pictures , playing and listening to music (and still singing, of course), maybe even continuing karate, with extra energy for row. 

Remember, if things get tough, just turn on some good music (by my favorite artist, Alex Sampson, of course) and loosen up a bit (right now, I need to work on that)! And if you ever find yourself in a cookie situation— like flour everywhere — you can always sit down and eat the evidence. 

Here’s to you, future me — may you be fabulous, fearless, and occasionally caught trying out a new recipe that goes hilariously wrong. Don’t forget to laugh at yourself  from time to time! 

With love, 

Your 13-year-old self