If I could write a letter to me...

Dear 16-year-old me,

Your quirks, your talents, your uniqueness are beautiful. 

Make God a priority. Talk to Him about everything. Study Him and know Him. Serve Him and tell others about Him.

Those girls beside you are your rock. Don't take them for granted. Don't hurt them. Make a lot of memories with them and cherish every one. You have so much to look forward to with each of them. Always build them up and pray for them. They know your heart and your past...and if I were to tell you that they'll share much of your future and you'll love them even more in eight years, I doubt you would believe me. 

I'm proud of you for making family a priority. For Survivor night - which won't easily fade away. For sitting down for dinner. You have amazing parents...parents most people aren't blessed with. And always let your little brother be your best friend. Never lead him in the wrong direction. Love him and laugh with him.

Spend a lot of time with your grandparents. Especially Papa. Go by and watch his judge shows with him. Eat honey nut cheerios. Stare at the easy smile that finds his lips. And don't rush away from fish fries because of "homework".

Keep writing. Write down everything. Write beautiful, crazy, unbelievable stories. Write your heart.

Dress modestly. Classy.  Always like a lady. Oh yeah, buy a hair straightener - you'll love it.

You are blessed to be a part of your class at Wake Christian. Not many people have what you all have. Enjoy every moment, for it will soon be gone.

If you have the chance while in high school or college to go abroad and visit another country - do it. You'll never have the same opportunities when you have a full-time job.

The Hope Diamond and Statue of Liberty are both smaller than you had imagined. Just be prepared. Oh, and your mom is going to lose her camera in Central Park while trying to help someone - losing all of your running-like-Phoebe photos. Take it from her and hold it for her.

You don't have to please everyone. Don't worry - I'm still wrestling with this one myself.

I'm proud of you for not dating. For putting your friends and yourself over any guy.

Dance with the boy at the Valentine's party next year. Just one dance to make a memory. But don't focus on the boy. Focus on your friends.

Never lower your standards for a guy. It's not worth it. Even though it may be easy to rationalize, there's a reason you are who you are and you set the standards you did.

If you have to force a relationship, it's not the right one. Love should come naturally. It won't be easy, but it should feel right. God has the right guy for you - and it will fall into place beautifully. Just be patient.

Get more involved in student life at Campbell. Don't just go to class and go home :) 

In the summer of 2006 at Campbell, you’ll meet a boy named Derrick Green. It may not seem important at the time, but remember every detail of the first time you meet him.

Don't forget to truly live. Take every chance you have. Laugh a lot. Don't be afraid to cry. Make memories. Make friends. Make it count.