Read Me In 5 Years

Dear future self who is hopefully unbelievably successful in the musical world,

As of right now, you're a pretty cool person. I hope you're satisfied and still following your dreams. You need to follow your dreams. Even when you have your doubts about ever being able to be a musician or ever being good enough, just know you are. You rock at French horn, girl. Just keep practicing. I know, I know. It's not always fun to practice. But if you want to play in orchestras, you better practice your butt off. Also, you get so much better when you practice. Just remember to always put a rag on the floor next to you. You don't want to dump spit on the floor. Especially in your moden apartment in the middle of New York City or London.

I know you're probably reaching the most stressful point in college right now. Just keep pushing through. Book some gigs, chill with friends, practice, eat, practice, shop, practice. I hope you're going to one of the colleges you really want to go to: Indiana University, Northwestern, Rice University, University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, St. Olaf, and, oh yeah, Juilliard. Remember when you were searching for colleges? Yeah, it sucks, doesn't it? Even if you can't go to one of your top colleges because it's too expensive, work hard to keep getting financial aid, try to get your masters, then become a famously rich musician and pay your parents back. Also, when you become rich and famous, buy your parents a Tempurpedic bed. Dad really wants one.

There are some things I've learned in my 16 years that are good to remember not to do again. I know you probably have a bajillion things going on in your life right now, so I'll just give you a little reminder of some tips to survive in life.

• Pretend you're a vegetarian when ordering sushi. Except for crab. You like California rolls but nothing else. Just eat them and cucumber and carrot sushi.
• Stay in contact with your friends after high school and college and stuff. I'm making some really good friends here and it would be nice to keep them later on in life.
• Don't buy wire rimmed glasses again. You look so much better in plastic glasses. And you tend to like glasses more than contacts.
• You like fleece blankets, just don't wear them with fleece pants or else you create static.
• You look really good in bangs, they're just high-maintenance. It might be a good idea to not get them again. And don't die your hair. It looks good brown. And long and curly.
• Wear red lipstick. You love it.
• Eat cheese and crackers more often.
• Always, always buy pants that are long enough. Buy clothes that are unique.
• Sometime when you have the time, have a Friends marathon. 'Cuz that show is hilarious.

If you have any questions, feel free to create a time machine to come back into the past and contact me. I'd love to hear the things you've been through.

Love,
the 16 year old you, pining away for a chance to become musically famous.