Dear 15 year-old Tonia Jordan,

I know this sounds strange, but I know somewhere in your silly sci-fi mind, youre going to believe me: Im you in 10 years. Thats right - Im writing this at the age of 25, and I have some advice for you.

First off, I want you to realize that High School is nothing. Once you graduate, youll never see those people again. That group of kids who pick on you everyday because they think youre trying to be like them: dont even worry about them! In a few years, youll take their leader to court for sexual harassment, and youll win. There will be new administrators at school who actually believe you when you tell them about the things youve endured by those other kids.

Secondly, dont fight with your sister so much. I know you get frustrated with her, but its only because youre so close to one another. In the next few years, youre going to be separated from her, and youll miss her like crazy. Enjoy the time youve got with her now.

Third, dont blame your parents so much. Theyre really trying. In a few years, youll realize that, yes, they did make some mistakes, but theyre only human. They love you and care about you, and thats the most important thing. In about 10 years, your Mom will go through a kidney transplant, and your Dad will change quite a bit.

Youll have ups and downs, as is normal with anyone living in this crazy world. Youll meet some great people, and some not-so great ones. There will be some death, but lots of life. Youll have additions to your family, and some beautiful nieces and nephews.

One very exciting thing: Youre going to go to college! The first in your family to go, and youll be quite proud of that. Youll even start a trend in your family - your sister will go to college one year after you do, and some of your cousins will go, as well.

Youll go through some bad jobs, but youll also have some fun times and meet some great new friends. Youll finally be able to feel accepted among people. You wont feel so alone anymore. Youre going to move to the city, too! Youll live in a tiny apartment next to an art school, and youll have so much fun there.

Youll also meet the guy of your dreams (hint, hint, you know him already!), and youll get married. I know - the girl who swore shed never get married! Youll be extremely happily married, and youll laugh and smile everyday.

So, look on the bright side! You have so much to look forward to. Just hang in there until high school is over.

Love, as always,

Tonia