Letter from Dre, Guest Teen Editor

Light

Milena Ramirez, 20

Did you ever realize what light is really like? Did you ever realize how to cross the room without the light? Do you know who is standing next to you without the light? Close your eyes and try. And then look at the sky and see how blue it is. Look at the smile of your brother’s face. Look at the way your dog tilts their head. And be thankful for every moment of light.

To my old self...

Ashley Rosario, 21

I haven’t spoken to you since 2019, Not because I’m afraid to, but because you no longer serve me. I have this habit of letting things that no longer serve me go, and although the love has never changed, it was time for me to let go of you. It was hard for me to break through. As painful as it is to say it, you were always the key to unlock that door. I always thought it’ll be too late once you realized that, but I just want to say thank you, and although you gave me scars on my body, I fell in love with them overtime. Different shapes and different sizes, reminds me of a painting on a canvas.

To my old self, you’re art. & I wish you could see that. The things you are currently crying about right now are the things that made me fall more in love with myself, in other words, with you. But I get it, you’re overwhelmed. Demons attacking you left and right, the voices loud filling my head with fright. I left you behind because I knew you were strong, and although you did some harm on me, I’m proud to say you’ve overcame. Depression was beating you but I wish you could see me now. The happiness and the peace you prayed for, I now get to wake up feeling thankful & grateful. Opening my eyes first thing in the morning feeling blessed to be alive because I’m able to. You’ve almost let those loud voices win. To my old self, I wish you could see who you are now, I know you would be proud. At peace & growing at your own pace, because all of a sudden you’ve finally understood that life & growth itself isn’t a race. You’re stuck right now but you will reshape yourself and rewrite a whole new book later off in life. You will laugh at the times that disturbed your peace. You will feel released. Don’t say you won’t when you read this letter because trust me you will. I’m living in your world, just a few years of difference. Pay attention to the feelings and the teachings. Even though I’m here where I am today you still have growing to do. Something I love most about you is that you’re always reshaping yourself & relearning you. You hate staying in one place, you rather water yourself and grow. Remember to be patient with you when you get to where I am today and please go slow. Nothing in nature blooms all year long, we’ll grow as we go.

To my old self, I’m finally putting this book down on the shelf. I’m no longer looking back, it’s time for me to find another story to write & read with myself.

from me, to me. To my old self.