Advice to my younger self...

I see you. Head down, tryna act like no one can see you. Pretending like you got it all figured out when deep down, you’re just holding on by a string. You think you gotta be the smartest, the prettiest, the flyest.

But lemme tell you something - none of that pressure you’re carrying is yours to hold forever. You aren’t supposed to have it all sorted at 15. Or 18. Or even 25. Life on the block don’t come with blueprints. We build ours with scraped knees and messed-up choices. And that’s okay.

So here’s some real talk from the future - not to shame who you were, but to remind you how far you’ve come… and how much more you got waiting.

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“Chill, You Ain’t Gotta Have It All Figured Out Yet.”

Stop stressin’ like life’s some pop quiz. You got time to mess up, get it wrong, try again. Ain’t nobody perfect out the gate.

 Advice: People connect to your realness, not your highlight reel. Let them see the mess. That’s your superpower.

Embracing failure as part of the journey.

When I was younger, I often feared making mistakes. I thought that failing at something meant I wasn’t good enough. But looking back, I realize that every setback taught me valuable lessons that helped me grow. Those moments when I stumbled were like stepping stones to bigger and better. I would remind my younger self that it’s okay to mess up sometimes; what truly matters is how you learn from those mistakes and get back up. So, I’d tell my younger self to take risks, try new things, and not be afraid to fail. After all, each experience, good or bad, shapes who we are and brings us closer to our dreams.

“You Don’t Need to Be Like Them to Be Worth Something.”

Let 'em call you weird. You got flavor they can’t pronounce. Seriously, half them bitches peak before dial-up even hits their house.

Advice: Be unapologetically you. The right people won’t just get you—they’ll turn up the volume.

Believing in your own worth.

When I was younger, I often compared myself to others and felt like I didn’t measure up. I’d tell my younger self that everyone has their own unique qualities and strengths. Instead of worrying about fitting in or seeking approval, I would encourage my younger self to focus on self-acceptance. Celebrating my individuality is what makes me special. I’d remind myself that it’s okay to be different and that my unique journey is what makes life interesting. Confidence comes from within, and believing in myself is the first step to achieving my goals. So, I’d give a warm reminder to my younger self: be kind to yourself, appreciate who you are, and never let anyone dim your light.

“Not Everyone Who Smiles at You is Your Friend”

Real friends? They’re the ones who check on you when you’re down, call you out when you’re wrong, and still ride with you anyway.

Advice: So when you find someone who respects you, supports you, and keeps it honest, don’t take that shit for granted. Show love back, stay loyal, and grow with them.

Cherishing true friendships.

During those early years, I sometimes took friends for granted or let small disputes affect our bonds. I’d tell my younger self that friends are some of the most valuable treasures in life. They support you during hard times and celebrate with you in your successes. I’d stress the importance of communication, honesty, and forgiveness in maintaining those relationships. Life can get busy, and it’s easy to drift apart, but investing time in friendships is worth it. I’d encourage my younger self to create memories, enjoy the little moments, and always let friends know how much they mean to you. After all, the laughter, shared experiences, and connections we build with others make life richer and more fulfilling.

“You Are Not Your Report Card, Nerd.”

Your GPA don’t define you. SAT neither. You don’t know everything, and you never will. So stop thinking about NHS and start learning to live.

Advice: Calmate. Hustle smart, not suicidal. Let it out — but don’t drown in it. Pa’lante siempre...and put down the slice and go play some handball!

Taking care of your health, both physically and mentally.

When I was younger, I often neglected my well-being, thinking I could push through anything. I would tell my younger self that health is a priority and should never be overlooked. It’s important to find a balance between school, work, and leisure. Eating well, staying active, and getting enough rest play a huge role in feeling good. I would also emphasize the significance of mental health. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Talking about feelings and taking breaks when needed are essential in maintaining a healthy state of mind.

"Your voice, your style, your ideas—they belong. And the world needs them, so just start."

What you feel passionate about—that thing that lights you up—it's yours. And it matters.

Don’t let fear or what other people think rob you of that.

Advice: You’ve got something special, and if you don’t chase it, you’ll never know how far it could’ve taken you.

Following your passions without hesitation.

As a kid, I had so many dreams and interests but often put them aside because I was scared of judgment or failure. I wish I could tell my younger self that it’s never too early to pursue what makes you happy. Whether it’s art, music, writing, or any other hobby, those passions are a vital part of who you are. They not only bring joy but also help shape your future. I would remind my younger self that pursuing interests isn’t selfish; it’s essential for personal growth and happiness. I’d tell them to explore, be curious, and dive headfirst into what excites them. After all, life is short, and following your passions can lead to incredible opportunities and fulfillment.

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Look, I don't have all the answers. I still have work to do. Days where I forget my worth. Still mess up. Still overthink. Still catch myself tryna be someone I'm not. But now I catch it quicker. I speak kinder to myself. I walk a little slower - not 'cause I’m tired, because I’m aware.

Being from where we're from doesn’t mean you gotta carry pain like it’s part of your birthright. We’re healing now. Breaking cycles. Teaching the next ones how to rise up with compassion and pride.

Life isn't perfect. Adulting is hard. And real growth is simply about choosing better, one time at a time. So when you’re out there, feelin’ like you don’t measure up or you’re moving too slow - breathe. You aren't late. You aren't behind. You're just simmering slow, like mami's arroz con gandules - it hits better when it takes time. Just be real.

'Cause real? Real’s forever.

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