Dear 15-year old Joanna,

You’ve just joined high school and it is both scary and exciting. You’ve been in the same primary school all your life so you’ve always been around the same people. All these new faces can be a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry, you’ll soon come to settle down and make new wonderful friends! 

The next few years will not be without some struggles…like finding yourself wanting to fit in a lot. This might lead you to feel like you have to hide certain things about your life (like the fact that you come from a big family of 8 kids!), or water down your personality cause that will make people like you more. But let me tell you, sis, that’s not your thing. You stay true to who you are and it is the reason your dreams will come true later in life, trust me!

Halafu, I want you to CHILL OUT, babe! You are only 15 and you are here being so ready to be an adult…sijui driving your own car, living in your own house, doing whatever you want…lol. I get it but imagine those things are right around the corner? For now, enjoy being 15 and bila stress. Live in the present moment and enjoy this season of your life, girl! 

Another thing; I know that unlike quite a number of your classmates, you have no clue what you want to do with your life. Listen, babe, it’s okay if you aren’t sure what career path you’d like to take. At 15, what you should be doing is trying to discover your passions, cultivating your talents, and doing as many extra-curricular activities as you can manage. Stay open. You’ll figure it out soon enough.

Fun fact! You are currently making some friends who will be with you for life, so don’t be too keen to fit in with the ‘it’ crowd. Keep finding people you relate with, people who get you, people who love you just as you are. These friends will be there for you when you’re doing well and when you’re not. They will be there to help you move into your first apartment and will be standing by your side on your wedding day. Keep them close ‘cause out here in the world-after-school, what matters is that you stay true to yourself and surround yourself with people who do the same.

Thank you for being the curious and creative girl who laid the foundation for this crazy but wonderful life I am currently living. There is only one you, so keep being yourself cause that is your “super-power”. 

I love you, babe.

Joanna <3