Letters to Our Younger Selves: Girl Power
Our newest offering, Thirteen: A First Look at Gen Alpha, uncovers what today’s 13-year-olds (who are the oldest of Generation Alpha) think, feel, and believe about their identities, religion and spirituality, media and technology, US politics, and COVID-19. In conjunction with this release, we invited members of the Springtide Ambassadors Program (SAP) to write letters to their 13-year-old selves, sharing wisdom they’ve gained in the years since. Below, Lupita, 17, and Connie, 23, tell their younger selves where their focus should lie as they move forward. Read more about Thirteen and download the report for free here.
You may think you are the strongest, fiercest, and most powerful little girl there is, and you’d be right. Your resilience is a force to be reckoned with, and your strength is unmatched. You have a light that shines brighter than the sun on the hottest day. Others may try to dim you, but remember, if your light is too bright for them, then they can put on some sunglasses.
You have an unstoppable spirit that scares the demons that many possess, and you bring positivity into the world with such a grace that evil has no other choice than to turn back. It doesn’t matter how young you may be, it is your passion that drives your potential and power that most adults still struggle to comprehend.
When others try to tell you that you are being unladylike for being too loud and speaking your voice, you tell them that their insecurity and immaturity led them to be intimidated by a child. When people (especially boys and men) tell you to be quiet, you speak louder so the world can hear what you have to say. When you get called “the weird kid,” don’t take it personally because their understanding of “weird” stems from their inability to understand that some girls choose not to fit in. And remember, it’s always the bullied kids who have the biggest glow-up, so do not think this is the end of your story.
When you are told that you dream too big, tell them that they should dream bigger. When you are told that what you are trying to achieve is impossible, tell them that their perspective reflects their own insecurity about not being able to succeed. Whenever you get insulted, do not take it personally. Hold up the mirror to those people and show them that every insult reflects their self-perception.
Most of all, little Lupita, remember that I am always here cheering you on when those times get tough, and you think you are alone. You are your own biggest cheerleader. People come and go, but the one person who will never leave your side is yourself. So, hype yourself up, walk confidently, smile, be kind to yourself, and most of all, be positive and let the negativity flow past you.
Lupita, 17
Springtide Ambassador
Lupita, 17
Springtide Ambassador
When I think of advice to give to my younger self, it comes with a sense of bittersweet feeling. At 23, there are a few realizations I’ve gathered from books and personal experiences that help sharpen my focus at this game of life. I’ve learned a lot about myself and every part of me that makes me whole. After all, I only have this one body and one mind for the rest of my life; I need to make it my best friend.
I would tell myself that everything gets better with time. Most of the time, things turn out better than I expected. I don’t know what’s best for myself, I just know my desires — and these desires may or may not be the best choices for me. I need to trust myself and know that things may not work out the way I wanted and that is okay. I would tell myself that all the best things in my life have happened in unexpected ways; good things happen when you least expect it! Be patient and things will work out—maybe later down the line but [they] will!
I would tell myself to not wait until life isn’t hard anymore before I decide to be happy. Don’t wait till the once-a-year dinner party to wear your favorite dress. Don’t wait until you move to your new city before you decide to open up and explore hobbies. Things will always be hard, and there will be stumbles and curveballs along the way. Embrace the current challenges and still be happy anyway.
Having a good attitude goes a long way because you never know who you will meet, and your energy is magnetic. Smile more and the world will smile back at you. Care for yourself as you would for a dear friend—if you did that, you wouldn’t be so harsh on yourself. I am accountable for myself, but it is okay to ask for help. Stay in contact with those dear and close to you. Time does this magical thing of drawing a distance when you lose contact, so write a postcard, an email, schedule a call. You will find your tribe and when you do, keep them close. There will be loads of “scary” changes you will have to face and decisions you will have to make. But if it is something you really want, be scared and do it anyway. The world rewards those who initiate.
Connie, 23
Springtide Ambassador
Connie, 23
Springtide Ambassador
