Letter to my Future Self

Dear Future Self, 

I hope all is well with you (is that still my favorite way to start an email?). I am 16 years old and writing this letter to remind you of your hopes and dreams. It’s Sunday, April 6th. I am a sophomore at MICDS, currently planning my college visits and imagining future career paths. Right now, the world is facing significant uncertainty–a looming recession, instability in the Middle East and Europe, and AI is just beginning to shape human life. It’s an exciting but daunting time to live. 

I love both STEM and the Humanities. I was lucky to have Mr. B as my math teacher before he retired; he taught me to love math. Two summers ago, I learned to love coding in languages like Python, SwiftUI, and HuggingFace at Kode with Klossy. I am also passionate about history, thanks to inspiring classes with Mr. Rolnick and Dr. Roth. 

Last summer, I interviewed elderly relatives about their experiences during the Nazi occupation of Greece. Their stories of identity, culture, and resilience moved me deeply. Now, as I’m soon beginning my independent study (fingers crossed), I'm thrilled to use software and AI tools to create a digital archive to preserve these untold stories. The Kode with Klossy community taught me confidence and gave me the courage to believe I can make a meaningful impact on the world. Did I share these untold stories of hope, giving voice to resilience that our family clings to in times of desperation? I hope I did. You remember that those narratives matter, and preserving them is something we've always valued.

Do I still dance? Dance always gave me freedom, creativity, and joy. I wonder if dance is still a sanctuary–an escape when stress or responsibilities feel overwhelming. Do you miss the competitive world, competing with the people you love and performing in the BEST SPORT EVER?

Also, which university did we end up going to? Did we choose a large public university or a smaller, close-knit private school? I hope you feel proud and accomplished wherever you are, knowing you’ve followed your passions and found your place. Life often takes unexpected turns. Have you embraced those surprises with optimism and grace, or are you still trying to plan everything down to the tiniest detail? 

With all the stress and expectations surrounding your teenage years, I hope you’ve learned to cherish the journey as much as the destination. Keep pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone, exploring uncharted paths, and, most importantly, staying connected to the people and stories that matter most.

I look forward to becoming you someday, proud and curious as ever.

With love and hope,
Your younger self