We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger selves. Check out their responses below.
Jeffrey Byrnes
Kid, you’re doing it. You stayed true to the first dream you had, be known and be recognized for doing something. You will turn that desire into success and keep on repeating it. Your creativity isn’t just creativity, its power, its vision, its talent, its every part of who you are. Read more>>
SaSha Rachel, NCIDQ
I would tell my younger self to be bold. Be loud. You’re smarter than you think, and you’re exactly as cool as you feel. Keep giving. Keep creating. Keep trusting that the things that make you different are the things that will one day set you apart. And to my pre-founder self… the one with a vision too big to explain. Read more>>
Diana Giovinazzo
To trust in yourself more. Your instincts are accurate, don’t doubt them or let anyone else tell you what to do. Read more>>
Johnny Aragon
Johnny, you are going to be a spectacular man. You’re dealing with struggles at home and at school but these experiences are shaping you to be a better version of yourself. Your mother, late sister, late brother and the rest of your family and friends will be very proud of what you will accomplish on your journey in life. Read more>>
Gabrielle Hennings & Zoe Hemenway-Moreno
You’re going to find yourself feeling like you’re always trying to keep up, and that will come as a surprise at first. You’ll think that all the hours you’ve dedicated to student teaching, professional development, supervision, continuing education, and specialized training will have prepared you for everything. But they won’t. Read more>>
Jefe Wayda
Spend As Much Time With Your Loved Ones Because They Won’t Be Here Forever & To Stay Focused And Consistent Don’t Fall Off Track. Read more>>
Lawrence Flores
you did it. Read more>>
Maya Korn
Hang in there! This industry is all about perseverance. I think when I was younger my anxiety was so high, I had to find the right job at the right company : society puts that pressure on you. Ultimately it all works out, I have my own companies and do contract work for others, which is the best fit for me. Read more>>
Matthew Manos
You are absolutely weird and different, and that’s wonderful. Read more>>
Dee Clement
Honestly, I can’t just pick one thing to say. I would go back and tell my younger self to not be afraid to be the truest most authentic version of me I can be and to not compare myself to others. That I’m not a bad kid or unintelligent or too sensitive. Read more>>
Leah Jereb
If I could talk to little Leah, I would say….don’t go to college in DC for international relations – ha! When I was at the end of my high school career, I deep down really wanted to study screenwriting or acting, but being from the Midwest, I had internalized ‘get a real job’ mentality. Boring. Read more>>
Diedre Ehule
You are magnificent. You are brilliant. Your beauty shines from inside out. Though people may not tell you, and at times it seems like you go unnoticed, you have purpose. You were created on purpose. You are beautifully and wonderfully made. Your existence is a gift. Your mistakes are normal. your experiences are normal, your existence is relatable. Read more>>
Aashiyana Patel
I would tell my younger self that she made it. I would remind her that all those dreams she held onto, wanting to be a singer and create her own music, have come true. I would tell her to be proud because now she is making music she loves and people all over the world are listening to it and connecting with it. Read more>>
krissy allegra
I’d tell her to trust the quiet in-betweens. The pauses, the pivots, the moments that feel uncertain — they’re not detours, they’re direction. Every tear, every lesson, every late night wondering “what now?” is leading you exactly where you’re meant to go. You already have the map — just keep walking, even when you can’t see it yet. Read more>>
Allie Costa
I am so proud of you. You are smart, and silly, and creative, and passionate, and resilient, and I know you feel like everything you want is so far away, but don’t worry – It’s going to happen! You’re going to move to L.A. and you’re going to make movies and be on TV shows and act in plays in front of thousands of people. Read more>>
Ruksana Hussain
You do not have to please others to be the person you want to be. Read more>>
Ebony Burks
you’re going to do some amazing things in your lifetime. There will be highs and lows , and some of those lows will feel heavy, but don’t stay there too long. Because when the highs come, they’ll feel like you’re flying. Keep believing in yourself , you’re stronger than you realize.” Read more>>
