A Letter to 17-Year-Old Sarah

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Dear 17-year-old Sarah,

Hey girl hey! It's Sarah from 11 years from now -- holy wow that was mind boggling to write. I started typing 'seven' years from now, then realized my math was way off. Yikes. I'm you at age 28. Life is pretty darn sweet for us -- me? you? I'm not sure how to word these things. I'm not going to tell you where you are living now, or who your boyfriend is, but trust me you've never been happier.

If my postal service time travel calculations are correct, you should be getting ready to go off to your first semester at the University of Tennessee. Be patient, the first semester is rocky (and that's not a rocky top pun, it will legit be rocky). I wanted to give you a few tips I wish I had done my first semester, so you don't make the same mistakes.

Tip #1 - Show up to Sorority Recruitment
I know you've already decided that it isn't for you, primarily because you don't want to leave your family and boyfriend a second earlier than scheduled. Instead of waiting and rushing in the spring, just be brave and do it now. You will regret not having the same recruitment experience that your best friends had.

Tip #2 - Change Your Meal Plan
You don't need the unlimited meal plan. Not even the members of the offensive and defensive line need the unlimited meal plan. Go make that change online right now. Your clothes will thank me, errr, you.

Tip #3 - Say Yes To Every Invite
I don't care if it's a frat party or a library study session, if someone is inviting you somewhere, say yes. Do not miss a single opportunity to have fun.


Tip #4 - Call Your Dad
Call Dad and actually ask to talk to him rather than have mom relay messages. Oh, and while we're at it, as soon as you're done reading this call him to see if he wants to play golf tomorrow. Yes, a full 18. Just do it.

Tip #5 - You Really Need to Take Care of Yourself
Both your skin and health, take care of them for us. I'm ok with the late night Jimmy Johns from time to time, that's how we managed to make it to class at 8am! I have a few specific requests for you that I regret not doing my first time around...

Will you PLEASE wash your face every night?? 

This is still a struggle for us to this day. Make it easy on yourself and get some Neutrogena Oil Free Cleansing Wipes.  I know after a late night in the library, the last thing you want to do is spend precious snooze time washing your face. Promise me you'll just use a cleansing wipe??

While we're at it, I have some other Neutrogena product recommendations too! They're excellent quality and not rough on your wallet! You'll want to learn about this stuff!

Deep Clean Oil-Free Makeup Remover // SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup  Ultra Light Cleansing Oil // Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer
If you start working on a skin care routine now, by 28 you'll have great skin care habits. Neutrogena is a great choice as you start to get older, and transition from acne control to wrinkle prevention. I just picked up a bunch of Neutrogena products at Target, since they are currently on sale buy three get one facial product free through 9/12/15. Plus, there is also a Cartwheel Deal, June 26th - Aug 29th, for 10% off when you purchase Neutrogena Cosmetics! 

I used my new Neutrogena goodies before going out on date night.... yes I'm sorry to break it to you, but you do stuff like "Date Night" now. Even worse? It's the highlight of your week. 

Yup, as you can see, your hair is still out of control curly, but I promise you'll learn to love it. Now stop reading this letter and go enjoy the 2004-2008 football seasons, because things get pretty bleak after that. GO BIG ORANGE!
Love, 28 year-old Sarah.