Letter to

Self

Name: Rida Ali

Date: 5/18/2021

Answer the following questions. You may choose to rewrite this in

your own words, or simply fill-in-the-blank! Either way, make sure
conclude by telling your future self what you need to remember and
letting your future self know your hopes and expectations for the
future. Complete each slide.
 Dear Future Self...
I’m 17 years old and am writing this letter to you in May 2021 as a requirement
for my English class. This year, and the past year, has been like no other. I
expected senior year to be fun and full of celebrations, but celebrating is the
last thing on my mind right now. I have an AP exam for economics tomorrow
but it’s so hard to put my focus on tests and personal things when there is so
much going on in the world around me.
I have come to realize over the past year that when we are too comfortable
living our lives, we can’t be bothered to challenge the injustices right in front of
us. It has been incredible to see the amount of courage and resilience that
people hold. And it has been incredible to see people speaking out about so
many issues. Five years ago from now, no one would have said a word about
the Israel-Palestine issue, and now, there are marches and protests happening
to help the people in Palestine.
I hope when you are reading this, you have managed to challenge yourself. I
hope you haven’t become too comfortable with where you are. I hope you
haven’t stopped questioning. And I hope you haven’t stopped reaching for
your real goals.
Video Games / Working Out / Crafts: Music / TikTok:

Film / TV / YouTube:
How I passed
the time...
Books / News Articles / Comics:
 In 2021 the cost of gas was $2 on average (around $3 due to the recent hack
in the system). The cost of my favorite meal at Nandos was $10. My favorite album
that came out in 2020 – 2021 was Evermore by Taylor Swift (honorary mention: Sour
by Olivia Rodrigo). My favorite movie that came out in 2020 – 2021 is — I’m not sure;
I didn’t watch many movies that came out this year. Other popular movies that came
out around this time were: Tenet, The Trial of Chicago Seven, and Soul. The term or
“it” phrase that my friends and I used the most was “girlboss” or “bestie I cannot do
this today” or “After this all over we can…”. Among my friends, I’m known as an idiot
because just look at me.

In 2021, the style for teenagers could be said to have been vintage or cottagcore.
It was common to see thrifted items, converse, and more expressive dressing when
walking down the halls at school. I usually get to school by 9:15 am. After school, I
do my homework, hang out with friends, and attend meetings for clubs. For fun, I
like to watch netflix. My hobbies are cooking, watching TV, and hanging out with
people. My favorite sport and/or sports teams are none. I do not watch nor enjoy
sports.
Insert a picture that you have taken that truly represents
this time in your life?
 Oh, and another thing . . .
I have no pets. The latest technology this year is I believe AI and machine-learning systems; the gadget that
I cannot live without is my Iphone X. My favorite vacation was to Pakista with my family when I was 16 years old.

A few major events that happened this year include:

- COVID-19 Pandemic and vaccine development

- Lots of uprisings and social justice movements (Israel-Palestine, George Floyd, etc.)
- Capitol Insurrection
- First VP of the U.S.

My goal for the future is to find my true passion and hopefully work towards social justice. My hope for the
future that I learn to accept my own faults and grow from there. I always want to remember that it is impossible to
know everything but it is important to inform myself of things I can; I have no excuse to sit down and do nothing.

My advice for my future self is to just do it. Stop letting others get in the way of what you want. Just go for it
because you live for yourself and no one else. You are going to regret it and will be miserable if you don’t just do
what you love. and never forget to give importance to those around you. These are my dreams and hope for you
and the future!

Sincerely,

Rida Ali
 Extending the Extend Activity
IF possible, print out this
slideshow OR hand write your
letter to grandchild including
information gathered on this
slide show. Sign it. Place the
printout or letter in an envelope,
seal it, and store it somewhere
safe (like in your 2021
yearbook). Keep it forever.
Testimonial
Hi Mr. Palmer! I pulled out my scrapbook from your class to find my
personal statement for a nursing school application, and as I was looking
through it I read the letter to myself. I guess 18 year old me was psychic
or something because it was spot on and exactly what I needed to hear
at this point in my life. So I just wanted to take a second and say thank
you for assigning that because it ended up being incredibly helpful.
-Christie

Palmer’s Response: That is fantastic! That makes me so happy!

I’m glad it was helpful and something you can cherish.

Christie: It really is!! So whenever someone complains, they’ll thank you

later!