Hi Pretties!

Today we are gonna take it back about 3 years. Back to college, back to no responsibilities, and back to when the biggest decision I had to make was what bar to go to that night. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 21.


Dear Baby (21-year old) Sami,

Look at you, in your last semester of college.. finally able to (legally) go into the bars and you're definitely taking advantage of it. What I wouldn't give for a full night of drinking, only to wake up bright eyed and ready another round. It's not like that when you get older. One night of drinking and you're pretty sure you're gonna die.



You're a pretty fun girl and you've finally found the girls that have your back. It's about time. Katie and Alex? They are the good ones. They will pick you up when you fall down (literally) and they will have your back when you make bad decisions. Hey you're still young.. and can get away with that kind of thing.When you graduate and go back to Denver, you'll be 100's of miles from them but the good news is that you're friendship is strong and will be around for years to come.


Stop beating yourself up because you don't have the same body as your friends. It's only going to get worse from here, until you wake up and decide to make it better. But remember, it's always going to be hard. You weren't born to be a stick figure. You've got curves! You've also got great hair. Good job on realizing that it looks best when it's long, naturally blonde, and curly. Those bangs on the other hand? They were fun while they lasted, but don't do it again!


I know life seems really hard right now. Yes, being in college.. working a part time job.. partying like there's not tomorrow.. dealing with drama. It seemed so hard. You ain't seen nothing yet girlfriend. Real life is hard! Having a job (or losing one), paying the bills, and dealing with loss. Those things are actually hard. Buckle up and get ready for them!


Try not to sell yourself short and don't you dare give up! You'll have ideas and plans.. some will work and some will fail. Just don't give up on what you really want. It's not going to be easy but it will be worth it (I think). Three years down the road you still won't have it figured out (shocking, I know) but you'll be older and wiser and hopefully have a better grasp on where to go from here.


Don't take life too seriously. You're twenties are meant for fun and for figuring it all out! Start a blog, go on trips, and make new friends. You like to pretend you're shy (sometimes you are) but just be authentic and be yourself and eventually you'll find people who like that Sami just the way she is. Don't try to be something you're not, it will never be worth it.

You've got this girl! I'll be rooting for you all the way (except when you have too many drinks and kiss ugly dudes, cut that out seriously!)

PS. This song will never ever get old, because it takes you right back into all of these pictures.


Love, Grown Up (kinda) Sami