Dear 20 Year Old Tiffany,

Congrats on identifying and following your dream so early. You don’t realize right now how rare it is for someone to stand up against what everyone expects of them at such a young age. That being said, when you get offered that amazing opportunity to take a job in TV in New York City your junior year – take it! Who cares that you aren’t done with school? You are strong enough to go back and finish school later. We all know you love learning too much. You.Can.Finish.Later.

Wash your face every night. It’s a hard habit to get into so maybe get a head start on that one.

I don’t want to ruin it for you but next year you’re gonna make a stupid decision. One of the few rash things you do. The consequences will be painful and you’ll have to fight but coming through it on the other side will seal your future in a perfect way so I'm not going to tell you not to do it. It’ll also be a badge of imperfection that you need every once in a while.

It’s kind of socially awkward to have guy friends once you are married so learn to get along with girls. Your later married self will thank you. You might as well work on the whole makeup thing, too. You’ll end up wearing it later so teach yourself how to use it now. Plus it’ll get your Mom off your back.

Enjoy college. Don’t take everything so seriously. Your drive will get you where you want to go but learn to put it in neutral every once in a while. Play while you still can. It’s harder to do when you have rent or a mortgage or a little Taiwanese baby (peaked your interest there right?).

Keep up with the Walters. They are a great family and those kids you babysit are going to turn into great little adults. You’ll be glad to watch them grow up. You’ll also need a place to stay when you visit Austin because you won’t be living there forever (you might as well get that through your head).

While you’ll achieve a lot, remember you aren’t what you do. Hold loosely to the things you have. Be generous with your money and your time. No matter how much you get hurt continue to love people intensely because when it sticks it’s worth all the pain.

Much Love,

30 year old Tiffany

Thanks to Cassie Boorn for the idea