“In addition, you feel shattered after finding out that your boyfriend and best friend have started seeing each other behind your back. Yes, you’ve been crazy busy, but this is inexcusable. The betrayal makes you feel even more exhausted. Before crawling into bed, you thought about calling someone to confide in, but who would you call? Some people at school would consider you “popular,” but they don’t know the real you. They only know the people-pleasing Jessica-the one who wishes everyone would like her.”
Jessica Lee Anderson, Dear Teen Me by E. Kristen Anderson and Miranda Keneally (pg.14)
Dear Teen Me is a book composed of letters written by authors to their teen self. The letters touch on subjects and issues teenagers go through such as heart breaks, loss of a friend, crushes, break ups, and eating disorders. The letters serve as a form of advice and guidance to their younger self. The sole purpose is so their “younger self” doesn’t feel alone and know everything will be alright.
After reading the above passage, read the following questions:
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Did you ever experience a similar heartbreak when in grade school or afterwards?
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If you could tell your teen self one thing, what would it be?
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Jessica mentions that no one knew the real her, did you ever feel this way in high school? If so, why do you think that is?
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What would you tell an adolescent in Jessica’s situation today?
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How would you describe your teen self?
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