Dear Tigz,

I am writing to you from 10 wonderful years in the future. There is a lot of change going on in your life right now. Many things are coming to an end whilst a lot of great things are about to happen to you. I don’t want to give you too many spoilers because I know you love a surprise, but here’s some advice to get you through the next decade of your life.

Right now you’re three quarters of the way through your foundation year at college. You’re right, those Photography classes are a complete waste of time. Your lecturer may not be giving you what you need to become inspired by the subject, but that’s ok. Those skills will find you in their own time, and it turns out you quite enjoy it. In the meantime, keep experimenting and finding new ways to work with that Wacom tablet mum and dad just bought you. It turns out to be one of the best presents you’ve ever been given.

You’re nervous right now about university. Did you make the right choice picking Illustration at Westminster? All I can tell you is that you make it through three years absolutely fine. You’ll work your ass off, get good grades and forever enjoy the irony that the future love of your life was in Portsmouth, along with the unconditional offer that you turned down to stay in London. Oh, and you won’t ever become an illustrator, but that’s ok. Something way better happens instead.

Life after university will keep you on your toes. Your determination to be financially independent whilst making a name for yourself in the creative industries will be a massive test, but persevere and you’ll be rewarded with opportunities to be involved in projects beyond your wildest dreams. Trust your instincts. You will know when the time is right to spread your wings. You will move around lots, get to travel the world, meet incredible, like-minded people and finally find a crowd of people where you feel like you fit in.

At times you will be very career driven, but your love of new experiences will be the distraction you need to remember what it is to truly live again rather than just exist. You will learn to dance, get covered in glitter, cry uncontrollably at movies, scale mountains and laugh until you stomach hurts. You will have brutally honest conversations, drink plenty of gin, spend a lot of time outside your comfort zone, overthink everything and enjoy every waking moment.

Dear younger self, I am proud of who you are going to become. Stay true to yourself, enjoy life in the moment. Be present, perhaps spend a little less time attached to your phone. Stop dying your hair. Regret nothing.

Love you,

Future Tigz Xx

PS. No, you haven’t made it rich or famous (not both) yet, but you haven’t given up trying. And you still don’t own a cat.

(Photo Credit: Lexi Laine Photography)