Dear Arius,
This letter comes to you from your absolute favorite cousin (there’s no argument there). I’m writing to tell you about life even though you’re 4 and are just new to this whole life thing. I hope you can read this when you’re older to get a little life advice from someone other than your parents. I’ve got high hopes for you, kid. That’s not to say that I won’t be there when you make mistakes because everyone makes them. But hey, you’ve got some big shoes to fill. What with me going to college to eventually be a lawyer you’ve gotta one-up me somehow.
I want you to live life just like you are right at this very moment; wide eyed and full of excitement. There’s no real rules when you’re 4 which is pretty cool, I think. Enjoy it while it lasts because it doesn’t last forever. I remember being about your age and telling everyone in the family that I wish I was older. I am now at the point where I understand why your mom once said to me she wished she was my age because at the time I had no responsibilities. She was in college then and you weren’t even a thought and now I’m in college saying the same thing. Though, I love getting away from our crazy family and being independent while I’m away at college.
I want you to live your life without regrets. I’m 18 almost 19 and boy do I have a lot of regrets. I guess maybe a handful of regrets are adequate so that at least you get some life experience and learn from your mistakes. What I want you to really do is to not let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do in your future endeavors. I’ve heard it all from the abuelas in our family and quite frankly I could never be any sort of doctor. I know it’s cliché, but the world is your oyster! Follow your dreams wherever it leads you and don’t lose sight of it when you’re met with adversity. Also, don’t let your mom smother you too much, me and you know she can be way too overbearing sometimes. Me and you will have different childhoods for sure, but I think we’ll turn out to be pretty similar. I turned out okay so you should too, hopefully.
I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. You’ll probably experience the same situation when you’re about my age and I have a kid. It was surreal meeting you, honestly. You became my chicken nugget that day, and forever you will be my chicken nugget. I used to babysit you when you were like 2 and I remember looking at you and thinking “shit, we literally look so similar if I go out in public with you alone people are going to think I’m a teen mom.” I think that’s kind of funny now because people would probably still think that. Anyways, I want you to be able to read this letter once you’re in high school or just getting to college. I think some things would help you out during times like that when you’re all hormonal and “teenager-y” like I am now. I wish someone had told me to enjoy every little moment life offers because before you know it, it’s just a good memory. Do me a favor, live life spontaneously and love hard. Chase sunsets and remember the sunshine on cloudy days. Live in the present, do what you love, and know that family always has your back.
Love you forever and miss you always,
Kat
P.S. If you end up playing sports you better believe I’ll be embarrassing you by calling you my chicken nugget at every game.
English 110 Spring 2020 10:10-11:00 
Kat, I really like the way you wrote this to your little cousin. It’s written in a fun manner while also including life advice that you want him to know. I like how you compare your life experience with what he is also probably going to experience. I also like your witty side comments throughout, especially the “what with me going to college to eventually be a lawyer you’ve gotta one-up me somehow,” they keep the piece fun and interesting.
-Madison Gac
LikeLike
Kat, this is great advice for your little cousin to hear. I wish I had someone telling me this when I was that age. Sometimes it’s easy to take everything too seriously, and soon your life is consumed with worries and concerns instead of real enjoyment and life experiences. Like you said, you shouldn’t live with regrets and not letting myself live in the present is one of my personal regrets. When you mentioned career paths I remembered a line I read one time that said, “If your dreams don’t scare you then they aren’t big enough.” That left an impression on me as we should always strive to be our best, and not settle for anything in life. Thank you for the reminder.
-Ellie Pellecchia
LikeLike
Hi Kat! First that picture is the cutest ever lol but overall I loved the grace you held throughout the essay. You composed yourself in your writing so maturely and appreciated how you took the time to write out and explain each piece of advice. It was refreshing to read from this point of view because although your cousin is not old enough to understand yet, he will and when he is he will be so thankful to have this advice. You kept everything sweet with a sense of humor which made this really enjoyable to read, loved it!
Emilie Lauria
LikeLike
This is super sweet and super real at the same time and I really liked it. When college came along and I had to take some responsibility I wasn’t used to taking, I can’t lie at all when I say there were many days I wished I could be Arius’s age again. Despite that though, it’s always a good message for kids to hear that you can do anything you set your mind to and to live life with no regrets, I know I didn’t take it seriously and then high school ended and I really had a “damn” moment post-graduation. Also, your cousin’s name is dope, wish mine was as cool as that. Hope you’re doing well.
-Austin
LikeLike
Kat, I really enjoyed reading this letter. It sounds like you have a really close and endearing relationship with your little cousin, and I loved reading about all the ways you already know him so well. The life advice you gave him was so sweet and spot on, it’s the type of advice I wish I heard when I was a little kid. All in all, this letter made me smile, and the part about him being your little chicken nugget made me laugh out loud. P.S. I agree with Austin, Arius is a dope name.
LikeLike