Dear 11-Year-Old Me

 Dear 11-Year-Old Me:

That teacher who told you you're stupid? He's stupid.

That girl you think is your best friend? She's not. 

Those girls you so want to be friends with that you're willing to act like a jerk to impress them? It's not worth it. Be nice. You'll regret every unkind word for the rest of your life.

When all the cool girls join the no-cut community cheerleading squad, DON'T DO IT.  You don't realize it yet, but you're the most uncoordinated person alive. Go ahead and accept that before you ruin the fun for everyone else and completely embarrass yourself.

Spend more time with your grandparents. You're going to miss them more than you can possibly imagine.

Help your mom more. She works way too hard and you take her for granted. Hang out with both your parents more. You'll treasure the memories, so make as many as you can.

Save those crazy cassette tapes you and your brother make. They're hilarious and will be even more hilarious when you're old. 

Those stories you wrote about the girl who can stop time by saying her name? Do not throw them away. I beg you: DO NOT. You're going to get an amazing book deal in a few decades based on those stories, and you'll so wish you still had them.  

Oh, and by the way, strap in. Middle school is going to be pretty horrible. OK, REALLY horrible. But you'll get through it; I promise. Hang in there, kid. You're tougher than you think.

Love, 

Old Me

Ginger Rue's latest book, Wonder Women of Science, is co-authored with rocket scientist Tiera Fletcher, who is currently working with NASA on the Mars mission. The book profiles a dozen amazing women (besides Tiera!) who are blazing new trails in their respective STEM fields.