Meet the 2023 Scholars

"Write a letter to your younger self during a key moment in your life addressing one or more of the following: words of encouragement, lessons you have learned and/or challenges you have overcome."

Dear younger Lilli, I am writing this letter to you during a pivotal moment in your life. You have just heard of the death of your role model, Marian, which now seems insurmountable, and you are unsure of what life will look like in the future. I want to offer you some uplifting words about how to overcome it and share some of the lessons I have learned since then. First of all, I want to remind you that you are stronger than you think. This difficult point in your life is not the first or last time you will see people pass away, and you have to understand and come out on the other side happy and ready. This mental task may seem overwhelming for a nine-year-old, but you have the resilience and determination to overcome it. Take it one step at a time, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I also want to remind you that it's okay to cry and show your emotions. Marian was an important part of your life, and grieving in a healthy way is the best thing for you. However, Marian would not want to see you cry and instead would want you to take your life by the reins and go live. She would want you to hike every trail you see because a new adventure awaits with every step. Don't be too hard on yourself, and don't let your grief define your life. Use this as a stepping stone to move forward and become a better version of yourself for her. Another lesson I have learned is the importance of self-care. It's easy to get caught up in the low points in life and neglect your own needs, but taking care of yourself is essential for your well-being. Make sure you have time for activities that bring you joy and prioritize your physical and mental health. Marian strived to find the positives in every situation, so find the positives in self-care and the activities you shared with her. Finally, I want to remind you that you are not alone. Mom and Dad are going through this too and want to heal with you. Don't be afraid to reach out to them and lean on them during this difficult time. You don't have to go through this loss alone. I want you to know that Marian was not left in the past, but instead lives on within you. She would want you to believe in yourself, be kind to yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for help. You are capable of healing from this, and I can't wait for you to see all the amazing things you will accomplish because of her. Sincerely, Your older self