Advice to my 17 year old self.

5/20/2024 Elaine Griggs

I have been invited to share an inspiring quote in a book to be published that inspires women, looking back at a time in my life. Since I teach highschool and am with highschool graduates for this important time in their life I will be thinking of myself at 17 years old. My daughter recently found a photograph of me the night of my senior prom in 1981 in my mom’s photos when she moved. I do not have many pictures of me in highschool so this one is one of the few. I shared this picture with my students on the projector to celebrate their prom. And it is this 17 year old I share my advice with in this blogpost to start the ‘inspiring quote’ process. If I could talk to myself at 17 I would have quite a bit of hindsight advice. I really would not change anything as I love my life, where I am in my career and have few regrets. Going to Dartmouth instead of UMass Amherst would have been a better decision, getting the degree in 1984 and even a masters- you are excellent academically. Start to breath and be more patient with yourself and everyone. Great job with teaching fitness dance- keep putting time into the creative pursuits you love for you and put yourself first. Love yourself first, take care of yourself every day and do not look for anyone to do that for you. Make decisions with safety in mind. Purchase and keep all property you come across. Be confident.