Things I would tell 19 year old Veronica: *The relationship you are in? The one that makes you feel old? Exhausts you? It won't last forever and you will feel nothing but relief.
*The next relationship will totally change your life. You will not recognize yourself.
*It's ok to ask for help.
*The girl you are traveling with, the one getting you a drink as this photo is being taken taken, will prove to be (consistently) the only one to never turn you away.
*Cherish that clear skin. Adult acne is a bitch (like everything, its mostly in your head. Work on that.)
*Don't rush. Slow down. Smell things (coffee, roses, etc.)
*Stop lying to yourself. Instead, start listening. You are right...sometimes.
*Stop smoking. Seriously.
*Gainesville will become home. Believe me. But it won't be too hard to leave and that is okay.
*You will cry hysterically and spray champagne as a biracial man takes the office of President. You will feel different. Something at the very core of you will change. That is called hope.
*Stop wearing jean skirts. Gross.
*You will be back to Europe with a motley crew of folks that will fascinate you, infuriate you, challenge you. They made Gainesville home.
*You will (totally and completely) become a cat person.
*You will meet and be transformed by a terribly fancy boy. Follow your instincts. You will find fulfilling, honest love. It will shock you. Accept it.
*Don't worry about the future. You will be jobless, that nomadic spirit will not die (stop fighting it) and that curiosity that consistently gets you in trouble will define you. Embrace it.
*Smile more.
*If you feel like twirling, fucking twirl.
