ASSIGNMENTS:
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Juliet Ernst
Phoenix, Arizona USA
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REPORTS:
PREVIOUS NEXT
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ADVICE TO JULIET, AGES 8 to 13:
1. Ask questions about dad's illness. It's more serious than you think. Spend time with him, don't go to Allison's house for the weekend when he's home, and don't drag your feet about making that tape for him to listen to. It will be the last time he hears your voice.
2. Have more confidence about gymnastics. While you're not the best in the class, you do have some exceptional grace and ability. You'll be reminded of this later in life, but it's always best to start believing things like that early.
3. You have dandruff. Swallow your pride and do something about it, because everyone can see it.
4. Don't worry about being likable, for God's sake! You have more friends now than you will for the next ten years. Cherish this time when you have so little to do and can spend as much time with them as you want.
5. Take all the lessons you can. Don't be shy about piano, dance, art--anything you might be interested in. You'll be thankful later on.
6. Don't take the bus thing so seriously. It'll haunt you for a long while afterward if you do. The back of the bus is not that cool, and you can't help it if you're the last stop on the route. It is completely unimportant.
7. Get to know Violet better. She's a remarkable person and she won't be around forever, you'll see.
8. Remember everything about the time after dad died--the move, how mom was doing, etc.--because later on the memories will become really hazy.
9. When mom brings up dad, talk to her about him as much as she needs to. It's really important, and her crying is good for her and shouldn't freak you out.
10. Forget that whole Satanic business. It won't guard you against people teasing you, and you'll just regret it later.
11. Be nicer to Sara. Don't just drop her for new friends. Otherwise, you'll forget how that ended and feel guilty when you run into her years later.
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