What would you say to your 18-year-old self if you had the chance? While your answer might come after a much needed session of self-reflection, you might find some gems through Orange Is The New Black actress Uzo Aduba’s response. Aduba recently made a pit spot at Teen Vogue, where she wrote a letter to her 18-year-old self.
“You are 18 years old and you’re getting ready to embark on the greatest journey of your life. This is what I want you to know….”, she stars off. Later getting into a heartfelt, but candid discourse on the importance of having female friends as a woman; coupled with the realities that come with love. And most of all, what her Nigerian mother has always instilled in her about hard work.
“Having a female support next to you is going to encourage you to be a better person, it’s going to empower you, it’s going to uplift you, it’s going to inspire you, and it’s going to create an aspirational environment for you. That is what women do for women, so lean into that,” she continues.
In regards to romantic relationships, she strongly urges to put yourself first, and never settle for less than you deserve. In a nutshell, never lowering your standards for anyone. “Don’t climb down from where your bar is set. Demand the respect, love, care, honor, queendom that you were given and born into this world deserving,” she says. “Set your bar high.”
Aduba concludes her powerful messages by telling herself how much she’s in love with who she is. The deep gem of wisdom could definitely serve for all of us as human beings: “You are valuable and you are loved,” she affirms. “I’m going to encourage you to never lose sight of that, to always know your worth, and to stand firm in that.”
Watch the full uplifting video courtesy of Teen Vogue below: