Dear Future Daughter,
Our culture puts a lot of pressure and expectations on us young women. Especially when you get out of high school, there's the pressure to go to college and get a degree so you can start your career life. Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against women going to college or getting jobs. Sometimes our culture makes it look like the only option. Sometimes it's hard to think beyond the plan that others have set before us, or to come up with new options.

I don't think it's wise to go to college just because 'that's what you're told to do'. As you approach this point in  life, spend lots of time in prayer asking God to guide your decisions. Think about what you want to be doing in five or ten years. If what you truly feel called to do is have a career that requires a college degree then start looking into college options and making plans. If you can get by just taking a few classes, maybe even online classes, to get better at whatever your passion is then do that. Look into trade school. I haven't done a lot of research, but if you know what you want to do it seems to be a good option. Now days, a lot of careers don't even require degrees.

Deciding not to go to college doesn't mean staying home reading all day (that does sound nice, though). No matter what you do, don't waste your time. If being a homemaker is your dream don't spend all your time searching for a husband so you can start homemaking. Start practicing now. Find ways to help your mom (oh hey, that's me 😏) out at home whether by cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, diaper changing or other things.

If you decide not to go to college there will probably be people who make you feel less than others because of your decision. Don't be discouraged. Focus more on being where God wants you to be and using your time the way God wants you to than following our culture's popular life plan.

I hope this letter encouraged you 💛

Love,
Eliza Noel (Mom)