Breathe, Miss Lowe.

Trust yourself. Be yourself.

Don’t let your doubt overwhelm you.

Don’t be such a cynic, stop skulking, stop brooding.

Stand up straight, head up, square your shoulders.

Many of your generation are indifferent.

It’s an affront to the future.

Mediocre peers will look at you and will disappear in your shadow, bitter.

Don’t stoop down to them – don’t you dare make yourself small!

You will rarely find friends here because none of them have the capacity to understand you.

They never will.

One day when you’re wrinkled and decrepit, you might find a young woman, like yourself, who has little regard for anything but her craft. You’ll take her under your wing, encourage her, like others encouraged you over the years.

But, until then, kick back, read a good book. Breathe.

There is greatness in you, Eleanor Lorene Lowe.

Breathe. And believe that.

Do not disappoint, Miss Lowe.