An Interview with my Ten Year Old Self-By Susan Thomas

     I sat in a plain white room with a grey tiled floor, the only furniture was two wooden chairs. I sat in one and my ten year old self sat in the other. I stared at her glasses that were to big for her face, her freckles, and long hair. She was wearing clothes a kid from the 90s might wear. I sat and waited for myself to speak.
     Myself glared at me for a moment and then cleared her throat: "So you are a professional writer right?"
     Wow. I had almost forgotten about that dream. The question made me realize how much had changed during the years. "No, not professional. It is just a hobby."
     "Just a hobby! What happened to the plan? ...You know we are supposed to be a  famous and rich writer and rub it in the mean kids faces!"
     "The plan was tossed. I don't love it the way I used to. I've found a new passion."
     "Okay, what is it then. What is so much better than being a writer?"
     "I'm currently going to school to become a psychologist."
     My small self just stared at me with a confused look on my face.
      "That sounds boring and it doesn't count. What do you do now!"
     " Well I'm a full time student so I have a part time job that I go to when school is out. I work in a deli."
     " That sounds boring. You are supposed to be doing something interesting."
     " Sorry it's not up to your standards, but I am quite happy with my life."
    I looked at myself in disbelief. My small self couldn't comprehend how I could be happy without being a writer.
    " What's so great about your life then?"
    "Well I'm married, have a son, and have been seizure free for over five years."
    A look of disgust crept across my small face, which was slowly followed by a look of confusion.
    " Eeeeeewwwwww! You had a baby. We swore after that health video that we would never ever do that. It is gross!"
    "You'd be surprised how your mind will change. Giving birth to our son was one of the best experiences of my life. Even though it was hard at times."
    "What the heck is a seizure?"
    "You'll find out. Just remember when you find out that you just have to keep fighting."
    "Right...soooo...do we write at all? Are we still friends with Lara?" (Name was changed.)
    "I write for a hobby. For fun. As for Lara, well let's just say you should have written down her new number. We haven't seen her in years."
    "This interview sucks. You are not what I want you to be. I'm leaving to go write. You know that thing you used to love doing?"
    "I still like writing."
    "Sure."
   My small self stormed out of the barren room. The whole weird experience just left me to think how much I changed over the years. How I wouldn't change a thing. Some of it was tough and regrettable, but I am who I am because I went through it all.  My small self would just have to learn.