A LETTER TO MY 25-YEAR-OLD SELF Edited and compiled by Tony Inglis. Additional contributions at StreetWise from Sydney Wirtz and Jack Maddox.
As always around the festive period, INSP asks vendors across the street paper network to contribute to a collaborative feature. Since 2019 is INSP’s 25th anniversary, the resulting feature is a twist on the now-ubiquitous "Letter to My Younger Self" series made famous by The Big Issue UK (with the best of them now compiled into a book) and reworked by many INSP members. We asked each vendor to write to (or in some cases about) their 25-year-old self. For many, this meant dipping into the past. For others, it was a glimpse into the future. And for some, it was a good way to reflect on life right now. Of course, many are stories of hardship, but all of them are tales of hope.
ROBERT SMITH
STREETWISE, CHICAGO, USA
LUISE SLAMANIG APROPOS, SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
Today, I am very happy with how I have managed to live through life, with my own apartment and my own domain where I can simply lock the door. A warm home is worth a lot and I truly appreciate it. As a 25-year-old today, I would think this about myself: "Hopefully this will never happen to me;" or "It's not easy for her either." Perhaps my 25-yearold self would encourage me. If I were 25 now, I would perhaps be well-informed about what is going on. But with selling the street paper, I don't think that many young people would stick it out. I would advise my 25-year-old self never to give up, no matter how difficult it is. There is always a way out of a sticky situation because I have experienced it myself.
25-year-old Robert, stay committed, stay positive. Definitely stay positive. And if you do get a rejection, don’t give up and please do not curse the customer. They can have a bad day and come back nine times out of 10 and just give you money, just because they went off on you. Just keep it positive and if there’s any rejection, you know, say “have a nice day” and keep moving.
I was in a depression when I was 25. It was rough. And going through depression, I didn’t care about how I dressed, what motivated me, nothing. That would cause me to drop out of school and do stuff that’s illegal, just because. That’s part of some of the reasons I derailed from the good part of life. Basically depression. To 25-year-olds now, embrace the moment, but always strive to do better, no matter what you do. Never give up, never. I’ve been through hard times and I have a testimony. So, if it looks like the road is hard, difficulty first, then ease. There’s nothing easy in the world, but do not give up, keep striving because you will be successful. Keep God in your life at all times.
LEE A. HOLMES
STREETWISE, CHICAGO, USA
If I could go back in time and meet myself? I’d tell him, to stay focused, stay in school, and strive hard for the things that you want.
To others, be careful what you do. Be careful who you associate with. Think before you act, because your actions will come back to haunt you.
