How does the author prove to his younger self that he is writing to himself from the future? What is one lesson the author is trying to teach himself?

Transcription

1 A Letter To Me lyrics Brad Paisley If I could write a letter to me And send it back in time to myself at 17 First I'd prove it's me by saying look under your bed There's a Coke can and a magazine no one else would know you hid And then I'd say I know its tough When you break up after seven months And yeah I know you really liked her and it just don't seem fair All I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare [1st Chorus] And oh you got so much going for you going right But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night She wasn't right for you And still you feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back And you're wondering if you'll survive You'll make it through this and you'll see You're still around to write this letter to me At the stop sign at Tomlinson and Eighth Always stop completely don't just tap your brakes And when you get a date with Bridgett make sure the tank is full On second thought forget it that one turns out kinda cool Each and every time you have a fight Just assume you're wrong and dad is right And you should really thank Mrs. Brinkman She spend so much extra time It's like she sees the diamond underneath And she's polishing you 'til you shine How does the author prove to his younger self that he is writing to himself from the future? What is one lesson the author is trying to teach himself? How does the author feel about the adults in his life? [2nd Chorus] And oh you got so much going for you going right But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night Tonight's the bonfire rally But you're staying home instead because if you fail Algebra Mom and dad will kill you dead Trust me you'll squeak by and get a C And you're still around to write this letter to me You've got so much up ahead You'll make new friends You should see your kids and wife And I'd end up saying have no fear These are nowhere near the best years of your life What does the author say about the future? I guess I'll see you in the mirror When you're a grown man P.S. "go hug Aunt Rita every chance you can" [3rd Chorus] And oh you got so much going for you going right But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night I wish you'd study Spanish I wish you'd take a typing class I wish you wouldn't worry, let it be I'd say have a little faith and you'll see What is the overall theme of the song? If I could write a letter to me To me

2 To: Brian Elroy McKinley (age 14) From: Brian Elroy McKinley (age 42) Date: November 18, 2002 Hi Brian, This may come as a bit of a shock, but I'm writing you from the future. No, this is not a joke or trick. I'm really you, only I'm 28 years older. Here, I'll prove it. I know you keep a pair of Levi's jeans hidden in a cave in a rock in the avocado groves by the Prior's ranch at the end of the street. I know each morning you walk up to the grove, change into the Levi's and then go to school - only to later change back into the embarrassing Pic-N-Save slacks Mom makes you wear before returning home Now, tell me - who else in this world would know that but you, er... me, er...well us. Yes, it's true - I am you, only older. And I have good news! It's now the year 2002, and I'm still alive. The world didn't end. There was no rapture of the Saints or 7 years of Tribulation, and California didn't slide into the Ocean in 1982 like predicted. The world is still here, so you can stop worrying about all those prophecies you keep hearing. How does the author prove to his younger self that he is writing to himself from the future? Why does the author include the false prophesies of the future in the letter? Other good news! You still have most of your hair. Yeah, it's true, you've lost some from the top of your head, but you're not bald like your cousins are (but don't tell them that...no need to make them worry about it until it happens). And even better news yet; you have a lot of great things to look forward to in your life to come. You will travel to Europe, Latin America and Asia. You will learn multiple languages, and meet many wonderful people from all around the earth. And there are many other things I don't have space to tell you about, but be sure you will have some fabulous adventures. What does the author say about the future? But you could have even more great experiences if you'll take a few pointers from your older self. After all, who else knows better than the one who lived it. So please take these on faith. Without describing your entire future, it's almost impossible for some of these things to make sense. There are a few, however, that are pretty obvious. 1. Stop hiding Levis in the groves. Since I know it's too risky to smuggle them in and out of the house very often, they've gotten pretty dirty and rank. You don't realize it just yet, but you're offending people who might otherwise enjoy your company. Instead of making you cool, your hidden jeans are making you look like someone with a hygiene problem. And speaking of that, start washing your feet better. Don't take as long as I did to realize your foot odor is also putting people off. 2. Don't be such a dork in your English class. I know you hate all the dumb rules they give you, and I know your teachers aren't smart enough to explain why they're needed, but the sooner you learn them, the better off you'll be in the long run. After all, even though you hate English and have flunked it several times - it's my twisted joy to inform you that you will be a writer one day. Yep...I know. All those English teachers who have written you off would just choke if they knew that. But it's true. So mellow out guy...knowing how to use English correctly is one of the best things you will learn. What is the irony about English Class and his future profession?

3 3. Drop the German class, and switch to Spanish. Yeah, I know...spanish is seen as the "poor-man s" language by you, but that's because you're allowing others to push you into a very racist form of thinking. Trust me on this - you will use your Spanish a great deal. But because of my early bigotry, it took me until just this past few years before I learned it. Spanish is a wonderful language rich in history. And with it you'll be able to travel to Mexico City sooner - something I know you've wanted to do for some time. 4. Now this may seem too far into your future to think about, but put it in the back of your head and act on it when the time is right. In the early 1980s a little computer software company named Microsoft will show up. Beg, borrow, steal whatever money you can and invest all of it in the new company. Yes, at times it may seem like they're going to go under, but trust me on this: if you want to be rich by the time you're 40, buy their stock as soon as you can. Well, I'm running out of room. Although it's really cool that the gurus of technology have figured out how to send this mail back in time to you, they don't give us much room. But I hope you'll hear me and realize I'm simply trying to help you enjoy your future even more than you already will. What is bigotry? How does the author show that bigotry can limit us in our future? What is the overall theme of the letter? Big hugs from your older self! Brian Elroy

4 A Letter To Me From the Future How will you prove to yourself that it is you writing from the future? What is something about yourself that no one else knows? Compose your writing-lyrics, poem, letter--that will help your younger self enjoy your future even more than you already will (Brian Elroy). Use descriptive words and phrases that will paint a picture in the mind of your readers. What is one thing you would do differently if you could go back and do it again? What? When? Where? Why? Choose an adult in your life that has made a difference. Who is it? How has he/she made a difference? How will you show your appreciation? What does the future hold for you? Make a prediction about what your life will be like 20 years from now.

5 A Letter From Old George to Young George Washington Answer the following questions as George Washington. How will you prove to yourself that it is you writing from the future? What is something about George Washington that is not commonly known? What is an accomplishment that you are proud of? What is it? What will its impact be? What does the future hold for you? What is one thing you, George Washington, would do differently if you could go back and do it again? What? When? Where? Why? Choose an adult in your, George Washington s, life that has made an impact. Who is it? How has he/she made a difference? How will you show your appreciation? How do you, George Washington, feel about slavery? How should you handle the issue of slavery?

6 Compose your writing-lyrics, poem, letter--as George Washington before his death, age 67, to his younger self at the age of 17. Inspire young George to forge through the roadblocks in his life and enjoy the gifts bestowed upon him along the way. Use descriptive words and phrases that will paint a picture in the mind of your readers.