Dearest Nicole,

You’re probably wondering who I am. I am YOU, 7 years in the future. I bet you have alot of questions about your life as a 25 yo. Would I be in the film industry? Did I get married? Where do I live? And most importantly, am I happy?

The biggest thing to know is not everything goes to plan like you hoped. I’m not a full-time screenwriter and director living in California. Brandon and I didn’t get married, in fact I’m not yet married! And happiness is not the happiness you feel at the moment where you are always positive. Honestly, I wish I can be you right now, so full of life, light, positivity, and happiness. Also, adulthood is not pleasant at all, beware of that.

The big question you may have is something along the lines of my love life. What happened to me and Brandon? Was there another? I hate to inform you that after a year and a half of being together, I broke up with Brandon. Why? We just wanted different things in life and after high school, I matured quite a bit and was much more ambitious while Brandon, well…he couldn’t keep up. Now don’t fret, there’s another, another B in my life and his name is Brennan. Can you believe that? He’s smart, loving, loyal, kind, everything you are and who you want and more. We went through alot in the 2 1/2 years together, and I’m happy to say that he’s the one and I can say that wholeheartedly. I know you wanted Brandon to be the one, but he’s your first love and y’all are just kids. I just hope you would find Brennan sooner so y’all don’t get into any traumatic relationships beforehand. Yes, I was in one in between and no it was not fun.

The next question is if I followed my dreams in the film business. I’ll say yes and no, mainly due to money and what’s available. I decided to stay in Oregon because I’m closer to the ones I love than if I were to go to California, I wouldn’t do well. Due to a global pandemic and a massive riot three years ago, no one wants to come to Portland and do stuff. For now, I’m just getting any 9-5 job I can get to support myself for the time being while trying to achieve that dream. Did I ever work in the industry? A little bit and I gotta say, I really enjoy the process, especially being a production assistant. Even though I’ve done 2 gigs as a PA, written a screenplay for one person trying to make a movie and done one gig as a background actor. Honestly, I prefer being behind the camera instead of in front. It’s sad to be there being not enough opportunities out there at the moment.

And the most important question is if I am happy. Everyone wants me to be happy, God himself wants me to be happy. And yes, I became a Christian 2 years ago. But honestly, these days have been challenging with the feeling of being insecure about my faith, the job I had, and for a little while, if I was a good enough partner/girlfriend to be around. But I know that if I don’t think about it and move forward, I’ll be ok. Will I truly happy? I honestly don’t know, being 25 in the 21st century is hard but you just got to keep moving forward because that’s all you have to do and nothing else.

My biggest advises for you going into the world is keep moving forward, the world is going to knock you down no matter if you are oblivious or not; the right person is someone you least expect it and keep fighting to keep him in your life; and make sure that you have a real job to pay the bills. I know dad mentions it but it’s true, whether it’s working for a firm or an assisted living facility, just find a way to make ends meet.

Just keep up with that ambition and that undying love that I sometimes wish to have and you will shoot for the stars!

Sincerely,

Nicole Wangler circa 2023

Note to readers

Brennan wanted me write about my faith and how it has helped me through tough times in life. But honestly, I couldn’t write it down as well as I want to do to the ongoing battle with faith insecurity I’ve had since February 2023 and it has been coming up strong in the last few months or so. Today is just a wildcard because I just don’t feel confident enough to just write about my faith during this tough season.