Letter to My Teenage Self

Miriam and Olivia Nervo are musicians, record producers, composers, singer–songwriters, models and DJs better known by their stage name NERVO. They were born and raised in suburban Melbourne. After signing with Sony/ATV Music Publishing at eighteen years of age, they pursued careers as songwriting partners. After signing with Razor Boy Music Publishing, they co-wrote the Grammy Award-winning single ‘ When Love Takes Over’.

Dear teenage Liv and Mim,

Your teens are a horrible age. It’s okay to think this. We guarantee that 99.9% of the people in your classroom, school bus, choir etc. all think the same. Even if the popular kids look like they’re having fun and they’re 100% sure of themselves – they really aren’t!

So, here is a brief survival kit.

1) Don’t worry if the popular kids don’t like you (they’ll most likely end up fat, ugly and unhappy). It’s hard to believe but, trust me – we’ve seen it happen! If you’re at a school where you don’t really like anyone then that’s also okay. The world is a big place and you will find people (who are much cooler!) after school who you will connect with.

2) Don’t waste your time worrying about what’s cool or not. And there’s no need to follow the crowd either. It’s okay to be misunderstood, not ‘normal’ or just a bit weird. This just makes you more interesting in the future.

3) Do not get into any car if the driver has been drinking or doing any drugs – no matter how hot the boy may be. This is super important!

4) It’s okay to experiment with alcohol and drugs but only very rarely and only around good friends. If you like it, then put it on hold for when you finish school. You’ll be able to party a load when you’re old enough to cope with a hangover and the responsibility to deal with what you’re doing. Oh, and please also make sure while you are experimenting that someone in your group is sober in case you need to vomit (which you probably will).

5) As far as your career path goes, if you think there’s something you want to do, or there’s something you love doing or you’re good at, then please follow your passion. Reach for your dreams! Some dreams really do come true – we have seen it happen! Even if the career counsellor at school tells you that you can’t be a pilot because you don’t have perfect eyesight – just ignore them! In the future they’ll have great new technologies like laser eye correction surgery which will make their point null. Anything is possible in the future and it’s WAY too early to give up on your dream at your age, or ever! If you don’t know what you want to do then that’s also fine. Just make sure you keep an open mind and try finding a hobby. You will find your way.

6) We know Mum and Dad and your brother and sister annoy you but this is normal, and in the future you will understand them better and hopefully even be friends with them. We would recommend that you try to have patience in this awkward stage.

7) Remember we are our journey so all the turns you make will shape you. You are learning and will always keep learning. No one really has it figured out – they’re all just pretending – so make sure you have a lot of fun along the way. Your happiness is your choice so CHOOSE to be upbeat, motivated and brilliant. Do not let others define you!