Chatting with 12-year-old me

The FAIRLADY team found this amazing video featuring 12-year-old and 32-year-old Jeremiah MacDonald. Jeremiah recorded videos of himself from the age of 12 (he is now 32) and he now publishes videos in which he has conversations with himself at different ages.

We loved the idea and we started thinking about what our twelve-year-old selves would say to our present selves.

Jen Searle, web editor: ‘I was very ambitious at 12 – sport, academics, socialising – I wanted it all. I think 12-year-old me would say something along the lines of “Why aren’t you a doctor?” – I was quite adamant that I’d be a doctor one day. She’d also want to know why I gave up dancing and why I haven’t run a marathon yet. BUT I think she’d high-five me for my shoe, bag and accessory collection. I think she’d also be impressed that I work for a glossy women’s magazine – hey there’d have to be a GOOD reason for not fulfilling my paediatrician dreams!’ Kelli Clifton, assistant beauty editor: ‘Well for starters, I love that you have straight teeth! I'm assuming that you finally listened to mom and got braces somewhere along the line. You filled out nicely and don't seem bothered by your height anymore! That's great. I can't believe that you work at the magazine that mom and gran always read.... That's quite something! And in the beauty department, really? Fantastic! And a huge pat on the back for owning five snakes. I'm proud! I must admit, I'm rather excited to be 25.’ Candice- Lee Kannemeyer, fashion & beauty director: ‘Wow, I can't believe you're a fashion & beauty director – so cool. I thought you'd be a housewife by now.’

Robyn MacLarty, senior subeditor and writer: ‘My 12-year-old self’s eyes would have popped out of her head if she’d found that, by 30, she’d be happily married to a divine man, working as a writer/copy editor for glossy women’s magazines and living in a beautiful home she adores, with the most incredible friends any human being could ask for. I’m sure she would have been fairly impressed just to learn that I would, one day, successfully move out of home! My 12-year-old self had virtually no self-esteem to speak of, and could not picture how her life was going to turn. My life has exceeded my expectations, so I’m pretty sure 12-year-old me would say, “Right on!” She’d probably also ask me what it’s like to have sex, and stay up as late as you like, and drive a car.’

Justine Kiggen, food editor: ‘My 12 year-old self would say, “I can’t believe you are so old, but also how little your personality has actually changed!”’

Julia Boltt, consumer project manager: ‘My 12-year-old self would say to me:“You’re so old. What do you mean, you don’t already have a book published? You’re going to be a writer, remember!”’

Zimkhitha Sulelo, digital intern: ‘My 12- year-old self would have a million things to say about things like why it took me so long to realise that I am a girl, and that donkey rides and stealing apples is for boys!’

Marieke Merts, beauty intern: ‘I think 12-year-old me would be quite chuffed that the ugly duckling phase wasn’t permanent, but would definitely ask “Why aren’t you more tattooed?” (Slow down 12-year-old me; you’ll thank me one day for never going through with the skull tramp stamp that you so desperately wanted).’

What do you think your 12-year-old self would say to you today? Tell us in the comments section below or on Facebook.