To My Sister, the Young Girl

My dear young girl:

Do not suppose that I write these lines to blame you for some failing; I write them out of a sincere feeling, coming from a heart that thinks only of what leads to your good and your happiness...

Do not think, my sister, that school is a waste of time, to be approached with sluggishness and grumbling; for nothing strengthens your mind and opens the doors of knowledge before you like school... So seize the opportunity of your presence in it and draw from its sea all you can.

Listen to the advice of your elders, your family and your teachers, and do not suppose that they wish to humiliate and subdue you, for they love you and want your success, and from their experience they have a wisdom surpassing your wisdom; so lend them an attentive ear and you will be the wiser.

And know that a girl's ornament is her honor; so guard your honor from being soiled, and do not pave for yourself the road to criticism.. Do not draw eyes to yourself with excessive adornment and strutting in the streets. Beauty of this kind is cheap... and the ugliest thing in a girl is to be cheap. Remember this always and do not forget it.

Finally, do not think about trivial things, but persevere in your lessons so that you may reach a degree of culture that qualifies you to hold your head high, and thereby to raise the head of your nation.

Listen to my advice, my sister, girl of today; be brave, and trust that you will not lose.