What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? The Daily Post asks four well-known Rotorua people - former mayor Grahame Hall, entertainer Russell Harrison, businesswoman Linley Parry and Rotorua district councillor Glenys Searancke to write a letter to their teen selves Russell Harrison:
DEAR 16-year-oldself, I'll try to keep it brief. Here are some thoughts for you to consider in your pending future.
Styling your fashion around a television cop show called Miami Vice is NOT a good idea, you will never live it down.
There's only one Michael Jackson and one Michael Jordan, YOU are neither! Build a bridge and get over it.
If you want girls to dance with you at the school ball actually go inside the hall, this may increase your chances somewhat! Stealing your mother's cigarettes and smoking them with those Pakeha girls from next door is a STUPID idea, save yourself some time and pass on the idea all together.
Get your eyes checked, you're short-sighted, that's why you're getting headaches.
Pay more attention in class, you're more than capable but you just have to get your head out of the clouds.
Be more focused at basketball, you're a natural but your work ethic sucks! Stop trying to act like someone you're not.
You're not a stud; you look more like a dud! It's your ego talking; you'll have years to deal with what he puts you through.
Continue to pursue your passion for singing and a career in entertainment, it kind of works out.
Love your parents NOW, because it hurts like crazy when they are not around - and your brothers too I suppose (optional). Don't be scared of getting your heart broken, everything will work out the way it's supposed to, perfect in fact!!
Always remember your roots in South Auckland and Tai Tokerau, it's who you are, and to save time, stay learning te reo after college, and find some friends in Rotorua with a thermal pool.
Good luck! Live long and prosper (Oh, you do!)
From Big Russ
PS: If you haven't already been to the races, when you do go (and you will) look for a horse called Bonecrusher, back it to win, all day - trust me.
