About the Poet

Salma Al Jayyousi is from Greenwood International School.

Salma is a girl not afraid to expose the truth about this generation. Although young at age, her writings approach very crucial topics in nowadays society.

She talks about real-life experiences, stereotypes, and realistic dilemmas some people are too afraid to address. She spills her heart out on the pages, sewes words like threads and enjoys vigorous metaphors. Writing and public speaking have always been Salma’s forte.

From winning the “Best Speaker Award” for moderating at AUSMUN, she is always willing to defend her principles of righteousness and the better good.

Consequently, Salma is willing to pursuit a career in law in an effort to achieve real change in a world where every act of kindness is much needed.

A Letter To My Future Daughter

Dear future daughter,

I am sorry for the generation you have to grow up in.

This society lacks values;

Having a good heart is a liability

And being kind means you’re weak.

Dear future daughter,

Lying has become the new truth,

Trust is a luxury no one can afford.

And love is shown by being cold

Dear future daughter,

I am sorry if he broke your heart.

Don’t cry over him.

Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.

I say, worry about loving yourself not others loving you.

But they say not too much or we’ll tear you down,

they’ll bully you for smiling,

then wonder why you frown.

Dear future daughter,

I am sorry that this world is designed to depress us;

Happiness isn’t good for the economy.

Content is the stock’s biggest enemy.

Wanna sell the newest phone?

Make people feel like they’re missing out

Wanna advertise plastic surgeries?

Make people feel unsatisfied with their image by setting unrealistic definitions of beauty.

To be unfazed is a revolutionary act.

And you, my dear, must rebel.

Dear future daughter,

I am sorry the reality is too harsh;

No armor will protect you from all the backstabbing,

No good will come without the bad,

No trust will be earned without giving some away,

No vision will be clear without tears cleansing your eyes first.

And no memory can outlive the ones you live behind your phone-screen;

Laughs sincere, conversations lacking emojis and hashtags.

Dear future daughter,

That is the truth

I’m sorry this generation is so shallow

But what writing this letter taught me is,

the advice you tell others is the advice you need to follow..

Yours Truly,