I Met my Younger Self for Coffee Today

I met my younger self for coffee today at a café in Paris—because, geographically, this was halfway between us.

She was in seminary in Israel, and I was in Brooklyn.

We both arrived ten minutes early.

She ordered an iced coffee, I ordered an iced latte, and we split the cheesecake.

She said she hopes to come back here one day. I told her, You will—first with your sister Shaindy, then with your husband.

She said her plan after seminary is to go to Touro and become an accountant—or maybe a writer. I told her, You’ll excel in Accounting 1 & 2, but you’ll find your niche in marketing. And yes, you’ll become a writer.

She shared her concerns about life after the seminary bubble. I told her, They don’t go away—but you learn to navigate as it comes.

She wore a hot pink collared shirt with a stretchy skirt and clogs. I wore a wrap dress and ballet flats. We both had an Aneini tucked into our messenger bags.

She told me she made incredible friends over Pesach break. I told her, Not only will they be your friends for life, but you’ll make a few more besties in the coming years.

She asked if I wanted to stay and watch the Eiffel Tower light up at night. I told her, I already booked us rooftop tickets.