Shot by Ryan McGinley, Solange stuns in the latest issue of Teen Vogue. The singer and artist also penned a poignant letter to her teenage self, in which she admitted that age 17 was the “hardest year” of her life.

“[Y]ou will lose your best friend whom you love so much to gun violence in a single moment, and give birth to a new one within a year,” she wrote.

Solange’s letter also centered around uplifting words, offering advice, encouragement, and excitement about the future.