Nicole,
First and foremost, remain true to who you are. You are the only person in the world that you will spend every second of the rest of your life with. Don't change your beliefs or your ideals for anyone else. If someone wants you to change who you are for them, they are not interested in who you are, but rather who they want you to be.
Remember your family and where you come from. I know that at times its been rough to say the least. I also know that you dont believe it, but I have always had your best interests at heart in life. Sometimes, that means saying "no" to someone that you love. You always have a place to call home. You always have a place where people care about you and want what's best for you as well. I realize that at times it may seem otherwise, but its true.
Always remember to treat others that way that you want to be treated in return. There will be times that you will be used if you follow this advice, there is no doubt about that. But more often then not, you might make someone's life a lot easier for them to get through if only for one day.
Don't judge others based on first appearances or looks. Everyone expresses their individuality in different ways. Dont ever discount someone because they dress differently or have tastes that differ from yours.
Every once in a while try doing something for others that you dont expect to be thanked or rewarded for. You'd be surprised how much just doing something nice or unexpected for others can feel more rewarding inside then any verbal thanks could ever be.
Dont ever sell yourself short. You are a very intelligent, funny, driven and passionate person. Those are all attributes that will serve you well in life. Balance them out appropriately for your success. Life in the real world is full of disappointments, setbacks and hard times that go along with the good times. Dont let those bad times get you down or ever make you rethink your path or choices. The bad times are fleeting in life, dont let them overshadow the good.
You are gifted with a wonderfully creative and vivid imagination. Use it outside of your chosen field of study to help you solve life's problems that come your way. Life is much more interesting with a great imagination and creativity.
Dont ever miss a chance to tell others exactly how you feel about them. People will always know where they stand with you then and you never know just how many chances you will get to tell them those things.
Laugh. Laugh often and loud. You will feel better afterwards.
Realize that many people that are your good friends are so because of who you are and not how you dress or how you look. They are your friends because of the person you are and not the label on your butt.
Never confuse style with substance.
Also remember that its not how much you have in life, its how happy you are with what you got. The richest man in the world maybe more miserable then a content janitor at the library. The person with the most toys doesnt always win.
Be compassionate to others when needed. You will be rewarded beyond your belief in return.
Put your faith in God. When all else in life seems to be going to hell, having a deep faith that God will help pull you through can help you immensely. That doesnt mean by any stretch that you wont be hurt, it might be that you are supposed to learn a lesson from that hurt.
I know that you will be a success in whatever you completely set your mind to accomplish. I hope that in time you might be able to see things from my point of view as well. Maybe then we can continue to go on as a father and daughter should in life.
All of my love and prayers for a wonderful life ahead,
Dad