A letter to my younger self
Dear past self,
I know times are tough, everyone is moving on with their lives and starting a new chapter, and you’re stuck at home struggling to find a job and figuring out how you’re going to continue with school. I know you don’t have help, and I know it’s incredibly frustrating not knowing what to do either. You finished high school, and this is your next challenge. Achieving your bachelor's is going to be a long road, but it doesn’t matter how long it takes, it matters that you finish. You’re going to be working throughout your educational career. Thankfully, you will have people at work who care about you and your education and will work with you to help you. Some days it’ll be hard, you’re going to have to do homework in between lunch breaks or go to cafes for 3 hours to study, but it’s going to be worth it. Along the way, you’re going to meet one of the best people in your life who is your kindred spirit and your biggest supporter.
You’re going to apply for three schools: Chapman, Cal State Long Beach, and USC. You can't afford Chapman, but that’s okay. There is a reason for everything. Choosing Cal State Long Beach will be one of your greatest decisions. You’re going to move to a healthier home environment, you’re going to be working with great people, and your professors will be inspirational. Each class will shape you in some way. You’re going to learn that you love literary journalism, you’re going to love Díg en Español, and you’re going to love working on Campus Connection. You're finally going to learn how to write intriguing stories, interview people who won a Pultizer Prize, or someone who bakes outside of their kitchen, and you're going to grow the confidence into becoming a better writer.
You're going to make great friends and connections interning at 22 West media, and although it was short-lived, you're going to intern at your favorite radio station 95.5 KLOS. The coronavirus is going to ruin a lot of things. You won't be able to walk the stage. You won't be able to personally thank every professor that made a positive impact on you.
However, you will accomplish so much more. You will report remotely for your broadcasting class. You will dedicate your new-found free time to your education. Most importantly, you're going to finish what you started 7 years ago.
Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for pushing yourself to be the best of the best, even if it irritated you and others. Thank you for choosing your mental health when you needed to.
Finally, thank you for never losing yourself along the way, I know growing up is hard. You’ve matured faster than most people, but you always remained a child at heart with a passion for life and adventure.
Things begin to look up, and you're starting your next adventure in adulthood. This is only the beginning but, soon, you'll look back and laugh at where you're started and be proud of where you are today.
You got this kid. Don't let anyone tell you differently.
Love,
Future You
