Letter to Myself: Post-Graduation

Writing is my passion. I don't always have the right words to say on the spot, but whenever I have time to sit and write, my thoughts and emotions overflow and appear on paper.

I have written since I was 15 years old. In a closet, there's a box that contains plenty of journals that date from 2015. Sometimes I sit back and read about soccer games, drama, friends, high school crushes, and aspirations I had as a teenager.

I read an article titled 'A letter To Myself On Graduation Day' by Nicole Leonard and thought I'd give it a try.

Dear future self,

You graduated. You made your parents proud! Mom and dad have been waiting to see you walk a stage since your first day of elementary school. Unfortunately for them, they missed out on seeing you walk your high school graduation after you turned down the opportunity. But, Fatima, you finally made their dream come true on December 11, 2021.

You didn't fail them, your sister, and your extended family. You have done everything you set your mind on. Just like dad said, you always get what you want. One way or another, your dream life has slowly become a reality.

Sure, you miss hearing your roommates' laughs, sleepovers, dressing up for class, and writing aesthetic notes, seeing your friends from the Catholic Student Center and working for Leadership Initiatives, but all of those are now beautiful memories.

You are now living in the real world, with the same mantra you had when you started college. Have no expectations, do whatever makes you happy, and walk away from anything and anyone that prevents you from getting what you want.

You've never had it all figured out, and now as a 22-year-old graduate, I don't expect you to. Please continue to remain carefree, hardheaded, and stubborn because it's brought you very far in life. You've overcome insecurities and didn't lose yourself when others tore you to pieces.

You've worked hard and have risked it all by putting yourself out there. You went from being the shy kid to being the girl who presents her portfolio and voices her opinion in large settings.

Wherever life takes you, enjoy it and make it your stage.

Love,

Present day me

If you made it this far, take the time to write a letter to your future self. It's fun to go back and remember both the good and the bad moments you went through.