A letter from January 18th, 2021

Dear FutureMe, 5 years from now you are already in Cavite with your mom and your sister, living the life you’ve always longed for. You are now a grown woman, with experiences that made you wiser day by day as you learn from the people you’ve met and you’ve been with. How’s your College life? [Nakauyab na ka? HAHAHAHA] I hope you’re doing well with your thesis even if you are probably crying out of frustration because it’s just so hard. You probably got new friends now, barkadas that you can lean on. Through the bad times and good times, you have these people who will always have your back. There may be times where you might want to give up but know that you should remember why you must keep on moving forward no matter what. By now, I’m pretty sure you have savings from the side-jobs that you’ve applied for. The money you’ve earned shall be used wisely and you should know what are the wants & needs. In 2026, you might already even have achievements you never thought you can do: land a position in an org in your school, experience OJT, be able to build a firm foundation of who you are and your values (the identity/morals/principles/etc), invest in a business (whether small/big), & be in the honors roll. While writing this, it might sound absurd for you yet but, nothing is impossible. With your determination and will to accomplish things, I am confident that you can do it. I wonder what course you did choose, is it something that you never thought you’ll take? Only the future you, which is right now know. After contemplating and reflecting on what do you desire, what do you want to do in the future, I am certain that you now have the path in mind that you want. Oh! I bet you have traveled with your friends, jumping from one place to another. That is exciting for sure. Having a deep conversation with them, opening up, and realizing how much you all have grown. If you have a partner by now, remember not to forget to love yourself & still do what makes you happy. Learn their love language, make decisions about what’s best for you two, be responsible for whatever happens in your relationship, and never, ever compromise your boundaries. These relationships that you have should not just bring you pain, instead, these people should be part of your journey where you are able to grow and be the best version of yourself. You might be feeling down because of those weaknesses you have right now most especially when it comes to academics but, always remember that these weaknesses of yours should not stop you from having the opportunities to excel and harness your full potential as a student. Learn to maximize the resources that you have and build connections with people that you can help & can help you. Challenge yourself, ask, “What can you do to improve yourself?”. Look out for your health, for health is also your wealth. Do meditation if you feel tense or if you got lots of things in mind. Stress is a bad thing for you Edel! Balance, balance is the key after all. Don’t forget to say affirmations to yourself, remember to breathe during hard times, feel the intense-rush when you’re on the verge of giving up but you want to grab that goal of yours, growing my strengths, basically, grind and grind— be in love with the idea of constantly improving & growing your self. Look forward to the future as it awaits you. Live the moment, cherish what matters to you. No matter where you are, who you are right now, always remember: I am proud of you. Love, Aiss Aiss