A letter from May 25th, 2022

Dear FutureMe, it’s May 25th and tomorrow you English exam questions will be released. It’ll be the final assessment for your first ever trimester of Uni. This first Tri has been all over the place. You moved out of home at the end of Feb, and a week later your hope town and region was inundated with flood water. The house that raised you for 10 years was ruined. Anything you had left is gone. You left that place in February thinking you’d be back, and now you never will. You did go back a few weeks later, when the roads were open, to see your parents and sister. You did a 15 second drive by of the house. You’ll never see it again. Honestly, you haven’t really processed it at all. You cried for your parents and sister who had to escape rising flood water while you sat in the dry sanctuary of your studio apartment. But beyond that, you don’t feel you deserve to greave because you got it easy. I don’t know if you’ll ever mourn the memories that home held. As for Uni, it’s been a roller coaster. O- Week was great. The rest has been good. You’re not much for parties, which is probably for the best. You made a few solid friends. Taylor and Tara who are genuine rays of sunshine in your life. Then of course, your best friend moved down here! You can’t believe it happened, but you’re so glad it did. She lives 3 minutes away which is a massive step up considering you used to live 1.5 hrs away, and then 6. But she’s here now. Life is good. For tri 2 you’re hoping to come up with some sort of study plan so it doesn’t kick your *** again… we’ll see. Now for some questions: 1. If all has gone well, you’ve graduated Uni by now. (2026?!!) how is that? Have you got a job teaching? (Follow up… ARE WE TEACHING ABROAD!!??) 2. Did you travel? Whether within Aus or outside. Did you visit Melbourne or maybe Syd to see school friends? 3. Did you have your first times (yes. Plural. You really are a nun) 4. I suppose the finally question is the same as always. But. Are you happy? Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, I hope you’re embracing life’s turbulence and goodness. All the love, El x