A letter from Aug 18, 2022

Dear Marinelle, The day you decided to study nursing instead of your childhood dream course, tourism, was the most important decision you've ever made. I didn't see any uncertainty or doubt in yourself; I simply saw courage and confidence. The 16 years old you, wouldn’t believed that you reached at this point in your life. Do you recall how thrilled you were to attend college? Do you recall the day you moved out of your parents' house to pursue your education and create your own story? Do you recall your first week living freely in the dorm? Do you still recall the first day of class? Do you still recall the night you had a breakdown on your fourth day in the dorm, how you silently sobbed uncontrollably because you couldn't believe you had made it, and how you pretended to your roommates that you had an eye large eyebugs because you had slept so late? I still remember how fervently you prayed for this significant achievement, and I still remember how diligently you toiled in order to achieve your goals in an honorable manner... You've been through a lot for a very long time, and you deserve to have someone you can lean on. I still remember how you pleaded with God to let you have real friends. I hope you do have genuine friends now; you deserve to have someone you can lean on. When I start to write a letter or a narrative, I frequently experience writer's block. But I'm doing everything I can to give you a better story—your life—that you may read in the future. So how are you currently? Still existing or holding on to life? You must be breathing. Do you currently have an uno or perhaps a dos? Always keep in mind that your grades won't determine your future. Do you currently date anyone? Or are you still using the phrase "study first"? If you're seeing someone, I hope he's up to your standards, and if not, remember that 'Nasa AFAM ang truelove’. Regarding your decision to take this path, do you feel confident in it? If you're having second thoughts right about now, mennn, go back and reread my opening paragraph; take a good look at where you are in life, you've come a long way. Brief aside: while writing this, I imagined myself to be the protagonist, complete with the usual authorial trappings: a laptop on the table, a headset in my ear, and some soothing music (I recommend "Study time with rain" by Monoman; do a quick search if you have the time; it's a great background track), the lights out, and my mother's cardigan draped over my shoulders. Maybe you need to re-romanticize your life, Marinelle. I've been telling you for a long time to take things slowly and steadily. Since I understand how uneasy it might be to venture outside one's safety net, I'd want to express my gratitude for your bravery. I am aware of how challenging it has been for you to readjust, yet look how quickly you are settling into your new life. When you begin to believe in your own capabilities, there is really nothing that you cannot accomplish. I'm so proud of you that I can't even put it into words. I couldn't believe you were this resilient. Always keep in mind that your old self is always here to give you a pat on the back virtually and encourage you to "keep going, keep swimming, and keep thriving," regardless of how low or high you fall. LabaRN Marinelle our future RN. “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it, the time will past anyway” your favorite motto. Sincerely, Your old self Marinelle 8/18/2022 - 10:49pm