A letter from Sep 09, 2024

Dear Future self, I’m feeling okay lately—better than I was three years ago. Every day can either be a tiny improvement, one so minuscule that it is worth nothing in my mind, or a vast setback scarier than the depths of the ocean. I’m passionate about outer space, science, and any type of science. It doesn’t matter to me what I accomplish, only that I accomplish it with science. I’m proud of my progress in life so far, but I know it is not enough and I need more. I feel incompetent. These days, I enjoy games, TV, sleeping, walking my dog, etc. I derive most of my happiness from accomplishments like a high grade or pats on the head from people around me. My vision for my future is to work in a science field, likely becoming an astronaut, volcanologist, climatologist, etc. I can’t forget the way that science makes me light up inside and forget all of my troubles, and I don’t see another career path as a possibility in my future. I do wonder how you are now, or well into the future. If you’ve chosen to pursue your dream or play it safe. If you are doing the latter, I hope you know I’m disappointed in you.