A letter from May 20, 2025

Dear Yannie, This week is the finals week for the second semester. Everything is quite overwhelming, yet I still procrastinated. I hope when the time you read this, you overcome that bad habit. Right now, you're filled with mixed emotions. You feel grateful because of the opportunity you've been living. At the same time, you feel lacking and envious of other people's lives. One girl you've been following on Instagram has been sharing her mini life series, and you wanted to romanticize her life as yours. Some graduate students earned their flat 1.0 grade point average, and you felt you should have been in their places. I know it is very unhealthy. You should not focus on what's lacking; instead, find ways on how you can also present yourself, the gifts that God has given you. You are unique, and you have to believe you are. I hope you have the courage to face uncertainties. You should not settle for less. The world is big. You have to have the strength to see it. This time, I want you to shift your perspective into something more mature. Study well. Make sure you make yourself proud. Do more of what you can do. That's your challenge. Do not fear anything. Setbacks and failures are temporary, and they are also necessary for growth. Give you 101% in everything. By the time you read this, if you are doing your thesis, I hope you continue to build yourself not for the people but for your own investment. You are blessed with people and wisdom. Do not let your failures define you. Do not overthink. Do what needs to be done. But along the way, do not forget yourself in the process. You might not have the resources to travel the world and live in luxury. But this time, own your life. Be in charge of your life. Take the path. Cut down social media use. Limit your exposure to the standards of the world. I hope by then, you are more stable in every aspect of your life. Pat your shoulders when you read this. Loving you always, Yannie