A letter from May 20, 2026

Dear FutureMe, I am writing this to you, knowing it is assignment season and you will be in need of assistance. I have an assignment due in 2 days. I have been trying to start it for weeks but was paralysed by indecision and anxiety. Today I planned out my day hour by hour to do my work. I did all the work! I did not follow the schedule but I did do all the things. Including the self-care. ADHD is a weight on my shoulders, so I guess I'll have to get stronger. You are so capable of doing your assignments, because you have done them before. I also used no AI, not even to summarise the articles (in part because AI couldn't do it well, but also because the summary wouldn't help my understanding or practical use of the information!). I wrote my draft on my own, based on my own notes, and using my own writing skills and knowledge. I got smarter and better from using my brain, and I did not give into a cheap fix. You are smart. Doing work yourself is satisfying. Your education is a privilege. I am proud of you, and I love you. P.S, here's the list of things I did, vaguely in order: Breakfast - stacked and put on dishwasher - brushed my teeth - Looked at other journal articles even though I had already chosen - got out of that mindset and started writing notes on article 1 - went for a walk + run - showered - made lunch (egg tortilla) - scrolled online - had phone counselling - did more scrolling - escaped and worked on Article 2 - article 2 was boring, but I persevered - Started my drafting for my speech - told myself I did a good job. (Next I will empty the dishwasher, start dinner, and put the bins out. I know I can do it.)