In September, I wrote a post about how I was very fearful of my future and was having slight anxiety going into my last undergraduate semester. This is the letter that I wrote to my future self. Yesterday, my last final as well as my graduation ceremony. I feel that today is the most perfect time to read that letter, as today is my first day as a true adult, alum, and degree holder.
Dear Future Tanaye,
I hope that you read this and are happy, healthy, and full of courage as you face your fears of the big world. As of now, you don’t have a job or a car or a boyfriend or much money for that matter. You are surrounded by supportive family and some supportive friends. You are loved, and always will be loved by them. Don’t forget to use your connections. You have family in places of power and have made strong career connections. Use them. Don’t be timid.
Tonight, you will start reading the book Lean In. I hope that it fills you with courage because right now you are full of fear of what the future might bring. You are scared beyond belief. You are mortified. You truly want to live with your parents for the rest of your life. But we know that isn’t what you’re destined for. You’re destined for greatness. So hustle. Hard. Think smart. Do the right thing. Never take no for an answer and never settle. And most importantly, have faith in yourself.
YOU’RE SO MUCH MORE THAN YOU GIVE YOURSELF CREDIT FOR.
You’re a fighter. You’re intelligent– no matter if you have a 3.0 or not. You’re caring. You listen. You’re everything you think you’re not. Love yourself everyday and don’t be afraid to cry every once in a while. Don’t forget to take deep breaths and invest some serious time into yoga classes. You’re going to make it. You may not think you will now, as you lay in this bed on the 2 of September, but you are going to make it. You are going to make it. You are going to make it.
(And don’t worry about them loans. That’ll work itself out. It always does.)