Remember that time when your favourite singer was performing live in the city? You were dying to go, but your semester exams were starting that day. You were in a dilemma. Eventually, you went to the concert, only to return home to disappointed parents who had found out about your little adventure. Now when you look back, do you wish you had done things differently? Unfortunately, we don’t have a time machine, yet, so we can’t turn the clock back and rewrite the past. What we can do, however, is accept the bygone and learn from our mistakes. In an effort to find closure for those mistakes-laden, impulsive, youthful days, here’s an open letter to you, my 20-year-old self.
Dear starry-eyed girl,
You must be in your second year of engineering now. Knowing your academic skills, I am confident you will pass through the rigmarole of engineering and graduate with flying colours. However, while doing so, don’t forget to enjoy your life. You don’t ever have to sacrifice your present-day happiness for the sake of ‘someday’ euphoria. Don’t feel guilty when you bunk classes to catch a matinee with your friends. Don’t hesitate to binge on TV shows all night long and wake up groggy for classes the next day. Play loud music and dance to your heart’s content. Go on adventurous road trips, try different cuisines and make new friends. Not that good grades or lectures aren’t important, they certainly are. But, the memories you create with your friends are important too.
Over the next couple of years, you’ll be preparing for a career in the corporate world. But here’s the thing: no matter how many books you study or prepare for the interview, you’ll first need to crank up your confidence level—that’s the foundation. Of course, you’ll learn this lesson the hard way. You’ll probably fail in a couple of interviews, see your friends getting placed in good companies. But, hang in there. Eventually, you’ll figure out where you’re going wrong—you’re probably trying so hard to impress the interviewer that you’re coming across as fake. So, keep it real. Once you realise this, you will get placed in the company that’s right for you.
“…I wish to thank my dear 20-year-old-self for initiating me on this rollercoaster of a journey. Thank you for allowing me to learn those life lessons the hard way.”
The 20-year-old self faced a dilemma when her favourite singer was performing live in the city on the same day as her semester exams. She wanted to attend the concert, but she also had exams to attend. Eventually, she chose to go to the concert, which resulted in her disappointed parents finding out about her little adventure.
While preparing for a career in the corporate world, one should focus on cranking up her confidence level, as it forms the foundation for success.
The writer warns her 20-year-old self about romantic distractions and falling in love with someone she might not believe she is good enough for. She advises her to take things slow, acknowledge her self-worth, and avoid being too hasty.
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