A Letter To My 18 Year Old Self

Dear Linh,

Do not judge your university experience off your first week, or even your first year. Everything has the potential to change and get better. Remember why you are getting your semicolon tattoo: you have the power to write your own story.

Before the first day of Orientation is over, you will realize that you have already made mistakes. This will be difficult to confront, but do not fear. You will not regret those decisions in the long run. Nothing is irreversible. Besides, from wrong choices, important lessons and good people can come into your life. Things will find their place.

Do not listen to everyone’s advice. Though they all mean well, you do not have to bend over backwards to follow. You do not have to stress over whether you’re getting things right, because there is no single way of doing anything. Stay flexible. Becoming Editor-in-Chief at The Varsity is not your only route to success. Better opportunities will arise, and you may be surprised by what you find joy in. You will accomplish things you’ve never imagined, and you will love those experiences more than anything you had planned.

Many have said that university relationships are far better than high school ones. This is true, but that doesn’t mean they have to be with different people. Those who you really want in your life will stay; it will be easier to keep in touch than you think. And although you might find it hard to make connections at the start, friendships will form without you even realizing. You don’t need to go out of your way to fit in.

Don’t beat yourself up over your grades. There will be bad marks every year. There will be low 70s, even 60s, and this will be jarring. Take heart. Ask for help. Ask for extensions. It’s easier to pick your marks up than you think. Even with a 60% paper, you may still finish with an A. But remember that your grades do not define you. A year later, they will not matter.

I’m sorry that so many difficult nights still lie ahead. I still have no solution for those. There is no formula that will make the dark clouds disappear. Just don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. You are not alone. Drink tea. Watch movies. Journal. Scrapbook. Take a bath. I know you will struggle with this, but put your health first. Put your happiness above accomplishment. Have faith in your loved ones.

Remember to listen to your needs. Balance different aspects of your life. Take deep breaths. When you can, try to sleep before midnight. You will have so many wonderful moments in the next few years. You will be so proud of what you’ve overcome, and I know that you will make it through stronger than ever before.

Love,

Linh (age 21)