Dear 18-year-old me,
Dear 18-year-old me,
I want you to know I’m grateful for the work you’ve put in that’s carried us to who I am today. Literally, I hope the contents of this letter brings you comfort.
I know you have dreams for where you want to be in your final year of university, but I have to say things don’t turn out as you expect. You’ll feel betrayed by the people you’ve looked up to. But when the time comes, trust that you have the strength to carry yourself through. You learn to stand up for yourself, stand up for what’s right, and you pave a path for yourself, an even better one than you could’ve imagined. The things you learn about yourself will change you.
You’ll meet your first love and you’ll be smitten. I won’t spoil things for you. All I’ll say is to stay firm in your boundaries and have fun. Just enjoy the journey and where it takes you.
Keep doing what you love and remember there’s more to life than school and work. You’ll make friends, listen to new T Swift music, and pet lots of cats and dogs. There’s so much to explore and I can’t wait for you to experience all of it. Know what’s meant for you will fall into place.
I know things can feel overwhelming now, but your resiliency will carry you to where you need to be. I have faith in you.
Love,
Hannah.
Connect with Hannah on her Instagram (@hannahg_w).
Editor-in-Chief (Volume 51); Arts & Entertainment Editor (Volume 50) — Hannah recently completed her HBA in Communications, Culture, Information & Technology and Professional Writing & Communications with High Distinction. Hannah served as the Arts & Entertainment Editor for Vol. 50 and her previous publications include PWC’s official journal of creative non-fiction in Mindwaves Vol. 15 and research in Compass Vol. 9 and 10. She also served as an Associate Editor for Compass Vol. 9 and Vol. 10. In her spare time, Hannah runs her sticker shop The Aesthetics Studio and does freelance writing. You can connect with Hannah on LinkedIn.