Dear Younger Self,
You’d be more than proud of me.
Yes… we made it.
I’ve come a long way, but I still have a long way to go. I know how hard you struggled just to build a better life for us. I remember how deeply you dreamed of becoming a writer and I want you to know that dream never faded.
I still see you in that elementary classroom, holding onto your love for poetry. You joined that poetry contest, and you won. That moment stayed with you. It was the beginning of something bigger, the hope that one day, you would be seen for the passion you carried.
And now, we are.
I found a place called Hive—a space where I can share my thoughts without fear of judgment, where my words are finally heard. This was your dream, wasn’t it? To have people read your stories, to inspire them, to make them feel something real.
And we’re doing it.
You once promised yourself that you would publish a book someday. I’m here to tell you that we’re almost there. The story is nearly finished, and soon, it will exist not just in our heart, but in the hands of others.
You’re no longer that quiet, overlooked girl who felt like she didn’t belong. You’ve grown into a woman who speaks, writes, and participates with courage. You found your voice and you’re using it.
And I know this might surprise you… but I’m studying law now.
I chose this path because I never want you to feel powerless again. I want to stand up, not just for us, but for what is right. Everything you went through gave me the strength to fight for something greater.
I hope I continue to make you proud.
I love you as always. I’m still rooting for us, every single day.
And one more thing: we became an ESL teacher too.
Can you believe it?
Thank you for your strength, your dreams, and every lesson you taught me.