College Episode

A Letter to my ninth-grade self

Justin Hou August 29, 2022

Dear ninth-grade me,

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How are you doing? I know high school is overwhelming, but I know you know that you can handle it. You are resilient and can genuinely do whatever you set your mind to.

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I know that your community, parents, and heritage all tell you that these years will decide the outcome of your future, but for a second, pretend like none of that is true. Think about what you are doing right now, and if you are happy doing it. If the answer is no, then stop it, and don’t be afraid to pivot.

This is your life, so make sure that you are pursuing what you want to do with it. Don’t be afraid of other people's approval; ultimately what will get you farthest is self-motivation and genuine passion for what you are doing. 

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Do one thing every day that scares you. You only get to live this part of your life once, so don’t think about what others think about you and say yes to that feeling of discomfort. 

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Finally, learn to forgive yourself and not regret the decisions that you’ve made. You’re still so young, and the decisions you make right now should not be dwelled on for long. The things that happen in your life happen for a reason. Focus on the bigger picture, and you’ll see why all of your hard work will pay off in the end.

Things will work out in the end, so just live life in the moment, stick to your morals of being compassionate towards others, and have fun!

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Best regards,
Justin