HARSHAVARDHAN.N
II EEE
_Dear Stressed/Aged Gramp Me_,
As I sit here, a second-year college student just stepping into the chaos of further semesters, I can’t imagine but marvel at how much has changed since we first stepped onto this campus. I can’t help but wonder about you. Are you reading this with a proud smile or a sheepish laugh? Did we achieve something or did we take some unexpected diversions? Either way, let’s agree on one thing: we tried.
So, let’s start with the realistic question: how’s the second year treating you? Are you surviving, thriving, or somewhere in between like a cat? By now, I hope we’ve found our groove, maybe even mastered the delicate art of balancing academics, friendships, and those late-night existential conversations or those relationship breakups that build you as a person and make college what it is.
Did you finally embrace the changes happening around you? I know it’s been weird watching friendships shift or some starting to seem permanent and realizing that not everyone stays the same, including us. But that’s okay. Growth is messy but hilarious like you finally getting a beard and your acne finally packs its bag. Who knew puberty came with such a combo deal? I hope you’ve learned to cherish the people who’ve stuck by you and gracefully let go of what no longer fits.
Oh, and Future Me, about our goal? Any progress? Did you install LinkedIn and start applying for internships and stuff? Please don’t tell me you have acquired a PhD in procrastination or become a sorcerer of Spotify (I’m 99% sure you became these). I beg you at least now start filling up your CV man.
If things didn’t go as planned this year, that’s okay. We’ve learned by now that life loves its plot twists. I hope we handled them with courage (or at least didn’t completely lose it). And if you’re reading and thinking “Wow, I didn’t do half of that”, don’t worry. You still made it here.
So here’s to you, I’ve attached a collage for you to relive. Keep working hard but also play hard. Be unapologetically you, because that’s the one thing we should never change.
_With hope and a hint of caffeine,_
_Your less stressed/Young self_
