I am currently sitting in the living room. The sun is setting, and through the window I see green leaves move ever so slightly to a summer wind. In about a month, I will be officially starting optometry school! I can’t believe I’ve reached this moment. The road has definitely been long, and might feel even longer once school starts, but it is very exciting. I have to admit, I might be a bit more nervous than excited. Do you feel the same way, too?
So many new experiences are ahead- learning in a professional school, meeting new people, moving to a new city, and getting to know new cultures. I would like to share with you a letter I wrote to my future self. I will read it again after graduating from ICO in the year 2020. This letter is something to look forward to and remember during the next four years.
To my future self,
Can you believe it? All of the hard work you’ve been through in the past 4 years is behind you- no more tests, no more final exams or assessments, no more notes. Now, you can finally practice what has been preached.
All those sleepless nights may now seem like a lifetime ago. They weren’t so bad, right? You might have been worried on some of those days, perhaps even lost a little bit of hair, too, but look at you now! It was all for a good cause. You’ve made it.
Think of all the good memories, the fun events you attended, and best new friends you’ve made- your new family! It was only yesterday you received your white coat. Now, your patients can call you “Doctor.”
Finally, don’t worry about all the times you might have missed that delicious Pizza Nova or home cooked meals. You probably learned to love all the amazing iconic dishes that Chicago has to offer!
As you embark on yet another new journey after graduation, I leave you with this little note:
The future is unknown. Anything can happen in the next minute, hour, or day, so try to make today and now wonderful. Believe in who you are, stand tall, and challenge yourself and those around you. To achieve greatness, you must have hope and aspiration. When times get rough, do not give up. And when you look back from your future to your past, it will all seem like a dream.
Is there anything you would like to tell your future self?
GB- Imagine. Inspire. Improvise