A letter from August 22nd, 2019

August 22, 2019 Dear future self As part of a class assignment I am writing this letter, however I feel this as an opportunity to express myself about what is going on currently, hoping that things are better in some months. First things first, I am feeling a little bit down lately, as a matter of fact, last night I cried my eyes with mom but things are ok now with her, yet I feel lonely sometimes, even when I am with my best friends, I don’t feel like trusting any of them. Even though the loneliness is there, I try to be optimistic and focus on the goal. By the moment you read this, I hope we will be at the verge of graduating and therefore leaving a lot of things behind, I hope to feel nostalgic but not sad, since it is not good to attach to some things. In addition, it would be great to have acceptation letters from the universities we will apply to, such as NYU, Politècnica de Barcelona, Tec Moneterrey or U. Andes, and hopefully some financial aid or scholarship. Nothing could be better than being ready to pack my bags and just start college somewhere else, like a clean slate. Although, I would not mind staying here and hopefully keep in touch with those I care for that will live in Bogotá. We have always kept or eyes on the prize and reading this just before achieving one of our goals is delightful. Now, there is still a long way to go, four or more years of college awaits us and we should try to graduate with some kind of graduate program as well, preferably in another country. No matter what others say or suggest, after graduating college, starting our own business is the goal, maybe with a partner that can help us change the world as we always wanted. Remember all the things we want besides success; working at the UN in order to write HABITAT IV, trying to renew Bogotá’s ugliest areas and creating a company that creates sustainable spaces all around the world! Like I said before, it will not be easy nor fast, but life would be boring without challenges. That being said, never forget where you came from and all the sacrifice that you and others made so you could be where you are reading this. Remember those who supported you throughout these past months and make them proud, also those who did not, cut them loose and use their negativity as motivation. Make the best out of each day and focus on the goal. Try to be a better person, treating people equally and respectfully. But most importantly, care for yourself too! No achievement will matter if we feel lonely, depressed or stressed, self care should be a priority for the next years. Finally, as was said in our favorite movie: “you is kind, you is smart, you is important” (TH). Have fun! P.S. after reading this and hopefully realizing things are better now, write an email to the one person that made this message possible: Martina! Please do not forget, do it immediately.