Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

This has been one crazy year-- full of ups and downs and wild experiences I had not dreamed of having. A lot of realization hit me this year-- academically and personal, and has shown me what really matters.

I’ll start with the bad things, just to get it all out of the way. Academically, I felt as if I was drowning in some of my classes, and not doing the best I could. I really disappointed myself after comparing myself with the people around me who were putting so much effort into their classes. Personally, my life changed drastically-- after my uncle got sick, everything was different; the days were darker and just harder to enjoy. There were miracles that have occurred during his sickness that astonished everyone, but miracles have a limit. There has been a lot passings in the family this year and a lot of sickness-- this has resulted in my family being more gloomy and just different and you being out of the country every now and then tending to your family. Mujeeb moved out of our home and now lives on campus and we barely see him, even if he is just 15 minutes away. He rarely comes, and when he does, it is a couple hours at most. I Know that he is busy with his academics, but he always finds time for his friends, so what makes us so unimportant? I have distanced myself from a lot of people as well, and a lot of them were for my benefit-- but it still sucks. Being so close to people and defending them when people say things about them, just to find out that they are exactly how people said they were. Although there were unfortunate events that have occurred in the past year, it helps me appreciate the good a lot more-- I believe that the terrible situations have helped me grow more mature. My goals in the future for the negative times in my life is to always turn to family and friends, and to look at the bright side/be more optimistic.

There has been so many memories that I have cherished that overlook the hardships this year. I have learned to put my mental health and well being above my academics, and to take care of myself. Although there has been personal hard times in my family, I find it beautiful how we all come together and help one another through the times. When you were away, all of my aunts made sure I was cared for and looked after. Although I have distanced myself from some, I have created friendships that I am so blessed to have, and have strengthened the ties I had previously made-- For example, Nicholle Fernandez. Nicholle had always been a close friend of mine but this year I have become even closer and the first person I can easily consider my best friend. I also have picked better people to associate myself, such as my older cousin Zohal, and her best friend (someone I would consider a cousin) Benefsha, otherwise known as Ben. I have become a lot closer to the both of them and they have taught me lots of life lessons and have overall made me a better person. My goals in the future is to maintain these strong relationships, break away from any toxic ones, and to not start any drama.

Overall, I believe this year, through the bad and the good, has helped me grow and learn who to rely on. I have learned that nothing in life is permanent, and that it is okay to put yourself above others-- whether it be school or people. I am grateful for this school year, and I look forward to the life lessons I will learn in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Mena