As you prepare for the transition into higher education, you’ll soon find yourself meticulously checking suitcases, organizing backpacks, and reviewing student lists. Watching your excitement and eagerness as you embark on this new chapter fills my heart with pride for the incredible person you have become.
I recognize that receiving advice from me may not be what you want to hear right now—but there’s a vital lesson I feel compelled to share. It’s one I hope to convey through my actions rather than mere words, and it’s essential for you to grasp it fully.
As you step into this new world, eager to absorb knowledge and seek out experiences, remember that not every lesson will be pleasant. That’s alright. I genuinely believe there is beauty and goodness in our world, but there are also situations and individuals who may not embody these qualities.
This is why it’s crucial to never get too caught up in your own life to appreciate the beauty surrounding you. Seek it out and celebrate it. However, when you encounter those who have lost their way or never learned to recognize the beauty, don’t waver. Resist the temptation to harden your heart; instead, look for ways to share your joy with them.
As you meet new people, make it a point to connect with them on a deeper level—look them in the eye and refrain from judging based solely on appearances. The true essence of an individual is revealed over time, through actions rather than superficial traits.
I hope you will consistently find more kindness than cruelty in your journey. But if you come across the latter, don’t turn away. Ignoring the darker aspects of life breeds apathy and indifference.
I’ve endeavored to instill in you the strength to know yourself and to stand firm in your values. As you leave the comforts of home, be prepared to encounter those who may lack strength themselves. Age and circumstance can strip away a person’s resilience. Don’t waver; these individuals are the ones who will greatly benefit from your support. Stand up for what you believe is right, even if it means standing alone. It may not always be the easiest path, but it is the one you should choose.
I sincerely hope you never confront true malevolence, for it exists in our world. I’m not referring to the fantastical villains of horror stories, but rather the real, painful suffering that humans can inflict upon one another. If you ever find yourself facing such darkness, don’t flinch. The moment we ignore the shadows is when true darkness begins to seep in, gradually transforming the unacceptable into something that seems normal.
You’ve been nurtured within a loving community, understanding that the struggles of one affect all. Yet, I urge you to expand this perspective; every man, woman, and child is part of that interconnected web. When tragedy strikes one person, it sends ripples that touch us all. In a perfect world, there should be no division—only a collective “all.”
Embrace the idea that life isn’t solely burdensome; we also share in moments of joy and happiness. I hope you never turn away from these experiences either.
I know this may sound daunting, and honestly, it can be overwhelming at times. The toughest challenge is learning to keep your heart and mind open without losing your identity. It can hurt deeply when you wish to help but feel powerless to do so.
The only advice I can offer is to strive to contribute more positivity to the world than what you take from it. Just as the sun rises each day, your efforts will create their own ripples in the lives of others.
Understand that you won’t always succeed, but you won’t always fail either. Each of us sets our own standards and determines how to achieve our aspirations, so never let someone else’s definition of success weigh you down or lift you up.
Finally, remember that life is for living. When opportunities for love, laughter, and joy arise, seize them. Hold on tightly and don’t waver.