A Letter to My Younger Self: A Reflection on Growth and Healing by Teairah

A Letter to My Younger Self: A Reflection on Growth and Healing by Teairah - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I had the opportunity to give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to never remain silent about your pain. Life is full of both beauty and hardship, and while it offers countless opportunities to grow, it also presents moments of heartbreak, confusion, and emotional turmoil. Being so young, I experienced emotional wounds that deeply affected the way I viewed the world and myself. I now recognize how important it would have been to express my feelings instead of hiding them behind a smile. I would urge my younger self to speak up, to reach out, and to trust that vulnerability does not equate to weakness; it is, in fact, the foundation of strength. There were many times when I felt alone, misunderstood, and emotionally exhausted. I wish I had someone beside me who could truly listen and understand the chaos that existed in my mind. Instead, I bottled everything inside, believing that my emotions were burdens that no one could carry. I now realize that by keeping silent, I allowed those emotions to weigh heavier on my heart. If I could speak to my past self, I would say, "You are allowed to feel. Your emotions are valid. You deserve compassion, not just from others, but also from yourself."
One of my deepest regrets is taking life for granted. I often moved through my days without fully appreciating the moments that passed by both the good and the bad. Pain teaches us lessons, and joy reminds us what we are living for. Each day is a new page in a story that only we can write. I would encourage my past self to find purpose even in the smallest things and to never overlook the gift of life, regardless of how difficult certain chapters may seem. Another message I would give is to let go of resentment. Holding grudges only continues the cycle of pain and prevents healing from taking root. Forgiveness is not about excusing someone else’s actions; it is about choosing peace over bitterness. I would tell myself that by releasing anger, I am not showing weakness, I am taking control of my inner world. It is okay to remember, but it is also necessary to move forward.
I would remind my younger self that being okay all the time is not a requirement. It is normal to feel lost, sad, or overwhelmed. Pretending to be fine only delays the healing process. Embracing your broken pieces allows them to be mended with care and honesty. There is beauty in being real, even when the truth hurts. People cannot help or understand what they do not know. Being open allows others to connect with your experiences and offer the support you deserve. Most importantly, I would say, “Be kind to yourself. You are doing the best you can.” Life is not a straight path, and everyone’s journey looks different. Growth takes time, and mistakes are part of the learning process. You are not defined by your past or your pain. You are defined by the courage to keep going, to heal, and to become a better version of yourself. If I could reach back in time, I would not try to erase the pain but I would make sure that the younger me knew that healing was possible, and that speaking up could change everything.