If you could go back in time and tell yourself something important for the future, what would it be? Hindsight is 20/20, so they say – so every issue, Pride gives a reader the opportunity to share the pearls of wisdom they’d pass on to their younger self if they could. This month, recent graduate Abies Iriowen reflects on how her hard work has gotten her exactly where she wants to be, and gives her younger self some wise words to move her forward.
I am so proud of where you are right now, Abies. You recently graduated with a degree in Business and Event Management from the University of Hertfordshire, got a great job in the city and you are living your best adult life. Everything you have done so far has got you to where you wanted to be, and for that you should be so proud. However, with all things, there is always room for improvement! So if I could go back in time, I would tell you the following things…
Study Hard. I’m proud of you because you always take your work seriously. I encourage you to push yourself a little harder, especially during the stressful exam periods. Never stop learning; you are a smart girl and very capable of doing anything. Your ambitious nature and the way you are always thinking about your future will set you up for a good start to adult life. So stay focused, girl – you got this.
Love Your Features. If only you realised now how damaging those chemicals are for your hair. Instead, Abies, I want you to embrace your natural hair, your skin, your full lips and so on. Little do you know, these are the very things you’ll grow to love about yourself when you’re older. Side note: please stop with the junk food – you won’t believe how much you’ll be paying for your gym membership in the future! But, most importantly, believe in yourself; you are beautiful.
Be A Rebel. Don’t be as afraid to break the rules; they are there to be broken. I get that you are shy, anxious and easily embarrassed sometimes, but you’re young – it’s okay! You’re allowed to make mistakes; you’ll soon realise it’s the best way to learn. Being rebellious doesn’t mean being bad. It means challenging the status quo, and not accepting things as they are all the time. These are all things you can do while still being your kind, respectful self. I’m so happy these characteristics come so naturally to you, even in adulthood.
Build Good Relationships. Network, Network, Network. It’s so important, so start early. Be confident in making long-lasting relationships with your teachers, friends and colleagues, as they will be very useful in the future. Also, avoid all the drama and negativity; you don’t need to go down to the levels of others. However, with real friends, never let a rough patch be the end of things. Communicate, stay positive and if things are meant to be, they will work out.
Stand up for what you believe in. I wish you would speak up more in class when you knew the right answers. Don’t be afraid to give your opinions in situations. Looking back on it now, I realise all the hesitation comes from all the anxiety that you harbour. But with time, you learn how to manage it and succeed in things you would never have imagined.
Above all, continue laughing and being your fun, bubbly self. It’s what will draw people towards you in the future.
Love,
Abies
Abies then…
