An invisible list of expectations exists when you're growing up as an immigrant child in the United States. Coming from Costa Rica, the biggest one of these expectations was always going to University. Now that I am here at the University of Southern California, I've realized that it's the perfect time to start living for myself. The kid who lived to check off boxes on this "immigrant kid bucket list" has officially departed. At the time that I am writing this, I have been living at college for twenty-one days. This is the longest time I have been away from my family back home in my beloved New York City. Three thousand miles seems like the ideal distance to hit the refresh button on life. During these twenty-one days, in simplest terms, I have been living my absolute best life. Prior to these glory days, I've had many lessons to learn. In this letter to my younger self, I will share the Top 11 Lessons that I have learned in my life.
1. If you think of something, do it... or someone else will.
Here's to all those times that I've watched other people do what I had wanted to do. Seriously, life waits for no one, and it certainly won't wait for your bravery.
2. Know exactly what you want and absolutely believe that you are going to get it.
This is how I received my full ride scholarship to USC (and through hard work, of course.) It's crucial to realize how much power you hold through thoughts, feelings, and vibrations. Living life on autopilot really does not benefit you. What you put out into the universe, will come back to you. Be mindful!
3. Just because you feel it doesn't mean it's there.
Fear and doubt prevent you from living a fulfilling life! Most of the time, fear comes with the negativity that creates doubt within you. Definitely ALWAYS trust your gut, but learn to differentiate gut and fear/doubt. At USC, I haven't let any feeling stop me from getting out of my comfort zone and learning something new.
4. Confidence will change your life, insecurities will, too.
Take this scenario: You walk into a job interview for your dream job with your head held high and your shoulders set back. You speak not too fast or not too slow when prompted. You express yourself eloquently, thoughtfully, and clearly- commanding the space in which you find yourself in. The interviewer is impressed by how you carry yourself. You get the job. The key is to push your insecurities aside, and allow your abilities to give you the confidence you need. I learned to stop caring so much about how others perceive me-- something which none of us have control over. This gave me the freedom to go about my life with the certainty that my higher self will guide me in the right direction.
5. Life is so much better when nobody knows what you're up to.
As we say back home in NYC, we gotta keep it all on the down low. Posting your every move on Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, etc. gives space for others' enviousness and negativity to enter your life. Don't give them the space or platform to belittle or even degrade you by posting all of your business. Post what you want, and sure, share your accomplishments and best moments- but remember that some things need to stay personal especially in a world in which people think there isn't room for all of us to be successful together. You also end up staying grounded, and present in the moment instead of worrying about the next post on your story or feed. Stay lowkey, stay humble, and live your best life outside your smartphone's screen.
6. Love exists in music, and if you don't have love at least you have music.
I'll keep this one short and sweet: Music saved my life. When you're feeling down and defeated AF, put on some 90s and early 2000s bops and dance like no one's watching. My days have gone from rock bottom to feeling infinite because of music. It's a universal type of magic.
7. We accept the love we think we deserve.
Repeat after me: I am deserving of a full, organic, high vibrational kind of love. Settling for anything less than is disrespectful to my ancestors, my spirit, and anything I've built for myself and others. With love, I will pass on anything that doesn't feel in alignment with my soul. Divine timing is always perfect.
8. Sometimes all it takes is 20 seconds of insane courage.
9. If it isn't hard and it doesn't make me nervous, then it's probably not worth it.
It was either I stay in my safety net of NYC, and attend NYU… or go across the country where I knew nobody and nobody knew me. USC was the way to go and it was certainly the best decision I have ever made. Take a risk and challenge yourself outside of your own little comfort zone bubble. Strive to constantly renew your environment.
10. Never dim your light for anyone.
My favorite quote ever said it all.
11. Make decisions fast, the universe likes speed.
Last but not least: Stop waiting for a miracle to happen! Countdown from 3. Get up, get out, get it done.
