To The One Who Got Me Through My Teens

I am turning 20 this week and as I reach this new milestone, I can’t help but look back on my teenage years, which were nothing short of a roller coaster ride. Some years had more ups and downs, but there were those that had more lows than highs. As a teenager, your body, personality and individual identity experience drastic changes. But as I recall the last seven years of continuous change, as I think about every happy and sad moment, I can’t help but notice that one person who never left my side so this is an open letter to her.

I remember being 14 and facing extreme insecurities about my body and my social skills. You helped me gain the confidence I needed by pushing me to make the best of my talents. You were more than just my best friend; you were my strongest supporter and loudest cheerleader. You were in the audience or in the wings of every play I acted in. You helped organize plans with other girls from school so I wouldn’t stick to your side alone. You helped me come out my shell and develop into the confident woman I am today.

I remember being 16 and having my heart broken for the first time. You were ready with a roll of romantic films and the best chocolates in town. You helped me realize I deserved better and that no boy could determine my worth. You said the only person who was allowed to determine my worth was me. Now when I look back, the best way you taught me this was by showing me your example. The way you dealt with those around you without losing your own voice for one second gave me the courage to do the same.

I remember being 18 and having to decide what educational path to go down. Naturally, I turned to you just as I had done as we walked hand in hand to the first grade classroom a decade ago. You helped me advocate against the conventional thoughts of those around me and encouraged me to take the road less traveled by. You were sitting right next to me as I opened my admission letter. When I faltered because I didn’t think I could be apart from you, you made me believe that I would successfully survive in another country and thanks to our long distance phone calls, I have done just that.

The ‘tumultuous teens’ are supposed to the toughest years in any girl’s life. You made what were supposed to be my worst years, my best ones. For that, I will be eternally grateful. In this coming decade, as I begin to chase my dreams and ambitions at a faster pace, our paths may not interconnect as often as they used to. So two days before I turn 20, I thought I needed to take this opportunity to thank you for getting me through MY tumultuous teens. For this and more, thank you Mom.