english,
Literary (Submission): The Letter I Needed
Hello,
You’re probably in a room full of geniuses right now, wondering why you deserve to be in there. They’re all talented in every way possible and you’re not even a master of anything. You’re a terrible speaker, a bad illustrator, and a decent photographer. But at least you know how to write a proper paragraph.
You’re also probably overthinking, down to the most minute of details, if you’ll be able to graduate next year or if you’ll be able to make your family proud with a diploma, or maybe even a medal.
However, as the year passes by, you’ll find out that the stress and pressure you went through just to be what you think is the best version of yourself, is useless.
Senior year is not for you to shine the brightest rather it’s a time for mistakes and embarrassment. Speak in front of a crowd, fail a class, pass a requirement late, and most especially, write without regrets. These are some of the things you won’t be able to do once you don that sablito (sash) you’ve desperately been longing for.
Being part of a family of writers does not mean you have to be the best one there is. You’ll soon realize that these geniuses aren’t so different from you. They’re as confused as you are and they’re not here to make you step up your game or pressure you into being an outstanding writer and editor. They’re here to help you grow and support you in whatever you dream of doing.
So pick up that pen, or more likely, that laptop of yours and write down everything that comes to mind. Ideas fly faster than you think, and knowing you, you probably won’t remember them. The number of drafts you have is simply a social construct to tell you that you already need a final idea. Don’t mind that, you can make as many as you wish. The number of drafts you have is not even your biggest problem. Hitting a wall is far worse, especially when you’re deadline is only a few hours away. During these times, you only have two options: you either break it down or dig a hole right under it. Giving up shouldn’t be in your vocabulary. But don’t fret too much, the words you need would come randomly to you in the most ungodly hour of the morning or at an absurd time during the night.
As a farewell, I am going to let you in on a little secret: being terrible at something only gives you a bigger room to grow. In the end, when the final note in UP Naming Mahal resonates inside that theatre, no one would remember how good you were at playing the guitar, or singing, or even writing. In the end, you’ll all be remembered for being part of a family tied together by smiles, tears, and glory.
Love the people (and things) around you and let that love bleed out onto the pages.
God knows I would’ve done the same if I were back in your place.
From someone you probably stressed a lot about,
[Morayta]
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