Senior goodbye: Raquel Rosado

Dear My Past Self,

Thank you for not giving up. I am aware that our life wasn’t as simple as others’ because of never having a stable healthy relationship with friends, constantly moving, off-and-on relationships with parents. You did it! In fact, you’re about to graduate. You’re really looking forward to it and all the opportunities it will bring you to live a happy life.

Getting there wasn’t as simple as it seemed. You encountered many people who you genuinely cared about but who ultimately
caused you great harm. The hardest year was junior year but you overcame it! You achieved tremendous things all during your senior
year. You were able to determine why you should continue to exist in this world. You’ve finally determined the goals and interests you wish to pursue in the future. Although you still experience occasional mentally draining episodes, you are seeing a therapist who has been
crucial in helping you handle them.

In a couple days, you have your high school graduation, and I am so proud. I appreciate all the tough choices that you had to make, the hard effort that you had to put in, and especially all the hardship you had to endure, but overcame without giving up. Every challenge you overcame and storm you endured has made us stronger.

I swear that going forward, I’ll do my best to show my past, present, and future selves the love, kindness, and forgiveness they deserve. I appreciate the help you gave in bringing me here. Now that I have us, I swear I will love and care for us both adequately.

Love,
You