Dear me 6 years ago, how are you? You are about to turn 18, a young girl. That’s nice. I am Chan from 6 years in the future. You must be surprised to receive a letter from me. Your high school life will end in about half a year. What do you plan to do after graduation? You might be confused, but have you thought well about what you want to do in the future? The next 6 years of your life will change significantly. There will be good and bad things. There will be regrets and disappointments.
You would be very surprised to hear that I am living in Japan. Leaving home and living alone was a big decision for me, who had never lived alone before. My high school teacher said, ‘Your high school life will be the most wonderful memory. You don’t have to think about money or living.’ But when I heard that, I thought, ‘I want to earn a lot of money when I become an adult so I can buy what I like, do what I want, and take better care of my parents. High school life is not important. I want to grow up quickly.’ However, now I realize that what my teacher said was right. As you become an adult, you have fewer friends, and you can’t ignore family, money, and relationships. I regret it now, 6 years later. So, I wrote this letter hoping that while you are still called a ‘child,’ you would have fun with friends instead of playing games at home, study more, and create wonderful memories.
I also want to tell you that I can do things I thought I couldn’t do 6 years ago. Now I am full of confidence in doing what I want.
In Japan, there is a phrase I like, ‘Ichigo Ichie,’ which means ‘Every encounter is unique and should be treasured, as it may never recur.’ If you miss a chance, there may not be a second one.
Keep it up. Enjoy your youth.