Shweta Dubey , B.Tech ETC 

Hi Shweta!!!

How are you? Are you doing well? Well, I hope you are. The other day, I was strolling through the neighbourhood, and I saw some girls playing badminton. It reminded me of you—how you used to play badminton with your brother, so full of life. I miss that now because I don’t have the time to do all those things due to my busy schedule.

This little moment brought back so many memories of you. It is so vivid, as if I could see you standing in front of me —the tall, nerdy girl with rectangular frame glasses (I have round specs now, by the way). The girl who used to wake up at four in the morning to study (I can’t imagine doing that now). You were also very shy back then. I still remember the relief on your face when your class’s morning assembly was cancelled because of a holiday. You were so scared to be on stage.

Do you remember the time when you collided with the hurdle while running because Sunaina ma’am’s beauty caught your eye? You fell in front of everyone and became the laughingstock, darling. But you know what? I am proud of you. Even though you were hurt, you still participated in the races. You didn’t win, but your strength and willingness to try made you a winner.

Let me tell you one thing: there’s no need to be scared of anything —whether it is being on stage or any sort of public interaction. You are good and you are going to do better. Don’t hesitate to learn new things. Nobody will judge you for learning.

That curious little mind you have, please don’t torture it and ask questions whenever you want. Your chemistry teacher is definitely not killing you if you ask the same question twice. If you think your doubts are silly, then let me assure you: no question is foolish. If people around you try to make you feel bad, remember that they are in the same grade as you and likely share the same doubts. Kids at that age can be unpleasant, but it’s okay—they will grow up. Be kind to them too, as they might have the same insecurities as you.

I still get embarrassed when I remember how you quarreled with your class teacher in 11th grade. That was not very nice of you. I advise you to control your anger because the world needs a lot of patience and anger is just going to consume you inside out. You should voice your concerns but do so politely. This way, you’ll get your point across and remain stress free. Also, be proud of yourself and the progress you have made so far.

Your birthday will be celebrated exactly as you wish for it to be—with the best people around you. So be patient; it is going to be wonderful. Don’t worry about what the future has in store for you because I don’t. My 30-year- old self can write a letter to my 20-year-old self. So, break out of your shell, and go explore the world. It’s beautiful out there and you will definitely find a chance to spread your wings and fly.