As I write this, I am in the early stage of turning my life around - by Y.Y.L.

Essay Title: A Letter to my Older Self 

Consolation Prize – A08

By Y.Y.L., a ‘N’ Level student-inmate from Institution B5

Dear future me, 

I hope this letter finds you thriving, not just surviving. As I write this, I am in the early stage of turning my life around. I want to remind you of where you came from – not to shame you, but to celebrate how far you’ve come. 

There was a time I did not care about school. I skipped classes, I wasted time, and thought that studying was pointless. I was angry at the world, at myself, and I channelled that anger the wrong way. I got into trouble. I was a delinquent. I even tried to numb my confusion with drugs, thinking it would make the pain easier, but it only made things worse. 

The day I realised I needed to change was not dramatic. It was not a rock bottom moment – it was quiet, even simple. I looked into the mirror and didn’t like who I was becoming, so I decided to try, really try to be better. I picked up my books, I sat through classes. I listened. And slowly, I started to feel proud of myself. 

Today I am not where I want to be yet, but I know I am on the right path, my goals are clearer now. I want to graduate, not for the sake of getting a certificate, but because I want a future. I want to pursue a career that gives back – maybe counselling or social work so I can help others who feel lost like I once did. 

I hope you, future me, do not forget this journey. I hope you are still grounded, still humble, and still learning. I hope you have forgiven yourself and continue to grow. I hope you have made your family proud – not just with achievements, but with the kind of person you have become. 

Most of all, I hope you stay strong. Because if there is one thing I have learned, it is that life will test you, but it is never too late to change. Thank you for never giving up on me and through it all, you chose to rise. 

With hope and conviction, 

Your younger self