Write to Win: What would you say to a younger version of yourself? (Round 1)
Our writing contest starts with 10 students, who are eliminated one at a time based on your votes and YP editors’ picks.
In this week’s Write to Win prompt, participants share heartfelt advice they’d give their younger selves. Photo: Shutterstock Read the responses to this week’s Write to Win prompt, and choose the answer you like most.
Red: Follow your passion and do what you love, as life is short. We need to make it worthwhile by making every day joyful, no matter what happens. We are in charge of what we feel, and we shouldn’t let other people affect us negatively.
Yellow: Life is short, and time is precious. Growing older, I am not carefree any more. I treasure my time with my family, as I cannot spend more time with them now. I value my time studying and changing my future. I even enjoy my time playing, and being blithe is precious.
Green: To my younger self: I was a cheerful child who loved ice cream and sweets. Academically, I struggled and didn’t connect with my classmates. I wished for guidance, especially during my primary school studies. I want to say, “Take your time; you’re special.” Don’t compare yourself to others; everyone is unique.
Blue: I grew up having to face a lot of obstacles. However, I learned that everyone has their own journey. We shouldn’t compare ourselves with other people. Instead, we should focus on our own path. I would also tell myself that life is not only about success or the destination. I should always enjoy the small moments and the values and experiences I gain from them.
White: Surpassing the expectations my parents and I have of myself has always taken precedence. I never stopped enjoying the journey along my yellow brick road. Therefore, I would tell myself that life is not a race; sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to stop and smell the roses.
Purple: Speaking to my past self could cause irreversible changes to my current state, probably making things worse since we tend not to know what is best for us. Instead of taking this risk, I would give myself an encouraging hug to show self-love, the seed of all love.
Black: Thank you, my girl. Thanks for being optimistic, persevering and navigating every adversity. Thanks for staying true to yourself and practising the piano, which will be your favourite leisure pursuit, and for meeting many bosom friends who will support you in the future. Good luck, my girl!
Orange: To the younger version of me: you must sleep early. A long time ago, I stopped sleeping before 11pm because I thought going to bed early was meaningless. Years of this routine passed, and I felt more exhausted. Not only did I find it difficult to concentrate during lessons, but I also could not catch up with everyone’s learning pace. Thus, I want to remind my younger self not to underestimate the importance of sleeping early.
Pink: Focusing too much on others’ perspectives is unnecessary because people always appreciate artworks with a sadistic mindset. Grab your pen and papers, and remind yourself that ‘’I am free to craft even the most trivial piece, as long as I enjoy it.‘’ Keep your enthusiasm ignited, and convey it through your authentic words.
Brown: I would tell my younger self that it is not a matter of if but of when I will be able to succeed. If I had ignored the doubtful voices of my teachers and peers, my interests may have taken me down a different path entirely.