Lessons from the Hardest Year of My Life - Welcome, Fall 2022
The first day of the Fall 2022 term at Columbia SIPA marked a new chapter for me, but the road leading to it had been anything but easy.
I returned to New York on May 4, 2021—Star Wars Day, a date I once thought of as nothing more than a fun cultural reference. Little did I know that the months following that return would be some of the most difficult, painful, and confusing of my life.
Over the course of nearly a year and a half, I faced heartbreak that shattered me into a million pieces. I battled physical and mental health struggles unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Life tested me in ways I never expected. And yet, despite everything, I can say with certainty that today, I am the strongest I have ever been.
Finding Light in the Darkness
But as challenging as this time was, it was not devoid of joy. Life is rarely just one thing—it is everything at once. Amidst the struggles, there were moments that reminded me of the beauty of simply being alive.
I met new friends—kind, genuine people who brought light into my life when I needed it most.
I had relationships that, even if fleeting, made me feel happy, even if only for a moment.
I rediscovered art and music in a way I never had before—listening, experiencing, feeling. I saw some of my favorite artists perform live, moments that left me in awe.
I traveled again, something I once feared I wouldn’t be able to do.
And perhaps most importantly, I finally feel ready to open my heart to love again.
Beyond these personal experiences, something even more profound happened:
My relationship with my parents improved in ways I never thought possible.
I learned to appreciate both the summer sun and the winter snow, each in its own way.
I discovered breathtaking places, just minutes away from me, that I had never taken the time to explore before.
I enjoyed unforgettable meals and moments of simple joy that I once took for granted.
And, above all, I fulfilled a lifelong dream—I live in New York again and attend one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
The Only Balance That Matters
I won’t try to measure the good against the bad to determine which side “wins.” Because at the end of the day, I win. I am a better person than I was yesterday, and I will always strive to be an even better person tomorrow.
To Those Who Helped Me—Thank You
There are people who, knowingly or unknowingly, helped me survive moments I never thought I could endure. To every single person who gave me strength, cheered me up, or simply reminded me that I wasn’t alone—thank you. You may never realize just how much you saved me.
A Reminder for Anyone Who Needs It
I rarely give advice because, honestly, I don’t always follow my own. But if you take anything from my journey, let it be this:
Prioritizing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being is not selfish.
Letting go of people who continue to hurt you is not selfish.
If someone truly loves you, they won’t treat you in a way that makes you question it.
Be grateful for the things you have that others can only dream of.
And above all—be kind.
You never know the battles that others are fighting, and sometimes, the smallest act of kindness can save a life.
To new beginnings. To growth. To strength.