Dear 27 Year-Old Andrew
You’re allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.
Last month I graduated with my Masters in Communications with a concentration in Public Interest Communications from the University of Florida.
This was a journey that started back in 2020, when life was fully remote, and allowed me to study from so many different corners of the world. I owe a well-deserved thank you to so many friends, family (especially my parents!), co-workers and others who supported me along the way and were a part of that journey.
As I crossed that finish line, I also took a moment to write a note back to who I was back at the time. Here are the words I found.
Dear 27-year old Andrew,
You have no idea what lies ahead of you. But guess what - your grad program is going to be an awesome journey. While you won’t be attending classes in Gainesville, you’ll study from all around the world. A cafe in Paris, a taqueria in Mexico City, an apartment in New York City, the beach in San Diego. Places you never thought possible.
Beyond the theories, strategies, case studies and lectures - you’ll find yourself learning best from the classroom and teacher that has already shaped and molded you the most: travel.
You’ll encounter so many wonderful people along the way. You’ll fall in love. You’ll discover true friends. You’ll take your Spanish to another level. You’ll make homes in so many new places.
You’ll sacrifice a lot of sleep and a part of pretty much every weekend for the next 4 years. You’ll deal with a heartbreak or two (yes, including the engagement that by now you’ve figured out is likely going to end). Move cross country. Live “anywhere” and nowhere all at the same time.
But that’s all part of the experience. It’s the beauty of being human, and part of learning, growing and progressing. Part of your education as a human being.
So just focus on enjoying the journey and take it one step at a time. You’ll look back on this period with so much fondness and pride. This investment in yourself is a radical act of self-love you won’t ever regret.
And after the dust settles, you’ll find the perspective to appreciate it all - and smile with gratitude for what you’ve learned and who you’ve become.
Con amor,
31-year old Andrew
