This article was first published in May 2021.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing. As we grow up, we learn from our mistakes, develop our personalities and discover who we are. If we were to write a letter of advice to our younger self, what would we tell them? What do we know now that we wish we knew then? What have we learned?
For this series of thought-provoking films, we asked eighteen young people to write a letter to their younger selves. This is Dear Younger Me.
Dear younger me,
Right now it seems like your identity is misunderstood and you feel alienated. You've been in England for a year and you're still explaining your existence daily. I want to remind you that I am so impressed by your adaptability.
Your ability to transform and adapt to alien environments is such a flex. Your skin and your experiences make you whole.
Let's talk about your name, originally spelt Kezia, your name is of Hebrew heritage. Your Pakistani/Catholic parents took it from the Bible and moulded it to fit you. It represents your identity and your parents' love towards you. You're tired of being called Kwasia and Kasia by schoolteachers. So lets shorten it to Qezz. This new nickname, isn't you rubbing away your identity – it's creating a new one.
Your identity and heritage will mean a lot to you in later years. Right now you're juggling two identities, having to pick between your Asian and western side is becoming tiring. I want you to hold both of these close your heart and understand these two can coexist.
Remember your voice, your lose it sometimes. In ten years your voice will influence others. Your art and photography will be celebrated.
Through the years, women of colour will enter your life and introduce you to accepting your colour, experiences and interests. They may inspire you in the media, but find role models in your real life too.
Continue to look after your hair, like your grandma would want you to. Continue to be kind like your mum taught you to. And lastly, continue to shine bright as ever, because your past, present and future self said so.
Sincerely, the love of your life, Qezz.
Continue to shine as bright as ever because your past, future and present self said so.
Qezz moved to England from Pakistan when she was younger. In this Dear Younger Me, Qezz reflects on her identity. She tells her younger self that she is impressed at her ability to adapt and transform. She tells herself that, by choosing the nickname Qezz, it doesn't mean she is rubbing away her identity – she is creating a new one. Her identity and heritage will mean a lot to her in later years and she will learn that her Asian and Western side can co-exist.
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.
Dear Younger Me: Samya
If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is Samya's letter.
Dear Younger Me: Chloe
If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is Chloe's letter.
Dear Younger Me: How letter-writing can help your mental health
Writing a letter to a younger version of you that went through a hard time can really help you - here's how.
