Before you begin reading, I want you to understand that I wrote this as a way to look back at myself, and to think back to a time of how I once saw my world. But in the hopes that you can learn something through the journey that I began, to help you to aim for where you want to go, what you plan to do, and who you spend it with.

What a shame that you lost your original letter. The one that you poured your heart into, the last conclusive piece to all of your works. I know rewriting this letter is now very challenging because you had finished it and were ready to send it, but it didn't save. I know that sucks, to lose something you worked so hard for. And it is a daunting task to rewrite what you originally wrote. But that's OK. That is behind you now; it can't be changed and you need to look ahead.

So I want you to continue writing this from how you are thinking and how you are feeling now, because you will look back, and realize how much you've grown, how much you've changed, the person you've turned into. You can cry and complain about anything that happens in your life, and sometimes you need that. But it won't change anything. So stand up and keep going. There's no turning back, only reminiscing with each breath about the crazy story that is being written.

Here goes.

Hi there,

My name is Zhen. I am 22 years old, 5'11", 165 lbs. I live in New York City. I am a boy who wants to travel and explore the world. My favorite color used to be blue, but now it is red. My favorite movie is "Mr. Nobody" because the movie lets me interpret life in a broader perspective. My favorite book is "Flipped" because it reunites the love between a girl who once loved a boy, to when the boy fell for her, but her feelings were flipped. I enjoy adventures, balancing across a bridge, music to always sing along with, and counting down from three before shooting a crumpled paper ball for the game-winning shot. I want to be a firefighter when I grow up, and you're damn right I'm going to kick the fire's ass. My future dreams include adopting a puppy and naming him Roy, piecing together a web slinger to protect my city, and finding someone to watch the sunset with.

I am writing to you because I know you almost forgot who you once were, and what you were once looking for. I know the person you are today is never the same as the person you will be tomorrow. And I'm OK with that. If you decide to be in the pursuit of another life, in the pursuit for another journey, in the pursuit to be someone else, that is completely alright. I know times have changed, and the only way to move forward is to let things go and see what else is out there. I know you have become someone else, and I'm perfectly fine with it. It's too late to worry about things that could have been or the lives you could have lived... But never forget the boy, who once believed in his fairy tale. The boy who didn't care what everyone else did but just wanted what he wanted.

Don't leave behind who you once were, the things you were once looking for, the path you once decided to head down. No matter what happens, I want you to remember the person you used to be. The boy who once saw his world in a different light. No matter how scary or exciting life seems, always remember... But keep going, keep going and don't stop. Where are you now, and how did you get here? I don't know... Life is a journey, and you'll get lost. But it is during those times where you must look to find some hope. To make your way exploring and adventuring through anything, before finding and walking back on your path again.

I know I was unclear about all of this, but what I meant was, if you ever decide that you don't want to find a path of romance and wait for the right person right now, I wouldn't be mad at you. I know it's something you always wanted to stand by, and I know you never want to let that go. But I get that sometimes, maybe, things change. Maybe you just want to see something new in your life and not wait around for something more. Maybe you want to head down this path of one night stands or no strings attached and leave it at that. It wouldn't make you any less of a person than you are now, if that's what you are afraid of. But I know that's probably not what you want. You want to take girls out on dates to find out the best mutually suitable relationship... I don't know what you are thinking, but I hope that romantic still stays in you no matter what.

This was the main reason I wanted to write to you. Everything below is mostly your letter about your goals, limitations, moderation, avocation, dreams, and achievements. To think back and realize how far you've come. To see if you aspired for everything you hoped for, but also to remember the things you love.

During times of need, when we really need a hand to reach out to, is when we turn to the people around us. It is during these darkest times that the true characteristics of everything around you come to be. Which is why you want to be a nurse practitioner: to be able to do something during others' times of need. So that you don't just stand there helplessly not knowing what to do. To be able to meet and connect with people from all over the world, and leave them with a smile.

P R O F... F? looks towards class, finishes the E, S S O R. If you take a look at your syllabus, you will see that all of you have failed my class. I don't believe in grades, I believe in an inspiration to learn and a progression in ability. I'm not perfect; there will always be questions I can't answer, things I won't know, but at the same time, I am merely another student in my class, learning from each and every one of you. To teach the world and push them to do whatever they set out for. A professor who incorporates philosophy perhaps? We'll see.

The only easy day was yesterday; fear is but a thing of the past. To be the first in and the last out, and live strong until the end. To protect the people you care about and give them another safe day to live. Some part of you sees a path as a soldier; another is telling you that you could be throwing away everything you dreamed about. But perhaps it could be one where you can still do both. These were the careers and ambitions you set out for yourself, as of April 2016.

I remember the young, innocent kid who came to college for the first time. He couldn't even do a single push-up, let alone the maxed-out 70 you did a few days ago. How about sit-ups? You couldn't even do 10; it was more like a neck-up. I remember you couldn't even talk to a girl without being afraid. What now? The first girl you lay your eyes on, "Hi, there...". At times, it may get hard, but it's something you are working on, and you won't stop 'till you make 'em swoon.

You used to... wear all black and gray, then it turned into a costume outfit with panda and Goku hoodies, "Doctor Who" get-ups, the bright and out there colors, and finally to what you are now -- bold, smooth, and clean. I remember you promised yourself you would be able to dunk by the time you graduated. Heck, you could barely touch the net four years ago, and now you are half an inch away from the buzzer. I remember you told yourself you would get a girl before you graduate. Based on your past moves, you are zero for five, two of which were this college year. But it is always better knowing what couldn't have been, than thinking what could have been. Perhaps the sixth time is the charm? Your next project is to use a touch of magic. College sure has helped you to grow, but don't forget how difficult it was to feel strong; you're getting there now, but you still have plenty of room to keep pushing.

I want to remind you that it is OK to step outside of your boundaries once in a while. You're going to want to pack a lip of dip sometimes. Feel the temptation to binge video games now and again. The pressure to drink to get drunk or smoke to get away. Just keep in mind, everything is fine with moderation. You can always feel the need to do any of this, but make sure you stay on the right path. That is, never go down a road of habit, a road of commitment, a road of stress. It should merely be a reward, but not something to lean on. Because at times, it can give you a different perspective on everything. Life often gets too boring when it's only seen through one mind.

Despite the things that you want to limit, these are the parts of you that I don't want you to ever let go of. Never stop singing with passion and ease wherever you may be. Never forget to dance without a care in the world like nobody is watching. Never stop writing, bringing alive the story and poetry you picture in your head. Never stop drawing the sketches and the paintings that you'll never wash away. Never forget to immerse yourself in the world of sports, of basketball, of football, or any others: in which you can enjoy the atmosphere and activity to revel in. Never forget to stay in shape, by eating healthy and exercising, so you can live a strong and lively life appreciating the wonders around you.

Don't forget how you are feeling... The emotions and the thoughts that correlate with each and every one of them. It's crazy, isn't it? Being anxious for the immense presentation you worked so hard for. To be scared and lonely from the clouded roads and paths ahead of you. When you feel like you are on top of the world and nothing can stand in your way. The feeling of a longing, fleeting, loving intensity of a moment that can never happen again, saudade. But best of all, returning back to a time that once was: the one emotion that can connect to each and every other one, and play with your heart, nostalgia.

Keep taking notes, staying prepared and organized for your trip tomorrow. For the amazing things that you plan to do; keeping track of the life you want to live, the things you want in your life, the romance you hope to give. The memories that you'll never forget, to the list of buckets that you plan to fill... Sometimes, though, you have to let all of that go, and just go with the flow. You don't always need a plan, sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go, and see what happens.

Art is a beauty from the things you do. But it's your call of duty, of the passions you knew. To go for a walk across the park, or fly and soar on your wheel or board. To see the children laughing and playing, or to watch each life, photographing and swaying. To love the night stars and the beautiful sky, curious about everything, even a good-bye. To stand triumphantly, at the top of the mountain, exhausted and thirsty, to the heaven of a fountain. To ride the waves, across the tides, or to climb the trees, as tall as the skies. As you watch the dome, that we call home, being just another, in our earthly mother. Setting a goal and dream, you would want to seem, to grab and reach, every little speech. For even with neglect, you should stand tall, continue your project, and don't you dare fall. This was the project that started it all.

Life's little instructions are simpler than we think. Sometimes you have to give it a tiny little wink. Grandpa's dementia may be carried in you too, but so are his laugh and smile; you just can't be blue. The present and past, may go too fast, and I know you'll cry, but look to the sky. For when you can tell, and you hear the bell. Don't you stop beating, for every little greeting. I want you to return, for the person you yearn. For I hope she'll know, you'll always see her flow.

This is our story, right?

Take care, and may we meet again.

Sincerely,

Someone Who Cares

P.S. I can't believe you wrote that f*cking much, haha.