My aunt, a 55-year-old, has decided to take the board exam for nursing.

3. Family Life Cycle Stage: LAUNCHING ADULT CHILDREN.

Many of us have feared to take opportunities that may seem fitting only for younger years. Still,
my aunt has the urge to give it a try, although the examiners haven't the same age as she has. It
proves that age doesn't determine success nor willingness but on how an individual transforms
the impossible into possible.

I stopped studying when I was in my first year of high school due to a family problem,
but I continued to follow my dreams, although I had been out of school for a year.

I considered this a non-stereotypical type because even I've experienced this situation at a young
age, I still have the courage to continue what I have started. There may be a lot of "Bakit ka nag
stop?" "Bakit 3rd-year ka palang pero 22 ka na?" I'll keep fighting for my dreams and will not
get tired of looking back at how I surpass this rough journey of mine.
I haven't passed any stage yet. I'm still in a half process of the independent stage. 

Dear younger self,

I wish I knew these things when I was your age.

Remember how you and your parents used to clash only to get you to go to bed in the afternoon?
Have you ever imagined skipping classes to have a Chinese garter with your playmates? And can
you still recall how fascinated you were by nonsense things? Time flies so really fast.

Younger self, there may time you fell in love with somebody; please keep your heart guarded.
There's nothing wrong with loving and feel loved, but you have to save yourself from breaking
into pieces. You may felt attachment with friends but don't let them become your entire world;
never give everything you had selflessly. You are so genuine and deserving of all the good things
that life could offer.  

Even if life seems so tough and difficult, never lose hope nor faith. Enjoy every moment of life,
don't let things happen spontaneously but let everything transpire simultaneously. There are tons
of decisions to make, rocky roads to surpass, tears to wipe, pain to endure, and trials to conquer,
but there will always be happiness in every sadness, an achievement for every failure, and sunset
in every darkness that covers your path. Don't be afraid with the idea of exploring, and giving a
shot. Whatever happens, I am always proud of you, younger self. Your future self can't wait to
see you!
Dear future self,

Have you ever remembered how much you yearned for a complete family during your
younger years? Remember how many times you have been in love with someone who hasn't
returned your feelings? Remember how you fought your battle on your own? Do you recall how
you pursued your dreams when no one was applauding? And remember how you selflessly give
everything you had without expecting anything in return?

Future self, I hope you're living the life you've always imagined for yourself. I hope
you’re considering things you wish you would have told your younger self. I hope you traveled
and saw places in the world you thought you wouldn’t. I hope you’ve let go of the trivial things
that bother you. I hope you have confronted your inner fears, shattered your insecurities, let go of
your inner doubts. I hope you patiently understand and care for your students as if they were
your children. I hope you've already met the love of your life; someone to prove that true love
exists; who can fill the gaps in your life; a husband that will respect you; and will be a wonderful
father to your children.

I know that you've practiced keeping everything on your own; please remember that you
have friends who will listen, children who will console you with their hugs, and a partner that
can understand you. Sometimes, you may experience a family problem, do everything to keep
your family complete. Yes, life is full of uncertainty. There's nothing wrong with committing
mistakes. You don't have to a perfect friend, a mother, nor a wife. You just have to be real as you
are. Future self, I hope you continue desiring to learn and grow, and never stop contemplating
how you can be a better version of yourself. Wherever you are right now, I'm proud of you!