For Angélica, Isaray and Kiara
Dear queens,
Last semester, when I found out our class would be working in groups for months, I panicked a little. I have never felt comfortable working with groups, mostly because one person tends to do most—or all—of the work. In our earliest meeting, we got together via Zoom to discuss our first project, and it felt satisfying to see that we were all being responsible with the assignments. Furthermore, it felt great to experience true teamwork during a very difficult semester.
However, I never imagined that this study group would provide me friendships that made online learning somewhat bearable. Collectively, the four of us were experiencing the academic pressure that arose during the pandemic. But, individually, we were dealing with personal situations that only added to our emotional baggage. Even though we barely knew each other, we decided to stick together through the second semester. And that decision made a world of difference.
The purpose of this letter is to thank you guys for the unconditional support throughout this academic year. Had we not continued together throughout this second semester, I’m sure I would’ve given up halfway through. Sure, I have the support of other friends and family, and I am equally grateful for their role in this chaotic journey, but sharing this experience with people who are on the same path is a completely different feeling.
Online learning has been a very exhausting and difficult process. Yet, having people who understand the pressures because they’re also going through them has been a blessing. You three powerful women are the reason I pushed through on many different occasions. Had it not been because of your reaffirming messages of strength and hope during the harder weeks, I would have never found the motivation to do the work alone.
So, thank you, Kiara, for your strong and positive attitude towards life. Your messages remind me to never lose sight of who I am and what I’m capable of. And I ask you to never lose sight of that either. You are strong and capable of anything and everything you set your mind to. I have no doubt whatsoever that all the tears and hard work will pay off in the long run.
Thank you, Isaray, for your messages of kindness and perseverance. You have so much love to offer and, even through hard times, you do not lose your focus and determination. You inspire me to be grateful for life and the people around me, and to never lose my focus despite the curveballs that life may throw. You are brilliant and kind-hearted, and I know that your guardian angel must be immensely proud of you for your hard work and dedication.
And thank you, Angélica, not only for keeping us up to date on what had to be done, but for always being willing to work (even when we asked you not to). Your reminders helped me maintain a sense of responsibility because I didn’t want to let you down. I truly admire you. Your hard work and dedication are an example of the effort we should put into the things we pursue.
I see a very bright and successful future for the three of you, and I wish you all the best of luck in everything you do.
With love,
Andrea