I know, it’s been a while since the publication of my first newsletter. For my second newsletter, I originally wrote a long-ass essay about my experience at the World Youth Chess Championship(WYCC), but a mentor of mine suggested that I release them separately since the newsletter covered multiple topics. It’s literally TWO MONTHS after my birthday now, but oh well… better late than never 🤷♀️🤦♀️
Every year, my tradition is to celebrate my birthday with my parents. I don’t say this enough in everyday life because it’s easy to get caught up in the small arguments in every relationship, but I’m very grateful for everything my parents have done for me! I’m incredibly lucky to have parents who always want the best for me, unconditionally love me, and support my interests and goals. Since my actual birthday was during the WYCC, I celebrated it a few days early before heading to Romania. According to my mom, in Chinese culture, it’s better to celebrate birthdays before than after actual birthdays. I loved the number balloons I bought from Canadian Tire and inflated with a straw. There was nothing too special about the balloons. They just looked cool!
On the day I turned 18, I played the first round of chess at the WYCC – that on its own, was the best birthday present ever. When I was about to leave the dining hall that night, the Canadian Team also surprised me with a birthday celebration! I was deeply touched by their gesture 🥺 Thanks to every parent and player on Team Canada! I appreciate you all❣️
Legal age = more freedom & more power? 😈
For a very long time, I believed that stepping into adulthood involves this magical, transformative, and revolutionary transition. Yet, aside from gaining a few legal rights that I was looking forward to, such as getting a credit card and signing my own documents/forms, I didn’t feel… different… from my 17-year-old self. I still looked the same, sounded the same, and felt the same. 😶
I’ve been taking self and family responsibilities in the past few years. I started learning to cook and wash the dishes when I was 13. By age 15, I knew how to do all household chores, including changing light bulbs and assembling beds. I had the ability to live a healthy and organized life independently. For example, I would cook my own meals the night before (and save some for my mom), pack lunch and cut fruits, subway to school and back the following day, buy myself dinner, do homework at the library, return home when it gets dark, do laundry, sweep my bedroom floor, pack my backpack, and get ready for bed. I liked to rely on myself more than relying on anybody else, and I’ve been the same way until now.
Turning 18 doesn’t change how I act or the relationship dynamics I have with people around me. My parents and I have a close relationship because I share the most important aspects of my life with them. Still, I live by my own rules, values, and beliefs, even when it’s not initially approved by the people I care about. I actually take pride in that🤘. To me, developing a sense of self-agency is crucial for understanding the purpose of everything I do. Disliking authority might make me seem slightly [or extremely] “problematic” or “rebellious,” but in reality, I’m just trying to do what’s right for myself, regardless of my age. Ultimately, I either prove to others that my decisions were right or own up to my mistakes and learn from them.
I came to the conclusion that, to a large extent, age is just a construct. And I don’t feel the need to conform to the societal norms and stereotypes associated with it. In sum, I’m still the same Elena🤭
Cheers to adulthood 🥂
Be authentic, be vulnerable
Elena 💓