#dearperdev

Dear Kristine Unnie...

Dear kuya Ogie,

Thank you for being the best cousin/kuya to me. You’ve been so nice to me and I thank you for treating me like your little brother. Thank you for helping me in times when I needed a family member to help and support me. Thank you for all the lessons you taught me especially the ones that made me who I am now, the ones that made me become wiser, better and tougher, the ones that made me appreciate and realize a lot of things and lastly, the ones that helped me to become an optimistic person. Thank you for all the exposures you made me experience, I also realized that the experience itself was a great lesson to me. I would also like to say sorry for the times when I became a disappointment. Once again, thank you for everything.

RESPONSE

Dear Mama, 

         Hi Ma! How are you? I've been so busy these days that I forgot how to take care of myself. If I were to ask, no I am not fine Ma. I can't have the right sleep every now and then. I sometimes forget and skipped meals. I have so many things to handle and I don't know if I can still hold on to this. What can you say about the things that I experience Ma? Can you help me with this :

1. When I got home, things are already piled up on my shoulders. Do homework and I'll do my  do household chores. But then, when  I do homework, I sometimes forget that I still have to wash the dishes. But then when I will also work on the dishes I tend to get lazy after and won't do my homework. 2. I still get a little shy approaching my classmates. Sometimes I just act as if I'm busy with something so that I have a way not to talk to them and to get away with awkwardness. 3. I'm still pressured ma. I think this won't leave me. I still can't adjust fully on my new environment. I'm striving but not too much to say that I improved. How can I be able to do this Ma? 4. I get too emotional now that final is already approaching, meaning more lessons to come and I need to be more attentive so that I can understand and follow the discussion. But ma, I'm scared already. What if I will receive low grades? Ma, I hope you can help me about the problems that I am facing right now. This ends here ma. Thank you.                                        

                                                     -Khea

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Hi ate,

What you re going through right now is just part of the evolving journey of a teenager.

Comes along the pressures of your studies are your peers, and at the same time the pressure of religiously serving your family.

I do not believe you wont be able to do it. You will and you are able because you are capable. You are actually matured and are able to handle your tasks well despite all the pressures.

Your new environment? Well, what can I say... I don’t know if its because of the new crowd... Their status in life, meaning well-off. Or they are intelligent that makes you feel you're a little less mentally equipped. This is what i can say, disregard who they are and who you are. Just be who you are, enjoy being a teenager but with boundaries set, enjoy student life, and don’t get intimidated with them. Each of us are born unique. You are unique in your own subtle way.

Shy? You are not actually shy, i guess its a feeling of you being intimidated with them. You can overcome your shyness by trusting yourself. Have total trust in yourself. And most importantly also, you need to establish rapport. Make friends ... Because they may help you ease the pressures that is stressing you right now.

Prioritize your studies... Your household chores should now be a joint responsibility. I'll speak with your lil bro n sis to help you with the household chores.

Don’t be afraid to get low grades. Be optimistic... Because i know, and i trust that you can make it. Even your mommy Darlyn is so proud of you. Well, we just did accept the fact that math is indeed your fave subject.

Love you ate, so.much... Believe in yourself and keep on dreaming...

Young Mai

Young Mai,

Do not be disconcerted. ALWAYS prioritize your academics. The reason why you are in school is to learn, so that has to be your primary focus. If you are participating in a full class load as well as a full practice and game schedule, make sure that you and your coach know that your school comes first. Also, time management. Create or buy a planner. Write your practice hours and schoolwork deadlines in the planner for you to keep track of what needs to be done. Whenever a game is coming up, ask your teachers for future schoolwork then pass it early or ask for extension. Let your teachers know if you’d be away for how many days or weeks. Do not ever forget to have a healthy lifestyle! You’re an athlete and you know how important being fit and healthy is. Have a water bottle with you at all times. Drinking water will keep you hydrated. Eat nutritious foods or drink your prescribed vitamins to strengthen your immune system. It is important to follow your bedtime schedule. Following your bedtime schedule would enable you to function at the top of your classes or games. Stay away from social networking sites. Well, this would be impossible or difficult but if you really can’t get away with social media, lessen the use of social media. Use it as a reward after you’ve done everything (your chores, schoolwork, and practices). Social media plays a great role of distracting you with everything you have going on. Lastly, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. Honestly, I procrastinate most of the time. I must stop this lame habit because this would lead to poor planning and waiting until the last minute will result in missed practices or missed games. Do chores or schoolwork immediately as soon as the teacher gives the instructions. Avoid doing things in last minute because this would result to poor performance. Then, remember why you’re working so hard. You do not have to sacrifice you academic stand over your sports, refocus on your goals and that will make the work seem that much more worth it. I got you always, babe. Always.

Dear Friend,

You have one of the closest people in my life that has been there for me always. Today through this beautiful card, I thank you and appreciate our strong and long lasting friendship we have shared always from years. To my friend who has been there every day by my side, I appreciate your effort and our friendship always and thank you for the love and support you have showered on me always.

his Reply:

Dear love,

I do not know where to start.. I have been studying in my school for more than 10 years now and I never experienced having a different environment. My mother and father told me the other day that they have finally decided to transfer me to Manila and continue my studies there. I’m devastated. I don’t know what to do or what to feel. Just the thought of leaving all of the memories I have here behind makes me sick to my stomach. God, what do I do? I don’t want to start fresh. I don’t need new friends. I don’t need a big city or a big school campus. I don’t want huge malls, tall buildings and sossy circle of people around me. I just want a simple and peaceful life together with my family and high school friends. My life here is not much but I’ve learned to love and appreciate what this city gave me - Unforgettable memories, love, family and true friendship. I don’t know if I can say good bye to all of these. I’m not ready to get that “homesick” feeling. I will never be ready to go home just for a couple of weeks then be back again in Manila. I have few months left. I can’t do this. 

~ Aira

Dear Aira, 

 There are few months left before you transfer to a different school. Make the most out of it. I regret those days not being with you, not hanging out with you and was not able to help you with your needs as your “brother.” It’s a really scary feeling to leave the people who know you best. When you have super close friends, it’s like they’re a part of you. You’ll probably feel super sad for a bit, but then you’ll be able to adjust. Knowing you as my "sister”, I know that you’ll able to adapt to your new environment easily. Just remember the reason why you’re transferring to that school, and that is to start your journey to your dream, to become a doctor. You will start feeling comfortable after you meet new friends. I want you to remember that your family is always there supporting you on your plans for your future. If you ever feel sad, I am just one call away. As a saying goes, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”