It Just took a Look at my Future Self, an article by Hanaa Haleem

 It Just took a Look at my Future Self by Hanaa Haleem

Moving back to a wedding I attended in Texas, the second day (official day of marriage) was filled with socializing, particularly with the bride’s friends. Most of the girls weren’t close to my age, so I naturally went toward those in college or work. I expected casual conversations, but I was in for a surprise—one that would lead to a long-term mindset shift. I had no idea that a simple conversation with a graduate now working in IT accounting would change my perspective going forward in high school and my future.

“Am I looking into a mirror right now?” she asked with a hint of confusion.

“Oh, what do you mean?” I responded.

“I’m so confused, it feels like I just saw my younger self. I also used to wear glasses and a nose piercing like you.”

Still puzzled, I asked her to elaborate, and she described how she sees her younger self in me and finds that healing as if she reconnected with her inner child. We continued  chatting casually, and I learned that she had just graduated college this year at 20 years old and was already working at an accounting firm. 

Knowing that she complimented me by mentioning our resemblance and was able to get to her current state through discipline and dedication, I felt comfortable sharing my own doubts about the future. She advised that her drive for studying and working efficiently came from focusing on the long-term, rather than temporary moments of satisfaction. She related the pressure of being trying to be perfectly well-rounded during high school, but emphasized on perspective shifts on what truly matters. 

Our conversation lasted only about thirty minutes, but its impact remains today. Walking away, I felt a new sense of hope and appreciation after seeing my future self reflected in someone I had just met. This makes my own life path feel achievable and serves as a reminder that dedication and perspective can turn uncertainty into opportunity.