Waking Up at 12: A New Beginning or a Dream?

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Imagine waking up in your childhood home as a 12-year-old, only to realize that everything that has happened in your life up until this point was just a dream. How would you react? Would you run as far as possible, trying never to return to that place? Or perhaps you would want to make the most of the chances you now have?

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nostalgic reflections of the past

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For me, at just 20, I can still vividly remember my past. Although I don't necessarily regret my experiences, I look back now and wish I had studied more. I may have had a reputation among some for not being overly intelligent, but I can assure you that I am both curious and well-versed in cultural knowledge. My passion for learning has always been a driving force in my life.

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Unfortunately, the educational institutions I attended during my formative years were subpar, offering me little academic challenge. This led to me not caring about school for many years. It wasn't until I was 13 that I changed schools, entering one known for its demanding nature. Only from the 10th to 12th grades did I finally receive the kind of education that challenged me, and I excelled.

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the impact on personal growth

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Despite my regrets and the struggles I faced, I should not have blamed my family and friends. Yet, it took me a long time to realize that it was my fault for listening to others and limiting my potential. I resented myself and my family deeply for not believing in me, and this mental burden has been a significant obstacle in my path to success.

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However, now I am proud of who I am and where I have reached, but I would be lying if I said I did not often reflect on a younger self that could have saved itself a lot of deep-seated mental insecurities and issues. Those years of who-knows-what feel like a lost potential and a diminished sense of childlike innocence.

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making the most out of the present

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Now, if I were to wake up as a 12-year-old today, here are a few steps I would take:

r r r Write down your experiences: In case this dream scenario comes true, I would jot down everything I can remember about this life. This would include future career decisions, investments, and important dates. Future versions of me might find use in this information.r Embrace and socialize: If this were real, I would stop pushing people away and being so reserved. I would practice acting more like a normal person, engaging in conversations and making friends.r Explore new paths: Looking ahead, I would explore different high school electives, potentially taking some earlier than planned. I would choose subjects I am better at, like accounting, with the aim of securing a decent job by the time I graduate.r r r

embracing a growth mindset

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Ultimately, I believe in the power of a growth mindset. Changing your perspective, whether through realizing that school doesn't define your worth or that education is a lifelong journey, can make all the difference. I hope that no matter what happens, you can find ways to learn and grow, and that you can embrace the new opportunities that come your way.

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