Hello My Scrumptious Little Chocolate Baby Cupcake aka Tinapie,
May 31st marked a huge milestone—your graduation day. Mommie will not bore you with clichés about doors opening or paths ahead. 😂 You've heard enough of those during speeches, and to be frank, they all start to sound the same at some point. Instead, let’s talk about what this milestone really means and what lies ahead in a way that’s real, in plain words. Heart to heart.
Graduation is not an endpoint, it's just like a pit stop
You’re graduating, but this isn’t the end of your academic journey yet. Think of it as a checkpoint or a pit stop, a marker of how far you’ve come. Remember when you started this journey? It only feels like yesterday we were shopping for your first school uniform or other school stuff and now here we are. Every late-night study session, every moment of doubt, every small victory, the Pandemic which put everything on hold—those were some of the building blocks. Take a second to appreciate all. You did it.
If it's not a "hell, yes!" then it's a "no"
People often discuss about saying "yes" but why don't we shake things up and talk about the power of saying “no.” You’re going to get countless opportunities thrown at your feet, but not all of them will be right for you or worth your time. Saying no doesn’t mean missing out; it means making room for what truly matters. Trust your instincts. They’ve gotten you this far. Choose your battles.
Stay curious, my Crumptious
When you were younger, you were always a chatty one and I always had to remind myself to be more patient in answering your queries. Oftentimes, I found myself doing some research just to make sure that I gave the correct answers, especially if you were asking about history or the sciences. You’ve always had knack for diving deeper into things that catch your interest. Hold on to that curiosity. The world’s full of wonder, and staying curious keeps life interesting. Whether it’s learning a new skill, traveling to an unfamiliar place, or just striking up a conversation with someone new—embrace the unknown. It’s where the magic happens.
Surround yourself with good people
You’ve made some great friends over the years, and some will stay with you for a lifetime, some will not. As you move forward, be intentional about the people you keep close. Surround yourself with those who challenge you, support you, and inspire you to be the best version of yourself. Life’s too short to spend time with people who drain your energy or bring you down.
Do not be afraid of the F word
Failure. There, Mommie said it. You’re going to fail. Probably a lot. And that’s okay. Each failure is a lesson in disguise. It’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up and what you learn in the process. So when life knocks you down—and it will—stand back up, dust yourself off, and take another step forward. Failing isn’t the end; it’s part of the journey. Okay, this lines sound like cliche but they are true.
Keep calm and keep your sense of humor
Life’s going to throw some curve balls, and sometimes the best thing you can do is laugh out loud. Keep your sense of humor—it’s your armor against the tough times. Finding joy in the little things, sharing a laugh with friends, and not taking yourself too seriously will carry you through, more than you know.
You’ve got this!
There’s no magic formula for what comes next. No blueprint or cheat sheet. There is no one size fits all. We have different circumstances that is why you should not compare your life with others. But if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that you’re ready. You’ve got the smarts, the guts, and the heart to navigate whatever comes your way. Trust yourself, lean into your strengths, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The future is unwritten, and you hold the pen.
So here’s to you, on your graduation day. It’s not the end of a chapter, but the beginning of an epic saga. Go out there and make it legendary. Always practice gratitude and pray.
With all my love and a whole lot of pride,
Mommie Cassie
P.S.
I wrote this blog real quick and I may have missed a few pointers. You can ask me any time if you feel like something is puzzling your young mind.
