I will be working as a software engineer at Facebook starting January next year.

I have many reasons why I made such a choice. Frankly, money tops this list. Many of my school friends are aware of the numerous jobs I held while at Mudd. Few know of the exact number of hours; even fewer know the reasons behind why I had to work so hard; why I had to sacrifice my learning and health. Just a handful understand that, to me, graduating early with a job in hand is not an achievement, but a punishment.

Working at one of the highest paying companies sitting at the heart of Silicon Valley is a magic wand to my financial problems, many of which have been crippling me inside out.

But this note isn’t for me to brag about how hard I worked or how successful I am — quite the opposite.

To ____, I am yet another person joining the programming bubble, making six digits as a newly graduated 21 year old.

To ____, I am yet another privileged and spoiled being chasing money because I was given all the chances to do so.

To ____, I am a fraud who blabbers about her interests in math and education, yet turns to work at something entirely irrelevant.

To ____, I am a daughter who gave her mother bragging rights during afternoon gossip sessions.

To ____, I am a person of which envy and hatred is deserved and received.

To me, ____ is me.

Dear me,

Remember your purpose. What you wished to do was far from what you could do. It is not your fault that you’ve had to trek rougher paths. It is difficult saying yes to things that would help you farther down the way; it is difficult saying no to things that would help you at the moment.

Remember your purpose. You are young; you have time. Let time bring you the resources and people you need in your life, but don’t let time erase what you can really do for the world with these resources and these people. You are young; you have energy. Work hard to earn your worth and reciprocate by remembering this world is not lived alone.

Remember your purpose. You have experienced the bitterness of the cold winds that blow hope away, and you understand the feeling of despair and grief. Do what you can to never let anyone experience the same. Bring others help when you see that they are standing in your shoes from the past. Remember that light at the end of the tunnel is from a source; be the source when you’ve once received from it.

Your workplace does not define you; but have fun, and never cease learning. Keep in mind the consequences of your actions, and the impact it will have on literally billions of people.

Your education does not define you; but remember this regret that you feel from cutting yourself off from the fountains of knowledge, and return to them when you are able.

Your purpose will define you. Hold onto it tight; tighter as you drift off, swayed by life’s storms.

Dear me, remember you will have all the time and energy and resources one day to make the impact you wish to make; be patient and wary.