This letter serves as a reflective conversation across time, tracing my journey from the past toward the pursuit of my second master’s degree at The Heller School for Social Policy and Management. It marks my third degree in the United States and fifth overall. Through these reflections, I hope to share my aspirations, acknowledge the progress I have made, and highlight the challenges I have faced. More than a personal record, this letter is meant to serve as both a reminder of where I began and a compass guiding me toward the future I continue to build.
Dear Lal,
Your journey is far from complete. The path you have taken has not been easy; it has been filled with challenges that demanded resilience and perseverance. You have navigated the intersection of academic requirements, and the expectations of your family and the broader community you represent. Through it all, I hope you have remembered to practice self-compassion, to avoid complacency, and to continue striving for growth.
I hope you have fully engaged with your coursework, aiming to contribute your voice in policy discussions, and sharpening your analytical skills. I hope you have built meaningful relationships with professors and peers, connections that extend far beyond the classroom. I imagine you have taken on projects that matter in education, health, and areas of great importance, leaving an impact not only on the Heller community but also on the broader world you are committed to serving.
Personal growth is just as important as academic success. I trust that you have cultivated patience during times of uncertainty, courage when risks felt daunting, and humility in recognizing the value of imperfection. Coming from a context where opportunities are limited, I hope you dare to dream beyond the set boundaries. Challenges may have tested you, but with each trial, I hope you discovered new depths of resilience.
I know there were moments of exhaustion, balancing coursework, internships, health concerns, and bouts of homesickness. Perhaps you stayed up late running regressions in Stata, writing policy memos, or juggling academic deadlines while supporting family obligations. If there were times you overextended yourself, I hope you also learned the importance of rest, that true resilience is sustained, not forced.
Now, as you graduate from the MPP program and have continued with GHPM, I hope you feel a profound sense of pride. Pride in the risks you took, the sacrifices you made, and the opportunities you created for yourself and others. Remember that your degrees are not simply credentials; they represent your belief in the power of education and policy to transform lives.
If you could look back at me now, you would see that every decision, every sacrifice, and every late night of work has contributed to building a stronger, more determined version of yourself. I am grateful you persevered, even when giving up seemed easier. I promise to carry that same determination forward, wherever this journey leads.
With appreciation and aspirations,
Lal