Written what seems like a million lightyears ago, 

this letter was one of my very first grad school assignments.

In my Google Drive, it’s titled: 

“OPEN THIS WHEN SHIT GETS REAL.”

And I never opened it…

Until two days ago, at the end of class when my advisor handed me the letter, sealed in an envelope.

Here is a *very slightly* edited version, 

for when shit gets real: