If I Knew Then What I Know Now

Dear 9-Year-Old-Self

Learning to speak, read, write, and ultimately think in English is hard.  It takes awhile.  It's not super fun.  But one day, you will be so good at it that you will lose your native Chinese.  This is neither good nor bad.  It's just something that happens.  English will be your dominant tongue.  But one good thing out of all this is that you will be able to use the "English is my second language" card.  The more fluent you are, the more valuable this card will be.  Anytime you misspeak, and believe me, you will, you have this in your back pocket.  

Sincerely,

Your Older Self

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Professor Tom: Do you have any questions for me?

Moi: No, I just met with CB and she answered them all.  I just need some time to decom- de-congest?  No, de-

Professor Tom: Decongest?  What?

Moi: No, decom- digest?  To digest this?  To unpack what we discussed.  (as I'm turning away)  Decompress!  

Professor Tom: Having trouble with words today?

Moi: This is my second language.

Professor Tom: This is unfair.  I wish I could use that excuse.