If you’ve been wondering what I’ve been up to lately, here’s the honest answer: college applications.
That’s it. That’s the post.
Okay, not really. But it certainly feels that way. Every day’s been a mix of writing essays, editing essays, thinking about essays, and then trying to remember what I was like as a human before essays existed.
What It’s Taught Me
Weirdly, the process has made me more organized than I’ve ever been. I’ve learned how to actually manage time. It’s an improvement over just making to-do lists that never end. I’ve learned how to tell my own story in a way that feels authentic instead of trying to sound impressive.
And I’ve learned that writing about yourself is harder than any AP class.
The Reality Check
It’s not glamorous. There are nights when I’m staring at my computer at 1 a.m. avoiding cliché words or phrases like the plague. There are days when I want to throw my laptop out the window.
But then there are also those small wins: when a sentence finally clicks, or when a teacher or friend gives you a pep talk.
Why It’s Worth It
Somewhere between the drafts and the deadlines, I’ve realized this isn’t just about getting into a school. It’s about slowing down and figuring out who I actually am when no one’s grading me for it.
So yeah. That’s what I’ve been working on.
A lot of writing.
A lot of reflecting.
And a lot of tea.
Mason Lai 