Things I Wish I Knew in My 20s

Intan Wangge
Aug 25, 2017 · 2 min read

I don’t wish to go back in time to my 20-something days. Imagine waiting for a few more years for Star Wars Episode VII to come out! Sometimes, though, I wish I had a cool Alderaan princess/general to turn to for advice. She’d probably tell me these things I wish I knew in my 20s:

“When will my reflection show who I am inside“— Mulan

1. Invest on Conditioner

Spend money on conditioner. No, it’s not beauty company scam. Use hair-masks, too, but let’s start small.

2. It’s Okay, You’re Okay

On my first ever appraisal at my first ever job, my first ever boss asked me about my future in the industry.

“I love working in advertising, I’m just not sure it loves me back,” I said.

I loved being a copywriter. I wanted to give my best, I wanted to be the best. On the other hand, at the beginning of my career, I was so insecure about my ability. It often held me back. I couldn’t give my best, I couldn’t be the best. I was ready to quit.

Back in the appraisal room, my (first ever) boss whom I look up to, laughed when he heard my answer. He told me that I can do it. He also said that the advertising industry doesn’t love anyone, so I don’t have to worry. I don’t remember his words exactly, but I know he trusts me.

The conversation boosted my confidence. Sure I still get anxiety every now and then, but I just have to have faith and give my best. I don’t even have to be the best. It’s always a good sign when you’re not the smartest person in the room, right?

If I could give a tip to my 22-year-old self, I would say, “Keep working hard, you’re doing okay.” I was lucky I had a mentor who trusted me, but if you don’t have one, then believe in yourself.

3. One Day You’ll Want to be Famous on Social Media, Too

Dear Past Self,

Nowadays people make ̶f̶r̶i̶e̶n̶d̶s̶ money from social media.

You’ll thank me,
Future Self

4. You Deserved to be Loved

I lost someone I loved a few years ago. I used to blame him for not being brave. It took me years to realize that maybe I was the one who were afraid. I never told him until it was too late, because you see, I thought I wasn’t pretty enough, I wasn’t kind enough, I wasn’t smart enough, I wasn’t good enough. He should be with someone who ticks all the boxes, someone who wasn’t me.

So, I wish I knew what I know now, that I am enough, that I am worthy of being loved. And for you who are reading this, I hope you know it too.

)
Intan Wangge

Written by

Rebelliously mainstream.

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