Introduction: When Past Meets Present

I stumbled upon the TikTok trend “I met my younger self for coffee” and felt a tug at my heart. As a professor who blogs about academia, style, and purpose, I knew I had to adapt it—beyond a 60-second clip, for a quiet moment of reflection here with you.  

The Arrival: Two Versions of Me Collide

She was a few minutes late; I arrived five minutes early—some habits never change. When she walked in, her smile was electric, her tight kinky afro curls bouncing with every step. Her skin glowed with that youthful radiance I’d forgotten I once had. Without thinking, I stood and pulled her into a hug, ushering her to the barista counter.  

Younger Me ordered hot chocolate— “because that’s what my best friend likes, “she said, shrugging. I chuckled as I ordered my go-to Americano with half-and-half, a ritual crafted over years of early-morning grading sessions.

A Journey Through Career Aspirations

“I’m majoring in science,” she shared, stirring her drink nervously. “I want to be a pharmacist or something in biology.” Her voice wavered, as if apologizing for uncertainty.

With a warm smile, I replied, “I have a doctorate in Business Administration now, specializing in Organizational Behavior and Leadership.”

Her eyes widened. How? I don’t think I could ever get that far.”  

“You will,” I assured her firmly. “Chase your passion, not perfection. The path isn’t linear—trust me, mine definitely wasn’t.” I refrained from sharing the sleepless nights spent poring over research proposals or the times I nearly gave up; some lessons are best learned through experience.

Finding Beauty in Self-Acceptance

As she glanced at her reflection in the café window, she confessed, “I don’t feel beautiful most days.” 

“You’re stunning,” I interjected. “One day, you’ll realize that beauty isn’t a currency exchanged for brilliance. You’ll wear bold lipstick to lectures simply because it makes you happy.” 

When she expressed her fears of making wrong decisions, I squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Confidence isn’t about being certain; it’s about trusting yourself to navigate the challenges ahead.” 

Adventures Await: Love and Travel

She giggled. “I just want a boyfriend to travel with!”  

I laughed, imagining my husband’s supportive smile. “You’ll visit ten countries,” I promised her. “Some travels will be solo, others with colleagues presenting research, and eventually, you’ll explore with a partner who adores your messy hair days as much as he appreciates your published papers.” 

A Heartfelt Letter to the Past

Dear Younger Me, 

You’ll trade hot chocolate for black coffee, but never lose your sweetness. You’ll swap “I’m not enough” for “I am exactly where I need to be.” And when imposter syndrome creeps in? You’ll silence it with a red lip and a peer-reviewed publication.

We’ll share coffee again soon. 

Love, Ivy