Same Interview, the Second Year

kayla wong

If I’m being completely honest, I debated not writing/posting this at all. This year has been a crazy one, and I’ve gone through a lot. Everything is new. So much has changed. So after thinking some more, I finally decided to write this…for you, friends and family…as well as for future me.

How old are you?

18

What advice would you give yourself a year from now?

Keep God as your number one. Never lose sight of Him.

What advice would you give yourself a year ago?

Stop worrying. Things will change. You don’t need to “push yourself” out of anxiety to get to a certain point.

What's your biggest regret?

For this year or my entire life? I guess in general, I don’t have regrets. Anything not optimal turns into a teaching point. But if I had to choose something, then not loving those around me when I had the chance.

What is the biggest thing you've learned?

The world is so not black and white. There are a million facets, a million angles, a thousand opinions. The only steadfast thing is the Lord. Besides Him, everything else is shades of gray.
 
I used to think things were so simple. Choices were easy, things would just have an answer. But as I’m growing up, the more I’m seeing just how complicated things can be. There is only one thing I can be certain of. Everything else is chaos. 

How would you define your style in three words?

Black, comfy, oversized

What is the most important thing in your life to you right now?

On a material level, finishing my pharmacy tech training and getting nationally licensed. On a more general note though, loving those in my life and finding ways to be a light.

How do you define success, and do you think you've reached it?

I don’t think my answer has changed from last year. There is no point in this life that I can reach and call success. My success isn’t based on anything I do. It’s based on Jesus and Him only. When I die and the Lord brings me into heaven…that’s when I’ll be at success. But none of it is my own.

What is one thing you're struggling with?

One thing? Only one thing? There’s a ton of small stuff. I moved out on my own, have a full time job, and have new people in my life. So much has changed. I wouldn’t say I’m struggling, maybe just being challenged. And that’s not a bad thing. I think my answer to this question is identical to last year’s: relationships. Still figuring that stuff out.

Biggest thing to happen to you this year?

I moved into my own apartment. I’m paying bills now, budgeting, cooking all my own food, etc. A lot has changed this year, but that has to be the biggest.

Do you feel pressure?

Not as much as last year I think. I’ve learned to let go a lot more recently. Look, God’s got everything in His hands. Worrying won’t get me anywhere. Maybe it’s just where I’ve been able to finally get to a place I’ve been trying to reach for years, but I do really think I’ve learned more of contentment and letting myself…well, let go.

What's your philosphy?

God sacrificed everything for me and gave me this life to use for His glory. So that’s what I’m going to do—use my life for Him.

What is a place you want to visit?

My answer remains the same as last year. I’m a homebody. I don’t really like visiting places, and if I do, it’s for the people. Don’t get me wrong; I love mountains and forests However, if I go somewhere, it will be for the people.

How are you doing?

I’m doing well. A lot has happened and changed this year. Some of it has been amazing, while others have rocked my world in not so fun ways that I’m still dealing with. Life isn’t easy or always fun. But God’s always there with me through it all, so I’ve got nothing to worry about. In conclusion: I’m doing well.

What achievement are you proudest of?

For this year? Probably moving into my own apartment. I like the space, privacy, and being able to make the place mine. And the freedom. Only con is bills and missing my family. However, the pros outweigh the cons for me, and I’m enjoying it. (I wrote a blog post about my experience moving in. You can check that out here.)

What is one goal you want to reach by next year?

I’m not sure I really have a goal. Only thing I can think of is passing my pharmacy technician exam and getting nationally licensed. Other than that, I don’t know where I want to be in a year. Wherever the Lord takes me.

Last year, I said I wanted to have a steady source of income when this time came around. Looks like I’ve accomplished that…and it only took a few months to do so. For a few months, I was at Pizza Hut. Then I worked at Walmart, earning a full-time income but not doing a job I saw myself in for much longer. Now, I’m working in pharmacy. It’s stable income, good earning potential, and something I can see myself doing long-term. I think I’ve definitely reached last year’s goal.

Favorite memory from this year?

So much has happened. Nothing really stands out from the rest, but I think I’ll say time with my family. Not one specific time either. 😂