A thank you for reading. What is The Explorer? What does this magazine cover?
pg.3
ZETONG B.
The Shifting Believes
pg.7
HENRY H.
Embrace the Unexpected
pg.11
AIMEE L.
The Future is a Curious Thing
pg.16 IN CLOSING
Contributors that make Explorer possible
ISSUE THEME: LETTER TO YOUR FUTURE SELF
What is the theme for this issue? How did we explore the theme? What did we ask?
pg.5
ETHAN G.
Letter to a Better Self
pg.9
CLAIRE L.
Dear Myself in the Summer of 2027
pg.13
APRIL S.
Highschool to College
pg.17
IMAGE CREDITS
Citations for all images used in this issue
OUR THEME:
LETTER TO YOUR FUTURE SELF
TheTheme*
A continuation of its last two issues, The Explorer is proud to present its third and final Spring Issue for its third volume. In this issue, students were tasked with writing a letter titled to their future selves; documenting, reflecting, and sharing their aspirations for the time that has yet to come. Additionally, writers explored the true meaning of time and the phenomena that come with growing up and finding purpose in life. Although the mystery of the future still lies ahead for all of us, we hope this thought-provoking issue sparks rumination and encourages readers to accept the future’s adventures and value the best experiences they have now.
ThePurpose
The Explorer's mission is to explore various topics that connect all of humanity regardless of culture, border, or age. The articles shared in this magazine reflect a snapshot of the writers at a certain time, aggregating their stories and perspectives from around the world. We hope that as you read this issue, you take a moment to reflect on your own experiences, and think on the things that all of us around the world have in common.
Aimee Liu Editor in Chief
THESHIFTING BELIEVES
To my dear self:
I'm writing this letter in my room while my host family is downstairs watching TV. As someone who used to live in a dorm growing up, living with a host family is an entirely new experience, just like my life here in the U.S. However, I have gotten used to it and am rather happy with my new life.
Anyway, how have you been?
Even though it's summer break, I've been busy. The stress of application season is making me feel overwhelmed. By the way, tomorrow, I have to write the supplemental essay for Cornell, and I'm curious where you ended up. Cornell, one of my dream schools, has a beautiful library, and I hope you are reading this letter in the library at Cornell. Or did you go to a college that you never thought you'd go to at all?
I know college is just a phase in life. I promise I will not hate you if you are now reading this letter at a college that was not among our top choices. Do you still remember this quote from one of your favorite authors, Haruki Murakami? "I let go of the past and future. What matters is what is happening now --I want to experience the present because it is all I have." While I'm feeling anxious now, I hope that's no longer the case for you. When I look back at when I first came to the U.S., there were moments that made me feel like the sky was falling. But now, as I reflect on my journey, I see they were trivial things I couldn’t even fully recount. If you happen to be going through something challenging right now, something you think is insurmountable, I hope this letter will give you the courage and power to move forward. I hope this letter will make you realize that it's unnecessary to feel anxious about achieving results, whether it is applying to a school or reaching a bigger goal in life.
Do you remember the trip we took to Tibet last summer? I recall learning about it from the internet and got curious about the Tibetan Buddhism temples. I excitedly planned the trip, but got nervous because I did not know what to expect. When I saw the rolling snow-capped mountains, I felt at ease. They were like warriors guarding this pure land. Under the sunlight, the snow-covered mountains shine brightly, as if they were nature's purest gift. Do you still remember the glorious Buddha statues, colorful thangkas, and melodious chanting of sutras?
ZETONG BIAN “LETTER TO MY FUTURE SELF”
Tibet's cultural characteristics are what made the trip worthwhile. Each temple carries a deep historical heritage and religious culture. They create a mysterious, solemn atmosphere that inspires awe and respect.
When I first wandered Lhasa's streets, I was shocked by the devotees’ faith. They kowtowed every three steps and traveled thousands of miles from their homeland to the temple in Lhasa. Their hands and faces were dirty, but their hearts were pure. That day, I sat in front of the gate of the Da Zhao Monastery for the whole afternoon, witnessing tourists and devout pilgrims worldwide. Pilgrims have almost nothing but themselves. Nevertheless, their inner spiritual world is rich, and watching them made me feel calm.
This trip made me reflect deeply on myself. As the movie Paths of the Soul shares, “There is no one right way of living a life in the world. The significance of pilgrimage lies not in the sacred mountains and lakes but in the adherence to ideals and beliefs.”
The trip made me think about how our believes change as we grow. In third grade, I thought forgetting my homework was a big deal; in high school, I thought getting a leadership role was difficult... But as I look back, I realize I have climbed the mountains that were hard to conquer; I have embraced the results I thought I couldn't accept. Life is meant to be experienced, not to be perfectly played out. Although I am still working on it, I hope you, who are reading this now, can accept imperfection, allow for mistakes, and try your best to blossom by accepting your flaws. Let go of anxiety and take care of the self that has yet to reach your final destination.
I wish you all the best, 17-year-old Zetong Bian ( “ A Y O U N G M A N I N T I B E T B Y Z E T O N G B I A N ” )
Zetong Bian is a rising senior at the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland. She traveled from Henan, China, to the U.S. when she was in ninth grade to attend high school.
LETTERTOA BETTERSELF
Dear Future Me,
As I sit down to write this letter, I feel a mix of excitement and curiosity about where life has taken you. I hope this letter finds you in good health, happiness, and fulfillment. Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on my current journey and share my goals and aspirations with you.
Hopefully, as you read this letter, you can look back on what I was like in 2024 and say with confidence that I was the best I could possibly be in this year. One of my primary goals is to continue excelling academically, meaning I want to maintain a strong academic record and challenge myself with rigorous coursework, which is hopefully the case with you right now. By now, I hope you have successfully navigated the challenges of high school and are either thriving in college and have achieved significant milestones in your career
I hope you have found a balance between education and personal life, making time for hobbies, relationships, and self-care. Hopefully, you’re still playing trumpet, running, and maintaining and building relationships with friends.
Music and physical activity have always been important in my life, helping me stay grounded and energized. I also hope that college is going well enough that you still have time to take care of yourself through vacations, outings with friends, and social events. These moments of relaxation and enjoyment are crucial for maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Additionally, I hope that you’ve been able to mature emotionally and socially. Though I’m unable to predict what that means right now, I hope you've learned to handle stress and challenges with greater resilience and have become more empathetic and understanding in your interactions with others. Emotional growth is often unseen, but it’s just as important as academic or professional achievements. Also, know that whatever progress you’ve made in that department, any change is good, so keep it up and make sure that you always keep learning. Every new experience and relationship is an opportunity to grow and learn more about yourself and the world around you.
Finally, I hope you have continued giving back to your community through volunteering and mentorship. Whether through mentoring younger students, participating in community projects, or using your skills for social good, I hope you've found ways to make a positive impact on those around you.
Ethan gao’s “letter to my future self”
I hope that as you read this, you can look back on these years with pride and satisfaction. Continue to strive for excellence, nurture your passions, and make meaningful connections. Life is an ongoing journey of growth and learning, and I believe in your ability to make the most of it.
Optimistically, Ethan
Ethan Gao is a rising junior at River Hill High School. He has been a member of BranchOut! for three years, going into four. Throughout his service with BranchOut!, especially with the Howard County Chapter, he has participated in STARTALK, Innovative Pathways at Longfellow Elementary, and the Innovator program He enjoys running, playing trumpet, reading, and talking with his friends in his free time.
(
Henry
Hung’s
to my future self”
EmbraceThe Unexpected
Dear Future Me,
I hope this letter finds you well, thriving, and enjoying life. Today is June 29, 2024, and I am enjoying my summer break at home, thinking about the future: the challenges, the people I will meet, the achievements I will accomplish, and the person I will become. How are you?
In two months, I will begin my junior year of high school, a year many consider the hardest and most challenging. I feel a mix of excitement for the work and experiences ahead, and nervousness about messing up. College is approaching fast, and while I’m still unsure what it will look like, I dream of becoming an orthodontist. I hope you have achieved that dream, and if not, enjoy what you are currently doing.
The most important people in my life are my family and friends. My parents make sacrifices every day to give me the best life possible. My best friends make life more enjoyable, and my cousins always have my back. Never forget to thank these people, even if you haven’t talked to them in a while. They have supported and helped me grow in countless ways. I hope these relationships have only grown stronger.
For this upcoming school year, I hope to play my best golf for my school team, win the district championship, and make it to the state championship match. As a junior, I want to mentor the younger players on the team to help prepare them for the pressures of high school sports.
In the next few years, I hope to attend a university that aligns with my future goals and allows me to meet new people and experience new things. My dream colleges are currently Duke, UVA, and Brown. I will continue to study hard and achieve good grades. I also want to travel worldwide, visit different countries, experience new cultures, and try diverse foods.
Here’s some advice for you whenever you read this letter: always be yourself, and never let anyone change you or make you someone you are not. Never forget where you came from and the people who made you who you are. Be humble, but be proud of the person you are. No matter what happens in life, just be happy.
One thing I’ve learned is that life is full of unexpected twists and turns. While having goals is important, it’s equally important to stay flexible and open to new opportunities. Life is never a straight line, and nothing will be perfect. Embrace and adapt to the changes that happen. Everything has its own purpose.
Henry Hung’s “letter to my future self”
Take care of yourself, and remember that you can do amazing things as long as you believe in yourself. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey while working toward your goals. You only have one life, so live it to the fullest and enjoy the ride.
I wish you the best of luck on the rest of our journey, and I hope you accomplish all of your future dreams.
With love,
Your Past Self
Henry Hung is a rising junior at Oakton High School in Vienna, Virginia. This is his first year with BranchOut! and he is very excited to support the people within his community and make a positive impact. In his free time, Henry enjoys golfing, traveling, watching sports, spending time with family and friends, and playing video games. A fun fact about Henry is that he is an only child.
(
( “ A M A N P L A Y I N G G O L F ” )
DEARMYSELF INTHESUMMER OF2027,
I am writing to you on June 30 at around 2 pm (and maybe also 10 pm) as a rising sophomore, sinking in my chair while looking at my clock that displays 70% humidity. I remember being in middle school thinking about what my high school life would be like: having endless homework and responsibilities that I had to carry out every day. But looking back, I realized that I actually did not have to worry as much as I did. Remember worrying about how your schedule will turn out on the very first day of school, but it turned out to be super fun? This freshman year, I am so grateful to have met such beautiful and amazing people inside and outside of school. I never would have thought that I would meet some of my closest friends because of being anxious in algebra together or that my friends in language classes would encourage me to join track. I want you to know that as stressful as school may be, everything will work out and that there will be someone to support you. In the future, many people predict that artificial intelligence will take over millions of jobs, but nobody knows the speed at which this will happen. When you choose your career, I do not want your choice to be influenced by the fear of these new developments, but rather something that you will enjoy doing for most of your life.
As an underclassman this year, I have aspired to be like many of the seniors who have mentored me, and as a rising senior, I want you to do the same. Even though mentoring might be intimidating sometimes, younger students will look up to you and be inspired to explore their interests and participate in out-of-school activities. I want you to continue to perform colorful dances for culture night and assemblies at school to share the beauty of Chinese traditional dance. I have had so much fun choreographing, getting ready, and spending time backstage with my friends.
I want to remind you that you are much stronger than you think. No matter how hard a class might be or how scary competing in a race may seem, I know you will always put in your best effort. Do not doubt yourself just because the people around you seem more intimidating. As much as I know you hate reading in Spanish or listening to the teacher drone off in physics, these experiences will challenge you and satisfy the hunger of always wanting to learn something new.
Claire lee’s “letter to my future self”
Finally, I want you to have many days of doing absolutely nothing. I know it feels strange sitting around with nothing to do, which is very different from the constant work of school life and is against my habit of always needing to do something, but it will feel absolutely amazing.
Sending love, -Claire
Lee
Claire Lee is a rising sophomore at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. She loves learning languages and trying new foods. She also enjoys learning about pathology and statistics. Something that stood out to her when looking at the prompt of "Thinking of the Future" was the common worry of the past and future, not thinking about the present. But when we look at how fast life changes, it is important to recognize accomplishments and challenges that were overcome.
THEFUTUREIS ACURIOUS THING...
It is a natural thing to wonder how much life will change in the years to come. The word “future” is tinged with mystery; it is a simple timeframe of “not now” and “not yet” that carries with it uncertainty. It sneaks by too fast to catch until it’s already crept by. Yet, future me is still a reflection of myself, not quite an alternate version because it’s still an honest and wholehearted version of my identity. It is simply a newer version of me that is still pursuing the winding road of life, shaped and defined by all those experiences that have so far yet to come. But for all the uncertainty that clouds my path, what I know for certain, at least, for the present and past me, is that I've always had a deep passion for ballet. I hope that even as I pursue my dreams of becoming a neurologist, I'll still find time to nurture that part of myself.
Looking back at my old notebooks filled with childhood sketches and comics, I'm reminded of the versatility of my interests. Even as a young child, I shared a clear compassion for both the visual and performing arts.
But will I still have the time and energy to indulge in my creative outlets, or will they fade into the background as I focus on my career?
That is not a concept or a worry foreign to me either, having had to drop my pursuits of piano from an early age. Twenty-four hours, seven days a week, seemingly all occupied by the demands of dance and school, even from a young age. So when it came time for that prioritization of pursuits, the piano had to go.
At the same time, my passion for neurology is solid and strong. The human brain has always fascinated me; the prospect of uncovering the secrets and mysteries that fuel the very mechanism that is driving me to type these words fills me with a sense of purpose.
As I prepare to become a neurologist, I find myself stranded in the reality that my time for dance, at least as I know it now, is becoming limited. The rigorous academic demands and the long hours in the hospital may pull me away from the long dance journey I had pursued since I was four years old. Yet, I refuse to let go of this passion entirely. I'm determined to find a way to maintain a connection.
Perhaps I'll seek out dance classes at my university. Maybe I’ll continue to pass my expertise on to the younger generation, similar to how I now give out free coaching lessons to little kids. Maybe I'll even incorporate my love for movement and expression into my work as a neurologist, using dance as therapy for my patients, similar to how I co-instruct at a dance class for Parkinson’s disease patients.
Aimee Liu’s “letter to my future self”
One thing I do know for sure is that no matter how much time I can devote to dance, it will always hold a special place in my heart. The way it allows me to express myself, to connect with my body and the music, is something I'll never be able to replicate in any other aspect of my life fully.
So, my future self, I challenge you to keep exploring and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Don't let your dreams and passions fall by the wayside, no matter how busy life gets. Find ways to weave them into your everyday existence to create a fulfilling and balanced life. I know you can do it, and I can't wait to see what you'll accomplish.
Sincerely,
Aimee Liu
Aimee Liu is currently a rising sophomore at McLean High School. Passionate in dance, art, and medicine, Aimee often engages in her community through volunteer work and research. Having been a part of BranchOut! since 2023 as a member of the Community Workshop program (formerly Career Panels), Aimee is excited to come back and be a student leader in The Explorer. She is looking forward to enhancing her own skills while exercising her leadership skills with other student writers. She hopes to drive passion in her mentorship, much like her personal compassion for writing.
HIGHSCHOOL TOCOLLEGE
To a 22-year-old April, from a 14-year-old April.
I wish this letter to be read again in around a decade, for this marks the end of my future college life, as it does at the beginning of my current high school years. The memories I have with me right now will most likely be fuzzy and barely of any importance in the future. Yet, looking back on old memories seems something that my future self will certainly do. Thus, I write now to recollect in the coming years
The first thing I must remind myself about is my passion for rock climbing, the people I meet there and the raw determination it takes to get better and acts as a motivation for me. Unlike other sports such as rhythmic gymnastics (you used to do that, remember?), rock climbing has no age limit. In fact, the older you get, the more developed the tendons in your hands get. Most professional gymnasts quit before age 25 simply because their bodies can no longer handle the intense training. However, for rock climbing, you don’t need to stop training your fingers and arms because of age, only because of an injury or a lack of interest. Opportunities to climb and meet new people will always continue for as long as you stay in the climbing community. So, future April, you better not have quit rock climbing! This sport is very demanding regarding your physical body, but the mental and social benefits are something you do not want to lose.
The second is how I love to write, brainstorm, and envision rich scenes full of imagination. Telling stories is a private entertainment that lives like a burning fire inside. Finding the right words and perfect sentences to describe everything I see brings me satisfaction. Or at least the general picture. Like drawing, writing is an ongoing process of trial and error. My earliest doodles of people on the walls of my house were from when I was three. Day in and day out, I would repeatedly draw, making the picture better and more defined. Just like writing stories. Eight years after this is written, I hope to continue this refinement process. Hopefully, future April, you will not stop your joys of writing and drawing The details you can add never end.
This is perhaps the least prominent memory: a movie you watched in early June with your friend. The movie SIGHT you watched has one main message: “The present is made possible by the past.” In the same way, the future’s path is paved by the present. Technically, there is no such thing as the future, at least, it is not how we define it. You cannot predict a single thing about the future. You could die before you reach the next day or live until you are 100 years old. But the future is founded upon what is happening currently. Focusing on what is happening in the present is the beauty of living, and to observe more than judge. In years’ time, I hope to remind myself that you can’t know what will happen. However, you can change it by focusing on the present. The future remains unknown.
- April Sheng, age 14
April Sheng is a rising freshman at McLean High School in Northern Virginia. She is extremely into sports, and her favorite is rock climbing, closely followed by volleyball. Her passion for art started about three when she drew all over her walls and on tables. Today, her creative outlets include sketching and writing stories. April also enjoys watching action movies, listening to music, and spending time with her close friends/family.
CallForSubmissions
Volume4:Happiness
We have covered various themes, from Growing Up to Coming of Age to Finding Similarities in Our Differences to Letter to Your Self. Our theme for the next volume is happiness, and we want to invite you to share stories on what makes you happy, what brings you joy, and what you hope to do for others to bring them joy. If you have questions or have a suggestion for our future themes, feel free to email team@velbranchout org
Some potential ideas include:
How do you define happiness?
What is the best gift you have ever received?
What is something you do for others that brings joy to others?
What is something that others have done for you that brought you joy?
How do people find joy/happiness amid challenges?
SubmissionGuidelines
Submission Requirements:
Please email team@velbranchout.org with a heads up if you are working on a work for the Explorer We would love to discuss what you are writing with you and are open to reading your works if you encounter roadblocks. Your writing should be at least 400 words in length. The maximum word length is 1000.
Deadlines:
The deadline for the final submission of completed work is before midnight EST on November 30th, 2024
We accept case-by-case submissions after the deadline. If this applies to you or you anticipate needing an extension, email us at team@velbranchout.org Email all final submissions to the team@velbranchout.org
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BRANCHOUT!
BranchOut! is a youth community outreach program based in the Washington DC metropolitan area founded in 2015 that sponsors The Explorer. It was founded to answer the call to action by former Dean Jim Ryan of the Harvard Graduate School of Education in late 2015. Our founder, HGSE graduate Dr. Wu, answered the call to action. In a few short months, BranchOut! was created to bridge achievement and cultural gaps in the current system.
While the program began in two states with 20 students, it has since branched out to more than 150 mentors annually with volunteers from all around the United States and the world. Over the years, BranchOut! expanded to provide targeted educational services at credit recovery programs in multiple counties and states, create software to meet academic needs, and build societal awareness of modern issues through research and journalism.
Currently, BranchOut! mentors continue to volunteer at credit recovery programs, promote STEM outreach to a K-8 audience, host career/college fairs, and share the stories of teens from around the world. BranchOut! continues to develop software, with projects aiming to connect the AAPI community against the rise of anti-Asian hate and uplifting mental health.
At BranchOut!, learning is two-sided; mentors gain experience in branching out and taking the initiative to lead. Current and former mentors credit BranchOut! as the first place where they learned to take the initiative.
BranchOut!'s programs have been recognized by multiple congress members and have won the Congressional App Challenge for its work in promoting education accessibility through technology.
Apply for our Summer2025 programs at: velbranchout.org/apply
