Letter to a retiring friend

Here is the recap of the 11 monetized posts from Kylea G Weight loss Journey on 05/18/24.
"Greed is a never-ending hunger, that drives people to sacrifice morals and values for personal gain." -Unknown
⚠️ Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD), aka shopping addiction, Disordered Eating, Gaslighting, Grief, Illness, Infertility, TTC (trying to conceive) Community, and Religion will be discussed.
Disclaimers: I am not a physician, influencer, or paid content creator. I am not affiliated with WW. I am semi-retired from the healthcare field with multiple college degrees. These opinions are my own based on social media content. I wish no harm to Kylea or Joseph "Joe" Gomez.
☎️ If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please call or text 988 for assistance.
Behind the Scenes Family Update: Kylea Gomez has been exploiting a life-changing medical diagnosis of a close relative (without their permission and against their wishes) to internet strangers in social media messages. She has claimed that she is supporting this relative (which is a lie) to justify her work ethic, productivity, and even basic hygiene issues. Let that sink in for a moment...
To this relative: You, your family, and medical team are in my prayers. ✝️
To Kylea's Biological Parents: Your daughter disparages your name and relationship for personal and financial gain frequently. No concert, trip, or gift provided to you with money obtained under (allegedly) false and deceptive pretenses justifies Kylea's disturbing behaviors. Stop enabling her.
California Clarification: Kylea was rejected by a Cavapoo breeder from adopting the Original Birdie (OB) during her California trip. I am thankful to the breeders of OB for making a tough decision in the best interest of the puppy. For me, this seals the deal that Kylea falsified details of this California trip, and rushed home to find Backup Birdie (BB) who is the focus of today's content.
The tagline of Kylea G Weight loss Journey is, "I changed my entire life with prayer and a playlist of songs. No surgery, no meds. Just Jesus."
DAILY STATS: 05/18/24
0/11 posts discussed prayer
0/11 posts discussed music
0/11 posts discussed exercise
3/11 posts discussed a recipe
1/11 posts was about takeout "coffee" at 5am
7/11 posts were about Birdie Mae 🐶
📢 For our friends at Meta, that means 63% of Kylea's monetized content had nothing to do with weight loss, which is the tagline and purpose of her page. Her weight loss journey ended July 2023 per her content. Why do you continue to pay her for non-weight loss content?
⚠️ Disordered Eating- Daily WW Points Used (Data compiled from monetized content):
1 WW Point: Crazy Llama "coffee" with almond milk, sugar-free vanilla, sugar-free peppermint, and sugar-free white chocolate
3 WW Points: Taco Soup with 12 Trader Joe's Rolled Corn Chili & Lime flavored Tortilla Chips
📢 For our friends at Meta, Kylea consumed 4 WW points out of (up to) 30 daily WW points= SEVERE disordered eating. This messaging is deadly for those on a weight loss journey. Follow your policies and take action.
Recipes Shared: 1. Taco Soup: 🚨 This recipe has dangerous sodium levels. Please know your daily sodium recommendations before making this recipe. 🚨

1. Taco Rice Bowls: The soup is drained and added to 1 minute jalapeño rice with cheese. 🚨 The sodium alert is the same as above. 🚨

☎️ Please speak with a medical professional about any questions or concerns you have about your health.
Comments: To the animal lovers, I am sending you good vibes to get through this nonsense. Here we go...

1. Coffee at 5am: Kylea and Joe are pictured in their vehicle outside Crazy Llama Coffee with the sun shining bright. Kylea claims she was home at 5 am and Joe took her right away to get her "favorite coffee."

⏸️ The sun rises in Joplin after 6am. Why lie? ⏸️ Her facial sunburn that disappeared yesterday is back today. How did that happen? ⏸️ Kylea claims she does not have cravings or temptations. However, she is addicted to sweet. Her "coffee" is beige colored at best and she needed it right away...

1. Backup Birdie Part 1: Her airline approved pet travel accessory backpack is shown in the vehicle. "All my dog mom dreams are coming true today 💖 🐶"
   
2. Backup Birdie Part 2: "My heart is so full!!! 💖 🐶 I got the cuddliest, cutest, sweetest girl. 😭 I cried when I met my puppy for the first time because I love her so much already!!"
   

⏸️ Kylea's followers immediately started asking to see pictures and were told they needed to wait until after Kylea's family met her first. HoWeVeR, some influencers (bestie Drue Basham, Drue's SIL Sierra, Brittany Bryant, etc.) got to see her first and comment from their influencer accounts about Birdie. I'm sorry loyal top fans and followers, possible cross-engagement from "trusted" influencers is more important than respecting your loyalty. Welcome inside the mind of a 🐈 🐟 er. Always trying to boost engagement, the algorithm, and gain new followers...

1. Taco Soup Recipe: 🚨 This sodium monstrosity has canned beans, jarred salsa, enchilada sauce, rotel, roasted corn, a ranch seasoning packet, a taco seasoning packet, fresh chicken, and water. 😲
   
2. Backup Birdie Part 3: "Welcome home 🏠 to our forever girl 🎀 Birdie Mae 🐶 She's already following Joseph and I around and has brought us so much joy. 🌈 🎀"
   

⏸️ The puppy shown does not appear to be a Cavapoo and Kylea refuses to answer follower questions about her breed. Remember, Birdie was not supposed to come home until May 20th, then May 19th.
To all individuals in the TTC Community, I know the 🌈 is a powerful symbol for you. I have experienced pregnancy loss and fertility care. My heart hurts for anyone triggered by the language Kylea uses and humanizing pets in reference to pregnancy loss. 🙏

1. Backup Birdie Part 4: "The moment I held her, I just knew she was meant for me.🎀 🐶 She loves all of the cuddles which is good because I do too. 💖"

⏸️ Not one reference of her "sweet boy" Oliver or Alice. Where are the cats? BB is asleep on Kylea.

1. Taco Soup Part 2: 🚨 Since it wasn't salty enough, why not put some chili & lime tortilla chips on top? Chef's 💋. Kylea held the bowl, showing her barefoot on the floor. I did NOT miss her feet content. 🤢
   
2. Backup Birdie Part 5: "We already love her so much 🎀 💖" BB is asleep in a fuzzy blanket on her puppy bed.
   
3. Backup Birdie Part 6: Within 30 minutes of this writer posting info in Reddit chat of how to file an animal complaint in Joplin, MO as a PSA (not a threat) encouraging Kylea & Joe to be crystal clear about Alice's whereabouts, a picture of Joe cuddling BB with Alice behind him on the couch is posted. "Joseph loves Birdie Mae too 💖 🐶 So far she loves to sleep 😴"
   

⏸️ 3 animals are now housed in a small apartment. Two cats with behavioral issues and a young puppy. Kylea can claim she will have no issues because "it will be fine" but she is ignorant, immature, and selfish. Wise followers will remove their rose-colored glasses and see the truth. There is a theory Alice was edited into the photo again...

1. Taco Soup Part 3: 🚨 No more takeout for Joe! He gets to eat Taco Soup Rice Bowls for work lunches this week.

⏸️ On the recent McDonalds post, a smart follower asked what Joe eating McDonalds had to do with WW. Kylea replied it was a "balanced lifestyle." Remember, Kylea & Joe want you to believe Joe has not gained weight no matter what he eats, with photo evidence (even modified) proving differently. Kylea's chains were broken 07/05/21. No cravings, temptations, plateaus, weight gain...a perfect journey to this day (and forever). 😇 Please disregard her obvious eating disorder and mental illnesses. Seek medical care, Kylea Gomez. ☮️

1. Backup Birdie Part 7: A 12 second video is shared of BB playing with a squeaky toy on the carpet.

⏸️ No Oliver, Grams, or Gibson content today. Kylea told her followers (in a comment) that Oliver has not met the puppy. Good to see your "sweet boy" and subject of a ridiculous amount of monetized content is already booted engagement wise.
Final thoughts: Money reveals people's true colors. 👀 Buckle in for a nauseating amount of BB nontent.
Takeout: Crazy Llama takeout for 2: $16 est + tip;
All info from Reddit. ✌️

I'm a daughter (only child) who is on the verge of being disowned for choosing a partner that isn't according to the social standards my parents think the world of. I have spent 2-3 years trying to convince my parents, calmly explaining my relationship and choice. Nothing new, I know, but when you're facing this yourself, it can be so gut-wrenching and can really make you feel ill mentally and physically. I'm keen to know what people have to say about this experience....
In return for being the 'best daughter' all these years, never questioning their choices, all I have received is a whole load of blackmailing and pseudo-medical problems that they're facing because of me especially the relationship choice I have made, "I will go suicide because this is shameful and not acceptable".
I knew it would be tough for them as he is 14 years older than me and has a past, but this relationship hasn't occurred overnight, nor have I been irrational in my choice. This relationship has stood strong over 6 years, 3 years of long distance, while I moved to a different country and he did too. We broke up in the first 6 months to make peace, knowing my parents would never accept this, but in all honestly, he is the best guy that I could love and be loved by. He has stood strong through all odds and difficulties that I have faced, being my bestest friend which is how it all started.
When I tried to make my parents meet my partner a few years ago, they downright refused, saying if he arrived at their doorstep, we can't say no; we don't have the heart to age shame someone or say anything callous, so DO NOT let him come home. With this, I left with a heavy heart and returned to my home (another country). My partner had to cancel his flights. The drama hasn't shut down; they keep sending me biodatas of boys who are better suited for their image. Aside from the passive aggressive messages, emails and calls, they have made distant relatives and family friends call me to say what a bad daughter I am to put my parents retirement and image in the society in lingo. However, despite all this background drama, my partner tried to visit them few months ago to make his intentions clear, but unfortunately, they were not home. Meanwhile, he has met a few of my best friends who give us their best wishes.
To add context, my parents moved overseas despite a lot of resistance from their families; my mum in particular was desperate to get away from her nasty in-laws. Like many NRIs leaving the country, mine received statements such as haha your daughter will marry a foreigner, and you'll regret it after many years. I guess by me marrying according to their societal standards, it would've been a perfect image cleaning exercise for them. My parents created a few blown drama last year that my mum ended up in hospital after having cpr in the office, turns out they were partying with friends the whole weekend while I worried myself sick. All this to get me to agree to their choices and get out of my relationship.
While it is so reasonable and practical to just get on with your life and get married, how do you deal with the mental abuse from your parents day in, day out and especially suicidal threats. How do you heal yourself? I would highly appreciate your thoughts. Thank you in advance...

okay, please don't judge me.
I had a big crush on a girl from my class. we got along very good, it's the classic scheme of I didn't know how to interpret what she's saying, leading to me thinking she might like me. I made a fool out of myself. I wrote a letter which she said was good, one of the best she ever got (lmao) , only to tell me one week later that she can't talk to me anymore. she also blamed me for talking about this topic to another girl in my class, while she did the exact same. and that was our last contact, 6 months ago. I know I don't want or need or should talk to this person and I really thought I'm over it, we had no relationship and knew each other for 2 months. she also stopped visiting school. idk if that is because of me tho because she had problems with that from the start, just like me. that's why we started talking in the first place. but at the same time all these points could also be the reason why it is still on my mind. we never talked about this face to face, and that was my biggest mistake. instead of writing a corny letter and overwhelming her with my emotions I should have just talked to how I feel. I believe things would have gone another way. but the main reason why I still think about this so much is that I'm dreaming of her regularly. yup. in the beginning it was very often, now it is every few days. last night I dreamt that we had a class trip and she came late and started talking to me as nothing ever happened. it's always some fake scenario where we're still friends, or we're friends again. a few times I dreamt that shes calling or texting me to say sorry. sometimes when she called me in my dream I woke up right when I answered my phone. I don't know, maybe this sounds pathetic, maybe you think I need therapy, let me tell you I'm looking for it, but actually I don't want this to be a big topic in that therapy because I have enough trauma honestly. but I'm writing this because I hope that someone can give me advice on what to do to finally let that person go because nothing's gonna happen. I don't believe that time alone will solve this issue because as I've already said it's been 6 months and we had contact for only 2. it's like it happened in a different world for me but I'm still heavily invested, at least subconsciously. I'm not talking to anyone about his anymore because I know they don't wanna hear it anymore and I get that. and it also doesn't feel better after I talked to someone about it so why do it.

My mum has worked as a obsetrician/gynaecologist for the past 10 years working for the government of a North Indian State. She wishes to practice abroad (preferably UAE or dubai as she has friends there) for a few years before retiring. I know about the DHA authority and the medical licenses required, last time I checked she was eligible to work as a Specialist, but my knowledge about medical world is quite limited. The main reason she wants to switch is because she wants to earn big for a few years before retiring. I have 0 knowledge on how to help her. Would love some guidance/recommendations from people who have done the same in their life. She currently works as a Senior Medical Officer for the same state government.

My mum has worked as a obsetrician/gynaecologist for the past 10 years working for the government of a North Indian State. She wishes to practice abroad (preferably UAE or dubai as she has friends there) for a few years before retiring. I know about the DHA authority and the medical licenses required, last time I checked she was eligible to work as a Specialist, but my knowledge about medical world is quite limited. The main reason she wants to switch is because she wants to earn big for a few years before retiring. I have 0 knowledge on how to help her. Would love some guidance/recommendations from people who have done the same in their life. She currently works as a Senior Medical Officer for the same state government.

Me and my ex broke up roughly 2 months ago following an argument where I had brought up her ex in an argument, we were on ok terms for a few weeks until she hadn't responded to me one day and I suppose I couldn't deal with it any longer and I blocked her, in the following week my friend had posted me and a different ex on their story and I feel like this upset my most recent ex. I want to send the following note to her along with some gifts, is it a bad idea?
"Happy Birthday [redacted] I hope you went well on your exams. I'm not sure how you will find this letter so I do apologise if it is unwelcome. I have gotten you some gifts, first of all ’ve returned your car keys which I never had the chance to give back to you, I'm not sure how you’ve managed without them, I've tried making a pineapple garland for you, i have also included a shell you once had given to me, they sit in my car and it reminds me of you every time i see them.
I am the most excited about the peso’s and Nepalese rupees I have found. Of course it's [redacted] birthday too so I have gotten him a necklace that I think he’d like.
Once again, I apologise if this is not received well and do know that you don’t have to respond. I just wanted to get you something for your birthday.
I am sorry for everything.
-[redacted]"
to explain the note, they are actually my car keys but she always had a joke pretending they were hers and would steal them from me (I have new ones btw), she loves everything pineapple related, the shell is self explanatory and she is half Mexican and grew up in Nepal. the necklace is for her twin brother, they are very close.
Is this a bad idea? Is the note too much? is it overbearing? are the presents too much?
as stated in the letter I don't expect a response, I would actually rather I didn't get a response. I just hopes it makes her happy.

I don't even know how to start this but I've been through alot I'm currently nearly 4 years clean from heroin and cocaine and for about a year now I've become agoraphobic. I always wanted to be home from a young age, it felt safer and i've struggled with anxiety since i was 14. My panic attacks were always about needing to get home and what if I couldn't get home quick enough. (im 36 now) My dad was agoraphobic for years before he died and I feel like I've been mark with the A like a scarlet letter, agoraphobia is in my blood. I have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD). I would be fine to stay in forever but I have a soon to be 3 year old and I feel like I'm giving her a shit quality of life. Her dad is in jail not because he's done anything to me he's not that brave. I have no family, I have an amazing best friend and a lot of workers that offer me support but I haven't told any of them (bar my best friend) that I'm agoraphobic, I've been really good at hiding it. But my daughter needs to start going to nursery and I don't know what to do. Are there any parents that struggle out there? I need some help and advice. It's been so bad, my brain just keeps telling me that I offer nothing to the world and my daughter would be better off without me, she's everything to me and I'm letting her down and it fucking kills me. I'm sorry to rant and offload I just don't know what to do. Thank you to anyone who read this x

I've been in therapy off and on with the same T over 30+ years. In the past five years, since my husband died, I've been full-time in therapy. My therapist is trying to retire and I would like to one day be able to stand on my own. So I asked her to pick a date to end therapy (because I couldn't do it myself). That date is less than a month away. And I feel panicked about losing her support. And the idea of starting over with a stranger is something I do not want to do. But now I feel so alone that I'm even thinking of that. For context, I am generally functional, with a job and home, but very few friends.

I have a friend who lives quite far from me, so we don't see each other. However, we maintain daily contact. We are both 28 years old. This friend has been having trouble sleeping for some time now. She doesn't work at the moment because she was treated very badly in her previous job. When she worked, she couldn't function very well. She went to work for 8 hours, came back, ate something and then fell asleep, waking up for work the next day.
I thought it was because of work, but even though she hasn't worked for a long time, nothing has changed. Or rather - she sleeps even more. Namely - she goes to sleep around 9 p.m. and wakes up around 2 p.m.
I started writing to her that it wasn't very normal and she should go to the doctor - maybe she is sick, tired, stressed, or has other problems. I wrote to her to get tested, but she didn't want to listen to me, because she was "afraid of needles." And it keeps getting worse - now she often pretends that she "doesn't fall asleep on the other side" and starts writing complete nonsense, as if she were drunk. And the next day she apologizes for this messages. Wrote it "because she was tired."
As I wrote, she is currently not working, so she has, let's say, 7-8 hours for shopping, meeting loved ones, etc., so I guess she thinks it's OK. But when she goes back to work, she will go back to her old lifestyle. So at one point, a bit frustrated, I started writing to her a little more harshly, why she doesn't want to change it.
Usually when she sends me these nonsense messages, they mean nothing. They are just random words and letters that make no sense. Then I text her to go to bed, get some sleep and we'll talk tomorrow. Lately, however, when I write like this, she seems offended that I suggest anything to her. Of course, the next day she swears that she doesn't remember anything and apologizes to me, saying that she doesn't think that way and is glad that someone is worried about her.
But maybe that's not the case? I think I do it out of concern, but maybe I'm actually interfering too much in her life? After all, she's an adult, right? So, should I let it go?

i’ve been a complete mess since my bf broke up with me last week. we had just passed our 5 year anniversary and we were about to sign another lease together. we had been having issues but a lot of the stress had to do with the house we’ve been renting for the past year which it’s been a disaster. because of our history and how much i thought we loved each other i was willing to wait til we moved and lived in a much less stressful environment to get us back up on our feet. we even had gone apartment hunting the same day he ended up breaking up with me. imagine my surprise.
i understand what he wants, he wants to explore sexually, but i don’t understand why he can’t do that with me? i’ve told him a couple things that i just can’t do right now, but he’s also never really asked what i am willing to do or even told me really want he wants. communication was a big barrier, because i didn’t even find out about the issues he’d been having with the relationship until he broke up with me. i wrote him a letter the next day and in his response letter were all the reasons he was breaking up with me. a lot of the issues could have been worked on had i known what the problems were way earlier.
all parts are in turmoil. some so depressed they can’t even move. some so angry all they see is red and black. some just in disbelief that this is really happening. i have friends who are all telling me that they’re there for me, but confiding in them about my did and why i feel things the way that i do is scary. the angry parts already made themselves known at work yesterday and i feel like my friends noticed a difference. if i stay at someone’s place, they might notice more “weird” things about me.
ugh i’m just so nervous about becoming completely disregulated. last time i was this upset that’s exactly what happened and i had to go to the hospital for the first time ever. now that ones closed so i don’t even know where tf i’d go. my ex was also one of the only people to know about my did and besides my best friend who also has it, was the immediate person i would go to for support and vice versa. i felt we always supported each other.
please just send some love, if u can

What city in Europe would suggest to consider for someone in their late 30s who want to settle down, that meets this criteria: 1. CITY approx. 1mln population (more or less Barcelona size) in Europe (don't want to deal with any visa and have UK+EU citizenship).

1. Community feeling with MANY EXPATS who settle down there - where people help, support and know each other and are friendly.
   
2. ENGLISH speaking (I know English, Polish, some German, some Spanish)
   
3. Well developed, GOOD GOVERMENTAL SYSTEM IBCL. TAX SYSTEM, especially for investment (stock, crypto, real estate) and small business owners (retreat running - not necessarily in this country/location), incl. loans, line of credit, credit cards etc.
   
4. SUNNY WEAHTER (2 hot months in the summer is fine - I prefer that over gloomy, rainy and cold weather).
   
5. Possibility to afford to buy a nice, modern HOUSE with a garden.
   
6. Dog friendly and easy to walk around (I like walking) and 'pretty'.
   

Not interested in nature, educational system or anything family related as don't have kids.
Northern Europe - cold weather, high taxes, unfriendly people.
Eastern Europe - not well developed, I feel the expats there are not really for 'community feeling' but for the experience, doesn't look great, traditional mentality.
I really enjoyed living in Melbourne but due to visa and location I wouldn't want to go there.
I didn't enjoy living in Barcelona as I find the governmental system there terrible but liked the size of the city, you could walk/bike everywhere, friendly people.
I like Wrocław and Krakow but they don't have that many expats and people complain a lot and the whole mentality is a bit too traditional/conventional for me.
Was in Malta many years ago and just for holiday found it to be a retirement village (maybe it has changed).
Is there a place like this in Europe?

Congrats on choosing and making it into NUS Business School! I previously wrote here: https://www.reddit.com/SGExams/comments/118r7cg/all_about_studying_business_in_nussmuntu/ on what are some factors when considering between NUS, SMU and NTU business school. For better or worse, you'll be stuck here for the next 4 years so here's some broad advice on making the best out of it.
1. Put in effort to draft out your own Study Plan; Future you will thank you
What is a study plan? Essentially, it's an outline on what modules you'll be taking throughout your 4 years in University. Especially for a business student, a study plan should go beyond "what majospecialization/double majominor". Yes, figuring what major (or majors) that you want to eventually take is the first step. The next step is also considering whether you intend to take a gap semester (i.e. leave-of-absence) to do internships (which is becoming increasingly more common place; maybe not 1 gap sem but possibly even 2!). The unfortunate truth is that many biz student realize late in Year 2/3 that they might not be as competitive as their peers and usually then seek out LOA internships and end up delaying their graduation (whether its a good or bad thing is debatable). Besides gap semesters for internships, there are student who do credit bearing internships (which counts for some credits/MCs) or even do a part-time internship during the semester while studying (Do modules on Mon and Tues, FT work of Wed, Thurs, Fri). Not every student get's their desired summer internships, and often student have to compensate by applying for Off-Cycle LOA internships.
In your study plan, you would also have to take into consideration possibly going on overseas semester exchange or even the 6M to 1 Year long NOC program if you're interested! Overloading more modules earlier in your Uni (Y1 and Y2) gives you more flexibility to adapt to changes in the future. Of course, you need to gauge yourself whether you're able to cope with the workload. (Overloading in earlier sems, mean being more free in later sems to do internships/explore other modules or minors).
Additionally, most higher-level modules have pre-requisites (mostly ACC1701). If you delay taking these pre-requisite modules, your whole study plan can be delayed by a semester. My advice is to take ACC1701 (and consequently FIN2704) earlier rather than later, because these two mods open up the other majors/specializations available to you. You'll also figure out whether you'll want to to take the finance major after taking these two modules.

1. CCAs

There's a ton of CCAs available NUS-wide or Business School related. I strongly encourage you to take multiple CCAs (importantly taking into consideration what you can manage and your workload) so that you're able to meet new people and learn new skillsets. NUSC/RCs/Hall activities also count here. The unfortunately truth is that portfolio does matter in business school, and simply being good in academics (which can be competitive in itself) isn't enough. Your GPA/CAP allows you to have your foot in the door; your portfolio and experience allows you to enter it. Consulting CCAs in general are great an improving your eye for aesthetic and detail which I recommend. You'll be surprised that many biz kids are outright bad and atrocious at making PowerPoint slides even at Year 4... I would say that the CCAs you join do shape your uni experience in a large way.

1. Group Mates

Find good friends and group mates! Those in NUSC/RCs/Halls have an easier time for this. For most of your basic core 1k modules, you group is usually randomized and you have no say on who you're working with. It is during these randomized group that you'll figure out the pain of having poor group mates, and things get worse if you're taking higher level and tougher modules alone. On this note, try to find friends that will do various modules together with you! Having friends doing the module together with you is a huge advantage, from extra resources, dead line reminders, doing quizzes/tests together etc. 5 brains working on a problem set is always better than 1 brain by itself, these 5 ppl will often get a better grade than the one hardworking individual working alone. Implicitly, those who stay on campus have a huge edge over those who don't.

1. Business is ultimately not a technical degree

Controversial to some, but business school at the end of the day doesn't really teach you much. The only thing that it does teach is showmanship (and even then sometimes not taught well enough). Business School arguably teaches you how to carry yourself well, make fancy PowerPoints, use some excel, working with people (?) etc. Many of the more relevant things you learn, you learn them in your internship and your own experiences outside of the classroom e.g. CCAs. To me, doing well in Biz School is focusing on everything outside of academics (ensuring that you have some baseline CAP/GPA).
5. Figure out early whether you prefer Excel or Power Point.
The corporate world only runs on two applications, Excel and Power Point. Dabble in both, figure out early which application you prefer more and find a relevant internship/role/job that you enjoy decently that uses one over the other. Truly, Excel and PPT are the only takeaways when you leave the university. Great consultants are adept at handling PPT, navigating through them quickly with many templates in their desktops. Finance peeps do a little more excel work and have to do them well, fast and creatively. Even at the end of uni, there are still many students who can't use excel proficiently at a high level.
6. Internship Hell is real for those who care
Internship application period in itself can be a full-time commitment (for those that care). When internship applications open, you can be going through your own interview prep, doing several recorded interviews, applying to new internships etc. Many moving parts to juggle and a lot of ground work to be done. From preparing for interview questions, writing cover letters, tailoring your CV etc alot of the hell you experience in Biz school actually comes outside of academics contrary to popular belief (as Jean-Paul puts it, "hell is other people", bad group mates im looking at you). For those applying to more technical roles, you might also need to prep extra for technical questions e.g. IB 400 questions, consulting cases, market sizing brain teasers etc.
7. Not so much of an advice, but rather a plea from me to you
I really hope business students can be more code literate and savvy i.e. being able to read (and to a lesser extent implement) coding e.g. python or SQL. ~90% of the biz population are code illiterate (having only taken just 1 "coding module"). In a normal corporate workplace, you'll never have to code. But being able to think computationally, knowing the steps you can take to automate your task, time and workflow brings you more benefits than you can imagine when most corporate work that people do are typically administrative.
In conclusion, do your best in biz school. I think effort correlates strongly to how well you do here. You don't need to be smart (it makes life easier) but with enough forward thinking and future planning, you'll be able to grow through the next 4 years (and hopefully be worth it).
Feel free to ask any question in the comments, or for any seniors to elaborate and share their own experience! Left out a lot of controversial views not wanting to trigger anyone or NUS. Edit: I'm a graduating student from Biz, later they dont let me grad how? jk
Some extra links:

1. An event calendar regularly updated by NUS Careers, usually has lots of interesting and relevant events, competitions, webinars (if that's your thing): https://nus.edu.sg/cfg/events
2. Grading rubrics to apply for SEP, there is an actual rubrics to secure an SEP, please refer for those wanting to go: https://bba.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2019/07/SEP-Place-Allocation-Grading-System-2018-10.pdf

Hi everyone,
I'm seeking advice on whether to pursue a master's degree at the same university where I completed my undergraduate studies. I've heard mixed opinions, and I'd like to get more perspectives on this.
Background:

• I completed my undergrad in Earth and Environmental Science, focusing on landscape evolution and hydrology.
• During my undergrad, I did a research project on these topics, and my professor suggested I apply for a graduate degree in their lab. I had a great experience working with this professor and think they would be an excellent supervisor.
• A friend mentioned that his professors advised looking elsewhere for a graduate degree, but he wasn't given specific reasons why.

Questions:

1. What are the pros and cons of staying at the same school for a master's degree?
   • I appreciate the familiarity and existing relationships with the faculty.
   • I'm curious if staying might limit my exposure to new ideas or opportunities compared to studying elsewhere.
2. If I apply to my alma mater, can I ask for letters of recommendation from professors in the department?
   • One of my favorite professors, who is also the director of graduate studies, would be an ideal person to ask. Is this common practice or could it be seen as a conflict of interest?

Any insights or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your help!

I have been depressed for many years. I have identified the things in my life where I am lacking and want to improve those things in the hope of being happy/content. However, there are so many areas that i feel like I need to address that it seems overwhelming and I do not know where to start. I'm looking for advice on how to tackle these issues. Perhaps start with one thing at a time but I do not know where to start or what to do. Please provide any feedback ideas.

• Lack of meaningful relationships friends- I do not have any close friends that I trust or can depend on to regularly talk about meaningful, transparent emotions. How can I find these people and build relationships with them. I struggle with fully trusting people due to betrayls and bullying in my past.
• Lack of meaningful relationships spouse- My husband and I just exist as roommates. I don't feel comfortable being vulnerable with him and opening up as I feel he will use those things against me down the line or he will not understand and be able to relate to me.I struggle with fully trusting people due to betrayls and bullying in my past.
• Weight Gain - I have fallen into a pattern where I want to eat to feel better. This has caused me to gain weight and I do not feel good about my appearance and weight. I am embarrassed by the way I look
• Exercise- I do not currently do any exercise. I spend my free time watching Netflix or Hulu or on the computer surfing.
• Church- I really do not feel connected at my church and rarely attend. My daughter attends and I take her there because she is involved in the youth group and it is good for her. However, I do not feel like it is a good fit for me spiritually as I don't love the Sunday service or music.
• My oldest daughter is graduating next week, and I feel like I should have been a better mom and more plugged into her life.
• Job- my job is currently hem haw. It isn't horrible but the company is financially instable causing me to doubt if this is the right company for the long term. I want a job with a good work life balance that i can retire from in 10ish years.
• Free time- I spend my free time watching tv or on the computer surfing which is isolating and lonely.

My question is where do I start and what do I do to turn these above things around.
Thank you!!

I had a strange relationship with deconstruction as my dad was trained at a university level to do apologetics. He was an LDS chaplain in the Army, and every night for scripture study, we got discourses on the nuances of our faith and justifications for every question we ever had. I didn’t swear until I was 18 years old, or drink caffinated anything until about that time as well, because it was never a matter of justification. It was what my family, my tribe, my people did, to go to church on Sunday, and to be worthy. I was senior patrol leader and assistant to the bishop if that clarifies who I was. I didn’t have “God will reveal it in due time” parents. I had “Here’s the answer, here’s contemporary discussion about it. Here’s some reading material if you want to learn more” parents, except for they were wicked smart, and had biased conclusions.
I was called to serve in the Mexico City East mission. Shortly before opening my mission call, I broke up with my girlfriend at the time. i left BYU-I and went home to prepare. I received my endowments after lying to my stake president about my worthiness to enter the house of the lord. I came clean, and he threatened to not let me go out for a year because I was unclean. The prick made me talk to a therapist to be cleared for the mission field. The therapist had a brain and let me go out. When I was giving my mission farewell speech, I wrote it to include the teachings of many religions in it. I had drawn inspiration from the 13th article of faith “We believe all things, hope all things-“ and wrote a poem about how Adam and Eve related to the Resurection and Atonement of christ. My dad tells me the stake president was shifting in his seat like he wanted to pull me down from the pulpit. Prick.
The CCM was a pleasure to attend because of my district. The guys in my district there held a secret thanksgiving feast after hours when we were supposed to be in bed with food we had smuggled out of the cafeteria. We had look outs so we wouldn’t be caught by the patrolling teachers. My district was placed under surveillance because of politics against our spanish teacher who we could tell actually cared about us, and we were transferred into a classroom with one sided mirrors, and microphones hanging from the ceiling. An apostle came to speak to the entire CCM, and I thought we would get a chance to meet with him directly, or that he would be even remotely accessible in some way. He was kept away from us, separate and removed even though we had the same mission. I played a lot of volley ball, and got into shape enough that I touched the rim of a basketball hoop for the first time while I was there.
My first companion was a native speaker, and liked to spend the mornings in the cyber (Internet Cafe). He would make sure I was on LDS.org while he looked at softcore porn on instagram. We would spend hours there, and I was disappointed that this was the mission.
We went to a previous investigators house, and while there, we saw preparations for an animal sacrifice. These guys were putting alcohol, cocaine, and blowing smoke onto a white chicken, and placed in into a cardboard box with a bunch of black chickens. They showed us a room full of weapons, with blood and feathers strewn all over the floor. We noped the fuck out, and went home.
I requested an emergency transfer after spending most days in the cyber, watching my companion deface JW’s property, and being an all around dick to me by telling me how to shower and how to sleep.
For his replacement, the person that would help me with his bastion of knowledge, they gave me a white guy who spoke as much Spanish as I did because he was only a transfer further into his mission than me. They made this poor kid senior companion to me before his first transfer was over. Why? Because the kid was a workaholic.
The first thing this elder and I did when we got to our apartment was to pick up and leave to go to the house of a member who had just died. We sang at the wake. I sang in a language I didn’t know, for people I didn’t know, with a companion I didn’t know. We sounded pretty damn good. The elder began setting appointments with the non-believing family members during the service. I just sat and watched the mindless kids chase the family dog.
This elder skipped lunch every day, and made me do the same. We knocked every door in our area twice that transfer. One time, he got very sick, and was delirious out in the sun with me while we were walking. I made us go home for lunch that day, and he made me promise to wake him up after thirty minutes so we could get back to the Lord’s work. Three hours later he woke up, chewed me out for letting him sleep that long, and then begrudgingly thanked me for making him rest.
One time, while walking, this Elder expressed to me that he also had some questions, but he was afraid to share the details because he knew my own testimony was fragile. I pressed him for details of his plight, and he revealed to me the darkest part of church history that he had learned while we were in the CCM, that Joseph Smith had drank alcohol while in Carthage Jail before he died. Thoughts of Fanny Alger, of Mountain Meadows Massacre, and of my own mother’s rather recently implemented looser interpretation of the word of wisdom all flashed through my head. This guy was supposed to be my teacher? All I could do was express how sorry I was for his confusion, and told him to have faith. Heaven knew I couldn’t help him.
One night with this companion, it was storming hard, and the streets were flooded. This guy refused to let us go home. We climbed along fences to avoid getting our already wet shoes soaked, and waded through a foot of water to get to the doors that were slammed in our faces. There was a loose wire on a door bell, and when I rang it, I was shocked by the completed circuit the water made. Rejection after rejection piled up. Finally, my “senior” companion said that this was the last row of houses. On the last house of the last row, there was a family that was all deaf. The father opened the door, and was suprised to see us and didn’t know who we were. I remembered the sign for Jesus from my grandparents who started and ran the ASL endowment ceremony in the Saint George temple. The family was thrilled we knew the sign. When I asked if we could come in, the family politely waved goodbye and closed the door on our faces.
Another time when it rained, something fell into my eye. It was one of those freak nature accidents, and small enough that I couldn’t figure out how to get it out without a mirror. The thing stayed wedged in the corner of my eye for hours before we got home and I could finally get the foreign object out. Looking at it on my finger, I could see it was a small green spider. Days later, still in pain, I pulled what I can only assume was accumulated webbing from the spider that I’d crushed against my eyeball off of my lower eye lid. The pain stopped after that.
I bought a $500 camera. It was stolen within a month.
This Elder and I had the good luck before transfers to baptize two children. They would have been baptized anyways, so I didn’t do any actual converting, but I taught a few lessons, got in the water and did the dunk. Bucket list item, check.
I didn’t have enough time for laundry on P-Day, so I’d wash my outfit and dry in on the radiator through the night. Transfers happen, and my new companion lied to our land lords about the electricity bill, paying it in full but not giving a reason as to why it was so high. I didn’t care anymore, I just needed something clean to wear, but these land lord had treated me and my previous companion well, better than the previous landlord who had stolen our cleaning supplies. I felt these people deserved honesty. My senior companion capitulated eventually, and he and I butted heads regularly after that on the morality of things. I think in hindsight he was a smarter and better man than I was.
The new land lords, the “Lagunez Family”, were wonderful. They included us in their activities, and I felt like I had some people in my corner. When I eventually came home from my mission, a daughter of the family had written me a goodbye letter. She is currently serving a mission. They made some great music, and I have “Infiltradors” on CD, the official name of the band the father of the family was a part of (he was the drummer).
I knew the whole area by heart by that point, so I navigated us to our appointments. Half of the landmarks I watched for to know our location were interesting buildings with unique colors. The other half of my landmarks were dead dogs whose decaying corpses had become second nature to see. I began marking how much time had passed by how deeply a certain dog on a certain dirt path’s chest was caved in.
There was an apartment complex in my area that I had been told not to proselytize in because “It’s dangerous.” Turns out, those people didn’t have any money, so the church didn’t want them. That complex was past the dog and to the east about ten blocks.
My companion and I knocked on a door, and visited a man who was missing his legs. His daughter was there, putting dirty water on the aching wounds. He had a single room for a house, and wheezed when he spoke. He couldn’t afford medication. He still went out and worked all day for his daughter, and gave her whatever money he made, trusting her to keep him alive somehow. The church expected this man to pay tithing. The church expected me to tell this man to pay tithing.
I got the chance to hike up a mountain. At the top, I played chess with a chess set I’d procured from one of the best rapid chess players I’ve ever met. He had been the ward mission leader. He was a good man, a good father, and I wish him the best.
I found another man who was deaf and spoke sign language. I sat with him, and convinced him to come to church all by myself while my companion talked with some tienda tender. I was so excited because this was my own personal project and it was going well. The man came to church, and I sat with him through sacrament meeting. In Sunday school (I can’t believe I did this), I accidentally drooled on the guy. I was just talking so he could read my lips, and I guess I forgot to swallow at some point because a dolup of spit landed on his arm. I apologized profusely, and he played it off, but I never saw that investigator again.
My companion and I knocked a door one day, and a man answered. He wore tattered clothes, and maggots were burrowing into and out of his feet. He muttered something about the stars, missing his wife, and he began to tear up. My eyes stung from the stench. The door closed. Somehow, I knew the man would be dead in a matter of weeks.
I had lost hope that I was doing anything worth while. I looked down on the Doc Martins that had stayed with me five months at this point. I was angry with myself for being so useless in the field, angry with the church for giving me leaders that didn’t listen to my needs or perspective, angry with my mom for drinking while I had to teach people that it was a sin, angry with my dad for giving me the skills and knowledge to justify anything, even pedophilia in the early days of the church, to the point where I could look someone in the eye, and knowing the kind of man Smith was, tell them he was a good man and a true prophet of God. Suddenly a man approached us. He said he recognized us as missionaries, and asked about our message. This never happened. People didn’t just come up to us unless they were crazy or dangerous. But this was a public place, and this guy was genuine. My companion talked to him, and gathered his story, but I was plotting something else. I was done with not caring about these people in a way that mattered. I was tired of walking in another man’s shoes, a man who wasn’t me, who believed different things than me. The chopped leg, the rotting dogs, the infested feet, it all swirled into a single thought in that moment.
What would Jesus do?
I walked over to the man, and in broken Spanish asked him to stand next to me. He did so, and I compared my shoe size to his foot. It was a perfect match. He protested, but I didn’t let him get a word in edge wise. I took off my shoes, put them on his dirty feet, and laced them up nice and tight. Those shoes had cost a ton, and had been meant to last the whole mission. All I had left at this point were my fancy dress shoes that gave my blisters back at the apartment. I didn’t care. I walked home in my socks that day, happy as a lark.
Covid-19 hit a month later. I was one of the few they brought home instead of quarantining. After having served only 6 months. I told God if he wanted me to stay home, he’d have to make them release me.
They released me. I think I was one of maybe a hundred missionaries that were released due to Covid. The church realized their mistake pretty soon after I was released. Once Covid infrastructure began to develop, they didn’t release any more. I guess I didn’t serve a full two years, but I did serve a full mission.
My brother served, and he nearly killed himself due to intense depression brought on by Covid quarantine and poor leadership (I’ve got a few mission president stories, but those are for another time).
I learned lying to someone’s face from my mission, and spent the rest of my time at BYU-I as “nuanced” until the last two years, over which the most epic hoe phase imaginable became my new mission. I spent those years terrified of getting a call from the honor code office.
I’m married now, with my degree irrevocably in my possession. I have friends and loved ones that are in the church and are working on their mission papers. I’m beginning to feel powerless again. I’m seeing the decay again, not on legs, feet, or dogs anymore, but in the souls of the people who the church raises to do their dirty volunteer work. I see them like the animal sacrifices I saw being prepared. I’m not sure what shoes I have left to give to those people that I know are going to be in pain.
My parents are out completely now. It was a long time coming, but they are out and so much happier. I’m working on building a new relationship with my family, one based off of the fact that we won’t be together forever, so we have to make the most of our time together now.
Happy Sunday guys, best of luck to you all. And most importantly, chupa la piña.

The title pretty much says it all. I met him when I was 19 and I wasn't ready for a relationship, like he was (he was 24). I acted distant and cold throughout the whole relationship to keep him at a safe distance. Ofcourse I had moments where I wasn't cold, but he definitely gave more energy to the relationship from the beginning until the end. I couldn't let myself be vulnerable. Eventually, things escalated, and I impulsively broke up with him. We "made up" and a few days later he broke up with me. He said he was very in love with me but he couldn't be in a relationship that was warfare from the beginning (when you should still be in the honeymoon phase) and he didn't think I was ready (I wasn't).
After we broke up, he messaged me a few weeks later to ask me how I was doing. I was very childish and told him I was going on a date with a potential fwb (I was, but I was definitely telling him hoping that he would react). Then he basically said I could come over to his place aswell, which I interpreted as him wanting to be friends with benefits. I felt very hurt because I was still very much in love with him, and I felt like he was already over me if he was comfortable with the idea of casual sex. It ended in a fight, and eventually he blocked me.
I was blocked for a year. I didn't contact him and he didn't contact me. Eventually, I sent him a letter because I felt bad about how I handled everything. In the letter I said I didn't expect anything back, and that I hoped he found someone that could give him the love he deserved, I just wanted to get it off my chest. He unblocked me, and I noticed from his profile picture that he was dating someone else. He also changed his whole look, tattoo's and all. He said he respected the fact that I sent a letter and that he didn't hold any grudges towards me. We left it at that and never talked again.
That is now 3 years ago. Since then, I've changed a lot as a person. I took a deep look inside, got into therapy, fixed the relationship with my parents, surrounded myself with good people and got a more active social life (back then, I never really left the house lol). My ex always loved to party and he would wish that I was a bit more into that aswell - well, now I am. I became healthier, mentally and physically. I got rid of my acne. I'm weightlifting and doing yoga every day. I got into my masters degree and I'm getting very good grades. I'm getting much more attention from men than I did back then, I like to believe I've had quite a good glowup.
I guess I've been happier than I've ever been, but recently I've been hit by a big wave of sadness. He's still together with the girl from the picture, even living together. Meanwhile, I'm struggling to find someone as good as him. No one I've met so far comes close, and I can say I have tried to put myself out there. I can 100% say I'm ready for the real thing now, but he's not available anymore and it hurts. It hurts that I put so much effort into bettering myself, and he will never get to see how far i've come. It hurts that he is realistically very hard to replace, and I got replaced after a few months.

Hi everyone,
I'm seeking advice on whether to pursue a master's degree at the same university where I completed my undergraduate studies. I've heard mixed opinions, and I'd like to get more perspectives on this.
Background:

• I completed my undergrad in Earth and Environmental Science, focusing on landscape evolution and hydrology.
• During my undergrad, I did a research project on these topics, and my professor suggested I apply for a graduate degree in their lab. I had a great experience working with this professor and think they would be an excellent supervisor.
• A friend mentioned that his professors advised looking elsewhere for a graduate degree, but he wasn't given specific reasons why.

Questions:

1. What are the pros and cons of staying at the same school for a master's degree?
   • I appreciate the familiarity and existing relationships with the faculty.
   • I'm curious if staying might limit my exposure to new ideas or opportunities compared to studying elsewhere.
2. If I apply to my alma mater, can I ask for letters of recommendation from professors in the department?
   • One of my favorite professors, who is also the director of graduate studies, would be an ideal person to ask. Is this common practice or could it be seen as a conflict of interest?

Any insights or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your help!

a friend and i had a minor fall out, i was talking about with other people and they told. the friend decided they wanted a break and for me to no longer speak or contact. I was not sure of all that had been said or what happened. I eventually avoided them as requested. at school i would go down a different hall or try to walk in a different way and friend groups etc. Eventually this person would still come by me. for example if I went down a different hall they would follow. If they saw me coming they would hold the door and make small talk like good morning. They would join in with friend groups and almost intentionally stand by me. They would talk as if nothing happened.
So I took this as a sign that maybe that were ready to be friends again or even hang out. I got jealous and offended when they didn't respond about hanging out again and talking with me as I felt it would be helpful to discuss what happened and maybe have closure. I ended up calling them something which I know isn't true and was below the belt. They were I'm sure offended and possibly hurt by it.
Since then they seem back to hating me but also took it a step further by sharing a personal email about someone with several people-which basically lead to me getting into trouble. I feel this was set up and done intentionally as sort of a payback/get even especially since it was right after the comment I made. This person still will sometimes talk to me like ask if I need help or watch me and 'check on me' in a way to see if I am there. When I was sick they were one of the first to send a message and seemed to genuinely care but at the same time they can say and do mean things (like the letter) so I can't tell if it's all an act!

I need to find manhwa (I'm not sure if its a manhua or manhwa) where:

• mc and his friends enter an academy/sect
• In the beginning mc was the leader of some sort of gang and a man defeated all of them and he gave the mc a recommendation letter to join, the man was an elder of the sect i think.
• during one of the entrance tests, they were climbing a really long stairs in the sky and there was a girl from a rich family whose servants were carrying her on something instead of walking on her own
• I think mc and his friends fell from the stairs which was the correct thing to do (I'm not sure)
• When mc entered the sect, they had to choose some sort of soul weapon (or the weapon had to choose them) and mc got one that was rare to be compatible with and very hard to control. I think it was called dragon's tooth or smth. all previous owners lost control.
• On mc's first mission, he lost control i think. but he was saved by one of his teammates he was on the mission with
• Mc couldn't manifest the weapon at first, but he managed to when he was fighting against the older brother of someone he offended after falling into a river.
• i think people were trying to kill the mc and they were his family?, i know he had some sort of dark past

Anything you think is similar would be helpful

Friday night at midnight I was coming home on my bicycle. From visiting a old friend near the Golf Course. Haven't ventured in that area in a while. To my surprise seeing random people standing in the middle of the road near the Fire Station. Over 30 people standing in the Busy Bee lot. Truly in a messed up condition. Lighting up pipes. I didn't stay long enough at the light and ran it. What for the love of God has happened to this city? Even a group camped out in front of Chris Bittle.
MY GOD! My parents would roll in their grave seeing what has happened to the city they retired to. And loved dearly to their last breath. Makes me want to cry.

I feel like no one would ever write any of these letters for me. I search and search and hope to find one for me but I'm not worthy of any of these responses. If I have a crush I'm told I need professional help and ignored. If I wonder why a friend wasn't there when I needed them I'm told I'm selfish and ignored. If I'm sad and need a friend, I'm told I need to see a therapist and ignored. When my family says they will help with something they forget. When I need my family to show compassion and empathy they tell me to just end my life instead. When I want to meet someone for coffee they just forget. At work my boss doesn't even know what I do. No one will ever bother remembering or feeling anything enough for me yo ever write me a letter. I just don't really matter.