A Letter to My 20-Year-Old Self

Reflections on a Journey for International Women’s Day

Dear 20-Year-Old Me,

As I sit down to write this letter to you, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the journey that has brought me to where I am today. Spoiler alert… your short concentration span—yes, it persists. So, in case you don’t make it to the end of this letter, I want you to know upfront that the keys to my happiness, I have discovered, are balance, humility, authenticity, and a pug named Hendricks.

Your love for travel is going to blossom into a fulfilling career that will take you to live in seven different countries, with countless adventures in many more. Your optimism, unwavering even through life's twists and turns, will be a guiding light, illuminating paths you can’t even imagine today exist.

When I think back to ‘our’ youthful days, I smile at your overconfidence and belief that you have in yourself. Life, with its gentle wisdom, has shown me the beauty of humility, teaching me to embrace curiosity and focus less on sharing my thoughts and more on asking questions. This shift has opened doors to new experiences, deeper understanding and more fulfilling relationships, both personally and professionally.

You are an ‘all or nothing’ person and work-life balance will be an elusive concept that will take you years to grasp—it’s now become a cornerstone of my well-being. I’ve learned that my health is paramount, and staying healthy not only enriches my life but also enhances my ability to excel in my career. It took time, but the realization that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity has been transformative.

As a young woman, you will be fortunate to have an incredible female leader as a mentor and role model. Her guidance and example will profoundly impact your personal and professional growth. Now, I find great pleasure in mentoring talented young women, helping them to find their own authentic voices and chart their own unique paths.

Through every high and low, your three wonderful sisters and squad of girlfriends will provide an unwavering support system. They are your cheerleaders, your safe haven, and your greatest source of strength. Their presence has been a constant reminder of the power of sisterhood and friendship. Cherish and nourish these relationships!

Oh, and you wouldn’t believe it—you know how now you think you don’t like dogs? Well, meet Hendricks, a two-year-old pug will completely take over my life. His playful antics and unconditional love have added a new dimension of joy and companionship that I never knew I needed.

So finally, dear 20-year-old me, continue to dream big, stay curious, and cherish every moment of this incredible journey. The world is vast, and your path is uniquely yours. Embrace it with kindness, open arms and an open heart.

With love and wisdom,

Michelle

Michelle Commane is a senior commercial leader with over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, now working in the rare diseases space as Head of Business Expansion Strategy at Alexion Pharmaceuticals. She is driven by a passion to ensure that people in all countries, regardless of their income level, have access to innovative medicines.