We wish you … I wish you … Like American culture of wishing happy new year in December, elderlies in my Burmese culture would give wishes to the youths during special occasions such as Thadingyut in October and Thingyan New Year in April. When we visit to elders (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles), teachers, mentors, benefactors, monks or nuns with the purpose of paying homage by kneeling before them and paying obeisance with joined hands with or without gifts so that we can show gratitude and reverence and ask for forgiveness, it is a tradition to be blessed. This Burmese tradition in giving good blessings, fortune, or omen is called Mingala (မင်္ဂလာ) . That is how we say hello in Burmese: “Mingala ba” (မင်္ဂလာပါ) , meaning auspicious, lucky, prosperous, or festive, translated in English as “May you be blessed” or “auspiciousness to you.”

Daily wishes are rare that we only hear them two or three times a year during ceremonies unless we donate or pay homage to monks or nuns daily in which they would pray for us no matter we donate or not. Since my transfer to UCSD as the first-generation, transfer, immigrant student, I had to learn everything on my own such as getting Medical, and my mother from Burma started to wish me at least five wishes that I wrote in the poem at the end of every voice call daily. She would make the same wishes which are the ones I need the most such as me being able to associate with the wise. Her wishes include love, compassion, and empathy which inspires self-discipline, generosity, respect, humility, contentment, gratitude, patience, resilience, and mindfulness in me. At first, I thought it was not necessary because I never had blessings daily. I felt weird, not knowing what to really feel or respond, just as I first transferred to UCSD. She said the same wish to associate with the wish and good people three times. Her wishes impacted me to believe in myself and be kind to myself. As a result of her wishes and my initiative to reach out for help from UCSD, I started to get a lot of support from different contacts at my Revelle college (special thanks to Dean Katie who introduced me about this contest), Communication department, The Hub, Student Affairs (special thanks to Jacqueline Tejada), Financial Aid, Oasis, AIP, CAPS, OSD, and other departments from UCSD. That meant her wish was fulfilled because I got help for my studies and graduation this year. I felt confident asking for help and accepted that it’s okay not to be okay. Thousands of miles apart from my mother, her call for the blessings crossed oceans.

Later, I start to make changes such as making wishes to myself first, and then my mother, and others so that they can feel loved and valued. We tend to forget to send love to ourselves and I wish this would serve as a kind reminder. It taught me that it is important to begin with self-love and then it will spread to the rest of the world. Such loving-kindness, compassion, or good will is called Metta (မေတ္တာ). This year, I was able to help my high school students who got covid by praying for them together during their quarantine period. I always start my tutoring to high school students with meditation and positive affirmations during this pandemic. Also, I’m proud that I am now co-producing and co-hosting with another UCSD student for “Love, Immigrant” Podcast series with the montage “I wish…” by calling out immigrants for submissions on making a good wish to be broadcasted on air bi-weekly under the supervision of Professor Daniel Martinico and UCSD Basement. Everything starts from my mother’s wishes!

My intention by sharing my mother’s wishes to you is that you can share with others as well. You can make wishes and blessings to other people who suffers from Covid, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, abuse, assaults, disasters, or diseases. Although these wishes are from a mother to her children, these wishes can be used at anytime, anywhere, for everyone. They can help someone feel loved and blessed!

Disclaimer: Many storytellers here shared vulnerable experiences, which might be triggering to some. Please see below for resources.

• UCSD Students: CAPS, Health Promotion Services, your College Deans of Student Affairs, Campus Community Centers.

• UCSD Faculty and staff: Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, Staff Affiliate Groups, Work/Life Health & Wellness

• UCSD All: CARE at SARC,

• Anti-Racism Resources - Student Affairs and EDI

• Community: RAINN, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, NEDA, Up2SD