Writers 
I’m Trying My Best
Sometimes, I wonder what people actually want from me.
I ask myself that question over and over again, especially on the days when everything feels like too much. I try. I genuinely try. Sometimes, I try so hard that I become exhausted, yet somehow, it still feels like nobody notices.
At home, my parents expect me to be the brilliant daughter—the hardworking one who always makes them proud. They want me to take my education seriously, learn useful skills, and even start earning money at this young age. I understand why they want those things for me. They want a good future for their daughter, and I appreciate that.
But sometimes, I wish they could see that I am already trying.
I am learning. I am thinking about my future. I am trying to build myself into someone I can be proud of. But I am still young, and I don't have everything figured out. Sometimes, I get tired. Sometimes, I make mistakes. Sometimes, I start something with so much hope, only for things not to go the way I planned.
Then there are my friends.
Sometimes, I feel like they expect me to always be available—the friend who is always around for hangouts, conversations, outings, and everything in between. I love my friends, and I love spending time with them, but I cannot always be there. Sometimes, I have responsibilities. Sometimes, I simply need time for myself.
My siblings have their own expectations too. I may not always know exactly what they are, but I can feel them. Maybe they expect me to be a certain kind of sister—the one who has everything together, the one who always knows what to do.
And then there are my little niblings.
To them, I am probably the fun, rich aunty who should always appear with gifts, money, snacks, and something exciting to offer. Their expectations are innocent, and honestly, they make me smile. But sometimes, I wish they knew that their aunty is also figuring life out.
The truth is, I don't think I meet all these expectations.
And that hurts.
Not because I don't care, but because I care so much that I sometimes feel like I'm failing everyone.
I wish people could see the battles behind my silence. I wish they could see the effort behind the things I haven't achieved yet. I wish they could understand that when something doesn't work out, it isn't always because I didn't care enough.
I swear, I am trying.
Maybe I'm not the perfect daughter. Maybe I'm not the always-available friend. Maybe I'm not the successful aunty with endless money and gifts. Maybe I don't always know what my siblings expect from me.
But I am learning.
I am growing.
I am becoming.
And even though I may not have reached where I want to be yet, I hope the people I love can be patient with me.
Because behind every mistake, every delay, and every unfinished dream is a girl who is genuinely trying her best.
And sometimes, all she needs is for someone to notice.
“I’m trying.”