In this note, I sit down on a chill weekday, right before the storm of starting my last semester of college and the first day back with my students. I open up about why structure matters to me, how I’ve learned to build expectations, and the ways I hold myself and others accountable without losing compassion.

This isn’t about controlling people. Expectations, to me, are about clarity, safety, and love. It’s about being real with myself, my students, my friends, and anyone who crosses paths with me.

So if you’ve ever wondered how to balance being empathetic with standing firm, or how to set a standard without being controlling, this note is for you.

This is the first real “note” of OpenNotes, where I move past the intro and start unpacking what this podcast is really about.

In this episode, I dive into the idea of burning the ship but saving the map. It is about letting go of what does not serve us while holding on to the lessons that got us here. I share how that mindset has shaped my own journey through triggers, healing, and self-reflection. I read one of my own poems, “I Still Need the Bed,” as a way of showing how far I have come and how healing is never linear, but always honest.

OpenNotes is where we say it so we don’t carry it.

This first note is me pulling back the curtain. I’ve been making digital content on and off for the last 11 years, starting with YouTube when I was 11. Now I’m 21, finishing my bachelor’s, and finally putting my voice into something I know I can stick with.

OpenNotes is exactly what it sounds like! My Notes app, but out loud. Expect real conversations, moments of healing, unfiltered rants, and stories that might make you laugh, think, or question a few things about yourself.

This note will give you a taste of what’s coming. If you’re ready for honest talks, Gen Z chaos, and some growth along the way, you’re in the right place. Follow @OpenNotesbyAntonio on Instagram for clips, updates, and whatever else I decide to drop!