Stephanie Bennett, Your departure to college makes it undeniably clear that you are no longer a little girl, my little cocoliso, who lived in a protective bubble of family, as safe as possible under the watchful eyes of mom and dad. No, although Mom and I fantasized about it, they don’t seem to allow parents to be your college roommates. You are off on your own. Although we will undoubtedly connect regularly – texting, Skype, Facebook, iChat and maybe even that old standby, the telephone – Mom and I will no longer have front row seats on your journey; from this day forward, we will learn about you from you. This all happened way too quickly. I miss the days when you could just curl up into my arms and my hugs and kisses were all you seemed to need, yet I know that you and I will be fine. We have worked hard to create a close, trusting relationship, which will grow and deepen as you and I change and grow. More than anything, I cherish our closeness. It gives me the strength to allow to you go off to the college of your choice, instead of my preferred choice: – Community college around The Corner. As you leave, there is so much I want to remind you about, values to reaffirm, lessons to repeat. Now I know college is filled with really smart professors and really handsome T.A.’s. However, I want to share with you a few words of wisdom, 1. First, last, and in between, remember always that you are compassionate, intelligent, and beautiful. Every time we talk to you, you take our breath away with your insightfulness, the depth of your kindness, your “you.” This essence animates you. Our Creator, endowed you with these gifts. Embrace them, honor them, Especially because… 2. The world is about to open up for you. Embrace the excitement and the challenge. the whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the most important thing is not to be afraid. So Don’t be afraid to fall or fail. Where we can, Mom and I will be there to support you, but we trust you to pick yourself up and redirect. (Of course, be thoughtful. Just because a bridge presents itself, doesn’t mean you have to cross it.) 3. Every new experience allows you to reflect upon the ideas you take for granted and ideas you have never before encountered. Absorb the knowledge; be challenged by the ideas of others. Listen carefully to their perspectives on the world. 4. Remember that you are beautiful. So make sure you fall in love with someone who treats you beautifully. 5. Mom and I pride ourselves in getting you to this point in your life, healthy, whole and in one piece. Now your safety and future is up to you. Remember the four questions that we ask ourselves to consider before we do something: 1. Is it safe? 2. Is it legal? 3. Is it moral? And, because what you do today in your dorm room or at a party is apt to show up that night on someone’s Facebook page: 4. Would you want your mother, father, to know about it? If you cannot say “yes” to all four, perhaps you should not walk down that path. 6. You see, the world will present you with a plethora of opportunities to indulge your wildest urges –intellectually, physically, spiritually, College is a time of experimentation. So just remember: ultimately you are responsible for who you will become and what you make of your life. 7. You are now the guide of your own learning. Make wise choices. Sign up each semester for classes that are thought-provoking and inspiring. Ask questions, and respectfully challenge pat answers so that you can advance from collecting knowledge to developing wisdom. when you are feeling shaken to your core. A lot of life happens in four years. We will help you remain grounded. 8. About grades. Do your very best. Never aim for mediocrity, but always strive to be an A+ human being. Love you always, Dad
Posted on: Sat, 24 Aug 2013 18:38:45 +0000