4/27/2020. I read through this again last night, thinking of ways to honor the ritual of all that these four years have added to my daughters life. I think maybe there are glimmers of hope to 8th graders moving into high school, 4th graders moving into middle school and incoming freshmen moving into college. Everything is going to be all right.
8/26/2016:
Here we are.
There you go.
Not so long ago, you were gearing up for pre-school, kindergarten and 1st grade. You made it through middle school, with a few of the traditional middle school bumps and bruises, and a few unexpected scars that will be with you every September from here on out through the rest of your life. This summer, you had the magical season in the sun, discovering more independence and adventure, as you should.
It is about to happen:
High school.
I will not bore you with stories of when I was in high school. Most of that information is not important. I know high school is different now with technology, the immediacy of life happening on social media and the structure of education. As I have watched you grow into the person you are becoming these last two years, I know you are ready. I watched as you have taken more risks, accepted loss and more responsibilities. You have etched out a place of distinction. I took mental notes to pass along as you begin not only your first year in high school-but the steps leading up to who you will be and the choices you will make to change your world.
This world.
Breathe and brace yourself. No matter the differences in your high school experience and mine, there are some similarities, I suspect will never change.
1) Life is hard. High school is no exception. People change as will you and what you thought you knew will be questioned. It is okay.
2) Everything is magnified times 100 in high school. Emotions run high. Use your developing brain to think first and then react.
3) Speaking of high: Well, you know. Just because everyone else does it, for reasons you will never know- does not mean you have to. You are not missing anything. Really. Never take a drink from someone you don’t know and surround yourself with good people. There will always be “everyone else’s”
4) Speaking of everyone else: Don’t judge yourself off their behavior. You have no idea what anyone else is trying to work through or for that matter, get through. High school can be a mean and vicious place( go back to #2). And then reread #1.
5) No means no.Even if you think you are in love, or not. No means no.No is a complete sentence and you get to decide. You have the right to say no. Trust your voice and use it. Do not believe everything you hear, half of what you see, and all of what you feel.
6) Do not wear ill fitting clothes or shoes- no matter how much you want to. It makes for a long day.
7)You have the right to be authentically you. Surround yourself with the people who support this. Be funny( you are), make mistakes( you will) and know you are not alone(you are not)
8)Question authority. Learn from everyone. Manage your time. Do not be intimidated to use your brain or your voice. Never be afraid to trust your heart and your gut.
9) Be consistent with your intent and your dedication.
10) Be kind. Speak your truth. Be compassionate.
On this day you begin new chapters in your own book of life. I can not wait to see what you discover.
I love you.
illustration: Sandy Haight
Sending you both love and warm hugs during this transition. Beautiful words ❤️
What great advice and a beautiful memory yourdaughter will always cherish. And for all the seniors like your daughter, I hope life gives them extra celebrations to make up for what they have had to miss out on this year.