First of all I want to tell you how proud I feel to see you going into this new adventure in your life. We have seen you grow, adapt, and go as you are into a world that not always seems ready for you.
I love to see you grow and adding experiences that will widen your world beyond anything you have seen.
I believe you are defined in part by your curiosity and wanting to learn, your need to devour book after book, your empathy and the intensity with which you feel. As you will see at college, these will be things that will help you thorough.
So, as you are ready to start this new cycle, these are some things I believe are important and although I have not fully learned them, I try to apply them. Some may help, some you know (as a parent I feel I need to say them, sorry), all you can ignore:
1. Do not do something stupid just because it sounds fun.
2. Never lose control over your mind and body (see 1). Your decisions should always be your choice. You own yourself and you owe nothing to anybody else.
3. Do something fun.
4. Love more and fully (although see 1 and 2).
Love can take many forms and depths, allow yourself to experience it. This one is I think the most important. I think when I have done it, I have found more people to share it with, build my circle.
5. Your heart will be broken, it is a consequence of 4. No advice here, still worth it.
6. Memories will be built. Some exhilarating, some joyful, some peaceful, and some terrible and painful.
Experiences are what will make you, what will drive your next decision at that very instant. Embrace yourself as a whole (the good and the bad). I believe, taking 1 to 5 will help somewhat.
7. Build your own list (See 6).
8. This is your home.
It is a place where you can come for whatever reason you want (even just laundry and Oreo time). We will strive to make it your safe space, a place to cuddle and heal if you need to. We hold this space for you.
9. Whenever and wherever you need us, we will be there.
10. Finally, quoting Dr.Who: Always be kind (to others and yourself).
