"Since the day you were born, I knew you were going to be smarter than me and daddy," according to my mom, Patty Schlossberg.
You could say this is true now, but I still have a lot to learn. I've only been alive for 19 short years and still have so much to take in from the world. But that doesn't change the fact that my parents have given me goals to strive for and have supported me the whole way. This letter goes to all of the guardians of current and future college students.
Dear moms, dads, legal guardians, and more,
You have the ability to let your child/student obtain the best opportunities, the best education. Whether they have decided to go to a community college, or an ivy league, you were there to support them. After they graduate high school, an array of doors circles around them just waiting to be opened. Meanwhile, you may miss the time of changing diapers and taking them out on walks to the park, but now they're becoming molds to productive members of society. As they have grown and gotten older, you must have noticed how much he or she has matured (hopefully), become braver, intelligent, and less needy.
But you don't worry, your kids are still young; the only difference is now they are able to experience the world with more freedom. They are able to finally move on without having to hold your hand, even though you probably don't want to let go. But I learned that this is natural, as my parents cannot fathom how much I do and have grown since I was just a few years old in early intervention. They have always wanted me to succeed, but now that I'm a college student they accept my need for independence. That isn't to say that I don't get asked how my classes went or if I have any homework, but they know I'm doing my best while having a great time.
The time goes by fast. Too fast even for us students. But remember that we will have the best time of their lives, the best opportunities handed to us, and the best support system: you all. There is no doubt that we will make so many mistakes to learn from, but we will get the education to go off and do great things. We're smart now and when we graduate from college, we'll be even smarter.
Dear moms, dads, legal guardians, and more,
thank yourselves for raising us, your children. You've inspired and motivated us enough to pull through the pre-k to 12th grade obstacle course; the next step: our college degree. Thank you for being our number one fan and our biggest coach.
Love always,
Current and present college students
