The transition from high school to college is a significant one. It represents growth, change and dreams that have come to fruition.
High school was a tumultuous time. Like most teenagers, I thought I knew everything. I was Albert Einstein and Maria (from "The Sound of Music") shape-shifted into the body of Taylor John - it was truly miraculous. I tested boundaries, sought independence before I was ready to do so (prematurely, if you will) and challenged my parents at every turn, without mercy. The adjective most fitting my behavior was: relentless. I didn’t give up, and through determination, grit, perseverance and patience I successfully managed to be at odds with them seven out of the seven days in the week. Despite the fact that I was away at boarding school for the vast majority of the year, a little distance never stopped me. Not necessarily an accomplishment, but in hindsight, I realize that it wasn’t “trouble” I was in during those times of turmoil; it was the foundation of my moral compass being molded right before my eyes. My parents were trying to instill tried and true values in me, allowing me to reach where I am today, and beyond.
I’d like to offer a toast to all the parents on behalf of all the college freshmen embarking upon the next chapter of their lives, for helping us when we were quite literally in denial by viewing you as unfair for providing guidance. Thank you for being our support system when we didn’t believe in ourselves. Thank you for grounding us (literally and figuratively). Thank you for having patience and allowing us to see that it truly is a virtue. Thank you for feeding us (seems basic, but the building blocks are everything). Thank you for teaching us that there is no such thing as failure, only a lesson learned.
Saying thank you is underrated because, often times, many say thank you for the wrong things: shirts, sweaters, bags, etc. While material is nice, it’s also superficial. We often utter the words “thank you” for things rather than the time, the wisdom, the intangible gems. While the phrase is nice and provides us with a sense of security that we aren’t ingrates, it’s meaningless if we aren’t cognizant of what we really should be grateful for. We mustn't forget that time is our most precious commodity.
Thank you, parents, for your time, for speaking to us, bonding with us and selflessly guiding us. I had this epiphany on the value and importance of time June 5, 2016, the day after I graduated from high school. As I held my diploma in my hands, a feeling of nostalgia overwhelmed me as my mind transported me back to the first day of freshman year. In that single moment, I truly appreciated time. A human construct, often taken for granted, and not cherished is more powerful than anything one can purchase. Why? Because within time there are memories, and without it you're lost.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for the 9,460,800 minutes and counting that you’ve dedicated to me, I value and have valued every single minute.
