Dear Aidan,

Can we just take a second to talk about how you got into Harvard? Or how you are officially enrolled in Harvard's Class of 2021? Or how crazy that is and how amazing you are? Okay good, because here we go:

All I can think about is how hard you've worked, how many sacrifices you have made, and how much it's paid off. You've been at the top of your class since the beginning and you have dedicated countless hours towards studying, not to mention all the time you put into your extracurricular activities. You run the school newspaper and work so hard to make sure the paste up deadlines are met, even if that means going to school for a couple hours on a Saturday. You have been the president of your class for four years and you actually do productive things that benefit the school- like encouraging fundraisers and putting on awesome school dances. You are important to Central's athletic department, as you have played soccer, basketball (for both the school team and the Unified team!), and baseball over your four years there, which only allows you breaks in between seasons. You participate in DECA, go to academic conferences, and you are a part of various honor societies. You play the trumpet in the school band and have taken pretty much every AP and SAT subject test that was ever created. You are well-rounded, you are dedicated, and you are driven.

So when you ask yourself, "Why did Harvard choose me?" I know why. Your family knows why. The entire Central High School community knows why. And we are all so unbelievably proud of you.

When you first called me to tell me the news, I screamed so loud I think I scared some people as I walked out of my dining hall. I ran back to my dorm and told all my friends and they started screaming too. When I finally got a chance to see you in person a couple days later, you took me through the entire story from start to finish: from looking online and seeing your acceptance, to the phone calls that night, to school the next day, to officially accepting, and it still hasn't sunk in. You showed me pictures of the Harvard Yard and told me that the Harry Potter movies modeled their dining hall after the one at Harvard (so cool!). You told me how you will get to "shop" for classes your first week there and you'll have an unlimited meal plan. I looked at you and said, "I hope you know nothing about this entire college experience is normal." And in that moment I think I became even more proud of you because I realized that's the whole point. You deserve a college experience that is so far from normal because you are an extraordinary person and you have earned your way to the top. This is your time, Aidan.

During our conversation, I think we determined you're not human. You're like a robot or an alien or something because you engage in so much activity and somehow maintain a social life and somehow (this one really gets me), you get enough sleep at night. But honestly Aidan, you couldn't be more opposite than a robot or an alien because on top of your unbeieavble work ethic, you are one of the kindest, most compassionate people on this planet. You are a fantastic listener, you give the best advice, and you make me laugh more than anyone because your sense of humor just radiates from your smile. You are always there for your friends, you are respected by your community, and you would do anything for your family. So even though your brain got you to Harvard, it's really your heart will allow you to grow and thrive during your time there, as you leave that amazing Aidan Ryan impression on everyone you meet. Harvard is so lucky to have you.

Really though, the best part about all of this is how humble you are. I have never seen you brag about yourself and this was no exception. I think my entire family has bragged about you more in the last week than they've ever bragged about me ever!

So when you ask yourself, "Why did Harvard choose me?"; remember that there are a million reasons why they chose you. You are intelligent, you are determined, you are balanced, and you are incredible. This opportunity could not have been giving to a more deserving person. Now sit back and relax (well, continue working on all those scholarships you've been applying for!) but no need to worry about the college application process anymore; you freakin' did it. Congratulations on your acceptance and enrollment in Harvard's Class of 2021, Aidan!!!

XOXO,

Hannah

P.S. It also makes me happy that you will be approximately 28.5 miles away from Stonehill. Can't wait for future adventures with my best friend!