Life, In A Nutshell

Let's put our on serious hats on today. I know you heard about the Rutgers student who committed suicide eariler this month. It was a terrible tragedy on so many levels.

Part of my mom job in preparing you guys for college is that I teach you something very important.

Everything gets better. We can fix anything that happens. Anything.


When you are young you don't know that the awkward/bad/even devastating moments are fleeting. You know how smart I am, I know this is true! There is nothing you could do, or be, or have happen to you that we cant fix. Nothing. On the same note, we love you and you could never disappoint us. I promise you, it ALWAYS gets better.

I don't want you to ever think that something is unfixable. NOTHING you do will ever keep us from loving you. NOTHING you do could be so awful you can't get past it.

And if someone is mean to you, and it isn't something you can ignore-- seek out people to talk to about it. Surround yourself with people who are supportive. If you ever need help and don't know how to ask- try writing an email instead. And right now- before you might need such help- think about who you would talk to if needed. In the midst of turmoil sometimes we don't always think as clearly- having a plan makes it easier to find help in crisis. And remember there are always alternatives. Always.

Finally, don't be mean. Don't let other people be mean.
Stand up for the underdog, protect those who aren't as smart or confident or easygoing as you are.

OK, I am done. Back to our regularly scheduled programing.

Hello City

When you go to school, find out what the area has to offer and take advantage of those offerings. If you end up in a city, go to every museum or attraction at least once, if you are in a more rural area there will be certain things an area is know for, become an expert on those things. You don't need to go to an art exhibit every weekend, but if you are going to live in a spot for four years, become an expert on that city or town. Often students, or anyone for that matter, become stuck in a rut--doing the same things with the same people over and over again. While familiarity is comforting (Patrick, I am talking to you now) it is always nice to shake things up every once in a while.

Most schools have first class guest lecturers, music concert, or plays that give free or inexpensive performances throughout the year. Try to attend one (or two?) a year. It will add your your experience, you might learn sometime and they are a great (and cheap) date!

Beginnings

Dear Patrick and Dan,

In just 12 short months you will be leaving for college. You will begin a wonderful adventure that will really be the start of your adult life, complete with perils and uncertainties of grown up life.

I know you will be ready, but I just can't resist giving you a couple of pieces of advice.






Beginnings-Chicago

Life in Technicolor

Ready or not, here we go. From here on in, a large majority of your conversations with adults will revolve around college. "Have you taken
the ACT?" "Any college visits?" "Have you thought about where you want to go?" "Major? Big or small? Deep South?" So many questions!
Your senior year is supposed to be fun! Concentrate on enjoying being in high school with your high school friends. Everyone is so impatient to start the next chapter in their life that they letting 'right now' slip away.
Get your work done.
Finish those essays.
Fill out those applications.

But, don't forget that you're not in college.....yet!