Greg Freeman: Son Will Do Well In College Keeping Sensitivity, Humor. P-D 9/23/1999

Headline: SON WILL DO WELL IN COLLEGE KEEPING SENSITIVITY, HUMOR
Reporter: By Greg Freeman

Publication: ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Last Printed: Thur., Sep. 23, 1999
Section: METRO, Page: B1, Edition: FIVE STAR LIFT

Rites of passage
After a couple of weeks of purchasing, planning and packing, my wife and I got our son off to college over the weekend.
Along with the many boxes, I enclosed a letter. I share that letter with you today.

Dear Son,

Well, here you are, in college.
   I'll bet there were times when you weren't sure you'd ever make it this far.
   I always knew that you would. It's been a joy watching you grow, from a pudgy little baby to a curious youngster to the bright and strapping young man you are today. It's sometimes difficult for me to imagine that you're in college.
   It seems like it was only yesterday when I was entering college for the first time.

College can be tough.
I don't need to tell you that it's much different from high school. No longer will you have your parents telling you to do your homework and get your assignments done. No longer will you hear from teachers complaining if you haven't completed your work.
That's because college is all about self-responsibility. You are expected to be responsible for yourself. If you cut classes, your professors won't call you and they certainly won't call us; you'll simply flunk. If you get in trouble, no one will call us; it will be up to you.

I know your mother and I both believe that we've instilled in you a strong sense of what's right and what's wrong, and we're sure you'll always make the right decisions. We're sure of that because of the person you've grown up to be: a good and concerned person, a caring person, a smart and sensitive person.
All those are good qualities. They will carry you well into adulthood and throughout your life. They will someday make you a good husband and one day make you an excellent father.

Maintain your sense of humor. Although I've sometimes chided you for being too silly, it's much better to have too much of a sense of humor than none at all. You'll become more serious as you get older, as you should. But always retain a sense of humor. It will carry you through good and bad times.

Never be too proud or too afraid to say, "I'm sorry." Those are two little words that are easy to say and which will help reduce tensions anytime they're said. If you're wrong, or you've made a mistake, or if you've hurt someone unintentionally, tell the person you're sorry. You won't be any worse off for it, and others will think better of you.

Learn, learn, learn!
College should be thought of like a bank vault, and the knowledge it contains should be thought of like money. Right now, you've found yourself in the vault, with the ability to take as much as you can carry out. Grab it, take it, as much as you can. It is so valuable, and the more you get, the more you will be able to use when you're out of school. Some of that knowledge will make you more money; some of it will make you a smarter person. The knowledge is there for the taking. Go for the gusto!

I haven't always been the perfect dad, and I recognize that. But I want you to know that I've always tried to be a good dad, a good role model and, most important, a good friend to you. Know that I will always be your friend throughout life, and that I'll always be there for you.

I've always believed that you could do great things. I believe that now more than ever.
As you head off to college and to adulthood, remember that you can be successful at whatever you do, as long as you put your mind to it. You've done that throughout your life: Whenever you've been determined to do something -- whether it's been winning a scholarship for photography or saving for a trip to Europe -- you've done it. I'm convinced that the same will be the case throughout your life.
Of course, you'll have to work for it. As my dad told me, nothing good comes easy. But if you work hard for what you want, you'll see your dreams come true.

Just one more thing: I love you, and you'll always be my bud.

Love Always,
Dad

P.S.: Pick up the phone and call your mother and me often. We're going to miss you terribly!

Daniel Schesch - Webweaver

back