CADEN

Caden,

Only FOUR months left until you leave home, so I’m thinking it’s a good time to jot down some (hopefully) inspirational and retrospective thoughts on your high school exit.

First off, congrats on being such a smarty pants. You are my academic hero, and I’m not going to pretend your intended major in chemical engineering is something I fully understand, or that I know what it takes to succeed at it…but I know you can do it!

You are the child most like me, and I’m sorry. 🙂 We can be easily overwhelmed, hyper-sensitive and non-confrontational to a fault. But what I am most in awe of is your big, empathetic heart.
I’ve always believed you were an old soul. You’ve had your fair share of lows, but your highest peaks are waiting on the other side of high school. And you haven’t let those lows compromise your kindness or perseverance. You are stronger and braver than you realize.

I will miss being around your witty sense of humor on a daily basis, and I will forever laugh out loud every time I hear the Titanic theme song. I will miss our philosophical conversations, book and movie discussions and hearing your interesting perspective on the world. And I’m putting this out there now, but I think a book deal may be in your future.

PLEASE listen to that ever-present voice in your head–everyone has one and it’s there for a reason, most importantly to keep you alive, and to keep your moral compass in check.

Have FUN in college, and remember that humility and being a good listener are necessary for success and happiness. And for goodness sake, don’t take yourself too seriously when you mess up. Always root for the underdog and be great at being a friend. Roll with the punches, but throw your own when needed. Don’t base your self-worth on what other people might think. Build a strong self-confidence and stick to your values.

One more thing…I heard Jack Black (of all people) say this last night on tv–don’t focus on what you want to BE when you grow up, but on what you want to DO. Don’t get hung up on a label, but figure out what action you want to put behind it. Jack Black’s parents were rocket scientists so their son must be very smart!

Love,
Your proud Mom

p.s. I promise to send lots of chocolate chip cookies to your new home at ISU.