To My Daughter, On Entering College

Dear Erika,

When you were little, it felt like I had forever to help get you ready for life in the big world, the space outside of our comfortable (safe) home. Sitting here, sipping my coffee in the early morning hours of our last week of your childhood, it's hard to believe how quickly the years have flown. I'm not quite sure how, but we made it through the high school years without any major hurdles, and we've built a pretty terrific relationship in the meantime. You've handled this transition with grace, and you've been incredibly patient with me as I've struggled with the reality of your imminent departure.

I know that this is probably the worst possible time to try to impart any advice, as you stand on the threshold of the door to the future, but humor your mother just one more time. Here's a few things for you to think about while you are creating yourself and your future at George Mason University:

• The next four years are an unwritten book. Don't be afraid to fill the pages with adventures you wouldn't have even thought of in high school....you are starting fresh and you can completely invent/reinvent yourself as you see fit.
• This is the BEST time to figure out who you are and what makes you happy. Squeeze in some classes on topics that you find interesting, you never know how they may help in the future. (My first A was in architecture, who knew?)
• Get out of your room and take in the view. Living on campus is wonderful: meet people, stay up too late, eat junk food, play frisbee, laugh, study in the library, drink coffee, paint, whatever you like. But don't hide out...wrap your arms around the experience.
• When you get overwhelmed, reach out for help and a hug. It WILL happen. Four years can feel like a very long time when you're in the thick of it, and you're going to have moments when you question whether you can do it. That's when you let those who love you help you remember that you CAN do it and it will be okay.
• You're going to find your tribe. You may think you are a lone wolf, but I promise there are others like you there, and you will find them. You're going to find your place at Mason just like you did in high school.
• Living on your own (meaning, not at home) may not be as cushy but you're going to embrace the freedom. Just make sure you sleep enough and eat enough vegetables, okay?
• Take a moment or two to document the journey. We all know you aren't a selfie queen and you don't take many pictures. Find a way to capture a few moments...your future self will thank you for it.

Those are the basics, Erika. One more important thing...know that you are loved, and that you have a safe place to land to recharge between semesters. I'll be saving up lots of hugs so that you can catch up when you come home. 

Soar.

~Your mom