Hey you,

I just want to start off this letter by saying how proud I am of you. I've had the honor of watching you mature and grow over the past couple years into an even more amazing person than you already were. You've become more independent and confident in yourself and it's been a joy to watch you succeed in so many areas. You've excelled academically which is an achievement that is not easy to obtain. One thing that has remained constant over the years is your strong ambition and your ever changing, but ever present, big dreams for the future.

Ever since the first day we met you talked about what you wanted to do in the future. You spoke about wanting to take dance classes, dreamt of traveling the world, and had a multitude of different career ideas. Even back then, I didn't doubt that you would one day do all the things you wanted to do. You want to experience everything, an admirable trait that exhibits your curiosity and passion to learn. You're a dreamer in all the best senses of the term, meant to make an impact on the world and every person you encounter.

In the future, when you've gotten out of Minnesota and live in California, Costa Rica, or somewhere significantly more tropical than the Midwest, I look forward to planning trips to visit you so that I can hear about all of your new adventures. The world is massive and diverse, and I know you're going to explore every corner of it that you can. You'll make friends, memories, and have so many wonderful experiences— I just hope you don't forget to check in every once in a while. I know you're antsy to get out of here, but try to enjoy this stage of your life because it will flash by and then you'll be off seeing the world. I came to terms a while ago with the fact that you won't be geographically close to me within several years, but I'd be more upset if you did stay here and didn't explore like your heart so desperately desires. You're not destined to remain stationary, at least not yet— if ever.

An absolute, unconditional fact is that I believe in you. I believe in you so much. Your strong work ethic and charismatic personality guarantee that you will get to the places you want to go. You are one of the few people who I think can and will achieve anything they put their mind to. Whatever path you choose, wherever you end up, you'll be successful as long as you stick to something you are passionate about.

So whether you become a doctor, a lawyer, a detective, a travel blogger, a TV host, a pop star, an international journalist, all of the above, or none of the above, I will always support you and continue to cheer you on. The world is at your fingertips. Please never stop dreaming and reaching for the stars.

Love,

Me