Hannah,

Well, it seems as if you’ve made it to the ripe old age of 18. It’s been quite the rollercoaster ride. You’re starting college tomorrow… can you believe that? Think back to the first memory that you can think of. You know, that one at your 3^rd birthday party. You were so embarrassed that everyone was singing and clapping for you that you actually crawled under the dining room table and hid. (Fun fact: the same dining room table that your father’s diapers were changed on… cool right?). 

Yeah, it’s been a while since then. You’ve learned a lot. Probably the most intense period of learning was when you went to Mexico for a month on your NOLS course. Your life was stripped down the basics. Every decision you made was one of survival. It seems that when all of the society induced nonsense is taken away, learning happens much more rapidly. Not only did you learn how to self-rescue a sea kayak and make killer empanadas on a whisperlite stove, but you learned the importance of taking advantage of every situation presented to you, and how working hard really isn’t that hard but pays off tenfold in the end. 

Another important turning point was when you made the decision to stop being homeschooled and go to public school. Mom and dad weren’t initially fans of that decision… it was probably one of the hardest ones you ever made, but boy did it pay off. I’m pretty sure that being homeschooled hugely contributed to who you are as a person in a positive way, but I think being homeschooled the whole way through would have ruined you. You needed people, not only for the social aspect but for the competition as well. Competition is a good motivator for you.

Remember when you completed hiking all of the highest peaks in the Adirondack Park where you grew up? That was certainly a highlight. That was probably one of the longest term goals that you ever worked towards. Even then though, it only took you six years. You had an advantage because of living in a close proximity to the mountains for sure, but that being said it takes some people a life time. I’m proud of you for that.

It’s been a pretty great journey Hannah, nevertheless you’re only 18. You have so much left to learn it’s ridiculous. So far so good, but don’t let that get in the way of continuing to experience as many things as you possibly can, and learning from everything. Carpe diem, as they say. 

See you soon Hannah. Have fun.

Love,

Me