Letters to My Son: On the First Day of 11th Grade

Dear Sonshine,
Today is your first day of the 11th grade.
We had what turned out to be a stressful 10th grade year. I was READY for it to be over and so were you.
But this first day of school feels different. Both calm and important at the same time.
You are officially an upperclassman.
And I don’t know what to do with that.
I’m proud. SO PROUD of you, but also, stressed for you because now we begin the task of planning the rest of your life.
SAT’s, college visits, choosing majors, keeping those grades up…..
Hustle is a weak word I feel for what this year is going to look like for you.
But you can do it. We’ve raised you to be almost delulu about what you can do. I’ve made you repeat the mantra: “I can do anything I put my mind to” every school day since kindergarten.
So while I’m nervous for you and your dreams and aspirations and goals ( because you have a lot of work ahead of you this year),
I know you can and will succeed.
Well, that’s all. I love you. I’m proud of you already.
Mom.