To the editor:
In the fall of 1995, our daughter, Kelly, entered Brown County High School as a freshman, feeling both excited and apprehensive about the future unfolding before her. At that time, I penned an open letter to Kelly in The Democrat expressing our encouragement and hopes for the next four years of her life. On Aug. 9, my granddaughter, Elise, will enter Brown County High School as a freshman and, like her mom, she has shared her excitement but also her apprehensions about the road ahead of her. A few days ago, in the midst of clearing out our basement, I came across that long-forgotten letter to Kelly and realized with a smile how some things never change, and some things do remain the same. Those sentiments written over 20 years ago to our daughter are exactly what I want to say now to our granddaughter:
Entering high school this fall will be the beginning of a wonderful adventure, and like all adventures, the roads that beckon won’t always be smooth or easy. But as long as your faith, your goals, your sense of self-worth and your principles remain intact, you’ll do just fine.
High school truly sets the stage for the rest of your life — you are no longer just following a mandated academic curriculum; you now have the golden opportunity to make choices from a diverse and exciting agenda of electives that will enhance your learning, and your future. There are greater and more diverse opportunities to become involved in extra-curricular activities, organizations and clubs, or to participate in sports, music or drama. Look at what you do well, where your interests seem to be leaning, and pursue your dreams from the vantage point that makes the most sense for your future.
Some courses might be more difficult or more challenging than you anticipated, but how you learn hasn’t changed since you started school: You listen respectfully to instruction, you follow directions, you ask questions (maybe you’ll need to ask questions again — but that’s okay!), you study and then you strive to do your best.
Don’t worry too much beforehand about classes you might not like, or fear you might not excel in; that thinking almost always guarantees failure before you even begin. Take advantage of all the people who want to help you, the resources that are abundantly available, and remember that a bit of extra sweat along the way (yours!) will be required, but will never hurt you.
My dad always said, “If you’ve done your best and show me a ‘C’ grade, I won’t expect more than that, and you and I can both be proud. But if I see or think you have not given your best effort and the result is a ‘C,’ that’s a problem that will be fixed — whatever it takes!” His loving and wise instruction is now yours to follow.
Teachers, as well as their teaching methods, will present an array of differences. You might find some more challenging than others, but you’ll absolutely learn more than just “class lessons” from all of this. Keep in mind that your attitude plays a big part in how teachers view your willingness to succeed. Give them the latitude to recognize that honestly-struggled-for “C” with just as much joy and satisfaction as they have for the student who effortlessly gives them straight “As”.
Above all, remember that the next four years are the foundation for your future. The achievements you’ve earned, the friends you cultivate, the temptations you’ll face and the decisions you ultimately make from a mountain of choices will profoundly affect your life forever. Never compromise your beliefs, your goals or your ambitions. Continue looking to God for guidance, strength and courage, and never fail to share His blessed assurance with others. Look forward to the challenges ahead while you look inward to who you are — a lovely, gifted, beautiful young woman full of promise and dreams. Enjoy with all your heart the best of what is to be.
Love, Nana
Georgeanna Slaybaugh, Brown County
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