A Letter to Megan
When I was 21 and a senior in college, Boppy wrote me a letter (well, she typed it, ‘cause you know Boppy’s writing). She told me the story of her senior year, finding a tree at Ursinus and crying under it because she didn’t know what was in her future and she loved her school and didn’t want to leave. I’m sure she’s told you this story, because, again, it’s Boppy. She also shared this quote from Henry David Thoreau:
If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.
Perfect for us American Studies majors, don’t you think? It’s such a great sentiment—keep dreaming, but don’t make dreams your goal—figure out how to make them come to life.
I’m sure you have found your own tree at Trinity. You found your place there and your people. You will have those people for a lifetime, if you’re as lucky as I was.
Daddy and I are so very proud of you for this achievement—for finding your place and knowing it was yours and for making the success of it that you have. You worked hard on your studies—going to class, writing countless papers, taking tests—with great effort. Be proud of that.
But be equally proud of the traits that have helped you grow into yourself. Some of the ones that I see are:
Tenacity—whether it’s beating a competitor on the soccer field or making sure you ask for what you need from professors or friends or finding a good deal, when you set your mind to something it is awesome to watch. You are a born competitor.
Fairness—victory is sweet, but you have always been a good sport, able to shake a hand at the end of competition, to give a second chance to a friend, to look out for your sister.
Resilience—when victory doesn’t come your way, you pick yourself up and move on to the next best thing. You share this trait with your sister and it gives your dad and I great comfort.
A sense of humor—this one will take you a long way. Your laughter and wit will get you through long days and difficult times. And it will make the good times even better. I love that you and Ally have your inside jokes and shorthand. Humor adds cement to memories.
Enthusiasm—you are always up for an adventure and you inspire those around you to get up and DO. Don’t lose that—your energy and willingness to join in make you a person that people turn to for company, assistance, and solutions.
Integrity—it’s not a surprise that you also majored Public Policy and Law. You have a strong sense of justice and you hold yourself and those around you to high standards.
Most of all, we love your happy spirit and sense of fun. Your arrival in our lives made us a family and while we’ve worked hard to give you the choices and opportunities that you have, our greatest joy has always been just you. There is nothing that we love better than being your parents. There is no greater pride than watching you succeed—in class, on the field, in life. For us, you and Ally are our greatest success.
Understand that success for us is not about the size of your office or your bank statement or your home. It is not about what others think. It is about figuring out what you value and making that the focus of your life. For us it was our family and we have no regrets. We hope you find something that brings you as much joy and love!
I’ll end with another favorite from HDT:
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
Way to go, Meggie! We love you so very much!