Dear Young Men of Kappa Delta Rho,
Take a moment and dream with me:
It’s graduation. You worked this season the hardest you knew how. So you graduate, celebrate, say goodbye to the chapters of your life you will never redo again. Excited because you got a job in your field. Not a dream job, but one that will surely open doors. You move and settle in, and soon you meet the woman you wished you met in college. She’s amazing. You marry and while you realize it’s not perfect, every day you become more fond of the special woman you call wife.
Two years in and you find out that you’re expecting. Wow, you’re having a baby! This is scary, crazy. But you were just a kid, you tell yourself. The baby arrives—she’s a sweet baby girl who has your cleft chin. Wow again. The three of you head...
Lifestyle
Hello Dear Friend Who Hasn’t Had Children Yet –
Hi there! I’ve been meaning to write to you for awhile with some advice and thoughts I have for you, my friend.
First, I want to ask you to sleep. Sleep a lot. Take advantage of sleeping in and sleeping all night and just…sleep. Don’t worry about feeling guilty about it. When you have your first child one day, you’ll be like, “Dude. I am so glad I slept when I could.” I know, I know, it’s totally cliche, but totally true. I didn’t realize how much I took sleeping through the night for granted. (This doesn’t apply to you if you have crazy pets that mess with your sleep. You poor thing. Why did you get that crazy cat, anyway?)
Do lots of things you’ve wanted to do before having kids, but don’t worry if you can’t do them all. Fly to...
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Dear Christy Clarke,
On July 10th, 2014, I had the pleasure of meeting you in Cranbrook, BC. Do you remember me? Bill Bennett pulled you aside and told you he had someone he wanted you to meet. I proudly introduced myself as an individual in First Nations economic development. To which Mr. Bennett said “And?”. “And”, I replied with a smile, “I was on Masterchef Canada”. We had a great conversation about my preferred cooking style, and what it is like to be in the public spotlight. Honestly, you came off quite sweet. I was quite drawn to your warm smile and encouraging dialogue that flowed so easily from your mouth.
But the moment I walked away, I regretted my answer and the time wasted on our meaningless conversation. If I could do it again, my response to Mr. Bennett would have...
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Dear Kids,
School is coming to an end for another year. I know you're exited to run and play and discover tons of new things on your own. Out from underneath the downward glare of your teach Mrs. Williams, you're sure to find plenty to do. It's summer! However, that doesn't necessarily mean that your freedom is guaranteed. I'm not talking about the freedom to pick your own book for story time, or the freedom to choose between apple or grape juice for snack time. No, I'm talking about your ability to go where you like for vacation time.
That's right. While you've got your summer all planned out (full of frog-catching, grass-stem-chewing, overalls-wearing fun, I'm sure!), your parents are planning out their very own use of your time. I'm afraid I have to tell you about the great...
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Dear Camp Parents,
We are so thankful for you. You’ve made it possible for your kids to join us at Camp Fletcher this summer, and we know they’re going to have a great time. Camp can be a little scary, though, especially if it’s your first time. And it’s not just scary for the campers; it can make parents nervous, too. We want you to know that’s normal, and that it’s okay. Everyone gets nervous – even parents – but we’re here to tell you that Camp Fletcher is going to be an amazing experience for your kid. We cannot thank you enough for trusting us with your children, and for letting them live the Camp Fletcher experience.
Before we get started, we want you to know why we’re here. We think your kids are awesome. The children who come to Camp Fletcher are so much fun, full of energy...
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Dear guys,
It’s time for us to have a little talk. Of course, it’s my platform here, so I’m talking and maybe you’ll listen. You are all almost adults now, and well, that requires some adjusting. For all of us. I want to be clear, I really do understand that this is an adjustment for you as well. We’re all figuring things out, as they morph and change, each time we see each other. And that’s where this letter begins, two of you don’t live here anymore. You’re growing up, and I’m growing back… into the person I was, before I was your Mom. So let’s get a few things cleared up.
While I was clearly born to be your mother, I wasn’t born your mother.
I evolved into it, through many years of trial and error, highs and lows, and a whole lot of love; and this progression is critical to...
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Dear “That Kid,”
When I first saw you placed on my class roster, my heart skipped a beat. And in that moment, I couldn’t breathe. My face turned white, and all I could hear was ringing in my ears. Please forgive me for the way I reacted. In my heart, I knew you were on my roster for a reason. We were made for each other.
Before the school year started, I didn’t get the chance shake your tiny hand at “Meet the Teacher Night.” I didn’t get a chance to give you all the things you would need for the first day. I just left your papers on the desk alongside your new supplies in hopes that the office would call for them before the first day of school started.
You walked in on the first day of school, and I noticed you weren’t wearing brand new clothes like some of the other kids...
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Dear Daniel,
Let me preface this by acknowledging that there are two Daniels in 5th grade at Willow Creek Elementary, and this letter will address the Daniel with floppy blonde hair and braces, so if you are the taller, nicer Daniel with the dark hair, please disregard this.
To floppy-haired Daniel, I understand that you’re making fun of my son’s last name on the playground. Let me be up front in acknowledging that our last name – Kluck – is funny. I know that because I grew up with it, and I grew up fighting in schoolyards because of it. It’s a funny name, primarily, because it rhymes with other things that also are funny. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what those things are.
Daniel, you may find it interesting to know that I remember every fight I’ve ever been in in my 36...
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Dear Interns,
I was once one of you. Really! Back in 2002, I was an intern on behalf of Laws, Hall, and Associates at Miami University, working on a campaign pitch with Walkers Crisps in London, England. We were divided into three teams, and given a brief: to “come up with a great concept for the Walkers...
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Dear New TFA Recruits,
Around the country, hundreds of college seniors and a handful of career changers are receiving letters of acceptance into Teach For America (TFA). Congratulations on being accepted into this prestigious program. You clearly have demonstrated intelligence, passion, and leadership to make it this far.
And now I am asking you to quit.
TFA probably enticed you into the program with its call to end education inequality. That is a beautiful and noble mission. I applaud you for being moved by the chance to help children, to be part of creating equality in our schools, of ending poverty once and for all.
However, the actual practice of TFA does the exact opposite. TFA claims to fight to end educational inequality, and yet exacerbates one of the greatest inequalities in...
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