Dear son,
By the time this is posted, you’ll have boarded the school bus, arrived at school, been welcomed by your new teacher, and settled in to the new daily routine. Today you start a new adventure, one you’ve been waiting for and anticipating all summer long.
Today, you start kindergarten.
I know that you are more than ready for this. You’ve come so far since you joined our family when you were 18 months old, leaving behind your country and culture and language and everything you’d ever known to join our crazy family. You love to read (and can probably read more words that you’re letting on!). You love to learn. You’re crazy passionate for anything science or engineering related. You keep asking when you’ll get to do math in kindergarten. You love art and you have such a creative mind.
You’re the most inquisitive kid I know. Why, why why? you ask. Me, your teachers, the neighbors, any adult within earshot is fair game for your questions. Your teachers and daycare providers up until now have been so patient and welcoming with your questions, so open to your curiosity, so eager to help you learn. I fervently hope you find the same patience and openness in your new school.
I’m less of a wreck nervous now than when your older sister started school. We know the school, know the teachers, know the routine. You already know some kids on your class and on your bus, and you’ll know some kids in your after-school program, too. You’ve been to school already countless times, for your sister’s stuff, over the years. That might make the transition easier for me, tomorrow, knowing that you’re in somewhat familiar territory, and that you’ve got lots of older kids (neighbors, sister, sister’s entire girl scout troop) looking out for you. (Might.)
My wishes for you this year: that you continue to ask lots of questions, that you make new friends, that you continue to share your kindness and joy with those around you, that you open your heart and your mind to all of the new experiences that school brings, and that you hone your passions and find new ones.
Your dad and I are so very, very proud of you, and we can’t wait to see what this year brings you.
Love,
Mom
This is what a computer scientist looks like 