I can’t wrap my head around the fact that my Little Bit is applying for colleges. This one going away is really gonna hurt. I love all my kids equally for all their different fantastical reasons. But, number three is my mini-me, my precious girl, my movie buddy, my over-indulgent shopping partner, my go-getter, my giggle fix.
Last night, she was working on a supplemental question for an admissions application. The question appeared simple, but it’s actually a tough one to answer with originality and creativity. A trick question, if you will, ya dirty bastards.
“Why choose (insert school)?”
It seems simple, but it’s incredibly not. You can’t just list all the things: cool campus, great curriculum, nice dorm rooms…
These admission people must be BORED. My Lord, they read these things day in and day out? They need a pick-me-up; something fresh and new, that goes beyond the yawn-producing laundry list.
Now, this kid can WRITE. She 10 out of 10 makes me cry real tears every time I read her work. This is one of her super powers and I can’t wait until she can recognize in herself that she is an actual wonder.
I asked to see her list.
1. Cool campus
2. Great curriculum
3. Nice dorm rooms
4. Guy who played the piano
…Oh my goodness, I was knocked over with the emotional memory of this incredible moment. We were on a tour. We walked into the commons building for this particular school. Newish, modern, students in corners studying and drinking copious amounts of coffee. And there was a piano. A guy walked up, threw his backpack on the ground, placed his Starbucks cup on the ledge and sat down to play. Just as the tour guide mentioned that this is a public piano, this kid started playing a simple song. Gorgeous. His voice soared above our happy little group like a celestial cloud. Super cheesy visual but super accurate. Little Bit and I turned to each other with bulging, tear-filled eyes. What is hell is happening? How is this just the most beautiful thing? How can she not go to this magical school?
The most incredible thought is, in that in that really simple, but stunning moment of humanity, my kid’s life was changed. The first bricks on her path were set. This may be her school and her world for the next four years. And the idea that this guy who sat down and sang a sweet little song changed my kid’s entire life…and he will never know. I kind of hate that. Can we take out some kind of ad in a paper? (Do we still have papers?) Can we rent out a billboard? Send smoke signals? Alas, we can do nothing but be thankful. I’m sure he would feel so proud, if only he knew. So thank you, kind sir. We owe you a Starbucks.
There here you have it. Now you know what to right about, my darling. You fell in love with that perfect second in time; I watched you fall and it was lovely. Off you go: make your mark. We can’t wait to watch “all the places you’ll go.”
Love, Mom
HEATHERLAND 