The Kids Are Alright!

FALl 2025

As parents, we tend to worry about our children—will they be happy, successful, prosperous, safe, respected, well-adjusted, loved? It’s natural to fret and fuss; we want good things for our kids. As a parent, I’ve spent many a sleepless night tossing and turning in bed, bombarded by an endless string of pesky anxious thoughts. I know what it’s like to worry. But I’m here to say: Don't. The kids are alright. And not just “alright,” but courageous, appreciative, compassionate--and at times, eloquent. But hey, don’t take my word for it. Read on to hear what the kids have to say-- in their own words. Not mine. 

2025 Thank You Notes

Mom and Dad, 
You have been nothing but selfless, nurturing, and loving to my brother and I throughout our lives. I'm going to miss the weekends I spent with you, dad, at softball tournaments. Thank you, mom, for our many deep, thoughtful conversations. Both of you are my backbone and make who I am as a person.

To my parents: I would like to thank you for being there with me for the whole process. I couldn’t have it done it without your countless hours of guidance whether it be choosing colleges or editing my essays. I really appreciate the way you let me lead this stressful process without too much pressure. I’m so glad of all the positive encouragement you gave me and the fact that we became much closer after the application process.

Thank you for always being there to love me unconditionally. I’ll always be grateful for your patience, sacrifices, and support during my journey from birth to graduating high school. Love you always! 

Thank you so much for all the support and love that you guys have given me over these past years. Mom, I truly appreciate all the time you dedicated to me chasing my passions, especially all that time you’ve spent watching my soccer games. Dad, thank you for helping me find my dreams and creating high expectations for myself. I’ll forever appreciate all that you two have done for me. Love you more than you know 🩷

To my parents–I am so lucky to have been raised by you, people who imbued in me the belief that I am worthy of receiving an incredible education. When I doubted myself and my ability to succeed in difficult environments, you assured me that I was capable of more than I imagined. It is because of your love and encouragement that I am heading to Wellesley in the fall, and I am able to make such a massive cross-country transition because of the support and stability you provide. I love you, thank you for everything!

Dear Mom, 
Thank you so much for always supporting me no matter what. You’ve gone above and beyond for me in so many ways and I know I don’t always show my appreciation for your support like I should. Thank you for comforting me while I cried and for taking me on trips to cheer me up. I will miss you so much in college, not just because you cook for me and clean up after me, but because you’re my best friend. I love you! 

Thank you mom and dad for being my biggest supporters, I don’t thank you enough for everything. Thank you for pushing me to be the best version of myself and telling me the right things to do even if I sometimes didn’t want to hear it. I am grateful for your constant support -–whether it was driving 45 minutes to my piano lesson every week and even sitting by my side taking notes to help me improve, or having your entire weekends filled because of my basketball tournaments. In about a month, I will be leaving for college, and I am excited for this new chapter, but I know I could not have made it this far without your sacrifices, love, and support. 

Dear Mom,
Where do I start? I can't begin to imagine how difficult it must've been to raise a boisterous, chaotic child such as myself. I never understood how much you provided for me until I looked out into the world and saw others yearning for the stuff I took for granted. Whether it was hanging out with friends, signing up for table tennis tournaments, or buying a new video game, you never made me worry about our financial situation and always wanted me to have the most fun I could in that moment. The amount of effort you put into work every single day just to ensure I could have everything set up for my future and growth is unbelievable to me, and I will be forever grateful. I still remember the times where you would say "You'll understand once you're older." Well, I'm now older, and I know I say this way less than I should, but Mom, I will always be grateful for how much support you've provided me over these last 18 years and I'm truly so thankful to have someone so careful, caring, and selfless as a mother. Through the highs and lows, the random arguments, and the years of misunderstandings, I love you Mom and I always will.

Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you so much for supporting me throughout my high school journey. I love and appreciate you guys so much even though I don’t show it as much as I’d like to. You guys mean the world to me and I can’t imagine college without you. Despite my high school soccer season not going as well as we anticipated I’m so incredibly grateful that you were there to help me get through it.

Dear Mama and Baba, 
This past year has been one of the most difficult ones I have ever gone through, and it’s not true to say I could have done it alone. Thank you for believing in me and never giving up on me even when I did myself. I can’t count the amount of times I was convinced both of you would give up and leave me to figure things out on my own- I know I probably didn’t make it easy. But you never did and you never will, no matter how hard I make it. So thank you for being my biggest supporters in times where I doubted and resented myself the most. I know that you will always be there for me no matter what. I love you. 

To my parents, thank you for reminding me that I always have choices. Your words, “there is always another option,” saved me from my own tunnel vision and inspired me to get back on track to achieve my academic goals. Thank you both for your unwavering support and unconditional love. 

Thank you so much for always being there for me and helping me through all of my life. I would never be where I am today or going to such a good college without your support. Thank you for all of your love and support which shows itself in my life everyday.  

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Their words say it all. So rest easy—your kids are alright. 

Congratulations, 
College Coach Karen