College Bound

So this gal is headed off to college in a couple of weeks and I feel compelled to give her some Auntie Advice a la Kurt Vonnegut (funny thing is, he didn't write nor deliver that famous commencement speech so the first piece of advice I have is don't believe everything you read on the Internet:)

1. Find the friends whom you trust to carry your history. Twenty years from now, they will remind you of the beginning of such a glorious journey. One of my history holders is your godfather.
2. College is a protected time....a time to try out Japanese Art and micro-economics. Get heady with all the knowledge that is yours for the taking.
3. Be passionate and fierce but have the guts to do it without booze or drugs...they water down the best that is in us.
4. Find time for contemplative practice...hike the hills, meditate, or catch an exhibit at the local art museum.
5. Be kind to lost souls....it will always be our turn at some point to give compassion or to receive it.
6. Attend a bunch of rallies, poetry readings, and try and get chained to a building on campus. When this happens, be very, very polite to the police.
7. Trust your inner compass...you have always been an intuitive caretaker. Please put yourself at the top of the list of folks to take care of!
8. Look people in the eye when you shake their hand, do right, and fear no one. This one is straight from the mouth of your great grandfather, Oscar Lee.
9. Know that you are standing on the shoulders of farmers, carpenters, quilt makers, firemen, teachers, bankers, lawyers, ranchers, and nurses. They are so, so proud of you.
10. Know that you are loved all over this country and that we are all a phone call away. Humor us, stay in touch.

I love you muchly
Auntie K