A letter to my daughter

Dear Daughter

With a heart full of mixed feelings, I sit here, scrolling through pictures and videos of you that I have taken throughout your journey through school. Your primary school photos, you and your best friend grinning from ear to ear, wearing gold tinsel and angel wings, messing about with friends, reading on the couch in pink pyjamas, winning trophies, playing instruments. There are so many memories. Each one is infinitely precious to me.

Thirteen school years have raced by in the blink of an eye, and you’re now about to begin your final year of school. Part of me is wistful, yearning to turn back the clock, to go back and grasp all those years again and savour each moment, to be more present, and less preoccupied with life’s hustle and bustle. Yet, deep down, I wouldn’t change a thing. Despite the whirlwind of our busy lives, you’ve blossomed into an extraordinary human being, and that’s something truly remarkable. You’re almost ready to embark on the next leg of your journey—university, travel, work, and perhaps all three—and my heart swells with excitement for you.

Over the past year, I’ve witnessed your remarkable growth in independence. You’ve learned to drive a car, managed your schedule and schoolwork with increasing autonomy, and taken control of your own life. While there are moments when I feel a twinge of obsolescence, it’s overshadowed by an overwhelming sense of pride and joy. I’d like to believe I’ve played a small role in helping you become the incredible young woman you are today.

I know that soon a day will come when you’ll leave home to explore new and exciting horizons, and I’ll undoubtedly miss you profoundly. So, before you embark on this new chapter, I want to share a few thoughts.

First and foremost, remember that this year won’t define you. Your grades and scores are not the sum total of who you are. At the end of year twelve, you will not be defined by your ATAR. Your worth extends far beyond your grades and scores; you’re not just a number to those who love you. The subjects you’re passionate about and the choices you make for your future path don’t solely define you either. What truly defines you, is how you treat others—your friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers. Building healthy relationships with the people around you is some of the most significant work you’ll ever do.

You have done a wonderful job of surrounding yourself with lovely people. If your friends are there as you read this, you can tell them that I appreciate their presence in your life. Their unwavering support of you has not gone unnoticed. I am delighted that you are able to maintain friendships with primary school friends, while also welcoming new people into your life. Your ability to make beautiful friends has even impacted my life in a positive way, and I have made some precious lifelong friendships with their parents. But remember, the friends you have right now might not always be your best friends for life. Friendships change, and my best friends now are the school mothers that you have blessed me with. The best kind of friends that you can have, are the ones who come into your life at different points and are there for you when you need them the most. Although friends may come and go, you will cherish the ones that you can reconnect with as if no time has passed, even after a prolonged separation.

Soon you will turn eighteen with all its privileges and responsibilities. You will vote, drink, drive on your own (but not at the same time as drinking) and make adult decisions. It’s a daunting prospect for me to let you venture into the wider world, to make your own choices, and face adult decisions. Yet, I have absolute faith in your ability to navigate those adult challenges. You’ve always been goal-oriented, with a fierce determination to achieve your objectives. I’ve watched you set a goal, make a plan, and achieve it no matter what obstacles you faced. You have an inquisitive mind, (it might be tired at this moment) but you have always had a passion for learning. You would read books about history to find out all the interesting things you never knew. You taught yourself music, studied the best practice and strategies for netball and volleyball and you put one hundred percent effort into learning how to swim. The medals and ribbons adorning your wall bear testament to your unwavering dedication and accomplishments. You’ve consistently exceeded my expectations, and I’ve always been profoundly proud to be your mum.

Looking back at all that you have achieved; I want you to remember that the best is yet to come. Adulthood comes with its own set of challenges, and it’s impossible to predict where you’ll be in five, ten, or fifty years. Always trust in yourself, follow your instincts, and don’t be afraid to follow your heart. Take risks, be daring, and never lose that spirit that has already carried you so far. Embrace the possibility of reaching heights beyond your wildest dreams, and never fear failure. It’s OK to fail. Never trying is the worst thing you can do.

I can’t help but recall the scowling toddler I once took to kindergarten, who would frown and cry. Now, I see a courageous and beautiful young woman before me. Your dedication and personal integrity have always made me proud. You’re not only an incredible daughter but an amazing person, and I’m honoured to know you.

As you embark on your final year of high school, know that it will be a combination of challenges and exciting possibilities. There may be tough moments when you contemplate quitting, but always hold on to this thought: You’ve got this! There is no one who believes in you more than I do. Wherever you go, whatever you do, I will always be proud of you.

With all my love today and every day,

Your Mum.