Yesterday Will’s good friend was admitted to Stanford. A collective cheer was heard on text message as the news spread instantaneously. Moms and kids alike messaged me– not because I work in this field, but because I’m lucky to be a friend and a part of the community. I wish I could bottle up this amazing show of collaboration and support and put a little bit in every senior’s Christmas stocking. At Will’s super-competitive high school, the students remain the most supportive and loyal group of kids I’ve ever encountered. They WANTED this for Andrew. They needed to see their academic leader get this. They all work so very hard, and somehow his acceptance was validation for them all. Their BEST achieved THE best. And they felt the recognition and the nod and the brush with who really attains this. Unfortunately this was not the only news ringing through the academic halls of Cherry Creek High School. Surprising denials and deferrals are rolling in too. And it warms the cockles of my heart to see how students immediately report their bad news to one another and are then swooped upon with love and friendship and empathy. Despite our helicopter parenting, our own secret Mommy-wishes, and their own desires, these kids shine with humility and kindness. I am so very grateful to get to see how this unfolds. There is no need to worry about our future.
