A Letter to My Daughter

Dear Tate,

Today is your first day of Kindergarten. Yes, you have attended pre-school for two years, but this is different. For one, you will have to ride the bus, or as your uncle and I used to call it, the "Cheese Wagon."
I know you are excited, but I can also sense your anxiety. You are wondering whether you'll be big enough; you are afraid it might be too hard. Daddy is wondering whether all of the teaching your mom and I have already done will withstand the influences of the other kids.
Every day since we started bringing you to pre-school, I have told you this: Be kind, compassionate, and polite; and, I love you. Now I'd like to add to that: Try your best and take risks.
Even though all of the research is trending towards boys performing less than girls, schools can still be a place of limitations. Someone is going to tell you that "Girls can't do that" or "That is for boys." But you know better. Be the Pioneer Princess that you already are. Continue to be great at math. Keep being curious about science. Never let a chance to read something pass you by. Create a story. Express yourself artistically. Embrace a challenge.
So there you have it, babygirl. What it comes down to is this, be you.

I love you.

Sincerely,

Dad