Elle,
Today was a big day for you! First, you get recognized for your efforts in supporting Pencils of Promise when they make you PoP Star of the Week.
Then, you get to read your (awesome) poem, Nipula at the Highland Park Library. Did you know that 31 people came out to support you tonight? And that the room was only set up to hold about twice that number of people? It was standing room only because of you!
Elle, I’m very proud of you. Not many people have the courage to ask others to join a cause. Fewer still have the courage needed for public speaking. You have both, and you got recognized for both on the same day. Given how things have been going for you lately, I’m guessing this was quite a relief—and maybe a bit of an emotional roller coaster!
Enjoy the ride, kid. You’ve earned this part. And then sleep well, because tomorrow, a new adventure begins.
I can’t wait to see what that one brings.
I love you,
Dad
PS—It’s not your success, but the fact that you put yourself out there that I find so amazing. So don’t ever worry about falling short; I’ll write you letters even when you fail. (Remember when Mom & I took you out for dinner after you flunked ice skating?) You just keep being you and doing your best and don’t worry about what happens. You do that, and success will find you. I promise.
Jason Seiden is CEO of Ajax Workforce Marketing. Ajax amplifies brands by aligning employees' online messaging.
I'm Jason. I run a brand agency with a specialization in workforce marketing.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Elle, you are amazing! You are so talented! I admire your courage to write a great poem and share that with family, friends, strangers and the internet. Lots of adults don’t have the courage to do what you did today! You are a little rockstar and each video you do with your dad shows how mature, intelligent, and adorable you are! Keep it up and you’re going to be a wild success!
I am so very proud of you. You are amazing beyond words. I absolutely love your free-verse poetry and your ability to stand before a crowd and share it. To be recognized for its exceptionality is the icing on the cake you deserve. I wish I had been there to watch you read it first hand, but you know I was there in spirit and thinking of you the entire time. Also, your work with Pencils of Promise is selfless and mature. I love and adore you, Elle. And while I know there will be many more days like this for you ahead, when you are recognized for your hard work, focus and wit, you should know that on the days off, we’re all just so happy that you are part of our lives. Love you.
Love!