I thought I had a plan when I left high school. In a sense I did, but a million years later it seems so contrived. No wonder I didn’t want to attend my own ceremony.

We talk a lot about his thoughts on the transition into college, and his approach feels familiar. I guess that isn’t surprising. Whether he has doubts or fears probably won’t really translate in the present so I don’t ask, except for the basic questeions designed to provoke useful conversations.

Maybe he in the future will end up like me in the past, realizing it wasn’t all so solid. I hope so — because that acknowledgment of fear is a healthy one. And recognizing he chose to move on despite it is even more valuable.