<p>Kalidescope,</p>
<p>I'm not mad or taken aback in the least. I was just messing with you in the hope that you would add some color to your post (maybe we all could have some fun and take a momentary diversion from likely letter, and the 31 days of March)</p>
<p>I know that the parents threads can become a little intense, as I have had a few shake my head moments. As a parent, I just want my child to be happy and I will love her just the same and that love is not contigent on where she goes to school (I am sure a lot of other parents feel the same way). I specifically ran interference for her because I did not want her to feel pressured about attending a particular school or feel that her sense of worth was dependent on where she matriculated. </p>
<p>I know that it is not fair for you (seniors) to have this kind of pressure on you at a time where you should be having the time of your life as you pass from one stage of your life to the next.</p>
<p>I always try to let people know that there are many roads that will take you to the same destination.I know for my own background, I am a product of NY's CUNY system because that's all my parents knew about and up until the time that I attended college , it was free for NYC residents. I have had terms where my grades were a train wreck (one, semester I had a 1.0 gpa) I got my self together and still obtained Masters from both Cornell and NYU as single working parent wit a child in tow,and last week was accepted into a PhD program. I am a firm beleiver that life always has a way of working out, as everyone doesn't go to grad, law medical school or investment banking at immeadiately upon graduation. In the end it is about doing what works for you as you go out on your own path.</p>
<p>The one thing that I like about the Dartmouth board is the sense of community that has built over this application year. Eveyone tries to be supportive of everyone else and is really open to hearing ideas/opinions that may be contrary to their own. Those of you who have made up your mind to attend, it's just the beginning of a wonderful journey. The whole Dartmouth community comes out to celebrate you as freshmen from dimensions, to Doc Trips, orientation, homecoming and the list just goes on.(Daughter is having a wonderful freshman year, and will looking forward to moving up, she said she is going to miss being a freshman)</p>
<p>My hope is to help dispel some of the myths give you my perspective as a parent, communicate what D has communicated to me (she is always willing to answer any questions) as we all are part of this Dartmouth community together; students, parents, professors,administration etc. It has also been really great getting to know allof you over this past year and I am happy that my Daughter will be going to school with some really great people. One of great things I remember about last year is how Wisconsinguy reached out to prospies last year,and how gracious and supportive he was in sharing information to me a new parent and my child a new student. I am just trying to give back what he has given to me. It is my hope that you as 09's come back and give back to the next class.</p>
<p>There are definitely no hard feeling, and frankly I though you cracking on Cangel and my self for having a moment when we definitely had too much time on our hands. So lets get back to having some fun.</p>