Letter to Ben

Hi Ben. I guarantee you don't want to read this. You think you're pretty much prepared for Grammar and life being in high school. But soon you're going to learn that you aren't. 

Writing this letter now I'm not going to give you significant life advice or spoilers, because the person you are on New Year's Day in 2018 is dictated by the fact that you didn't know this stuff. You are going to discover a lot about yourself and find comfort in these things, and that's going to shape you.

There's one thing that I will spoil. You're in Goa, India, right now, waiting for a chicken sandwich at a beachside shack. You're reflecting on what was a month that has changed your perspective on life. You've seen things that you never thought you'd see, you've experienced things you never thought you'd experience, you've met people you never thought you'd meet. You've always considered yourself lucky and privileged, but now you truly know it. You value human connection far more now and appreciate every person a little more. It's been a lot to take in, but you have managed to process most of it. The tour hasn't changed your life - you still hold the same values, want the same things, desire the achievement of the same goals. However, you look at things differently, and this is invaluable. 

  

You're also nervous, Ben. You were just head boy at your intermediate, where everyone knew you and you knew everyone. You're wondering how this will translate at Grammar. I'm not going to tell you. What I'm going to tell you is to relax, everyone is in the same boat. You're going to be fine. 

Ben, the most important thing is right now, in Goa, you're happy, and that's all that life     is. Everything in life is for happiness. 

Also right now you have a great set of Mutton chops that would deeply annoy your mother. Enjoy them while they last.  

Ben