College English listening comprehension course

Text B What we wish

My dear child,

1 You are about top anticipate in the next leg of your journey through life.  For us, this part is bittersweet.  As you go off to college, exciting new worlds will open up to you. They will inspire and challenge you; you will grow in incredible ways.

2 This is also a moment of sadness.  Your departure to college makes it undeniably clear that you are no longer a child. There has been no greater joy than watching you arrive at this moment.  You have turned our greatest challenge into our greatest pride.  Although we have brought you to this point, it is hard to watch you depart.  Remember above all things, we will miss you. 

3 College will be the most important time of your life. It is here that you will truly discover what learning is about.  You often ask, "Why do I need to know this?"  I encourage you to stay inquisitive, but remember this: "Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school." What you learn is not as important as the fact that you learn.  This is the heart of scholarship: moving from teacher-taught to master-inspired, on over to the point where you become a self-learner.  So, take each subject seriously, and if something doesn't immediately engage you, don't despair. Embrace it as a challenge. Find a way to make it your own. 

4 Of course, you must still take care to sign up for courses which stimulate your passion you’re your intellectual capacity.  Don't be bound by what other people think.  Steve Jobs said, when you are in college, your passion will create many dots, and later in your life you will connect them.  So, don't worry too much about what job you will have; don't be too practical.  If you like French or Korean, study it even if someone else tells you that it's not useful. Enjoy picking your "dots". Be assured that one day, you will find your own meaningful career, and you will connect a beautiful curve through those dots. 

5 You know that we always want you to do your best, but don't let the pressure of grades get to you.  We care only that you try your very best, and that you learn.  It is better that your greatest effort earns a lesser grade than that no effort earns you a decent or higher grade.  Grades in the end are simply letters fit to give the vain something to boast about, and the lazy something to fear.  You are too good to be either.  The reward is not the grade but what you learn. 

6 More importantly, make friends and trust others. The friends you make in college can be the best ones you will ever have. During these years, when you move into adulthood, the friends you make in college live closer to you than your family.  You will form bonds of friendship that will blossom over many decades.  Pick friends who are genuine and sincere.  Select a few and become truly close to them.  Don't worry about their hobbies, grades, or looks.  Instead, trust your instincts when you make new friends.  You are a genuine and sincere person; anyone would enjoy your friendship. So be confident, secure, and proactive.  If you think you like someone, tell them. You have very little to lose.  Don't be afraid to trust.  Give others the benefit of the doubt, and don't reduce anyone to stereotypes.  Nobody is perfect; as long as others are genuine, trust them and be good to them. They will give back. 

7 Remember also that your youth is full of strength and beauty, something that you will not comprehend until it is gone.  You must guard and cultivate your strength and beauty.  A healthy body and a sound mind are the greatest instruments you will ever possess.  Enjoy life.  Dance if you feel like it. Don't be afraid of what other people think.  But also keep yourself safe and sound.  Don't let the range of new experiences take your innocence, health, or curiosity away from you.  Treasure your youth and the university experience before you. 

8 College is the time when you have: the first taste of independence, the greatest amount of free time, the most flexibility to change, the lowest cost for making mistakes. 

9 Approach these years enthusiastically!  Make the most of your time. Become the great thinker you were born to be.  Let your talents evolve to their fullest potential.  Be bold! Experiment!  Learn and grow!  We are enormously proud that you've made it this far, and we can't wait to see what you will become. 

Your father