My daughter entered kindergarten this week and also began swim lessons at a new location. Beginnings. Soon she’ll be introduced to reading, science, math, art, music, sports. Some of these activities will take hold and become her strengths. Others she might dislike or struggle with. A few might turn into lifelong passions that shape who she’ll become, her career, hobbies, identity.

Looking back, the things that brought the most joy into my life—and still do—took root in elementary school. By the time I was in 6th grade, I knew I was “good at” reading and art. I loved being in the water and took to swimming easily. I remember going down to the darkroom in our basement and being mesmerized by the magic of it all.

For some parents the transition to kindergarten can be hard, bittersweet. Separation, fewer hours together. As parents, it’s also the time when we hand over a lot of control to teachers and other adult mentors in our kids’ lives. I have my concerns. Most parents do. But overall, I’m excited for her.

I can’t wait for her to learn how to read. She’s always been over-the-moon about books. I hope she makes progress with her swimming lessons because she’s so fond of the water and we live in a place where it’s all around us. She loves animals. In school she’ll find out so much more about them and the world they live in, the world we live in. At various times she’s said she wants to be a farmer when she grows up, or a veterinarian, or maybe a baker. Who knows? Maybe she will settle on one of these. Most likely she’ll try on different versions of herself until she finds the one that suits her. My daughter is taking her first steps towards becoming who she will be, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the road takes her.

It’s all about the journey,

Beth