Dear Mom and Dad, this is the longest I've spent debating over how to write this letter. This must be the 100th draft. Because this decision means so much to me, I hope you will consider it wisely. This decision is all about my wants...wishes....and passion. Please focus on the betterment of me as you read through this. What I am about to say to the both of you will upset you very much. I'm sure you are going to protest but my mind is already made up. Please take a second and gather yourself so that you will fully understand the weight of my decision. I have chosen to drop out of college. This is the big news. The reason I have made such a decision is not because anything bad has happened. I am actaully very thankful I came to college. It has opened my eyes and taught me that I should live life for myself, to seek what I want in life. And I have decided that college is not for me. I do not want a life planned out for me. And so I am taking what funds I have and am moving to Europe to discover what I truly am. As you read this, I am on my way via plane to London. I love you both very much, and ya'll have been everything I could have asked more. This is a time when I need to be alone, but your support is much apprecitated. Love Your Son



Dear Matt,
Upon reading your letter, we are at the utmost point of dissapointment. As your parents, we are greatly afraid for your safety and well-being. However, realizing that you are now an adult, and that your life up to now as always been planned, we do see where your desire to leave comes from. Our love for you will not ever end even though our desire to see you succeed overwhelmes us and your decision does not seem much hopeful. We are your parents, we raised you and will not let you go. You have to much potential to put it to waste so please do not this. I know that you will continue to live a life in light of the Lord. We love you like you will never know and our prayers will always be with you. Please continue to write us is our only wish. Love Mom and Dad.

Dear Mommy and Daddy,

Now please try not to freak out when I tell you this. I’ve put a lot of thought into it, and I think it’s what is best for me and my future. Alright, here goes. I have decided to drop out of college. I’m getting a little bored with this whole college thing. I want to move to Hollywood. I want to be an actress, maybe a singer too while I’m at it. It’s not like singers have to have a great voice these days anyways. I know I have a small case of stage fright, but that’s why they have multiple takes for actors. And if I become a singer, I can just lip sync. So you see? I have thought about it. Now before you jump to conclusions on how this is a horrible idea and what am I thinking and how am I going to pay for myself etc., allow me to explain myself. Think back. I have always told you that I want to be famous someday. You never took me seriously, but I was. I was always serious. I was just waiting for someone to come get me and make me famous. But I am starting to realize that that is just not going to happen. I need to do it myself. People need to know the name Gigi Lopez. Or maybe I’ll go by Giselle. Why did you change my name to Gigi anyways? I’ve always wondered about that. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I have decided to drop out, pack up, and leave within a week. I hope you will support my decision. But if not, I may just have to prove you wrong. And we both know I’m good at doing that. I love you Mom and Dad, and I’ll miss you. But don’t you worry, I won’t forget about you guys when I’m famous. Promise.

Love you
Gigi

From my dad
Dear Gigi,

Gigi, are you drugs? Is this a joke? What on earth are you thinking?? You’re getting a great education at St. Edward’s, you have your parents right here in Austin to get you what you need or to let you come home when you need to… What more can you ask for? And you want to be an actress? When have you ever acted? And good God… a singer of all things! Gigi, you come home ASAP. We need to discuss this. You are not moving to Hollywood. I wont allow it.

From my mom
Dear Gigi,

I know this is a hard time, you’re still in a transition phase right now. But please try to be rational. You’re going to give your father a heart attack for God’s sake. Where did this idea come from anyway? You’ve been watching TV haven’t you? I told you not to, it’s a bunch of crap on there is what it is. Just come home and we can spend some time together. Maybe you and I can take a trip to California. Actually come to think of it, it wouldn’t be so bad to move to California. Hmm… Oh, who am I kidding. Gigi take me with you! I don’t like it here either!

Love
Mom and Dad