This year, my grandfather wrote me a letter for my 16th birthday, gifting it to me alongside a couple oranges from his beloved garden. Amid an age bombarded with tweets, texts, and notifications, this real, honest to goodness, made from tree letter was an unusual refresher! As I unfolded the yellow lined paper, unearthing line after line of carefully crafted sentences, I soaked up all of the wisdom my grandpa offered. Here are a few highlights: 

1. “You’re a very busy girl Serena, but always make time for family”
2. “Life is a time of learning”. There is value in being open to new mindsets and experiences, beyond the walls of a classroom
3. Don’t worry too much about how useful something seems, learn and pay attention, because you never know when it might come in handy. 

Amid this digital age, I was reminded of the timelessness of old-fashioned lettering, and the lasting values of community and curiosity. May we all aspire to live, laugh at, and love life to its fullest, one lesson at a time.