To my future kid

When I was in ninth grade, I did an exercise that asked, “What do you want your kids to know when you’re on your deathbed?” My answer was, “that I made a difference.” It felt like a strong response at the time, but looking back, I realize it was vague. Why did I want to make a difference? Honestly, I think I just wanted to be “that guy”—the selfless, altruistic person that everyone admired. But as I’ve grown, I’ve learned that it’s not about what others think of me. What truly matters is something your grandfather taught me: “Work hard and be kind.” It’s really that simple. Be kind to people and to the planet.