In all the years I’ve had a Facebook account, I haven’t seen a proud parent post around this time of year that their High School graduate son or daughter isn’t going to college.

So in the spirit of rebelling against the system, I am going to be the first.

I am proud to announce that my daughter ISN’T going to college…just yet.

She doesn’t want to participate in a graduation ceremony and that’s okay.

She doesn’t want a cap and gown and that’s okay.

She doesn’t want a graduation party…totally fine.

She wants time. Time to get familiar with the places she’s considering moving to. Time to evaluate all options so she can make the best choice for her future. Time to rest after thirteen years of academics.

I share this with you because I know that she’s not the only child who upon completion of her high school years, does not feel a great sense of accomplishment…only a sense of relief that it is finally over.

There are so many kids, just like her, that don’t fit the mold of what our society expects of them. I think it’s time that these kids start to feel okay about taking a different path, one that better suits them.

I think it’s time that we as parents can post that we are proud of them, that we love them no matter what and that we’ll be there to support every part of their growth regardless of what they decide.

I think it’s time that we start this conversation, so that we can all start thinking about what our future generations need and don’t need. They need to be SEEN for who they truly are. They don’t need to compromise what makes them UNIQUE to try to align themselves with what our culture deems perfect.

My daughter is my soul mate…and I have faith in her that she’ll choose what is right for her and find her path to happiness. She has been so brave all these years and I couldn’t be more proud of her.

If I can offer any advice to parents with young children, I would say just one thing. Look into your child’s eyes and SEE them. See their young souls. See their strengths and their weaknesses. Don’t see a reflection of yourself. Don’t see your hopes and dreams…see them. We can only properly guide them when we see and love them for who they truly are.

Jayme Williams

VP of Marketing, Global IT