Jennifer Kock’s letter to Dr. Suess, “Oh, The
Places You’ll Go”
Dear Dr. Suess,
I am an avid reader of your collection of children’s
books, owning more than 20 of my own. While all of your
stories have a great lesson for the reader, I think one stands
out far from the rest. The book that I am thinking of
is “Oh, The Places You’ll
Go.” I am sure I am not the only one in the
world whose life was changed simply by reading your
book. This story taught me unparalleled truth,
optimism, and most of all hope for my future.
Your book was read to me for the first time when I was three
years old. At this time I realized that this book was
special, but I took a little while to realize the significance of
the story line. I recently re-read the book while going
through my books I had as a child. Your story proved to
be a great inspiration to me, and I am sure that it will be
helpful and comforting in the years to come. In your
book, you often spoke of the endless possibilities that are out
there for everyone, just waiting to be explored. This
taught me that my opportunities in life are not limited, so if I
really desire to do something, it will be possible.
While your story said nothing about being American, it taught me
to really value the freedoms that I am blessed with as and
American citizen. I read between the lines and
discovered that if I can dream it, I can be it.
Another important aspect of your book was the harsh honesty that
was evident throughout the story. This made the book
relative to the real world, and the experiences that we will all
go through. I learned that there will always be rough
times, and difficult decisions, but nevertheless there is always
hope for the future. The book talked of the
“Waiting Place” where one went and simply
waited. As a senior in high school, I can relate more
than I would ever like to admit. With all the decisions
I am facing about my future, and the anxiousness I feel
especially when thinking about college, I understand that
sometimes the only thing left to do is wait. You have
also taught me that we all make mistakes. When you
wrote of the “Wrong Turns” that come up, I
couldn’t help but think of my own life. Like
everyone else, I have had more than my share of failures, but
reading this story helped me realize that as long as I learn from
them, mistakes are imperative to making myself into the most
valuable person I possibly can be.
Your story ended on an optimistic note. You said that I
will succeed; this is guaranteed. When I read this, I
honestly felt like you were talking directly to me. I
realize that this story was written for everyone, without one
specific person in mind. But in my mind, I felt like
this was specifically addressed to me. I now have faith
in myself and in my future. You gave me a sense of
contentment with my life and my decisions. I will go on
to college next fall confident in myself, and believing that I
will be successful and will someday make a difference in the
world.
“Oh, The Places You’ll Go” has forever
impacted my life in a positive way. I have learned that
life will not always be easy, but as long as I give everything my
best effort, everything will turn out okay in the end.
As graduation grows closer and high school becomes a thing of the
past, I am left with a sense that I can and will make something
out of my life. I know there are many difficult times
ahead of me, but when I refer back to your book I gain the
strength and confidence I need to endure these tough
situations. Your book has taught me more about life
than any textbook or classroom lecture ever could.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Kock