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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

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