Pick a small object to be given one day to your great-grandchild. Write a letter to that child explaining why you have chosen this object.

My dearest great grandchild,

If you are reading this, than in your hand is a shot glass. You may be wondering why. Why would my great-grandmother give me a shot glass? You see, this shot glass signifies so much more than the contents it’s meant to hold.

Let’s start with the decor. On it are the letters I C. This stands for Ithaca College. Yes, it’s strange to think that a school sells shot glasses as if it promotes partying; however, I do believe partying is essential during one’s years spent in higher learning institutes. These letters are to remind you that it’s okay to stop thinking, step away from the books, and just loosen up. Clearly if the college sells a shot glass, they want you to gain a life experience that a classroom cannot possibly offer.

It’s difficult to determine what level of control over your mind and body you prefer if you’ve never been out of control. This shot glass also signifies bad decisions. I want you to make bad decisions. I want you to take one shot too many. I want you to experience false confidence and a loose tongue. Sure, a wise adult can tell you the consequences of what a night out with this shot glass can do to you but you will never truly learn unless you experience it for yourself. You can never become that wise adult unless you mess up now. Make mistakes but be sure to learn from them. Have a good time but be sure to remember it.

Lastly, I want to talk about the contents this shot glass can hold. You can take a shot of pretty much anything but it’s important to always know exactly what you are drinking. This shot glass is yours and yours only. I’m giving you this so you don’t have to borrow from someone else and take a shot of something unknown. Don’t let anyone else determine what is put in the glass. Yes, I told you to make bad decisions but, never should a bad decision be made when it comes to ingestion. Never cross the line into that danger zone. Always be smart when you’re being stupid.

I’ll be watching you from above. I hope the two of us never meet until your life has been fully lived. This shot glass will help when it comes to living life to its fullest.

Jodi