We did not equip you to function in the real world.

Your mom and I are trying really hard to be clear about what we think is acceptable behavior. There are certain things we value--honesty, courtesy, confidence, responsibility, stuff like that--and we want to raise you to value those things, too.

Why? Well, that's a valid question.

We know that some of the things we hope you'll come to value can actually put you at a disadvantage in the world. For instance, if you're competing for a job against someone who's as qualified as you, and they lie on their resume, it's not going to help you land the job if you don't.

If we've done our jobs well, you won't. Which might cost you that job--and lots of other jobs. At some point you're probably going to end up believing that we held you back.

We're okay with that.

We're okay with that, not because we believe the liars are going to get caught, and not because we believe in some divine justice that's going to make everything all right in the end, and not because we think failure builds character, but because when you do get the job, it'll be the right one. You'll end up working for the boss who actually checks your references and verifies your employment. Someone who values your honesty as much as your experience.

You'll be able to do your best, secure in the knowledge that it's your performance, not your politics, that will determine your success.

Eventually, you're going to be in a position to hire people. People you're going to rely on to help you do whatever it is that you do.

When that time comes, we have a feeling you'll be okay with the values we worked so hard to instill in you. And you'll find that while we may have shorted you in one department, you have a different set of tools. Tools that help you surround yourself with people who value honesty, courtesy, confidence, responsibility, stuff like that.