Dear Drew

The letter written to my son as he graduated from Mississippi State University

Most of the time, I use this spot to share my thoughts on marketing, branding, sales, the wacky world of promotional products, and other things relating to my professional life. Today, that's not going to happen because about 72 hours ago, my son, Drew, graduated from Mississippi State University. As you might imagine, it's been a bit difficult focus on anything else. Perhaps it's because he's worked so damn hard or maybe it's the fact he's the second - and final - Petrie child to fully leave the nest. Regardless, this day has been on my mind for quite some time. So, much like I did with Mitch, I'm sharing the letter that was written for and given to him on his graduation day. Maybe it will resonate with you; maybe it won't. However, as you likely know, it's my blog so my rules.

With that out of the way, here is the full letter:

Dear Drew,

Where do we begin?

Well, the obvious place is that we are tremendously proud of you, but that seems unfair, given what you have accomplished.

Just seven months ago, your brother walked across the stage at the University of Alabama and entered a new phase in his life. Now, it’s your turn, and, as you might suspect, your mom and I find ourselves flipping through a broad spectrum of emotions. I’m sure it won’t shock you that today those emotions will manifest themselves in tears:

• Tears of joy

• Tears of pride

• Tears of gratitude

• Tears of anticipation

• Tears of excitement

Today is truly a monumental day for you, your mother, and me – but it’s also a day of reflection for us. When we dropped you off in Starkville in August of 2021, we knew you were exactly where you were supposed to be, which was incredibly comforting to us. From the moment we left you at the dorm, it was clear you were among “your people” – people who challenged you, accepted you, believed in you, and helped you grow beyond what you could have ever imagined. As parents, we can’t tell you how profoundly grateful we are for that.

Like life, your college career wasn’t always a smooth road, and you had to overcome many challenges to be here today. You worked tirelessly, pulled all-nighters, and led group projects where other members didn’t pull their weight. While you may not have realized it in the moment, those struggles have helped prepare you for a world that’s often complicated and never as linear as we would like it to be. Because of those struggles, you are a far different person than you were when you began this journey and are better prepared for the inevitable curveballs the world will throw your way.

Graduation marks a profound shift because it’s not about growing up; it’s about fully stepping into adulthood. As your parents, this moment fills our souls with overwhelming pride, but also with a quiet ache and a slight emptiness. While we are filled with excitement for the life unfolding before you, our hearts feel the weight of letting go, knowing this is the moment the world opens wider for you and that we step back so you can move forward.

So, today, we stand on the edge of everything that comes next as we gather to celebrate your graduation. Before you step out into a world that doesn’t always offer certainty, there are a few things we want to share with you – things we hope you will carry with you wherever your personal road leads.

Continue to Work Hard

You already understand what hard work looks like, and we know because we’ve watched you live it. We’ve seen you get knocked down, only to watch you get up, dust yourself off, and keep pushing ahead. That resilience says so much about you. In your career, there will be times when you won’t be the smartest, fastest, or naturally gifted – that’s just part of life. What matters most is what you bring with you every day: your attitude, your effort, your integrity, and the way you always show up. When you work with such honesty, intention, and purpose, the rewards reach far beyond a paycheck; they show up as pride in what you’ve accomplished, confidence in who you’re becoming, and the quiet satisfaction that you’re building a life that is truly meaningful.

Take Risks

One of the most important lessons we have learned in life is that not taking risks is risky. It’s natural, especially right now, to crave and embrace things that seem predictable, stable, and comfortable. That instinct makes sense, but don’t let it limit you. This season of your life is so valuable because it gives you the room to take chances and explore paths that aren’t fully mapped out. Playing it safe may feel responsible, but your real growth, both personally and professionally, lives in the unfamiliar. You won’t regret trying and failing nearly as much as you’ll regret not trying at all. Use this time to stretch, experiment, and take risks while you can. We guarantee you that those experiences will shape you far more than any “perfect plan” ever could.

Be Unapologetically You

There is only one Andrew Raymond Petrie, and we are so fortunate to have you as our son. Never lose your curiosity, your sense of humor, or your passion for life. Even more, never stop being you and know that “being you” is truly a gift for everyone who has the honor of knowing you.

Trust Your Instincts

That quiet voice inside you has been shaped by everything you’ve experienced – the good, the not-so-good, and the “well, that sucked.” It won’t always shout, and many times it won’t align with your head, but it will always know when something feels right (or doesn’t). You don’t have to have everything figured out, and, because you’re human, you’ll make mistakes along the way, but ignoring your gut oftentimes costs more than listening to it.  

Live Life

No matter how busy life gets or how ambitious your goals become, don’t lose sight of the people around you or the life you’re building along the way. The relationships you make will shape you just as much, and perhaps more, than any job accomplishment ever could. Invest in people, show up for them, and be fully present when you’re together. As John Lennon once so astutely said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” Make room in your life for those unplanned moments to laugh, cry, celebrate, mourn, and fully experience the moments that won’t ever appear on a resume. Success at work will mean nothing if you forget to enjoy the life you work hard to build.

Quick Hits

• Try to fall in love with the journey, not just where you’re headed. The truth is, when you finally arrive at whatever goal you’re chasing, it won’t be the finish line that stays with you; it will be the lessons, the growth, and the sacrifices that shaped you along the way.

• Make it a habit to show up on time or, better yet, five minutes early. Punctuality is one of the best ways to show people you value and respect them and their time. In other words, be there early enough so that no one ever wonders whether you’ll show up.

• Remember, when others think of you, they won’t think of physical things like your car or your house; they’ll remember how you made them feel. Always strive to make every person you meet feel important and appreciated.

• When you make a mistake, accept responsibility, apologize honestly, and learn from it earnestly. At the same time, remember that you’re human and don’t beat yourself up over it.

• Always have the courage to say the complex things like “I’m sorry,” “I love you,” and “I forgive you.” Don’t forget to offer that same forgiveness to yourself when you fall short. No one gets it right all the time; it’s just part of living life.

• You have an incredibly kind heart and the uncanny ability to empathize with anyone. This is your true superpower and will give your life, as well as those who know you, deep, rich meaning.

• Surround yourself with people who accept you for who you are and make you feel good about yourself.

• Learn to say no when something doesn’t align with who you are or where you want to go. Protecting your time, your energy, and your boundaries isn’t selfish, as it’s the only way you make time for the things that truly deserve a yes.

• Call us for no reason at all, especially for no reason at all. Truly, the sound of your voice sharing your life with us brightens our day more than you can imagine.

Drew, our love for you has never come with conditions, and it never will. There is nothing you could do that would ever change that or put distance between us. We are proud of you for who you are today and who you are becoming. No matter where your journey takes you, what speedbumps you hit along the way, or how complicated life gets, you will always have a home with us and know it’s a place where you are welcomed, understood, and loved with open arms.

We believe in you – we always have and we always will.

Love,

Dad and Mom