Dear Robert,
When you read this letter, you will be embarking on your University career. I hope all works well for you in all of your endeavors. I am now 75 years old and attended University in the United States. Many things have been difficult here for me and this country, as well. Well, really, things have been strange in this world since I can remember. As you may know, I was born in Egypt. There was a lot of political unrest there, but in the rest of Africa as well. When I was your age, President Mubarak of Egypt was deposed by the people in favor of a true democracy. Unfortunately, things have not worked out that way as other tyrants have tried to control the government there. Next door, in Libya, NATO forces killed the country's long-time leader, Moamar Qadaffi. Indeed, this world is still plagued by many wars and unfortunately, many of them still involve this country, the United States. I hope things will get better for all of us.
First, I want to relay to you that a lot of things in my environment have changed me and forced me to adapt. I recommend that you learn to live like a chameleon and be able to adapt quickly to changes in your environment, as I have had to do. Things can be rough for Arabs, as they are often treated with prejudice. Many people do not understand that everyone who is an Arab is not a terrorist, a Jihadist, and is not a bad person. Regardless of religion or skin color, people are still people. For example, I was a student at the University-level and still, I found that many educated people were prejudiced against Arabs or other minorities in the United States. It was sad. I advise you should try to get along with everyone, regardless of their skin color or gender. It is certainly easier to be a young man than a young woman, as many women, even in the United States, are treated unfairly.
When I was your age, I enjoyed reading a lot of science fiction, especially novels and short stories about space travel. Star Trek was one of my favorite TV shows, and the Star Wars movies were my favorite films. It is strange that we now have exoplanetary colonies. I never thought that would happen in my lifetime. Next year, I am going on vacation to the Face on Mars -- the new resort there. Well, actually, your grandmother and I will be going for our golden Wedding Anniversary. It only takes about a half-hour to get there. I am sure we will have a great time. I wanted to go to the New Biosphere on the Moon, but she loves Mars. Besides, I weigh a lot less on the Moon!
You may notice that things will change fast for you at University, as you grow and become a young man. I really hope you choose an occupation in space travel or robotics. We need more engineers out there. I never thought asteroid mining was a safe profession, anyway. I will tell you one thing. Living in northern Minnesota is not what it used to be. Yesterday, the high was 87 degrees, and it is the middle of January. Everyone used to say that global warming was not sound science, but that, as you probably know from your high school studies, was a lie.
When I was your age, we were not required to wear the chips. I remember when you were just a baby at the Michigan State Laboratory, shortly after you were manufactured. You were the cutest clone-baby ever! Then, the doctors took you away and installed the chip in your temporal lobe. You cried a lot, but the chips help you fly, navigate, and all the stuff I could not do as a young man. It is hard to explain that to a baby, though. Your cyber-mom thought you had a funny laugh, but I told her that her nano-circuits were crossed! She probably does not remember, but remember to ask her about when you were made. Already, so many things have changed. For example, when I was your age, we could even see the sun. Of course, that was before the volcano blast in 2036. Your father died from the gases emitted, but he insisted on living in the Rockies. The Cities became different overnight. Did you ever read Ray Bradbury in high school? He was a great writer. He really sparked my interest in science fiction and space travel as a young man (Bradbury, 2012). If it were not for electronic books and going to University, I would have ended up on Titan -- the prison satellite. I have heard things are really bad there. All of the water is manufactured there, too, because of the high methane levels. You probably have learned something about Titan in grade school. When I was in my 40s, I remember a couple of men escaped from Titan. They hijacked a ship, but were quickly ensnared by the Magnetron Fence.
Remember, just be yourself. You will face many challenges over the next few years. I apologize that we did not take better care of the earth when I was younger. It really seemed like the water and the food would last forever. Who could foresee the Global Famine? Well, at least we can manufacture water now, and lab food isn't that bad, really. Not as good as organic apples but it is an acquired taste. Just do not let people define you. You define yourself and take your power back. The earth is a hard place to live but you will be able to see other planets someday. No matter how much you fail or succeed, you must remember to love yourself, and then, you will love others, too.
Anyway, I have to go now. Your grandmother says that I have spent too much time in the Vortex Chamber -- where I am writing you from. Your 127-year-old great-grandfather is visiting soon. He should be over in a little while. He still looks like he is only 35. He says it is genetics, I say it is genetic engineering! I love you, Your Grandfather.
Works Cited
Bradbury, Ray. The Martian Chronicles. New York: Simon & Schuster , 2012. Print.
