Accepting the Challenge: An Open Letter to My Parents

by Camden Tuffile (NE’24)

Dear Mom and Dad,

I remember three years ago, when it was time to start my college search, and you introduced me to Thomas Aquinas College, knowing that it would challenge me in every aspect of my life: educationally, socially, and spiritually. I’m sure you can remember that I didn’t see that at first.

“It’s too far away,” I recall telling you, languishing over the kitchen counter. “I just want to write novels, not puzzle over confusing philosophical texts. Besides, there’s far too much math!”

Well, fast forward, and here I am: far from home (but not too far), puzzling over confusing philosophical texts, and doing more math than I ever thought I would have to do in my college career.

Your goal was always to challenge my siblings and me, to help us become well-rounded, caring, and holy people by teaching us to challenge ourselves in everything we do. It was your example that led me to overcome my fears and come to TAC — and I am so grateful.

As it turns out, I really enjoy poring over the Summa in the Chapel, asking for the intercession of St. Thomas as I study his most renowned work. I have learned that math can actually be enjoyable, and as I study calculus for the first time, I am amazed at how the ideas of the ancient mathematicians continue to be relevant in modern mathematics.

In terms of writing, I have had the pleasure of working as the New England campus writer for the past year, writing articles for the TAC website and newsletter. In my free time, I have helped found a creative-writing group and try to exercise my creativity as much as possible, in the hope that one day I will finally find the time to write that novel I have been planning for the last two years.

“It was your example that led me to overcome my fears and come to TAC — and I am so grateful.”

Mom, your love for the natural world has always fascinated me and drawn me to notice the intricacies of God’s marvelous creation. Now, whenever I find an interesting insect, a fascinating frog, or an alluring autumn leaf on a trek through the woods behind campus, I am reminded of God’s majesty. You cultivated an incurable sense of wonder in me, and as I prepare to write my thesis next year, that wonder takes a prevalent role in my ideas.

Dad, you taught me patience and the importance of hard work. As the father and math teacher of six rowdy children, your patience was always on full display as you helped me through countless excruciating SAT math problems while simultaneously making breakfast for the family. You constantly stress the significance of working hard to achieve a goal, and you taught me to do everything as efficiently and cheerfully as possible.

Every day, I thank God for your love and support in all aspects of my life. You both taught me to love great works of literature and science, to appreciate the world around me, and to reach out and explore new possibilities. And because you introduced me to the College — and helped me get over my initial reluctance — I now get to spend four years doing exactly that.

All my love,
Camden