Congratulations Evan Barton!

You are taking the reins in various aspects of your life, and I can't help but smile. As you go on this journey, I would like to pass on a few key things that might assist you. These are lessons that I have both learned and am still learning. Don't be fooled by my (or anyone else's) age; learning never stops, and I certainly don't have it all figured out. And as you discover new truths, please be sure to share them with me, as my fervent hope has always been that the Student surpasses the Teacher.

1. The definition of money. You are gaining perspective on what is needed financially in this world. I implore you to remember that money isn't what you think it is. Contrary to popular belief, money isn't the answer to all your problems; things purchased with money don't matter in the long-term because they can be lost, stolen, broken or taken away. What money enables is freedom and flexibility, both for you and for those around you.

2. Fear and failure. Don't be afraid of failure. Fear will paralyze and control you. Those who are afraid to fail are also afraid to succeed. To accomplish anything, you must risk losing in order to capture what you want. It is our struggles that not only define us, but also cause our growth. Remember: You will win some, and you will lose some, but either way you are loved for just being you.

3. Want and need. Sure, you're going to need a job and a paycheck. But don't lose sight of what you truly want from life, trading your wants for what you need. As you get older, you will regret so few decisions that you made, and instead will experience profound remorse about the decisions that you didn't make and the opportunities you didn't pursue. Don't live a life of "What If?" Instead, take chances.

4. Love hard. You can't control what another person does or says — you can only control you. If you love someone, love them completely. Don't hold back out of fear. If you do, you will never know what might have happened. Sure, it might not work out, but don't let that be because you were ruled by fear.

5. Be kind. You will never know what another person's experience has been. As such, please remember to be empathetic and compassionate.

6. Do much. Learn, grow, experience, change, shift, adjust — and then change again. Do as much as you can and experience all you are able. Life is not measured by how fast you arrive at the end because none of us are going to make it out of this alive. Life is about the accumulation of what you know, what you did, what you learned and what you thought about through it all.

7. Give. Be giving with your time, your knowledge, your money, your effort, your love and yourself. You are a gift to the world and you should share.

8. Always dream. There are times to be a realist, but not at the expense of passion. Dream big and chase what you want. Don't allow anyone to tell you that your dreams are too big.

9. Don't grow up. At various points in your life, you will need to be an adult and make hard decisions. However, being an adult doesn't mean that you are forced to grow up. Make sure you still act like a kid whenever possible; life is immensely more fun that way.

10. Be brave. As a man, you will face challenging times; it happens to all of us. What defines you is how you respond to that adversity. It's normal to be scared, just don't stop moving forward.

11. Be You. Don't allow anyone to define who you are. You are an incredible, vibrant, resourceful, amazing, talented, tenacious, outstanding and courageous young man. As you get exposed to new things and lessons, your perspective will shift, but you do the shifting. Don't hand over the definition of who you are to anyone else. You choose who you are, what you stand for and what you believe in.

In closing, you need to know this: I am exceptionally proud of you. My pride is not a selfish pride, but is instead a pride of observation. As a father, I have tried to show and guide you, but ultimately you will decide your own path. You have listened. You have internalized. You are DOING IT!

Evan Barton, you have just begun. I am so excited to see what you have in store for the world!

I love you.

Dad

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Congrats Evan!

Proud of you. Glad to be your friend and family through Tabard!

xoxo Povi

Evan Barton, 

You have been an amazing mentor for me while at Dartmouth. It was a joy to plan the powwow with you freshman and sophomore year. You are incredibly charismatic and radiate happiness. Your care and concern for community is powerful and inspiring. You represent your community and yourself well. My family and I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors! Congratulations!

Love, 
The Snyder Fam

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Dear Evan,

Please accept my sincerest congratulations for getting tf out of there!! I am honored to have met you and think fondly of the times we spent together. You have made Dartmouth a better place for those to come, and I can only imagine the emotional toil and the unwavering effort you've put forth to make change. I hope you are proud of the things you have accomplished, because I am. The community wouldn't have been so bearable without people like you to talk sense and be present. Hit me up if you ever need anything!

Best wishes,
Micah

Evan, Evan, Evan.  I still remember getting emails from you back in your Booker T days.  Amazing how much has happened since that time, as well as how quickly it has gone.  One of the few things that has not changed is your enthusiasm & lead-from-the-front attitude.  TRULY appreciate & admire you for all that you have done here & the contributions you have made to the community & to others' lives that are simply too numerous to count.  Please keep in touch.  THANK YOU & CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!  Be well.  -steven

Congratulations from your baker custodial crew! Way to go!!

Baevan,

CONGRATS!!! I am so proud of you for completing this crazy journey. I am also so proud to call you a friend. You are resilient, aware, caring, open and incredibly fun. I hope to continue to see you make the world better and to make more memories :)

love Glittoris