Back in November 2012, Ricardo Uribe-Campos, a sixth-grader at Taft Elementary School, was given an assignment to write a business letter.
Most of the sixth-graders wrote to boy band One Direction, singer Justin Bieber, sports stars or famous actors. Not Ricardo! Since he loves to travel, and he is fascinated with England, Ricardo decided to write to the Queen of England. He was hoping for a response, but his teacher told the class, “Sometimes people are too busy, and just don’t have the time to write back.”
Time went by. Finally, this past April, a letter, stamped with the official seal of the Queen of England, arrived at the school. Ricardo couldn’t believe his eyes. He was speechless. Tears of joy and surprise overwhelmed him as he hugged his teacher while being handed the envelope. Knowing what this meant to him, the entire class applauded and cheered.
To savor this special moment, Ricardo carefully opened his letter in private. Inside was a handwritten letter from Her Majesty’s Lady in Waiting, thanking Ricardo for his letter, and explaining a bit about the Queen’s schedule. Also included was a brochure on England, complete with pictures of the country’s various attractions and landmarks.
For now, Ricardo stores these treasured items in a safe place where he can admire them while thinking about what can happen when you act upon your dreams.