For Marjorie Barretto, July was a month of both pride and bittersweet goodbyes. On Facebook, the actress shared glimpses of her recent trip to Europe with her youngest daughter, Erich—a journey that became more than just sightseeing, but a milestone in their mother-daughter story.

In her post, Marjorie revealed that 13-year-old Erich had applied—and been accepted—into summer courses at the University of Oxford, choosing to study Psychology. What made it even more remarkable was that Erich accomplished this entirely on her own.

“My brave Erich applied and got accepted to Oxford summer courses all on her own,” Marjorie wrote. “When she dreams, she goes out and gets them. We can only stand behind her with full support.”

But alongside the pride was a tinge of heartache. “Inside, my mommy heart was breaking… worried she might be too young to be on her own, but at the same time overflowing with pride,” she shared. “My eyes in these photos might give away how hard it was to let go. I knew I was going to miss her so much… but I was also deeply happy she gets to experience things I never even dreamed were possible for me.”

For Marjorie, the experience became a lesson in trust and growth. “July truly stretched us both in ways that made us both grow up,” she reflected. “At 13, she has taught me the art of letting go, and that no one is too young or too old to chase after their dreams.”

It’s a reminder that while a parent’s instinct is to protect, sometimes the greatest act of love is to let our children take flight—even if it means learning to let go a little sooner than expected.