A father who interviewed his daughter on the first day of school each year has now shared their final video as she begins her last year of high school, preparing to head off to college.

Ray Petelin began this tradition with his daughter, Elizabeth, to capture how her dreams and ambitions evolved over time. In 2012, as five-year-old Elizabeth waited for the bus on her first day of kindergarten, Ray sat her down to ask what she wanted to be when she grew up.

In the newly released compilation video, viewers can watch as Elizabeth’s answers change over the years—from doctor to teacher, magician to waitress, and from heart surgeon to physical therapist.

"She did say magician one year, but I knew that wasn't going to last," Ray remarked with a smile.

Now, after the poignant moment of completing their thirteenth and final interview, the 47-year-old TV meteorologist shared the video compilation. 

"I put this together late at night so no one would be around," Ray confessed. "Because I was just bawling the whole time. Looking back at the first video, it still feels like it was just yesterday."

Ray plans to show Elizabeth the video now that she’s a senior, marking the end of their tradition—but he hopes to capture another interview when she moves into her own place.

The video, which Ray posted on Facebook and Twitter/X, quickly went viral, amassing over 50 million views and leading to multiple TV interviews, including on his own station, KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh.

He’s been overwhelmed by the support, with many parents from around the world leaving comments, some even suggesting he deserves the title ‘Dad of the Year.’

The heartwarming tradition has also inspired many parents to start their own annual interviews with their children, creating a new way to cherish these fleeting moments.

Don’t Forget to Share This Lovely Idea with Parents on Social Media!