It’s that time of year where parents across the nation are seeing their children go off to college. My youngest sis and her husband took their oldest daughter to college this past weekend. Number 1 Niece (N1N) is in the college marching band, so she had to leave for school a week early. She’ll spend this week in a tightly structured group of activities, getting to know the expectations of the marching band in terms of style of march and performance, and learning to interact smoothly with others in her rank and section, as well as learning her way around the campus and dorm. She’s in temporary housing for this week, so her parents (and boyfriend) will return in a week to move her to the dorm she is assigned to for the year. They will also bring the lion’s share of the things N1N will need in terms of clothes, and comforts.
This step, between high school and college can be a scary one. I think most kids embrace the change on the surface. What’s not to like about the idea of being in charge of your own life, getting do decide when you get up and when you go to bed, and when you do your homework, or not? Every kid lives for the day when they get to take charge. After all, they’ve been ready for YEARS, right?? But, under the surface, it’s a big step.
Leaving your circle of friends, and being thrust into a new situation where you don’t know anyone, and you don’t yet know your way around the campus is tough. Leaving your boyfriend at home is even tougher. In a while, discovering that you have to BUDGET, and can’t turn to Mom for a new pair of jeans, is tough! But, I think leaving the security of home has to be the toughest of all. Even if your relationship with your parents is testy, you still know where you stand, and you know that you are loved. Going to college is leaving the pond where you are a big fish, and discovering that you are plankton, and a WHALE is bearing down on you!
But, I think most of us would say that we wouldn’t have traded the experience for anything. In a couple of days, things don’t feel so strange. We’ve made our first friends, and have found out where to go for pizza. We get to know the campus better, and find places that speak to us. I remember places so beautiful that they satisfied my soul, and others that gave me comfort when I was homesick, or unsure if I was doing the right thing. If I wasn’t on deadline for a paper, there was always the pleasure of the library.
Number 1 Niece is just taking her first step this morning into that world. I’m excited for her, and a bit teary. Just where did the years go? Will I get to spend time with her again, before she is firmly on her life’s path? Will she remember that I love her?
Wow….I think I have a bit of Empty Nesting going on here. Let’s set that aside, and just focus on all the good things coming her way. The rest will work itself out.
Way to go, kidlet. I’m VERY PROUD OF YOU!!! Remember, you can call, any time!