Starting College–Then and Now
It’s been 20 plus years, but I remember my first 20 minutes in my dorm room after my parents left me at college, three and a half hours from home, like it was just yesterday.
I cried. A lot. I felt more than a little lost. And I felt so very lonely.
But then I realized my boyfriend may have made it to the dorm by then, too, with his parents. And then his parents would be leaving.
And we’d be off on an awesome adventure, together, living out ‘the dream’.
I’m glad I didn’t know we’d get engaged, only to break up before we ever graduated.
And I’m glad I had time without a boyfriend in college, too, when I was able to build friendships with people I’d stay in touch with decades down the road…people who can probably remember the dirty details of our crazy antics just as easily as I can to this very day.
Sure, I learned a lot about my future career in college, but it’s the people I met and the memories we made that still make me smile inside.
So, as I prepare to drop my son off at college in two days, I get excited for him.
I’m excited that he gets to start his journey soon, to discover all the amazing adventures that the next few years have in store, with people who will become his lifelong pals.
I know it’ll be hard for me to leave him in his dorm, to walk out of that building and get in a car to drive three and a half hours home. As mom, the shoe is on the other foot this time.
I’m sure I’ll cry for a lot longer than 20 minutes.
But I hope he won’t. I hope he’ll get right up, walk out of his dorm room, and maybe meet his first future friend for life.
I don’t want him to waste a single second on looking back. He has such a fabulous future ahead.
August 7, 2012 @ 10:50 pm
I dropped out of high school when I found out I was pregnant with my first child, so I didn’t have that experience. But he’s 12 now, and in a few short years, he’ll be going to college. I can only hope that I handle it with as much grace and poise as many of the moms I know have. If I can keep the tears in until I get to the car, I’ll be lucky. I look forward to sharing those times with each of my children!
August 8, 2012 @ 8:12 am
I met all of my good friends in college it’s a great experience. Good luck to him
August 12, 2012 @ 9:58 am
Yep, this made me cry!
August 12, 2012 @ 1:44 pm
Thanks you guys…I know college is such a different experience for all of us…it’s a bit surreal seeing it again through your child’s eyes.