FROSH AGAIN

Do you remember when your parent(s) dropped you off at college/ if that's pushing it, you dropped your own child off at the dorms?  Well, even though I had thought I had dropped off my last child some 15 years ago, Tuesday I was part of my niece Becky's first day on campus at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas.  

Actually, I had part in her recruitment event when I was down South this past year. The school's size, academic reputation, tennis program and *Odyssey Project actually sounded like a good fit. In fact, I kidded that even if she didn't apply, I was sending in my application. Being her roommate became a joke so perhaps it was destiny to be with her on moving day. 

In my day, the days of horse drawn wagons, we were on our own unloading our stuff. But even in my kids's day this moving day had changed with student helpers awaiting the newcomers. Tuesday we had barely opened our car doors and blaring music from across the courtyard with peppy student greeter cheers and a different crew grabbed all this freshmen's possessions. SWEET indeed.

Freshman Becky trying out the rocker desk chair

Becky was fortunate enough to land the spacier old TV room to share with 3 other roommates. The beds would be lofted to allow space for their desks. Becky chose one of the window corner spaces and cooling/ heating unit. The room had even become spacier as roommate # 4 found another roomie before orientation. That fourth corner space was now going to be designated the kitchen area. Coffee maker, food supplies etc... 

The 3 gals had texted re: who would bring what and when we arrived a brand new carpet piece being unrolled with a gazillion bodies already occupying the space. All of Becky's haul was lined up in the hallway outside the room until this carpet feat was accomplished. Eventually the unpacking began as Becky left to register for whatever. It was tough to not hang the posters but Becky has to make the space her own. (BTW pic desired as those great posters need a home!)

Freshman Dad and Becky

Excitement was in the air as the Class of 2020 chowed down on their first of many college meals.We had lunch courtesy of the college in their cafeteria. One thing hasn't changed, desserts are still the best. 

Becky's Mom arrived in time for convocation and I took off leaving the parents to savor their daughter's momentous day. Bittersweet saying goodbye as umbilical cords are cut. College days were the best, weren't they? Independence and all that came with it. Life lessons including learning to share space, life long friends to be made, a real education. It's more than just the books.

Leah and her now emptynester Mom

Some parents like my brother and sister in law and Leah's, one of Becky's roommates are becoming empty nesters, a new life cycle for them too. The house will definitely be really quiet.

The beauty of me unpacking guarantees some communication as there will be a text whenever an item can't be found. In fact, the first text has arrived inquiring as to the whereabouts of the laundry bag. It's good to know those dirty clothes aren't going into a pile on the floor. Hey, now that freshman has roommates... All the best to all college freshmen out there. Have a wonderful 4 years!

* If you missed the entry on the recruitment event here's the link:HENDRIX IN THE RUNNING with AUNTIE