I GROW UP--Going to the University is Hard on Mom

Wow! Has it been a year since I've posted? It's been one really exciting one--for both the country and for me. You know what's going on with the country, so here is one important change in my life.



This week we delivered my youngest child, Tim, to Appalachian State. He's living off campus in an apartment and is transferring in as a junior. (Thanks Durham Tech for getting him prepared! He earned two associates degrees at the community college!) It was a bit sad for me since this is the last of our flock leaving our nest empty. He was a bit disappointed that I wanted to paint and redecorate his room, but it's my way of coping. Of course, he can always come home and the room will be his until he gets married or moves into his own permanent place:)



It will be a bit quieter (not that Tim was noisy) at our house, and I've lost my best buddy for talking about sci-fi, college, anime, weird tv shows (Dexter!!), philosophy and religion. We had some great discussions over the last few years. I'll need to get re-engergized about cooking since cooking for two is not as interesting, although it will give me some opportunities to "experiment" with some unusual foods as my husband will eat almost anything (Tim curtailed this move.)



I heard some very interesting things at the ASU parent orientation sessions!

1. Transfers from the community college are very successful!

2. It's not that students are unable to do the work; it's whether they WILL DO the work.

3. Resources! Use them all at the college!

4. Many freshmen enter college reading at a middle-school level!

5. One of the most important skills they'll learn is how to negotiate with roommates and work in a team environment.

6. Most employers are looking for INTEGRITY in their possible hires, so the college emphasizes this tremendously.

7. Don't move without telling your student where you'll be.

8. Give them a big hug when you leave.



So I hugged my son, and I did get a bit teary-eyed. I didn't sleep as well last night because I didn't hear his late footfalls on the stairs (he's a night owl). Our larger terrier was confused and kept coming into our room (he missed his roommate). But, I will move on and grow up just as my son is now doing at the university. I love you Tim!