Moving to college is a rite of passage; filled with excitement for scholars, nervousness for advocates and plenty of anxiety for both.
As a parent, it is a finite moment in which I got to see Kailyn become truly independent. Like most moms, I was nervous, anxious, excited and concerned; although probably less so than her father. But even before the move-in, we stressed ourselves out with the packing, planning and anticipation for her departure. What anticipation? The anticipation of our child (teenager) leaving home and being uncertain about who was coming back; yes anticipating her transition and return from a teenager to a well-educated independent young adult with a promising future. It was quickly becoming time for a new beginning whether we were ready or not.
As a student, your first move-in is a world wind. The first day is your opportunity to create the person you want to be. I was meeting new people every 5 mins it seemed like. Although I had met my roommate beforehand, meeting and living with her was something I was extremely nervous about. I had my own room at home for years.
To be honest, the actual unpacking was the easy part. At my college, the Greeks helped everyone unload their cars. Once the stuff got up stairs to my dorm room, all I had left was to go to Walmart and get the stuff I ordered for pick up and to pick up things like command strips (tip, get more than you need! You can never have too many)
The first three weeks on campus you are usually pretty busy meeting people, finding your way around and enjoying your freedom. Soon after, homesickness starts creeping in for some. For others, it takes a little longer. You start to miss your pet, your old high school friends, your siblings and even your parents.
What are you going to miss from your parent(s) or about your parent(s) when you go away to college?