| Welcome from the mom of two 2011's. When your child was accepted to Duke and chose to attend, not only was your child embraced as a member of the Duke community, but you as parents were also welcomed with outstretched arms.
We attended Blue Devil Days as well as Parents Orientation and Parents Weekend. It would be great if you could attend them all, but certainly understandable if you cannot.
Move-in Day/Orientation is an unforgettable experience. We met so many great kids and parents. There is nothing like 105 degree weather, no air conditioning and runs to Bed Bath and Beyond that bring diverse families together into one large Duke family!
Watching your children walk into the Chapel followed by professors and administrators in their flowing robes is a sight beyond description. We listened to President Brodhead speak about our children's class, both their group and individual accomplishments - fathers and mothers sniffling and tearing up all around you. I would not have wanted to be any other place at that moment.
Parents Weekend was an opportunity to meet our sons' new friends, attend very interesting lectures and sneek into the Students Section for a basketball game. I am a graduate of UMCP and we never had spirit like that -- and this was just an exhibition game.
So -- try to get to as many functions as possible. But if you can't, remember that we are all one family and there will be a mom or dad to look after your son or daughter in your absence. By the way -- we booked our hotel for the 2008 Parents Weekend in February (upon the advice of a Senior Mom). |