violadad

This is the first August in five years that the living room and dining room aren't filled with labeled boxes waiting to be loaded. No last minute shopping trips, no more tag sales. My two are not going to college in September. They be done, graduatated, degreed; living at home alas, but both gainfully employed for the most part in their chosen fields.

To those heading off as freshmen, make the most of your opportunities. Get involved. Take advantage of every option. Explore, but don't get sidetracked. Have fun, but remember why you're there. Spread your wings, but remember Icarus. Don't get "stoopid".

For those returning, you know the drill. Just pick up the phone once in a while.

For those doing grad work- You made it through undergrad. You know the value of hard work and application. You're where you are on your own merits.
Continued success.

The students (and the parents who encourage them) on this forum have chosen a very tough road where the definition of success and fulfillment is not necessarily the perceived norm. You have unique skills and talent, and the courage and desire to explore these to the fullest. My best wishes to you all.

FiddleMom

Our daughter started her college journey yesterday. Her dad drove her down while I stayed glued to my bed after having surgery on Tues. to repair a broken wrist. First reports are that the day went well. She got her stuff moved in, registered her bicycle, figured out how to activate her meal plan, and met her roommate. First impressions are that she likes her roommate. I guess she was afraid that roomie would be a girlie-girl and D is not, but all looks well there. D is in the music community dorm; her roommate is a music ed major on clarinet, but also brought her flute, sax, and guitar. I predict D may take back a couple more instruments after her first visit home in a couple of weeks.

These first three days are taken up with classes just for first year students throughout the university. The semester officially starts Monday. Here's hoping that she has a smooth transition and is totally energized by spending a good portion of her days with fellow musicians.

lorelei2702

Oh, dear, a broken wrist...that certainly limited your participation in much of the packing, and you could only supervise.....hope that went well. And, I hope you are on the mend. Just so long as you can answer those inevitable phone calls....good luck to all! Lorelei

FiddleMom

I was fortunate that I was able to spend the last three days before surgery shopping with her. She's not normally much into shopping but was having a grand time choosing furnishings for her room & even getting some new wardrobe litems. All the physical work of putting it together & into the car fell to her but it was amazing how alert to detail she could be when she had to be.

Today's phone call to check up on some details found her sounding chipper. I think she was feeling a little lonely earlier with her roommate off at marching band practice, based on what I heard from her sister, but by the time I talked with her she had spent some time in the practice room and had met another violin student.

I do feel much better today than the first couple of days. The surgeon expects that I will be able to fast track rehab after my 2 week followup. I will be delighted if that is true. Thanks for the best wishes.

lamom

Dear Violadad,
That was so nice.
WOW both gainfully employed in chosen fields-couldn't ask for more. Ok, maybe health insurance.
LA

binx

Congrats, violadad, on getting to the other side. I'm still interested in hearing how the process continues, though, as it tends to do for musicians!

Got home tonight from Ohio. Move-in went well. Classes start Monday. She also has her orchestra audition Monday - I know she's nervous - Her first audition that a parent didn't accompany her to! I didn't cry when leaving her -- Couldn't -- was too busy helping her father hold it together.