Alabama vs. Lafayette

momreads
Sun, 11 Apr 2010 18:18:25 +0000

One of my son’s friends (she is a freshman like he is) is in the running for five different aerospace engineering internships this summer. Another mom whose son is a freshman majoring in aerospace engineering said he went to one of the career evenings, and he stands an excellent chance of securing an internship this summer with a helicopter business about an hour from his home (he’s from Pennsylvania). So the career opportunities are definitely there – and your son may not need to wait until he’s an upperclassman to secure those opportunities.

As for the chances to know one’s professors, my son missed Honors Day the other day – much to his disappointment – but he was off representing UA at a national tournament. He was able to e-mail each professor, set up times to meet with them and turn in any assignments he had finished. He’s met with several professors and all have been wonderful to deal with. Last weekend, his girlfriend and a friend were out and about in T-Town, and they ran into Dr. Sharpe, dean of the Honors College. Not only did he recognize them, but invited them to his home for Easter dinner since they were from out of state and would have nowhere to go.

We understand, too, about financial reality and being an OOS student. My son turned down the U. of Richmond and William & Mary (among others – we live in Virginia) for Alabama … and he does not regret that decision. He will graduate without debt … and that’s big since he plans to pursue his doctorate.

I was a little concerned that he would find the adjustment to living in the deep South a problem, but he really hasn’t. He always loved sweet tea, but still dislikes fried chicken. Wearing shorts to class in February is nice, especially when one’s hometown still had several inches of snow on the ground. He loved calling his friends at their Virginia schools and letting them know the temperature was in the 70s. Winning a national football title is really cool in one’s freshman year … and while he always liked football, well, he really likes it now. His biggest recommendation would be to have your son enrolled in Alabama Action or Outdoor Action. It is a great community service program that will give the OOS student an immediate group of friends (not to mention a chance to dine at some of T-Town’s popular restaurants the first week while on campus). One of his roommates did Alabama Action (he is from Alabama), while his girlfriend and her roommate did Alabama Action and Outdoor Action, respectively.

Hope that helps.