<p>Since my son’s college search process ended with a THUD! from my perspective a few weeks ago, I, as a 50-something-year-old parent, have sometimes felt like crawling into bed and crying all day. </p>
<p>In my case, it’s because I watched my son work diligently for 18 years – discovering interests and growing his talents – and for the past four years we’ve been working together toward this six month period of filling out applications and going to auditions and waiting for replies, and trying to figure out the money part . . . and I feel like I let HIM down.</p>
<p>He’s made a fine choice for a school, but because the financial burden of college has increased so rapidly over four years, and the country’s economy and prospects for jobs has soured so much over the same period, the choice he/we make now in terms of his loans and the cost of his college could burden him until he is my current age.</p>
<p>But he – like you – has a lot of time to shift gears – change majors – change colleges, if necessary. Or take six or eight years instead of four years to finish – while experiencing other things.</p>
<p>I have to work out things differently, because I have a different perspective on this process.</p>
<p>Time heals, in many cases. But especially if everyone is honest and upfront about their fears and feelings and concerns.</p>