Dropping off Bryan at college a couple of weeks ago was more emotional for me than I thought it would be. I kept thinking of more things that were vital in life that I hadn’t mentioned yet. My mind was working overtime in trying to think of anything he might encounter and how to navigate it smoothly.
Like “always check your pockets before doing laundry. If there is a tissue, it will explode all over your laundry in the washing machine like sticky confetti and is very hard to get off.” There were a bazillion things like this that were racing through my head, including relationship advice.
It’s almost like you’re on your deathbed and you only have a few remaining words before you die. You want to make them count because that’s what will be remembered. So I told Bryan that he was a man of honesty and integrity, and that I was so proud of him. Then I tried really hard not to burst into tears.
His dorm room was simple but modern. When we met his roommate, we found out he was an outgoing homeschooler. All the faculty and students seemed friendly. We found three students singing a Veggie Tales song in the common room, which included a ping-pong table.
Couches and a stone fireplace were also included in the common room, which you can partially see in the family picture at the bottom of this post. I played ping-pong with Alan while the kids played other games.
Corban University has many stairs to climb throughout the day, so it’s impossible for someone to live here without getting into shape. My son’s dorm is the closest one to the huge building with classrooms and the library. The cafeteria is at the bottom of the mountain. I didn’t count how many stairs are on campus, but there are many, many stairs.
This is the gym, where there was a fair with booths including all the different activities available on campus. My daughter and I liked the theater booth the best because there was a sword, a lantern, and a costume.
When we hugged good-bye, there were no tears because I was glad to leave him at such a great Christian school. The faculty had more than proven themselves through all the workshops and casual conversations we had with them throughout the two-day welcome. The food from the cafeteria was fresh and full of variety. It’s one of my son’s favorite things about college.
Though it was an emotional time for me, it was good. The entire family got to see where Bryan would be going to school, where he would be sleeping, and what his life would be like in the coming year. This will help as we pray for him, that God will make him into the man that He desires him to be in the upcoming years of study.
Susan, dropping off your child to university for the first time or having them move away from home can be a time of such mixed emotions. While there is excitement, anticipation, pride, and joy there is also grief and sorrow mixed in as well. We have done this many times with our three sons as they attended multiple universities around Canada, the States and the UK to pursue up to their Masters and Doctorate degrees. It never really gets easier because parting is always about change and change means that one must leave things and people behind in order to embrace the new opportunities. It does help when you have confidence in the university, that they are pursuing something that they love and will use their giftings, and that they are brave enough to take risks and embrace big goals and dreams.
It was harder than I thought it would be. Much more emotional. Not just that I would miss him, but that he would be by himself in the world. I feel his anxiety and anticipation, and I wasn’t expecting to experience that.
Thank you for this post. My eldest, who is homeschooled, will venture into college soon. She will either begin running start next year or wait until after her senior year. Either way, I’m not looking forward to letting her fly the nest. I think she will be amazing, but I won’t be able to protect her any longer.
Not being there to protect and give guidance makes it difficult to say good-bye. My son has a good head on his shoulders, so hopefully he will figure out how to do everything for the first time as an adult by himself.
Oh my goodness, I dread this! Because we are overseas, the only way my son has a chance to interact with young people his own age and play sports is to go to boarding school. That may happen next year, and I’ve been trying not to think about it. There is never enough time to teach your kids everything they need to know!
I found out there was going to be a dance at the school, and it didn’t even occur to me to teach my son how to dance. There are so many things he will have to learn on his own.
Wow! What a big step for your family. My Mom passed away several years ago and there a still so many things I wish she could’ve taught me. A Mother’s wisdom never ends!! Hpe he has a great first year and remembers to call home often.
When a parent passes away, that’s even harder because you can’t even call them for advice any more.
Looks like you found a great college for your son. I know I will cry like a baby when I take my son to college in a few years. I cry just thinking about it. 🙁
I’m so glad he is at such a great school. I was impressed by both the students and the faculty.
Praying that he grows in his faith in a way that impacts the world!!! I’m always so happy when kids stay close to Jesus. It’s rare, and it’s a blessing. “A wise son brings joy to his father” – and mother!!!
I do have a wise son, and he has already brought me joy. I’m also praying that he continues to grow in his faith.
How exciting and scary at the same time. This was cool to read as someone who is not as far away from this moment as I might like to be….
Exciting and scary is exactly how it felt.