She’s Only 17, But The Decision Is Hers

Posted on August 7, 2013 by

            “Last night I dreamt I was returning
            and my heart called out to you
            to please accept me as you’ll find me
            Me kealoha ku’u home o Kahalu’u.”

-from “Ku’u Home O Kahalu’u,” a popular contemporary Hawaiian song written by Jerry Santos 

Lily at 5, preparing for kindergarten

Lily at 5, preparing for kindergarten

She’s feeling a bit anxious now. The summer before senior year, and the glow is slowly fading. School is no longer in the rear view mirror, and as September days inch closer and closer, she knows she doesn’t have much longer.

She’s only 17, but it’s time to think of leaving home.

Watching the college application process from the passenger seat feels a little bit like those first few days of elementary school, not knowing if we made the right choices, or if she would make it through the day by herself. We always knew she was independent, not terribly shy, and was an eager learner. But something about dropping her off on those first few days left me twisted up in knots. I couldn’t wait for her to come home.

Kind of how I feel right now.

When it was time for kindergarten registration, we chose where she went to school. She had no idea that her entire day would be taught in Spanish, nor that any other school was different. It was just what we thought was best, so she went. Things went well. She learned, she made friends, she laughed, and at the end of the day, she was happy to be home.

Now that it’s time for college choices, it’s really up to her.

She’s only 17, but it’s her time to decide where she wants to go next.

I sense her anxiety. It’s palpable as we click around websites and look at campus after campus.  So much to take in, making the decision that much more complicated. Intense. Insurmountable.

She hasn’t really changed that much since kindergarten-she’s still independent, social, and eager to learn. But something about the thought of dropping her off at college takes my breath away. I want to scoop her into my arms, make the choice for her, make the fears go away. I want to know that no matter what, she can come home at the end of the day and it will be OK.

But I can’t – she’s really 17.

Seventeen years spent nurturing her every interest, protecting her, creating a home for her to sink into when she needs it – has it all led up to this? GPAs, test scores, extra-curriculars…I can’t help but cringe at the extraordinary complexity of the decision, and wonder if it has to be this way. Can’t she just plug it all into some sort of app, and the perfect place will spit out at her on her computer screen, guaranteed to be her happy place?

Lily at 17, preparing for college

So we’ll make a list, do our research, and hop in the car to tour schools clear up to the Canadian border. We’ll walk the campus, take notes, and soak in what it feels like. She’ll try to imagine herself there, alone, independent, social, and eager to learn. Things will go well.

She’s only 17, but the decision has to be hers.

I’ll try to imagine myself next year, alone, missing her, but proud that she made her choice. And I’ll be there, next year, back at home, dreaming of when she returns.

Because she’s only 17.

No decision is forever. She can always come home.

This post was inspired by the novel This Is Paradise by Kristiana Kahakauwila, a collection of short stories that shares a view of Hawaiians few tourists ever experience. Join From Left to Write on August 8 as we discuss This Is Paradise.  As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

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Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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Comments: 28

    • Jennifer Wolfe

      June 16, 2016

      Thanks, Keith. How did you find my blog?

      Reply
  • Choice: It's What Makes Life Full of Possibility - mamawolfe

    September 29, 2014

    […] year, when my daughter was navigating the stressors of senior year and college applications, I found myself repeating and reminding her that all her hard work paid off in all the choices she ha…. I tried to keep mum on my strong feelings about one school or another, and let her not only weigh […]

    Reply
  • My Year In Books, 2013 - mamawolfe

    December 31, 2013

    […] homeland, Hawaii. I loved her stories about making choices and growing up, especially as I was helping my daughter navigate the college application process. Kristiana Kahakauwila is not only a gifted novelist, but her ability to connect with her readers […]

    Reply
  • What You Grow To Be - mamawolfe

    August 17, 2013

    […] matter what she was born to be…she is creating, choosing, forming herself every day. The decision is hers. This time, right now, I’ll sit back, support her, nurture her, and marvel as she grows and […]

    Reply
  • Ally

    August 11, 2013

    As we are now getting ready for fourth grade, an age when high school begins to be a consideration, and I am overwhelmed with that idea, I love your commitment to college being your daughter’s choice. After all the years of decision making, what a wonderful parent you are to allow this happen. Of course being a sappy old lady who marvels at my children being 8 and not 3 as I was sure they would stay, I scrolled back and forth between your two pictures, rendering me completely weepy for the entire read. Lovely.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      August 13, 2013

      Ally, thank you. Parenting is so hard- to know when to step in and when to pull back. This week as we tour I’m so proud of her poise and grace. Im confident she will know what she needs. Thank you so much for connecting with me! -Jennifer

      Reply
  • Kristiana Kahakauwila

    August 8, 2013

    Aloha e Jennifer,
    I was so moved by the way you wove Jerry Santos’ song lyrics into a tribute to your daughter’s next step. And the photos are wondeful! I’m “home” in Hawai`i right now, though I leave in a couple of days for the mainland. I am sad to be leaving but I also feel fortunate to be surrounded by family and friends who encourage every leap I take… and who are ready with a hug and a spare futon if I fall. Ho`omaikai to your daughter for taking a huge jump!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      August 8, 2013

      Kristiana, thank you so much for your kind words. I absolutely loved your book, and was moved in so many ways…but since I’m in the midst of this college thing right now, it just seemed a good fit. I think when I went away to college was when I really realized what coming home really meant. Interestingly, one of the schools we’re looking at next week is WWU-I think it’s curious that an island girl like yourself would wind up in such a different climate! Gives me hope that my California girl would fit right in…looking forward to reading more from you! ~Jennifer

      Reply
  • Bill

    August 8, 2013

    I love your reflections.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      August 8, 2013

      Thank you, Bill. It just seems like yesterday she was Asher’s age… ~Jennifer

      Reply
  • Book Club Day: This Is Paradise

    August 8, 2013

    […] Jennifer Wolfe at mamawolfe reflects on the idea of returning home, as her daughter prepares for the college decision making pro… […]

    Reply
  • Mary Hickman

    August 7, 2013

    My baby girl flew all the way to Brooklyn, NY at 17 last year. She graduated High School early…While she is living 3000 miles away attending college, we have grown closer to each other than I thought possible. Texting and Skype and visits. Our connection has never been stronger. Back to what you were saying about how Lily hasn’t changed much since she was 5, that is exactly what got Ashley and I talking about what she might like. At 5 she loved to check out houses, all kinds, especially yellow ones and now she is studying Architecture. Wish you both well, enjoy!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      August 8, 2013

      Oh Mary, that is so neat that your girl is so independent! I’m amazed at the things my daughter does that I would NEVER have had the courage for at her age! It must be very rewarding to see her studying something she’s passionate about – I can’t wait to see what happens to Lily! Thanks for stopping by~Jennifer

      Reply
  • Lisa - Hannemaniacs

    August 7, 2013

    Wow. I’m making decisions for my almost 5 year old boy and can’t imagine being in your shoes, but know it will be here before I know it. I only hope that I give him the trust and confidence to make his own decisions — and make good ones!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      August 8, 2013

      Lisa, when people always told me that the time goes quickly I believed them. But when it’s your own, and you’re thinking of sending them off into the world, it really stings. Thanks for commenting today! ~Jennifer

      Reply
  • Janaki Kuruppu

    August 7, 2013

    I remember that period of my own daughter’s life (she’s now 31, and getting married in less than two weeks!!), and I felt all the same things you’re feeling. It felt so different from what I remember of my own college-choice decision-making, which was completely haphazard (thank goodness it worked out for the best). Good luck.
    Janaki Kuruppu recently posted…Allowing a community to support youMy Profile

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      August 7, 2013

      Janaki, thank you for your kind words. This really does seem so much more stressful than when I went to college – are the stakes really that much higher, or is it all just hyped up more than before? All I can do is breathe myself through it, and support her decisions. Thanks for commenting today. ~Jennifer

      Reply
  • Lindsey

    August 7, 2013

    Oh, my … what a transition, what a moment, what a letting-go (again, again, again!). I am thinking of you. xox

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      August 7, 2013

      Lindsey, thank you. It is in those transitions (as you know all too well)where we learn and grow…and learn to let go. I appreciate your thoughts. ~Jennifer

      Reply
  • Jessica Peyton (@AimHighPeyton)

    August 7, 2013

    Lily is SO lucky to have a mother who recognizes this. You’re doing her a real favor by encouraging her to take the initiative in her college search. It will serve her well by the time she ends up in the classroom (and beyond).
    Jessica Peyton (@AimHighPeyton) recently posted…Announcing: Book Club!My Profile

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      August 7, 2013

      Jessica, thank you so much. I keep telling myself that it’s for her own good, but it still is so bittersweet. Just like parenting. So glad you stopped by today! ~Jennifer

      Reply
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