Spring break is so often the time for adventure. College students head off to party centrals, lucky families head off to early family vacation spots, concerned high school parents begin college tours, and then there are those who…stay home.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that. My family actually chose to stay right home and rest. Sleeping in, working in the garden, baseball games, playing chess by the fire (yes, it’s a COLD spring break here in California!) and catching up on dates with friends sounded like the perfect way to spend our free week.
But April showers have kept us more tucked up inside the house than we anticipated, which for me means time perched up in my office, gazing out the window and thinking and dreaming.
Yesterday my daughter joined my reverie and we began a virtual college tour on collegeboard.com. Amid our diligent shepherding through high school, she has begun to see the college light at the end of the tunnel. Soon our focus will change from getting her in to getting it financed, and we all know about the college tuition fears that today’s parents face.
There was something so exciting, though, about sitting up high with her and watching her click through all the college options she can look forward to that made my fears ease just the tiniest bit. College will come for her. She will be admitted somewhere, and will have that often joyous, stressful, and exhilarating experience that we wish for her. Years of scrimping and saving, studying, volunteering, and working will bring her dreams to reality and adventures to her life.
And three years from now, when she’s having her first college spring break, I hope she’ll find another place to perch up high, and think and dream new dreams for herself.
Comments: 17
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the worstest mommy
April 16, 2012My oldest just started high school, but we are already college-aware. But I was more upset about her starting high school than I think I will be when she starts college. I’m a new follower from VoiceBoks.
Jennifer Wolfe
April 17, 2012That’s interesting…it was hard to see her start in the big high school, but at least I get to see her every day. College…that scares me, but I also know it’s such a huge part in her maturity. Two more years…thanks for following!
My Inner Chick
April 15, 2012Mamam,
I always enjoy reading about what is happening in your life <3
What an exciting time for you. It’s HARD letting go, isn’t it?
Xx
Jennifer Wolfe
April 17, 2012Kim, HARD isn’t the word. I don’t think I’m letting go quite yet…hanging on to the bitter end, I am!
Karen Dawkins
April 15, 2012What a sweet post. Our son graduates in seven short weeks. He finally made his college decision this past week, deciding between his two favorite choices was much harder than we thought. I wrote this post a while back when our college visits started. Maybe it will help other parents starting this wonderful journey. http://karendawkins.blogspot.com/2010/09/college-visits-101-for-parents.html
YOUR daughter is blessed to have you walking her through it from the beginning!!! Enjoy this special journey of letting go 🙂
Jennifer Wolfe
April 17, 2012Karen, you must be so proud of your son! Thanks for the link-I’ll head over to check it out. I appreciate your comment.
Kathy Radigan
April 15, 2012What a beautiful and touching post Jennifer!! My oldest will be in 8th grade next year and we are already starting to discuss high school and beyond. It is beyond scary how fast it all goes. I love that you and your daughter had that sweet time together to just enjoy where you have come from and where you and she will be heading! Much love!
Jennifer Wolfe
April 17, 2012Thanks, Kathy. I cherish my time with my girl, knowing it’s going by so fast. I can’t imagine not seeing her every day…
Mommy LaDy Club
April 14, 2012We are on #4 graduating from College in August and #3 graduating from Law School in May. It is a good feeling, but a long, expensive haul. I look at our old kitchen, and beaten up furniture, and know that all of that represents the success of the kids. Good luck and enjoy it! It’s worth it in the end!
Jennifer Wolfe
April 17, 2012Thank you-your comment really made me think. For me, it is all about their success. New furniture can wait, right!?
Susan Kane
April 14, 2012That brings back memories of our scrimping and saving years, getting our kids to college. Now we get to watch them do the same.
Jennifer Wolfe
April 17, 2012Scrimping and saving is right! I can’t believe how much more expensive college is now compared to when I went!
Susan Liberatore
April 14, 2012My oldest is starting high school this year. I’m terrified already. We stayed home for spring break as well : sometimes the best thing.
Jennifer Wolfe
April 17, 2012Thanks, Susan. High school IS kind of terrifying…I’m sure all will be well.
Jennifer Wolfe
April 14, 2012Laura, you’re lucky-I wish I could go back 14 yers and watch her wobble around with her little walking toys…growing up is hard to watch sometimes!
Laura@Catharsis
April 13, 2012We stayed home as well. And I can’t even begin to think about colleges. It makes my head hurt. At least I’ve got another 14 years or so until it’s a reality!