Posts Tagged ‘college’

No looking back

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

It’s that time. In just a few hours my girl begins her college days. Even though she’ll be living at home this first year (or semester) it’s still a big deal. I remember my own walk onto new school turf way back when. My commute was over an hour, hers won’t be quite that long. Still, it was scary and new–so I felt anxious.

She hasn’t mentioned any of that yet. I’m assuming that since her big brother is going to take classes at the same school with some of the same classes…she’s feeling ok with everything ahead. That could be pretty comforting, huh?

I’m really excited for her. It’s a new step towards her future that I know she’s happy to take. God has been pretty lavish with blessing our family especially when it comes to college and costs. Soon, she will be getting a car (hello, school loan!!) and then her freedom will feel real. Go girl!

My prayers are that she will find what it is she’s looking for. I know what it’s like to be her age and clueless about what you want out of life. I was stumbling around myself back then. Now that I think I have my dream figured out….I have to stumble even more to make it happen. But God…He knows just what she needs and me too.

Do you remember being 18 and facing the future? How’d you handle it? Did your dreams come true? Has life gone the way you imagined? It’s been a complete surprise for me. I’m so glad I surrendered my life to Him. By far, the best decision I’ve ever made.

Here’s to you Ally. Live your dreams, girl! I will always be here cheering you on. Lead…..in everyway.

The List

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

It’s that time again…..Scholarship announcements. Two years ago I felt pretty sorry for myself my son when his name wasn’t on the list. It stung worse than I can describe. He worked hard all through HS and yet here was this list full of names…..but not his! I’ll be honest, I was TICKED!!!

It took a while for me to move on. Don’t get me wrong, I was proud of all who won college money. But, it appeared that the same few students won everything. Come on, share the love. The part that made me feel so frustrated was that he was #21 out of 460+ kids! Uhhm, really? The message he and many like him received is work hard all through HS and do your best but don’t hope for any recognition for it.

He was just like everyone else who walked the halls even though he took all AP classes and College Bound Honors. Very sad.

Today the 2011 scholarship list has been placed in the window for the whole school to see. Once again, disappointment! Just like with Gavin, I felt that sting of sadness. But, she’s not the only one left off the list. I noticed several of her very deserving friends weren’t listed as well. Still, it’s hard to swallow.

As I came back to my classroom with my head hung low….I thought about how God had taken care of Gavin and his college needs. He’s wasn’t caught off guard by this news. He’s known all along that Ally wouldn’t get any local scholarship funds. It’s just shocking to me and will be to her. 🙁

I opened my desk drawer and noticed a sticky note pushed way back. God pretty much hand delivered it to me. {Thank you Lord}

Amen to that!

God has a plan. I don’t want anything that He doesn’t deem mine (or theirs). Do you?

It’s a brand new day…

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

 moving-ingavin-dorm-bldg

Yesterday, I stepped into new territory as a mama. I packed up everything I could think he might need while he was away. I tried to think clearly….but how can you when you’re dropping your kid off at college? I was doing my best!

We arrived at Eigenmann around lunch time. It was a pretty cool system. Families pull through (when it’s your turn) and unload in the driveway right in front of the building. I say that because….we watched families all over campus hauling their belongings down the streets (because that’s how they had to). The dorms are not all the same. Some are far away…other’s close to the drop off area.

We felt very thankful!

Everything went great! He’s in an awesome building and is learning his way around. We bought some groceries to get him started and to make him feel at home. Guys like food! 🙂 We’ve got a list going with the things he’s finding impossible to live without. It’s those little things, ya know?

We left him around 7pm. He had dorm meetings to attend and friends to connect with. We just had to drive home and start a new way of living. Much like him. He called…..needing computer help. His dad smiled…happy to be needed so soon. I smiled..just hearing his happy voice.

He’s going to be fine….and so are we. We love him and know God has great things in store for him.  Growing up is part of life….who knew it would happen so fast?  Goodluck, Sweetboy!  Enjoy your time there at IU!  Home is always here if you need it.

In less than a month…

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

I’ll drop my first-born baby off at college! He’s ready, but am I? I’ve been online shopping(looking not buying) all day. There are so many things that he’s going to need. He found out yesterday that he has a single room all to himself. I couldn’t believe it! That sounds like a good thing, right? I’ve been so worried about his roommate situation. I have imagined every single crazy scenario possible.

Would they get along? What if he was a jerk? Or I hope he’s a Christian! I’ve gone back and forth with God over it. I guess He finally got tired of listening to me and said….”Alright, lady! He can live alone!”. I know….that’s crazy! But then again….so am I.

Everytime I think of something…I add it to the list. Which is growing quite long. It’s the weird little things that you forget about. A flashlight? Yea, he’ll need that. Hooks for the wall? He won’t have much space, these are a must! Bedding….oh yes. He has to have Twin XL sheets. I’ve been pricing them all over. He cannot stand scratchy sheets (a family curse!). Do you know how hard it is to find soft XL twin sheets? Well….IT’S HARD! Plus, I’m on a budget. I have to make my dollar streeeeeetch! That’s something I’m pretty good at. But come on! I need some for $30 or less, please!

I’ve thought of the after affects of leaving him there. What kind of condition will he live? It’s hard work keeping things up in a house (dorm). If you cook….you have a mess to clean up. Will he do that? It can overwhelm you. What about making sweet tea? He really thinks he can’t live without it….How will he bother with that chore when he doesn’t have a sink in his room? And storing sugar? That’s an adult thing, right? He’s just a kid…..to me.

I’m growing God. Thank you for taking it easy on me. Every new day….I see more and more that you’re preparing me. I feel like I’m choking most of the time. I have a permanent lump in my throat. Will it ever go away? Help me……help him do what he has to do. I trust You, Lord and I love you too.
Amen.

24 days. But who’s counting?