I admit that the college search/application/decision process has been most stressful. My child is eagerly flapping his wings, ready to take flight, although it seems like just yesterday when we read Swedish children's books on the couch or took woodland walks looking at ant trails and dragonflies. Come this fall I will not see his sleepy face in the morning, nor will I have to argue about his dirty socks on the floor. For about a year now our lives have been consumed by college visits, essay writing, AP tests, SAT scores, interviews, financial aid applications, and more college visits. He worked hard, on all his applications, sifting through questions about life altering experiences, volunteer positions, and favorite words...
And here we are, final decision in hand. He will attend University of Virginia in the fall. We will help pack his things, fill up the car, and drive a mile and a half down the road. For a kid with big dreams and many options this may seem a bit anticlimactic. He will go to school where his dad works, and walk on the lawn where he has played since childhood. But the truth is that we have a fantastic university in our own backyard. The adventure still awaits, new friendships will be made, and lots of new things will be learned.
As for me, I am relieved that the search is over and the decision is made. I am trying hard to hide how happy I am, knowing that he will still be nearby.
Congrats! Big decision and big time in a family's life! We too sent our children off to college in Virginia...one to William & Mary, one to JMU, but from California!!! Enjoy!
ReplyDeletehow great is that?! i am sure the mama in you is just thrilled to have him still be so close to home. and so proud! what a great choice. congrats.
ReplyDeleteha! both mine went away for high school--two time zones.college was almost anticlimactic, though not so much as yours!
ReplyDeletecongratulations.
I'm so pleased that the perfect solution was so close (especially as a sympathetic mother!). A momentous time for all of you :-)
ReplyDeletePhew! It will be lovely to have him close by still. The thought of mine going always brings a little tear to my eye. It's getting closer all the time.x
ReplyDeleteOh, that's so funny, I didn't realize it was in your backyard :) I'm impressed that he went through the hassle of applying and visiting all of those other colleges--good for him!
ReplyDeleteawwww! How fast life moves. I am already tearing up at the thought of Ruby attending Kindergarten. I hear that is a gorgeous campus, btw. Congrats
ReplyDeletecongratulations, lotta. wonderful news the application ride is over and the fun begins (and so close to home!). am sorry we won't see you in the midwest. enjoy your summer, that mile-and-a-half walk will still feel distant, i imagine.
ReplyDeleteWhat a relief it must be to have that decision taken care of! Although we're still years from all this I can completely sympathize with your wish to keep him close. Good luck to him on his new adventure!
ReplyDeleteOh, it sounds like the perfect setup, Lotta!! And how perfect, too, that I should read about it today, on the eve of Mother's Day. :) I hope you have a wonderful rest of your weekend, dear! And congrats to the young man in the house and to you all for a a decision well-made!
ReplyDeletexoox
-maria
Okay I am just following Maria all around your blog it seems, catching up too. I think it's incredibly sweet and suitable in a way for your son to choose the university so familiar to him and yet unfamiliar in his new role as a freshman. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteOhhh.. My computer decided to quit working so I'm am just catching up. I actually got a bit teary reading your post... My daughter will be a junior in high school next year..so we are just starting to think about college.....and I will be so thrilled if she stays close. :) so so happy for you
ReplyDeleteAnd i hope you had a lovely weekend gardening
Michelle
Oh honey, don't try to hide how happy you are about him staying near the nest. Scream it out loud! He will love you even more for it!!
ReplyDeleteWish him the best of luck from me - another Swedish mother with a little boy who one day will spread his wings.. I won't be as brave and strong as you then.. :)
xx Charlotta