College visits and college choices often become part of that journey, if a particular child is inclined to make that choice. In our household, our oldest child was wishy-washy and unsure, so a stint at a junior college was not productive. He’s back at it now, however, and he seems to be doing very well. Some just need more time to think it through. I think he gets it now.
The second child has had plans since she was five years old. First to be a doctor, then specifically to be, as she called it back then, “a baby doctor.” After a few trips to the ER for her childhood mishaps, she realized she didn’t like the sight of blood, hers or anyone else’s. Politics and law entered the arena of her plans, and her college visits focused on her plans and goals. Scholarship money rolled in, and all was good. Paperwork was all in order and mostly on time, and she loves her school and her classes.
With child number three, there is definitely a desire to attend college, but again, the search is not as broad. A friend had loaned me a book about small colleges, and that really seemed to fit the bill for his choices. It coincided with a visit we had already scheduled last February to check out a small, liberal arts college in
The book is fantastic because it explains that, while tuition is more costly, the alumni of these small, liberal arts colleges really contribute heartily and support their school long after graduation. They have many nice scholarship opportunities and financial aid, just like the bigger state schools. The book explains in detail the strong points of each school, their study abroad programs, what each town is like, and many more details that help determine if a visit to a particular campus is a good fit.
It opened up my eyes to the fact that, yes, you can attend a smaller school where the professors actually know you by name and want to help you. You’re not just a student number. They also have research opportunities that give the students a way to make money while attending school.
I went to a larger state school out west in
Today, high school students have so many options, more information and even college-prep classes. I graduated in a class of 99 at a small private school, and only about 15 went to college! There wasn’t any prep at all except hearing from my sister about what a great time she was having. Ahem. Not much studying, but she was one of those lucky ones who got all A’s and B’s and didn’t have to study much.
High school students today may not know what they want to major in, but many still value a college education and will go in and see what it’s all about. So this college visit passage is one of happiness and sadness of course—child number three is the last child in the home, and he will be going away. I am happy for his opportunity and hope that he will meet new friends who will open up new windows in life. I hope he holds the thought that recreation and fun don’t necessarily mean keggers. I hope he will be doing community service volunteering while there and tackling new responsibilities on his own, in a positive manner.
The smaller schools we have seen provide an opportunity to get more involved in the community and perhaps stay more focused on what is important. The smaller schools we have visited seem to shun the party atmosphere too. It goes without saying there will be alcohol on campus at many of these schools, but it’s just a little different than a school of 10,000. I still believe if you hang with good quality people, your good qualities will remain as well.
To this day, I know some people who never let go of that “college party” way of thinking, and they still don’t have a clue what a social drink is. To each his own, but I like life, and I sure don’t want to miss any part of it. I can only hope my college-bound son will make solid choices and always be authentic, not fake. There is nothing wrong with saying ‘no’ and you know? Nerds are in! Tools are out!
One more visit and we are finished. It has been fun doing the road trips together. If we could just finish all the paperwork, that would be ideal!
