College Preview Days

Last week, I had the pleasure of taking AJ to Florida for a college visit.  I know that my friends here did not have much sympathy for me leaving this very frigid winter that we've had so far and heading south to warmer temps.  But hey, someone has to do it!  Anyway, it was really good to spend some one on one time with him before he leaves for college this summer.  Those times are rare these days.

As we visited the campus, I almost forget that what we are really doing is laying the groundwork for his life...one that will lead away from us.  I have to remind myself that this trip isn't about me and my dreams.  As we spoke to professors, sat in classrooms, walked through the library, I couldn't help but be excited, part of me wishing that I could step right back in time.  I went to community college and that was exactly what I wanted at that time in my life.  But, I'm so excited that this is the place that he has chosen and will be at.  I guess I can live vicariously through him.  We talked about how beautiful the campus was, the opportunities in the program that he has chosen, and somehow by sharing my enthusiasm with him, I can also share in his experience.  The point of the visit is to solidify his choice.  The one that feels like a good fit to him.  As he looked at schools, his criteria was that it wasn't too big, it wasn't too small, and that they had a good sports management program.  Oh and that the food was good too!  He loved everything about the school.  Everything they did was excellent.  We had a great time and he feels such an excitement and peace about his choice.

As I am looking back over this past year, I am realizing how much he has changed and matured.  And I am so proud of him.