Today my husband attended our high school's College Colloquium, a workshop for juniors and their parents. Our oldest daughter is just beginning her college search, and honestly, I am just not ready. Sitting in the workshop sessions today just reinforced how unready I feel for this whole process.
It's not so much that I'm not ready for her to strike out on her own (I'm not, but still). There's more to it. There is just so much about the college application process that I just don't know... I don't even know where to start.
And my girl feels the same. She doesn't really have a dream school in mind like many 16 year old kids. She doesn't really even know what she wants as a career. We're going into this process a bit blind, but with open minds.
I know I have to trust the process. We're lucky she attends a high school with top-notch counselors. We're lucky I have friends whose older children have gone through this process.
We'll go to visit schools. We'll read books. We'll help her find the right fit.
And then, we'll watch her fly.
Looking for colleges seems overwhelming on so many different levels. Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteI so know how you feel. Our daughter was nowhere ready for the college application process even into the fall of her senior year. At that point she didn't even want to think about going out of state, let alone leaving home. Even after she sent in her applications, she had no favorite. Well, one, and that one was her first rejection. Upset for about 48 hours. Then her acceptances came, and the state school she ended up attending was just the right place for her, despite some rough spots the first year. The best way to handle it all is to relax and not stress -- easier to say than to do.
ReplyDeleteI was you a year ago and just like that we are done. Trust the process - but ask questions. Let her lead - but never stop parenting. Listen to her - but don't be afraid to share your thoughts. It is the beginning of a new relationship with her. A wise person told us to set up one time per week to talk college -- and that is it!! Save everything for that one meeting so it does not leak into every day, every moment. Hang in there - it has ups and downs. You will be scared, sad, worried, happy AND you will be fine.
ReplyDeleteClare