OR
Sorority Parents Blog
Aug132010
Our Daughter’s College Journey: Year Two…
posted by Mary Beth Rice on 08/13/10 at 3:53 pm - 10 Comments
Today my husband and I move Mary Claire into her sorority house. She is officially a sophomore at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. After living at home this summer with her three younger brothers and us, she is MORE than ready to jump in feet first with several other Delta Gamma sisters to ready themselves for formal recruitment, taking place next week. She is excited to experience this part of sorority recruitment and welcome all of the potential new members into their chapter home.
Having my daughter with us all summer was a blessing but now it is time for her to transition back into her college life. Boxes showed up on her attic staircase a few days ago with clothes, toiletries, school supplies and more. The cozy overstuffed chair in her bedroom that I painstakingly cleaned off prior to her arrival in May so she could curl up and “read a good book” is now covered, barely recognizable, with unfolded clothes, shopping sacks, a few pair of boots (does one need that many boots?) and several other items that I assume are traveling with her.
I can’t help thinking….we didn’t get it all in…the time went by so quickly. Yet, we did accomplish and share much… late night talks, a few shed tears, some deep laughter, baking cookies, at least twenty batches of the infamous hot Vidalia onion dip (you might want this recipe!), some shopping, mass together, a few days at Gram’s lake cabin, neighborhood walks, a few of her brothers’ baseball games (did I say just a FEW?), cuddling new kittens, volunteering for the International Special Olympic Games held in our home town, several library books…
I remember blogging last August about my daughter’s college start and how heart wrenching it was for both me and my husband. (Honestly, prior to her departure, I do believe it was the only time we both sobbed simultaneously?!) I remember writing that I felt all the color in our home and somehow gone, referencing my daughter’s personality and her love of art which physically has always been strewn here and there in process. I am grateful for the color that was brought back home this summer (Did I mention she was in charge of decorations for recruitment? Hello paint, glitter, and tissue paper flowers with all the bling!)
Thankfully, this exit is less emotional (thus not so exhausting?), and, while I know I will feel melancholy for a few days after we send her on her way, as a more seasoned parent I have experienced an entire year of the ebb and flow of her presence in our family and it feels more comfortable. As she begins her second year, I hope she is rejuvenated, rested, and settles back into college life feeling loved. I remember being anxious myself at the start of each semester; nervous, uncertain, vulnerable …Make sure and arm your own daughter with love and courage. Perhaps even write her a letter of encouragement to tuck in her suitcase or to arrive via snail mail that first week of school. If you are a first time college parent, take heart: The journey will get easier as everyone settles in…
Glenda - 08/16/10 @ 9:21 am
Thanks MaryBeth! Glad to hear the 2nd year was better. I’m dropping my daughter off for her freshman year in 1-1/2 weeks and I’d like to have a link to the post you wrote last year. That perspective is sorely needed. Thanks for the encouragement!
npc - 08/16/10 @ 11:37 am
Check out Mary Beth’s blog from last fall to see how things have changed since freshman year. http://www.sororityparents.com/2009/08/my-daughters-new-adventure/
Cindy - 08/16/10 @ 12:13 pm
I too have a sophomore daughter who just moved into the sorority house at K-State. The same sorority and house I was in at K-State as a collegian. It was so fun being in the house again and sharing all the excitement with the girls as they moved in all of their belongings and decorations. Having her pledge the same sorority and be on the same campus that I attended, has made the transition so much easier for me last year and again this year. It is still hard after having a great summer with her home too.
ann berg - 08/16/10 @ 11:55 pm
i was “a face in the crowd” today at unl’s parent info session for sorority recruitment. your insight from your first year experience was encouraging and gave me heart.
for me, it has been a “tough mommy day”…daughter #1 was moved into smith hall & is beginning recruitment as a freshman, daughter #2 begins middle school on wed and daughter #3 had open house tonight at her elementary school. it all seems to be going so swiftly…but your quote (paraphrased)…don’t cry b/c it’s over, smile b/c it happened.
i’ve only read a couple previous posts, but look forward to reading more…they’ve been very encouraging!
ann berg - 08/17/10 @ 12:00 am
oops…fatigue is setting in…;)
it all seems to be going so swiftly…but your quote (paraphrased)…”don’t cry b/c it’s over, smile b/c it happened” lifted my spirit, reminding me there is so much more in this parenting journey and a new season is upon us.
MaryBethRice - 08/18/10 @ 9:32 am
Hi Kirsten! I am not certain “my” familiarity of the sorority house that Mary Claire just moved into made a difference in my comfort level as much as the feeling that, after a year getting to know her DG sisters, Mary Claire seemed very familiar and eager to move in and room with a good friend and sister, etc. “Her” comfort level and confidence in moving to campus is so much greater beginning this sophomore year compared to last August when all was unknown. Of course, the sentimentality of moving her into the chapter house I lived in a zillion years ago is appreciated and it was fun reminiscing and sharing that with her 
!
Thanks for your comment and do you think I need to post that onion dip recipe??
Glenda, Best of luck in you and your daughter’s college transition. I will be thinking of you and so check out the posts written by me and others beginning last August. NPC has posted the link.
mary beth rice - 10/09/10 @ 12:03 pm
Ann, I am sorry it took me so long to respond but thank you for the positive feedback re: the UNL parents talk. I hope by now that all of your transitions have gone smoothly! I too have children younger than my daughter transitioning into middle school and high school….so much change…does it keep us young or make us feel old? Blessings to you and your family.
Madeline Petty - 12/23/10 @ 5:02 pm
Hi Kirsten! I am not certain “my” familiarity of the sorority house that Mary Claire just moved into made a difference in my comfort level as much as the feeling that, after a year getting to know her DG sisters, Mary Claire seemed very familiar and eager to move in and room with a good friend and sister, etc. “Her” comfort level and confidence in moving to campus is so much greater beginning this sophomore year compared to last August when all was unknown. Of course, the sentimentality of moving her into the chapter house I lived in a zillion years ago is appreciated and it was fun reminiscing and sharing that with her ! Thanks for your comment and do you think I need to post that onion dip recipe?? Glenda, Best of luck in you and your daughter’s college transition. I will be thinking of you and so check out the posts written by me and others beginning last August. NPC has posted the link.
Carrie Lowe - 12/25/10 @ 6:25 pm
Well said MB. And do you think your ease also has something to do with the fact she moved into the sorority house where you also lived? I think that would make me feel more comfortable with the situation.(I made the onion dip for a potluck at work this week. Of course everyone loved it!
Leave a Reply
Search Blog
Filter articles by date and/or tag, or search for a keyword.
Kirsten - 08/13/10 @ 4:16 pm
Well said MB. And do you think your ease also has something to do with the fact she moved into the sorority house where you also lived? I think that would make me feel more comfortable with the situation.(I made the onion dip for a potluck at work this week. Of course everyone loved it!