We visited our Sparkly Girl this weekend for Parents weekend at Hendrix College. It was delightful to see her so happy. I don't know how many times we looked at each other and said, "She has friends!" She looks and seems entirely at home on campus and that is an amazing feeling as a parent. Her roommates are nice, her friends are supportive, and she is navigating campus life well.
Class is killing her, but she knew that after leaving the hippy dippy environment of her private school experience she would have a tough ladder to climb. Many of these kids come from prep school environments or at lease Advanced Placement classes at their public schools. Her experience was the complete opposite of that and she is having to work really hard to keep up.
Spanish is kicking her butt. She has never had it, and the class moves so fast that she is struggling to figure it out, but that is just part of life and we know she can do this - even though she may not be at the top she will figure out how to play along.
Because her dad and I did not attend college like this, we did separate programs that went towards certificate programs - we are amazed at the college life experience. There are so many things to adjust to. Just getting your laundry done is a challenge! It does seem like a beautiful time in a kids life though because they can continue to grow as people. A suspended reality of sorts from "real life" to concentrate on what matters to you.
We are proud parents!
