Not sure whether to jump for joy or flip out with frustration right now. Here's why:
For literally months Geoff and I have been talking to Katie, a junior in HS, about the need to visit colleges during February and April breaks. And all along she nodded in agreement. Then when February break approached and I asked her if she had put together a list of colleges she'd like to visit, she flipped out and said she didn't want to visit colleges. WHAT?!!! After I took a few deep breaths (with my mouth and nose inside a paper bag), I decided to back off and let her take the lead in this college search stress fest journey. At this point, she said she'd be willing to look during April break, but not February break. OK, I guess all hope is not lost. It then occurred to me that she was probably overwhelmed and maybe I should offer some assistance. I was reluctant to do this for two reasons - one, I really believe that this is her job and I don't want to be one of those parents and two, I was afraid she would rip my head off if I even offered to get involved. Long story a little shorter, I offered and she accepted. Really?! Yay! Of course, I procrastinated my research figuring I had plenty of time. Then a week or so before April break (which is this week), the topic comes up again and yet again she says she doesn't want to visit colleges. This time I'm prepared. I just sigh in resignation, shake my head in defeat and walk away. So I put the Peterson's Guide to Colleges away, grateful that I didn't spend hours and hours trying to find the perfect college for my daughter, who is perfectly capable of doing this for herself anyway.
So yesterday at Easter brunch at my brother's house, one of our relatives asked Katie if she had any plans for April break. And what did she say? Can you guess? You got it. She said she was planning on visiting some colleges in Boston - on MONDAY!!!! That's right - today! You can imagine my surprise. Of course, because we didn't plan this ahead of time, today is the only day that both she and I are free. So, it has to be today. Needless to say, I wanted to rant and rave at her, but I held my tongue. And when I got home from brunch, she and I sat down and looked at the Peterson's Guide and choose two schools to visit. And I still have not said a thing to her about how inconvenient it is to plan something like this at the last minute. I'm just so thankful that she wants to do it at all. So, I guess jump for joy wins out over flip out in frustration after all.
Image from Google images.
Posts
11 comments:
Frustrating indeed, but I'd be jumping for joy, too. My eldest has very iffy feelings about attending college at all and it makes my head want to explode!!! She is young enough that we have plenty of time, but still. I've always treated it like a given. But you said it all - it has to be their choice - their life.
Le Sigh.
Good luck to you both!
Hi Tammy - Thanks for you encouragement. I need it!
I really hope she finds a college she likes AND gives you more notice next time. ;)
Pam...I feel your pain. You know how frustrating the college thing has been and continues to be with Ashley. Some kids are so focused like my nieces and others think are so laid back...perhaps they think the perfect choice for them will happen by osmosis(sp)..
anyway...good luck now and for the next year ..it actually gets more frustrating as the search and the application process continues.
Colleen
Hi Tink - Thanks for your encouragement.
Colleen - I can totally relate to what you've been through (and continue to go through) with Ashley. I can't imagine it being anymore frustrating than this. Thanks for the heads up!
Hi Pam. Some people operate best flyin by the seat of their pants. Maybe your daughter is one of those types. Doesn't make it any less stressful for YOU though. Have a nice trip!
Hi Mommy - You are right about that. I think she's just too young to realize how much planning really needs to go into these visits. For instance, scheduling a tour of a campus. That would be a nice thing to be able to do once we get there, right?
Oh Pam, I feel your pain! Thanks for stopping by my blog. My twin daughters are sophomores and while we have a year more than you do, they are athletes and want to play at the college level and there is much work to be done.
I'm enjoying your blog.........planning to look around more.
Anita - Athletics, oh my! That adds a whole new dimension to this craziness, I'm sure. So glad you stopped by my blog. Please pull up a chair and stay awhile! Glad to have you here.
I'm sorry, I couldn't help but laugh when I read this post. I found your blog through my friend Angie, and I'm watching my cousin go through the same thing with her daughter right now. And I'm getting it from both sides...mom's calling me complaining about daughter, and daughter's calling me complaining about mom. I just keep reminding them both that they'll get through it, she's a smart girl and will make the choice that's best for her, and this too shall pass. Good luck! I'm sure your daughter will find the right place to spend the next four years!
Hi C - Glad you and Angie found my blog. Don't worry, feel free to laugh at me. I'm trying hard to keep a sense of humor about this whole process. I'm sure it will be hysterical in a few years!
Post a Comment