<p>Does anyone have a freshman son who is leaving behind a girlfriend who is a senior in high school? The girl is freaking out and so worried that he is going to change. Of course he’s going to change, or else it would sure be a waste of time and $50K. He had been looking at things pretty matter-of-factly, but now she is turning him into an emotional basket case one week before we head out. Help!</p>
<p>Monday, I don’t have a freshman son but my kid tells me that quite a few students have girlfriends/boyfriends at home or at other schools. As different kinds of social, academic,or other groups are formed, the kids still have a lot of fun together even going to hall dances etc. in groups. His girlfriend is right; he will change and it will be for the better. She will see the new and improved version by Christmas (if not sooner) and Christmas vacation is very long.</p>
<p>I hope most of you were able to attend the orientation this weekend for the Class of 2013. From Fr. Jenkins, Dr. Page, Jack Swarbrick, Charlie Weis, the hall rectors down to the upperclassmen, they all did their best to make the new students and their parents comfortable. Parents may have been sad to leave, but I doubt that any were scared to leave their child with the Notre Dame family. If you could not attend, your child is in good hands.</p>