During drop off son was not questioning his major but the way his program was run/scheduled.in regards to most of his major classes starting junior year.
Unbeknownst to me he has been worrying about this for weeks. To share his concern he expressed that attending the school was his worst case scenario. The decision process was difficult but he did choose this school. And honestly finances did play a part but it was only one factor. I encouraged him to share these concerns (there was more than one) with his academic advisor who is in his major. Is any of this a normal part of transitioning to college?
As a parent I would encourage him to be positive and give it his best effort and attitude.
Is he a junior? Transfer? It isn’t clear from your post. If he is a freshman and this is a first drop off I would tell him not to worry about his junior year. I also think it’s a good idea to remind kids to “bloom where they are planted.” If the school has his desired program of study, is affordable, and an overall “good” school, there is not reason not to have a great experience.
It is common for kids (people) to react when there is change to their lives. Some react very negatively and assume worst case scenario. I would tell him to give it a chance and let him know he could always transfer if it doesn’t work out. Tell him not to worry too much junior year, but focus on now. I wouldn’t be surprised next time you talk to him he is well settled and made some friends.
I’d put this in the category of “Fear of the Unknown” and there is a ton of unknown in his life right now. Once he gets acclimated he’ll likely have different thoughts.
I vividly remember S looking forward to going away to school all summer. And then the actual day arrived and you could tell he was anxious throughout that 12 hour car ride. Night before move in at dinner he stated “I guess this is really happening. Up until now, it felt like we were just visiting…” He was fine within the first two days and has loved it ever since.
It’s quite normal.
Hugs to you, it’s rough knowing they’re not happy. Maybe he can talk to his advisor about taking a least a few classes in his major before junior year. TBH I wouldn’t like having to wait either, but perhaps that’s just how it has to be and hopefully he will still have a good experience.
It sounds like a rough start, but it is only the first chapter, not the entire story. See how things go. Encourage him to get involved and to go meet with his advisor. Things can change on a dime with teenagers.
Worst part of drop off (but also, in retrospect kind of funny) is watching all the ways that kids express their stress while trying to keep cool. Kids hissing at parents, eyes rolling, suuuuuper polite ‘thank you mother’ comments, and (especially) lots of furtive looking at the other new students to see if anybody is watching. And every now and then a parent catches another parents eye at that moment and there will be a shared wry smile.
Best part is going back 6 weeks later for parents weekend and seeing your eaglet confident and soaring.