So over my spring break I traveled from the west coast to the east coast to tour colleges. Just about every college my father asked questions and embarrassed me. Questions like: “What are the parties like?” “Do people do a lot of drugs?” etc. I was thinking of ways to get back at him. What questions could I ask during an information session to screw with him?
Or you could not and be a mature person who’s ready to go to college
Just ask about the locations of condom dispensers and how close the Planned Parenthood offices are to campus.
I feel your pain, chillyee. I like the way your mind works, but wasn’t able to come up with a question that met your needs. Maybe some of our creative members will have an idea or two.
In the meantime, suggest to your dad that he asks those questions here on CC. He’ll get first-hand answers from parents, students, and locals. The problem with asking about something like drugs in an info session or on a tour is that the answer will be bland and predictable. “Sure, that exists, but it’s not something most students engage in. University policy, of course, does not allow illegal substances to be brought onto the campus.”
These aren’t totally bad questions, but an info session isn’t the place to get useful answers.
It could be worse. Years ago, I was on a campus tour and the guide mentioned the “alternative lifestyles” dorm. One dad kept asking about it, and the guide gave vague answers about it being “for students who preferred a different lifestyle.” The clueless dad proceeded to put his now mortified daughter on the spot by asking her, “That dorm sounds interesting, do you think you’d be interested in living there, honey?” If there had been an open manhole nearby, I’m sure she would have dove in head-first.
I concur with @Roger_Dooley. The fact is, tour guides are paid promoters of the university and can’t simply say that yes, actually on a Friday night if at least three people didn’t puke in the bathroom, it’s probably finals week.
You might want to bring this up with your dad that the answers will be at best vague and nondescript and at worst outright lies. Don’t simply try to get back at him. On campus social life is a legitimate concern, especially because the party culture can change drastically from school to school, and frankly some schools’ party scenes are much less toxic than others.
Agree with @bodangles – just deal with it. Take a moment and recognize just how fortunate you are to have parents who are willing to make the trip to come east and tour colleges with you, who seem to be supportive of the idea of your going to a college that will be the best fit even if it is far away and who care about you and your well being.
Hi chillyee,Thanks for sharing this.Also i have same kind of feelings that you have about your parents.I think When the kids are little, it’s all about taking care of them and giving them everything they need to thrive and be happy. But then when they get older it’s time for parents to start having some fun…and maybe at their kids’ expense.
I am sure, @chillyee, you’ll be every bit as embarrassed to take (in all likelihood) tens-of-thousands of your father’s (and your mother’s) HARD EARNED and SLOWLY SAVED dollars annually, to finance YOUR college education. You’re aware, of course, that he is not obligated to provide one penny to enhance your future? Do you understand the meaning of gratitude?