<p>So last week I started packing up my room and somehow I finally realized that I was actually going to be leaving and wouldn't see my family(whom I'm very close to, including grandparents and aunts&uncles) for nearly 5 months and in some cases a year. Of course I <em>knew</em> this from the start but some how didn't really feel real until now. </p>
<p>Is this generally the way kids feel about this or did most of you know what you were doing from the start?</p>
<p>To be clear I'm not really having any afterthoughts, or considering not going, I'm just a bit nervous.</p>
<p>I’m having a bit of those feelings… I bought all of my dorm stuff so I guess that triggered it.haha
Also, yesterday was the start of the one month countdown before orientation…but I’m excited nonetheless!</p>
<p>FYI, parents are subject to the same feelings…</p>
<p>Getting roommate assignments, advisors, bills, etc. makes the reality all the more real. I’m happy that we were able to pack in a bunch of quality family time this summer…</p>
<p>I think I’m the outlier–I’m totally ready to bolt from my town and not look back. Of course I’ll be missing my family, but I know they’ll always be there for me, and I’m fortunate because they’ll only be a 3-hour car ride away. </p>
<p>I’m only so eager to go because of… personal reasons though. If I was still friends with the people who I was super close with this year, I’d probably be pretty distraught about leaving. Hahaha.</p>
<p>In a lot of ways it is both gutwrenching for parents and students and exciting all around. I remember all the anxiety my son had about questioning his ability to do the work, would he meet new friends, how would he be able to leave his family, his true supports? As parents, we questioned were we doing the right thing, was he too young being only 14 to live more independently etc? These are only natural and very soon, things will feel routine and everyone will settle in, not to worry. It’s also exciting to see all the opportunities ahead and all the growth involved with living more independently, meeting new people from around the world, making new friends, challenges ahead.</p>
<p>I love your enthusiasm, cassat. I wish my kids were more like you, but separation at age 14 was more difficult for my son and my daughter is expressing a desire to look at more day schools which we are in favor of as well. It’ll be okay, just expect there will be both ups and downs and that in the end, it will all work out.</p>
<p>No, this will be my first year. I’m entering as a new sophomore.</p>
<p>But I had a particularly hard freshman year (my friends lashed out at me when I got into boarding school) and so I’m really ready to start fresh! (:</p>
<p>@cassat, My D also had a handful of friends who didn’t understand her moving on so soon. She too was ready to bolt. Now when she comes home her bff’s want to hear about her new life.
S is about to start his first yr. of BS. He’s excited but nervous.
Parents are starting to realize the nest will be empty soon, yikes. I’m dreading the drive home after we drop him off.</p>
<p>Hold a party (or go to the movies) with friends to say goodbye and then stay in touch via email and facebook.</p>
<p>My D was excited until the day grew closer. After a while we all stopped talking about it. Too hard emotionally even though we were excited. The night before school started we drove by the campus before heading to the hotel. That made it a lot tougher. So we did the slow pack-up in the morning and headed to campus to meet her chaperone. And within minutes on campus she forgot her fears, was all smiles, was greeted by other students and I was sent on a tour. I met her roommate’s parents and we divvied up lists of last minute items to get the girls for their dorm rooms and I stayed in touch with the parents via email.</p>
<p>We’re about to do it for year two. I hate that she’s leaving, but I know what she’s going into and how much her school (friends and staff) like and nurture her. </p>
<p>You’ll be fine. What you’re feeling is normal. It’s worse on the parents than the students because the students are consumed with the life 24-7. We’re at home “waiting” for contact. :)</p>
<p>Your feeling are typical. Not just for bs but for many other experiences you will encounter in the next 10 years, college, first job, etc. Trust your desire to go to bs and give it a chance.</p>
<p>It really hit me that wow, I won’t come home from school everyday and see my family. I’m thrilled to be going, it’s just that this is going to be major change.</p>
have fun!</p>