<p>Tomorrow and Friday is the Smith Open Campus for admitted prospective students. Daughter and wife are in transit from Florida as I type. They are pretty excited-- me too.
D gave me the Open Campus "Schedule of Events"-- WOW, lots to do. The schedule looks really organized with lots of overlap in event choices for the prospectives students plus events that would appeal to parents. The STRIDE students are running a research poster display in the p.m. day #1 with a breakfast and research panel day #2 - very nice. I note a Presidential Address will get things going early on day #2 (Friday). The day #1 evening closing event is a "Capella Jam." hmph- I've never been to one of those, And I wonder just what it is-- song I would guess?? </p>
<p>Well, I hope this is it for Daughter. She is carrying her "Confirmation to Attend Smith" card and my check for $400. Assuming all goes well, I believe we have found a wonderful college where she will be happy and challenged in completing her undergraduate studies.</p>
<p>We appreciate the input from the many wonderful and smart CC posters-- Thanks. David</p>
<p>Tell them NOT TO MISS the A CAPELLA JAM! It’s a sampling of all the fantastic a Capella groups Smith has. Besides the Smithereens, my other favorite group is the Crapapellas. Last year it was held in a beautiful historic church.</p>
<p>To all those attending Open Campus and Discovery Days, my wish is that your time spent at Smith is validating and energizing. Do let us know how it went!</p>
<p>It’s hard to believe a year has already gone by since my daughter, her mom and myself attended the 2011 Open Campus. It was the event that cinched her decision to attend Smith, a decision which she has not looked back upon since.</p>
<p>David, you are correct in your assumption that this is a very well-run event, from the sign-up at the Indoor Tennis center to the cookies and a drink you’re given for the ride home(or flight as the case may be).</p>
<p>At certain points, actually most of the first day, daughter went off on her own to attend classes, panel discussions, and musical performances, while the Mom and I went to presentations aimed at the Parental Units, for such appropriate topics as “Letting Go.” By the end of the day you are sure this is the right school for your daughter, that she’ll be well looked after by her peers and the support systems, and she’ll be in for a great four years of academics and social growth.</p>
<p>One year on, as noted, the feelings have sustained. I hope your daughter and the rest get the same feel for Smith that mine did. It should be a great couple days in Northampton.</p>
<p>Daughter is all checked into Open Campus. Debra Shaver, Dean of Admissions was greeting as D and wife walked up to register-- nice touch. Daughter’s bag for the overnight was taken to Haven-Wesley where her host resides. So far so good-- </p>
<p>I mentioned to the wife, whatever you do, don’t miss the “jam” at 7:00 p.m.</p>
<p>@ bn: Glad you are getting the play by play! I am remembering how wonderful Open Campus was last year and how truly inspired my D became. STRIDE posters were a pivotal time where she saw the miraculous future Smith could help to build.</p>
<p>A year later, while a tad concerned over finals and papers, she still finds the balance to volunteer at a soup kitchen, “work” a rather late house party, as well as be part of many other aspects of being in a wonderful community.</p>
<p>brie99 - yes, I’m getting sort of a play by play via my wife and daughter. The faculty reception was quite impressive I am told. The STRIDE poster display was excellent as well. The daughter went off with the Smith host to Haven Wesley (I assume to the residence although not 100% certain) for dinner. My wife is having dinner in Northampton and then back to AutumnInn before heading to a “chapel” for the Capella Jam. Oh, my wife was very very impressed with the Study Abroad presentation in the 3:15-4:15 time slot. It sounds like several students related their experiences abroad.</p>
<p>Flashback for many of you fine parents I trust!!!</p>
<p>Yes, a flashback. Wish I was there at the jam. Please post your d’s impressions after it’s over. Very curious as to how she finds haven-wesley and which one of the sections she stays in.</p>
<p>Wife just called re the “jam”. Sounded like 6-7 a capella groups performed. I asked about the crappapellas (sp) and W indicated they performed at the mid half way mark. My D’s host was in one of the groups singing so D was handed off to 3 of her friends. The “jam” was excellent. I’ve watched the Smithereens and Vibes (I think) on You Tube from home. The whole concept is pretty neat and it seems rather competitive to get into a group at Smith. </p>
<p>FWIW the weather has been excellent- and, it should hold thru Friday. Good for Smith!</p>
<p>Tomorrow D has a 7:30 STRIDE breakfast, 9:00 Presidential Address, and some science classes plus tours. At noon is a lunch plus Student Activities Fair. </p>
<p>Well, Day #1 is in the record books-- good night folks.</p>
<p>Well the 1:30 p.m. report from the Daughter and Wife have both very tired and all walked out. The STRIDE breakfast and presentation was excellent (headed by Peter de Villiers - Coordinator of STRIDE program). Daughter sat in on a microbiology class enjoying it and certain student presentations on probiotics – you know like the T.V. commercials, ha! Daughter and Wife were tremendously impressed with President Carol Christ’s presentation, saying “what energy”. </p>
<p>Last night at Haven Wesley went nicely. The kids D stayed with went to another residence to eat. My D is a veggie with this sort of food plentiful at Smith (this was great!). She really likes the Center Campus dorms. Before the trip she thought Green Street would be the preference, but no, Center Campus impressed her. I believe she actually stayed in Wesley, the small part of H-W.</p>
<p>I just received a call from Daughter to confirm her social security number that I carry with me for the “Confirmation to Attend Smith” card. The Wife and Daughter are walking the card plus a $400 check over to the Smith Admissions office as I type.</p>
<p>Well-- My Daughter is a SMITHIE, a SMITHIE!!!</p>
<p>Great Open Campus event for us. The Wife and Daughter are going to celebrate in Northampton tonight, then an early flight back to Florida tomorrow. </p>
<p>I’m traveling with Daughter and Wife on the Smith drop off, orientation at the end of August. Looking forward to that trip.</p>
<p>Yeah! Word of advice–make your hotel reservations now for orientation and, if you are coming, the Family Weekend in October. Hotels/motels fill up very, very quickly.</p>
<p>Congrats all around, bn12gg! It’s been five years since I walked in your daughter’s shoes (already?!?!), and I distinctly remember the delicious popsicles they left out for us in the Campus Center. :D</p>
<p>Great news, David! I was hoping/expecting this to be the case, but you never know! I think she as well as your wife and yourself will be happy with the decision. Time to start buying some winter duds! Although last year was very tame. Any more questions, feel free to ask. I’ll turn them over to daughter. :D</p>
<p>Thanks so much. It has been a long sloggggg, but we found the perfect College for the Daughter-- she guided us every step of the way. I fully approve of Daughter’s decision.</p>
<p>njcdmom–Thanks for the hotel advice. We have reservations for the last few days in August-- Orientation for new students begins-- I guess we call them “Firsties” at Smith! I’ll buy in!</p>
<p>David if you are on FB take a minute to join our parents group. Just search Smith College Parents and Families. Other parents invited too. Just can’t post a link on here.</p>