<p>It was exactly one year ago, April 2013, when I stumbled onto CC while researching colleges for my eldest child -- DD1 -- then a HS junior. It quickly became my addiction. It's funny and embarrassing to look back now at some of my early posts. Boy, was I a dumb-a$$! I just want to say thank you to all the CC'ers who provided such sound advice, demonstrated such patience with my ignorance, and contributed to the many threads which helped me navigate some difficult college-related family and financial issues. Honestly, I don't know how I would have survived the past year without CC. I am deeply indebted to you all.</p>
<p>Now that all the college decisions are in, DD1 has made her final choice (UChicago), and the enrollment deposit has been paid, the ride has come to an end. And what an emotionally-draining, thrilling, anxious, depressing, eye-opening, exciting, infuriating, and glorious roller-coaster ride it has been! I'm not leaving for good, but I probably won't be hanging around as much as I used to, at least not until it's DD2's turn (she's just a soph). I'll still hang out over on the UChicago forum once in a while, looking for tidbits of information and news, and perhaps check in on other forums to see if I can help the next crop of clueless parents navigate their way through the process. That's the least I can do. Cheers!</p>