<p>As we make plans for the NU Commencement on June 19, it seems fitting to come full circle and visit the CC forum again. </p>
<p>Four years ago, I had many of the same questions about NU that I see posted on the forum today, but what I think that I really wanted to know was if my daughter would be happy and thrive in her new environment. With the wisdom of hindsight, I can now say that NU turned out to be the perfect school for her! Her experiences have probably been the same as many of her fellow students -- she's had some amazing professors who have inspired her to reach new heights academically, but who have also supported her and readily written recommendation letters as she prepares for the next stage of her life. She has learned as much, if not more, from her friends. Having had a relatively easy life, she has been impressed by the obstacles that many of her friends had to overcome to reach university. Some of them are first generation college students who feel a strong sense of commitment to NU for recognizing their potential and giving them the opportunity to succeed. </p>
<p>Writing this is turning out to be more difficult than I imagined. I keep reflecting on the past and am sure that I'll be filled with a mixture of emotions as I watch my daughter and her friends embark on the next phase of their lives on June 19. One emotion that I won't feel is anxiety for the future, for whether they're going on to graduate school or to work, I know that they're well prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead. </p>
<p>Good luck to the Class of 2013! May your time at NU be as memorable and as meaningful as our daughter's 4 years in Evanston.</p>
<p>Thanks for the congratulations – I’ll pass them on to my daughter. Her remaining weeks are turning out to be a bittersweet experience. Yes, she’s happy that she’ll be finished with her undergraduate degree, but she keeps saying “I can’t believe that my 4 years here are almost over!” Just as I couldn’t imagine what it would be like dropping her off at her dorm freshman year, I can’t imagine what it will be like leaving Evanston for the last time. </p>
<p>Perischack, best wishes for your NU freshman. I would highly recommend one of the orientation programs in the fall. Our daughter did Pwild and really enjoyed the experience. </p>
<p>Pizzagirl, NU alums must be a special group of people! It’s hard to believe that our daughter will soon be an NU “alum” and not a student! I already see evidence of her growing realization of the impact that NU has had and will continue to have on her life.</p>
<p>Liland-Congrats to your DD! My DD is a sophomore and I am so impressed with the breadth of course work, her friends, and all the activities she has been involved with-I honestly don’t know when she sleeps! And the NU alums, and Professors have been helpful with work/internships…it makes it easier to write the checks knowing what an education she is receiving.
Looking back, any advice/tips to share with us?
Thanks! APOL-a mom</p>
<p>APOL, thanks for the congratulations. It sounds as if your daughter is also having a wonderful time at NU and making the most of her time there! </p>
<p>As far as advice/tips, my daughter would say that every NU student should spend at least one summer session in Evanston. Summers at NU seem to be much more enjoyable than the brutal winters. </p>
<p>If your daughter is planning to study abroad, check about all of the costs in advance. We got a bit of a shock when we had to pay an extra $5,000 on top of the regular NU tuition. I think that the fees vary according to the study abroad program, which is something that we didn’t realize until we received the bill. </p>
<p>Best wishes for your daughter’s next two years!</p>
<p>Liland-Thank you for your sage advice. Especially about the idea to encourage her to spend at least one summer in Evanston. She was looking to take a job in Evanston this summer-I was/am hesitant thinking it would be just too much Evanston-so-I am feeling MUCH better about her decision. Thank you! APOL-a mom</p>
<p>APOL, My daughter has wonderful memories of the summer that she spent in Evanston. Most of the time NU students are a bit stressed and under a lot of pressure, but things slow down in the summer. It’s a great time to be in Evanston/Chicago, plus she had just moved into her first apartment.</p>
<p>She likes to claim that the summer of her sophomore year was the last time that she had time to relax. The summer of her junior year was spent doing research at another university and this summer she’ll be at home doing an internship/research before starting grad school. Depending on their major, things do get fairly hectic during the last two years as they prepare for life after NU.</p>
<p>And one last tip – we’re really happy that my daughter got all of her most difficult classes/requirements out of the way so that she could take a less challenging load this quarter. After seeing her so stressed during the winter quarter, it’s good to hear that she has relaxed and is taking the time to go to activities like NU Day at Wrigley Field with her friends.</p>
<p>liland: Congrats to you and your DD. We, too, are looking forward graduation at NU. Four great years and only a few minor meltdowns. Great education, great guidance, great friends, great sorority experience.</p>
<p>My DD stayed in Evanston last summer and worked in Chicago. Loved it so much that she’s moving to Chicago when her apt lease is up and will probably never come back home. Her roots are down now. Full circle since her great-great grandparents came to Chicago in the 1860’s and many aunts, uncles, cousins from all over the country have graduated from NU!</p>
<p>2cakes, thanks for the congratulations. Glad to hear that your daughter also had four great years at NU. Three cheers for the Class of 2009! </p>
<p>I can easily understand your daughter’s decision to stay in Chicago. I’m currently visiting my daughter in Evanston and over lunch at one of our favorite restaurants we found ourselves wondering when we’ll have the opportunity/reason to visit the Chicago area again. I still haven’t done the architectural tour of Chicago because it always seemed as if I had plenty of time in front of me! </p>
<p>It’s a beautiful sunny day and the campus looks absolutely gorgeous. 80 degree days in the month of May are much more pleasant than 10 degree days in January. :-)</p>
<p>Well, we’re off to get some more gelato at a little coffee house that my daughter introduced me to last night. Best wishes to your daughter for the next stage of her life!</p>
It’s hard to believe that our daughter will soon be an NU “alum” and not a student! I already see evidence of her growing realization of the impact that NU has had and will continue to have on her life.</p>