And anyway, what’s wrong with preppy kids??? Said with a smile, but also somewhat seriously. Preppy kids can be nice or not, open minded or not, come from different backgrounds etc etc etc. It is good to meet and get to know “types” of people you aren’t familiar with.
I would say also, OP, that being middle class is more than income. Two highly educated parents with enough discretionary income for annual vacations probably looks very alien and intimidating to the first generation college attendees, and kids that are below middle income . . . as much as you are concerned with “preppy” kids, those low income kids are concerned about YOUR family. But you are nice, and are open minded etc etc, right? So are those upper income families (as a rule).
@cinnamon1212 Very good points! Yes, I’m just being a very afraid mom that he’ll be judged by the not so nice preps by his lack of “things” and “brands”. But, I’m sure, as you said we as the middle class could be intimidating to lower income or first gens from a lower income background. And yes, we are nice, liberal, accepting. Doesn’t hurt that my husband was first gen and low income as a college student and child. But, then again, I also hung out with whomever so there’s that. Your point is well taken.
My son is a current freshman. He is from a wealthy town in Fairfield county and attended a very strong public high school. I would consider our family middle class (no 2nd home, no extravagant vacations, live in a modest house, etc.)There are a LOT of kids from prep schools and boarding schools; however my son has managed to make a ton of friends. He’s a preppy kid but doesn’t feel the need to only be around kids who dress like him. He loves the small feel of the college and has already gotten to know is advisor and professors. He is happy he chose this school and his anxious to return (hopefully!) in the fall!
@“IMPATIENT MOM” This is wonderful news. Our town and school probably rank a bit lower in terms of socio-economics and strength of our school, though its no slouch. But, on the face our families seem similar. As I mentioned before, my son is preppy when he feels like it and sweatpants and graphic tees when he doesn’t. He’s not a slave to any one fashion. Not that that’s a bad thing. Your son sounds like a really nice kid who like mine loves a small college (or so he thinks ) and I’m truly glad to hear he is happy. This was very reassuring. Thank you.
Your son seems like a really interesting kids with strong interpersonal skills. I think he would do well socially at any school. My recommendation is for him to focus on finding nice kids with shared interests and not to worry about being judged. Any kid who feels the need to judge his peers is not a kid you son would want to spend time with. I’m sure there will be plenty of nice kids at Trinity.
@xyz123a Thank you so much. I think you are probably right and I worry too much. He is less worried than I am. Thank you for your kind words and reassurance.
I wonder how your son found Trinity (if he attended in person)? We toured and also got a preppy vibe. The campus was lovely but it is clear that athletics and Greek life is pretty significant. My daughter is not interested in either of those things. Her counselor suggested Trinity because she is interested in a NE slac and interested in psychology and creative writing. She also is focused on social justice, activism, lgbtq community. We’ll research more but didn’t hear much about those aspects of community and campus life on our tour.
) and I’m truly glad to hear he is happy. This was very reassuring. Thank you.