Her Decision's Been Made

This sending your kid off to college thing is harder than it looks, and we've only just finished the decision making process!

All I've ever wanted was for my girls to do well in school, go to a good college, become great people and be happy.  I want them to have the college experiences I never had. I want them to live on campus, have school spirit, maybe, a semester abroad. I want them to see the world.

We've been looking at colleges on-line for a couple years and have spent the last year visiting campuses, trying to make that important decision of which school is the best fit for her. Which school offers the best programs at the best price? Which school will allow her to spread her wings in a safe haven? We've looked at all these things. I've encouraged her to go away to school. To experience other parts of the country.  ♪spread your wings and fly and look to the sky♪ (Taking Back Sunday)

But, her decision has been made. She will be going to school less than an hour away. And,...

I couldn't be happier! As the reality of her leaving the house and being 4-10 hours away was setting in, I started to realize just how much I'll miss having her around! I want her to experience things, but I'm glad she'll be having these experiences so close to home! The funny part is, I'm the one who first encouraged her to look out of state.

So, the decision's made, and now we start the next steps. We have to complete the FAFSA, she has to get an immunization, (now required for all universities,) make sure housing contracts are completed, sign up for orientation, complete scholarship applications, send AP results, pay this deposit and that deposit,...the list goes on.

This really is a lot of work, maybe she should just stay home!
♪Don't go chasing waterfalls, stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to♪ (TLC)

11 comments:

  1. Ha I know how you feel. I want/wanted all the same for my girls. Problem is, it is a lot more expensive to live on campus. My daughter chose a college just a few miles away and lives at home... I love it and she seems good with it too.

    good luck to you and your daughter.

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  2. It is amazing how crazy all the paperwork is for college applications and for financial assistance!

    I can only imagine how much better it is to have your kids stick close by - I have about 13 yrs before we start that adventure!

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  3. I've only got a couple years before I go through this and the thought sickens me! I don't want my little girl to leave...EVER!

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  4. What an exciting time in life for her!

    I went to school about an hour from home and it was perfect- I was away, but I could go home whenever I needed to.

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  5. I'm glad she is staying close to home! I believe that will make her college experience better... I went far away, and i hated it! Great post!

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  6. Congrats! I did the same. Went to school an hour away and at first was home every weekend, maybe for the first year - or so - but all turned out wonderfully! :>

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  7. Stopping by from Shell's PYHO

    I think deep down my parents were ecstatic that I chose to stay in the state and not go 14 hours away. I was able to come home when I wanted yet I was far enough away that I was gone at school. Good luck with all the next steps!

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  8. Hi neighbor . . . following you from Where In The World Are You . . . I'm from Tampa too!

    Hope you are having an awesome week . . . Gina

    http://myfloridaparadise.blogspot.com

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  9. Try doing this times 4 daughters! And the last two are still in college...one graduates in May though. And you are right it WAS a lot of work. I am still filling out FAFSA but at least I only have to do it for ONE daughter this year! Our two oldest daughters went 3 hours away. The two youngest are right downtown at the College of Charleston but they live there. It's truly is a more enriching experience when they stay on campus! I only went 8 minutes away to college but still stayed on campus...smart move! Hope she enjoys college as much as our girls have!

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  10. My 17 year old is in the middle of deciding which university to go to right now. Of the ones she's been accepted at, she will either be an hour away or she will be across the country from us. (At least England is not a very big country.)

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