It’s August and the faculty and staff are back on campus and all are awaiting the Freshman Class. In a few days there will be a terrific traffic jam all over the campus as parents arrive and attempt to unload all that “stuff” that one deems necessary for a dorm room. I know this because I’ve been there and done that! I delivered my daughter to Florida State and my son to Auburn. That’s two out-of state tuitions! My daughter, who is two years older than my son, was the first to go and I remember vividly that drive to Tallahassee and our conversation about what to expect. There was a certain level of anxiety in the air. She and her soon-to-be roommate had corresponded and talked on the phone over the summer, but they had not met face-to face. When we arrived we had to find a parking place which was no mean feat (so be prepared!) We made trip after trip up the stairs because the elevator wasn’t working. After the last load the two girls decided to go register and hit the bookstore. There was a quick kiss, a “Bye, I’ll call later!” and that was it. I went back to the car feeling let down and depressed. I had just delivered my first born to the “world beyond home” and she didn’t seem to mind at all. The drive home wasn’t a lot of fun.

Most of us do a few things very well, but saying “Goodbye” isn’t one of them. Be that as it may, the time has come to say goodbye. Your daughter will be fine. That doesn’t mean there won’t be some homesickness and a few complaints about accommodations or roommates, but she will survive. There will be all kinds of support. Brenau is a relatively small school that takes great pride in its individual attention. The staff at the Women’s Health and Well-being Center is here to assist your daughter in the transition from home to college. She will do well and you will survive, believe it or not!

Don Harrison
University Chaplin