Visiting my Alma Mater to Help the New Generation of Lakers Move In
This August has been a whirlwind of change and, to an extent, emotion. It’s the beginning of my son’s senior year of high school. A picture popped up on my personal Facebook page memories – one of a teary-eyed five year old who wasn’t ready to leave Mom and Dad for kindergarten. The picture I took of him last Thursday as he smiled his laughing smile that says “not another picture, Mom!” was his first last day of his K-12 school adventure.
Next year, that “first day” picture may happen in front of a dorm building as he starts his college adventure. Yesterday, I connected with fellow alumni at my college Alma Mater. We were there to help the newest freshmen moving into the dorms feel welcome and at home. We unloaded cars, trucks, and trailers stuffed with all the ‘essentials’ and helped load them into the building, up stairs, or wherever they were needed.
As I stood out on the curb, greeting parents and new students, I thought about how I hadn’t had this first welcoming face waiting at the curb when I moved in 25 years ago. The program started 21 years ago – I wasn’t yet an alum, nor was I moving into on-campus housing. When I became graduated and possessed my position in the group of proud alumni, I promptly got married and moved out of state with my husband to start new jobs and a new life.
This move-in process is something I’d like to continue participating in. It was fun, I met some new people – not only new students and their families, but other alumni I didn’t know – including some from the pioneering class of 1967! Then I realized this may not be possible, next year or for a few years after that. Next year, we may be moving our own college freshman into his dorm. That’s something I’m not quite sure I’m looking forward to yet, but it’s a look into the future nonetheless.
The college years, as many know, are interesting and different. Your experience is your own, unlike your K-12 years where everyone is taking most of the same classes, has a similar group of friends, and eats lunch at the same time every day. College is about finding yourself and what you love. College means scheduling classes around your needs – if you’re an early bird who loves rising at 6 a.m. and can be awake and alert for an 8 a.m. class, you can do that. If your body runs on a later schedule, you can arrange it so your first class doesn’t start until 1 p.m. Dining halls are open from early in the morning to late at night, so you can refuel when you need.
Today, I take a moment to reflect on my own experience, imagine the excitement and experiences of these new students who moved in yesterday, and imagine what my son’s own experience will be like in a year’s time. A look back in time with nostalgic feelings for what was, and a look forward to the bright hopes of what one day will be.