Annie Rebecca Goes Off To College

My very special niece Annie (Bonnie’s oldest child) is going off to college next week.

As I talk to my sister dealing with the idea of not having Annie home every day, it brings back so many memories of when my own children left to go away to school and my own college days. So many things you want to tell them, and most you already have. These are in no particular order of importance, believe me.

1. Try not to get too bored or lonely at that awful freshman orientation week. Everyone hates it and everyone survives.

2. How many times is it OK for a freshman to call home? Answer: as many times as she wants.

3. Smile at the cute boys. They are as nervous as you are.

4. Be open to new people and new ideas. Find a volunteer opportunity - dorm, charitable, or environmental.

5. Try not to pour beer in your Coke can and take it to class like I did.

6. Always be aware of what is happening around you on campus – even if you are texting or on the phone be aware of your surroundings.

7. Be patient with what could be a strange new roommate. I once had a temporary roommate we nicknamed “Far Out Barb” since she was high all the time.

8. In 1969 when I was in college, I actually filled in my schedule from 12-1 each day with “All My Children.” No classes for me in that time slot. I mean, come on, Erica was 16 and Tara and Phil were on.

9. When you call home tell your mom a story about how you wanted to buy something but didn’t have the money. Trust me – it will appear in a few days. This only works freshman year.

10. Enjoy yourself. You will have some lonely moments but if you keep in touch with your friends who are also in the same boat you will feel better. They will definitely have a nuttier roommate than you.

11. If you plan on cutting class to lay out in the sun, make a good choice – like cut that Friday afternoon class so the weekend starts earlier.

12. And finally, if your friends get drunk and pass out in the elevator, help them up, put them to bed and don’t do what we used to do – hit “1” again and send them back to the main floor where they might get into trouble. Just be sure to put the wastebasket next to their bed.

Annie, college can be the most amazing time in your life. You will learn in later years, as hard as you worked and as much as you studied, it still will be the most fun and easiest thing you will ever do in your life.

To Paul and Bonnie, you have raised a smart, beautiful and thoughtful daughter. Enjoy her new adventure.

P.S. Annie, Tete Becky couldn’t be prouder!