One of the advantages of attending college at an advanced age, is the possibility of having your children as classmates. My two youngest children, Lori and Kevin, are students here at U of M-Flint. Furthermore, my son Eric was a student here when I started. Since my first semester, in winter of 2008, I have had at least one of my children as a fellow U of M-Flint student. It has always given me a warm feeling here on campus, knowing that they are near.
The experience, unfortunately, has not been without complications and disappointments: On Kevin's first day here on campus, I caught up with him, I was beside myself with excitement, and insisted that I walk him to his first class. On the second day, however, I couldn't find him, and he wouldn't answer his phone. I got the message, and I understood: It was awkward hanging with Dad before class. My daughter, who is a sophomore , also let me know the same thing, but in a more subtle way. She told me that a classmate had asked her:"who is that old guy I see you hanging with?"
On the other hand, My son Eric, welcomed my company, and was instrumental in getting me started here. He encouraged me to apply, even though I thought I would never be accepted. He answered all my many questions about the college experience, even going as far as to recommend professors. And, most importantly, he would guide me back to familiar surroundings when I got lost on campus.
It can be isolating being a older student, but there are few social distractions. In any case, I still plan to have lunch in the pavilion with my children--at least sometimes--in the hope they will enjoy my company as much as I enjoy theirs.
see: http//www.washingtonpost.com>education
As a returning student, I have to tell you that I think it's really cool that you go to school with your kids nearby. My son is a sophmore in high school, and I (hopefully) will be graduated before he gets here! I was recently reassured when I asked him how he would feel if we went to college together, he said "I guess that would be OK". I think we provide a great example for our kids. In the evenings, it is myself, my 10th grader, and my second grader at the table doing homework, and our backpacks are lined up on the bench in the hallway.
ReplyDeleteOMG I can totally understand how you feel about this campus it is so big. Your children love you even if they do not want to admit your their dad right away. Youth is wasted on the young as the saying goes. Keep up the good work.
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