I mostly blog about quilty stuff because I view it as my personal outlet instead of a family blog. I sometimes refer to things that are going on outside my quilting room on a passing basis and that works for me. Many of the blogs I follow share more of their family life and I enjoy them very much. It's a choice we make as bloggers I guess and there is no "right or wrong" way. Certainly there is more to life than quilting and today I feel like sharing a big weekend with you.
Our son and I flew out for his last college visit to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, NY over the weekend. They hosted 700+ families for an Open House on Saturday. Sometimes it's the little things - touring the "E House" which is a dorm floor dedicated for engineering students or watching a computer engineering major demonstrate his senior project (in an awkwardly charming manner!) that make such an impact. Reading these things in a brochure is just not the same.
I think this might have been the first time our son has met groups of students who are just like him... and I'm so glad I was there to share his enthusiasm firsthand. It is not always easy when you are very smart and very introverted in a small school like ours. Over the last few years more academic programs have been added (Robotics, Math League) here as well as the opportunity to take college coursework online which have been building steps for our son to move out into the bigger world.
College is of course the biggest step and I have worried openly to family and friends over the years about it for him (and me). With each visit we've made his excitement and confidence has grown and my worries have decreased. There are a lot of decisions ahead but he is on his way. He left for school this morning wearing his RIT tshirt and with a list of things he wants to go over with his college guidance counselor so he can complete his application. Note the "he wants" not "I told him to"!
On a quilting note... my Primary D9P blocks are growing on my design wall and after I get the laundry started and go through the mail I'll hopefully find my way to Mr. Juki for some sewing. But it's going to be hard to stop reflecting on our eye opening weekend at RIT and savoring the feeling that our son has found a (potential) home!
Congrats Mom! The best feeling in the world is knowing you've prepared him to meet the challenges ahead and are not holding him back. I applaud you for giving him the wings to fly and succeed in his future endeavors. Too many parents today do not want their kids to leave, thus holding them back from achieving all they can.
ReplyDeleteI also took our son to visit the RIT campus. It is sooo impressive! Good luck to your son as he applies. I hope he gets in!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a soul-satisfying experience to watch our kids making those choices about their future plans. So glad you got to share these college visits with him.
ReplyDeleteAnd those blocks are looking good. Just the right color scheme to work on for Veteran's Day.
I understand your apprehensions. My son was/still is a math/computer whiz and felt the same as your son. He found an academic home at Michigan Tech. It's so gratifying to see your child blossom, be happy and ultimately gainfully employed! Letting go is hard but necessary, otherwise we haven't done our job fully.
ReplyDeleteLove the D9P. It's on my list to try. Very happy colors.
I understand completely where you are coming from. Is this the last to leave the nest? My daughter is similar to your son. She has decided to study overseas next year for a year. It will be a hard year for us as a family because she is the first one leaving the nest. I am anxious and excited for her. Wishing you and your son the best of luck on finding the perfect college. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI know so very much how you feel. Have faith in the son you raised...as I'm sure he's an absolute compliment to you. :)
ReplyDeleteAlways lovely to have our fears eased : ) Enjoy your stitching time.
ReplyDeleteHey! I live in Rochester, NY, and RIT is a good school, good reputation. And Rochester is a nice city, not too big, not too small. Good luck with his decision.
ReplyDeleteAnd fly they must! Blessings and peace..........
ReplyDeleteIts what we aim to achieve isnt it, that our kids can walk confidently forwards and grow, without us, so I reckon youve done good!
ReplyDeleteBut its also touched with a little loss, for times past - but oh what times are ahead for you and he to savour!!
The quilt is taking shape beautifully!
I think one of the most amazing things I have gotten to do as a
ReplyDeleteMom is see my son become his own person. So excited for you and yours.
so nice to hear about your son, I love your quilts but also enjoy hearing about the person behind the quilt
ReplyDeleteThe excitement begins!!! I think he's going to love this next step in life.
ReplyDeleteDid you make a nice quilt for his dorm room? :)