 |
| Author | Post |
|---|
Lderochi
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 307 |
| Mana: |    |
|
Posted: Mon Aug 20th, 2007 07:51 pm |
|
Elon has a fairly standard questionnaire that my S let me read AFTER he submitted it. He was pretty honest, but the questions were pretty straightforward -- neat/sloppy, study preferences (various levels of noise vs. complete silence), night person v. early bird. So I have to assume that the match went okay -- find out next week. I will say that there were obviously no questions about political leanings. S is a moderate to left-leaning Democrat and his roommate calls himself "very conservative" on his Facebook profile. Favorite books include two biographies of Reagan, and favorite quotes include several from W. No worries, really -- we live in a very conservative area and it's never been a problem for him. He can hold his own in a debate, but is generally respectful of other opinions.
Roomie is also clearly chomping at the bit to go Greek in the Spring term, and S has no real interest in Greek life so far. Roomie, underage, is also trying to organize a beer pong tournament for the Dorm, which is not exactly what a parent wants to hear  . At Elon, it can't be all that unusual to get a roommate who has a high party quotient and Greek leanings.
He's probably a nice kid, overall. We do have our antenna up but will try to not be helicopter parents. Son has a good head on his shoulders (usually) and is pretty even-keeled and laid back. I think he could probably room with almost anybody except the most obnoxious.
|
binx
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 459 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Aug 21st, 2007 08:46 pm |
|
The Interim Report:
D called last night, and her day went pretty well. She was sounding a bit more confident - or perhaps just relieved that she survived! The teacher is willing to let her switch classes, but it isn't a done deal yet. However, D attended both classes yesterday, and said after attending the Honors class, there is no way she can possibly return to the regular one. The Honors class is much more engaging.
She was very nervous during her violin audition, and didn't think she played as well as she could have. It was a blind audition (the director judged them from behind a screen), and she wasn't allowed to talk. But afterwards, the monitor passed her in the hall and told her the director was very impressed with her. She probably won't find out anything till later in the week.
|
limner
Member
| Joined: | Sun Jul 16th, 2006 |
| Location: | Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 815 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Aug 21st, 2007 08:52 pm |
|
I'll keep all appendages crossed, binx! Great news on the audtion!
And I hope your D gets the Honors class too. How frustrating. If she takes a few honors classes and does well, is there any way she move into that program?
|
binx
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 459 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Tue Aug 21st, 2007 09:58 pm |
|
Yes, she is allowed to reapply at the end of the first semester (regardless of whether she takes any honors classes.) There are advantages and disadvantages - the advantages being that she gets first dibs on scheduling, and can take honors classes (and gets an additional $1000 scholarship). The negatives are the additional requirements, and her schedule is already tight. Most of the music courses do not have an honors component - just this first one. Once we are past this first semester, supposedly she won't have as much trouble getting the courses she wants, so the Honors program may be less desirable at that point. The music department has it's own "departmental honors" - I'm not sure what all is involved in that, but I think it's real likely she will qualify there.
Today she has her piano placement exam. I'm curious where she places there. I don't expect her to place out - they said they expect kids to have had at least 6 years of lessons, and she's only had one formal year from another teacher. But since I'm a piano teacher, she's had a fair amount of casual instruction from me.
But I feel bad for completely diverting this thread from the talk of roommates. Please! Carry on! I am interested in hearing how the various match-ups go. On my D's part, she is getting along fine with her room- and hall- mates. The cable TV in her room is not working, so her roomie has been going across the hall to watch. D does not watch much TV (loves movies, though), and was expressing bewilderment over one of the shows her friends were watching - was having trouble understanding the attraction. Something about "the hills"???? (I don't watch TV either.) Once the cable is fixed, D may be glad to have her noise-cancelling headphones.
|
WestrnMom
Super Moderator
| Joined: | Fri May 26th, 2006 |
| Location: | West Coast, USA |
| Posts: | 1197 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Thu Aug 23rd, 2007 03:04 am |
|
Binx, no complaints here. There is only so much they can say about roommates until they meet. The Hills sounds like a typical trashy soap. I haven't seen it, only ads for it. She isn't missing anything.
I wish mine was just a little more interested in getting things together and packing. We still have a list of things to buy, but he said "I thought you and Dad would get them while I move in and unpack." They have several hours to move in and since we will most likely be in the way, I said we could pick up some last minute items there, like laundry soap, since I don't feel like carrying every single thing with us. But there are things he still needs to get himself, like new shoes!
|
binx
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 459 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Thu Aug 23rd, 2007 11:58 am |
|
When does your S leave? How far of a trip?
Glad I'm not the only one whose kid seemed to think it was MY job to get everything together. I finally had a hissy fit one day when she scheduled back-to-back social gatherings with her friends - 2 days before we left, when we still had a long shopping list. She thought I could shop and pack, while she made sure she got some good last-minute quality time with friends. I got the deep sighs and rolled eyes when I insisted that she come shopping with me.
I was afraid to wait to buy things there, because I figured everyone else would have the same idea and the stores would be sold out of things and be too crowded. As it was, we forgot some basics, like bed pad, and had to go out anyway. It was mobbed. Bought something super expensive because everything else was sold out. Some "memory foam" thingy - hope she enjoys it! She has an expensive pillow top on her bed at home that we meant to bring.
Her schedule has been successfully changed, by the way. She is now in the Honors class (Western Music) she wanted, and has exempted first semester piano, giving her a couple more hours in the week. Teachers are apparently jumping right in, and D was already feeling a bit overwhelmed with homework. At this point, I'm feeling that majoring in violin was definitely the right thing to do. I think she's discovering that she looks forward to the hour(s) of the day she can shut herself up in an air-conditioned practice room, alone with her violin.
Temps there in Ohio are supposed to reach 102 today - hotter than Atlanta!
|
HijinksAndSue
Member
|
Posted: Thu Aug 23rd, 2007 02:19 pm |
|
Her schedule has been successfully changed, by the way. She is now in the Honors class (Western Music) she wanted, and has exempted first semester piano, giving her a couple more hours in the week. Teachers are apparently jumping right in, and D was already feeling a bit overwhelmed with homework. At this point, I'm feeling that majoring in violin was definitely the right thing to do. I think she's discovering that she looks forward to the hour(s) of the day she can shut herself up in an air-conditioned practice room, alone with her violin.
Binx, that is SUCH GREAT NEWS!
I have been following this whole thread with fascination/trepidation even though I have a whole year to go until we go through this (I hope, but that's a whole nother story) ... SO glad things are working out well in that area for your D. Miami is one of the schools my D's manager/producer wants her to apply to (they are apparently starting up an endowed songwriting program where a close friend of his is one of the chairs) but for now she's so focused on one school and one school only that she's saying if she doesn't get in there, she may just defer college altogether. *sigh* ... so following a student at Miami's music program is very educational for me this year ...
ALSO ... thank you for the idea of bringing a gift for your roommate. I have added that to my very surreptitious list of "things I don't want to forget when the time comes" ...
|
WestrnMom
Super Moderator
| Joined: | Fri May 26th, 2006 |
| Location: | West Coast, USA |
| Posts: | 1197 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Thu Aug 23rd, 2007 03:47 pm |
|
Binx, we leave next week, by car. I'm trying to fit everything into one vehicle, but we are taking two (one will not have much cargo space, though). It's normal for them to want to spend all the last minute time they can with friends. Kind of the end of childhood because when they come back on breaks everything will be different. That doesn't bother me at all. Up until now all the shopping has been my responsibility. It's a lot to hand over to them completely just because they are out of high school. I look at this as my last opportunity to do "mom" things for my child, although I'm gradually turning it all over to him.
It's nice to hear that music is a comfort to her. That air conditioned practice room sounds nice. I'd like one!
H&Sue, I think the gift idea is probably a "girl" thing. I can't see the guys doing that, although it does seem thoughtful.
|
scoop
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 564 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Thu Aug 23rd, 2007 04:39 pm |
|
| binx, I was very happy to read about the successful class change. Best of luck to her.
|
Lderochi
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 307 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Sat Aug 25th, 2007 09:49 pm |
|
The roommate seems nice enough. As expected, he is the polar opposite of my
son politically but that's not a bad thing. He wasn't obnoxious and seemed fairly laid back which is a good fit. An added bonus is that his older brother is a senior at Elon, so there's a built in resource outside of the "official" information channel (RA, Orientation Leader, etc.)
And while I'm not a big fan of PR rankings, including Elon on the School Runs Like Butter list is spot-on. What a great move in, in 97 degree heat no less. Unload the car, have everthing carted over to the dorm by tram, where a small army of students carry and tote everything into the room. All that's left is unpacking. And as fast as you could throw trash in the hallway it was whisked away by students and put on more trams to go to the central trash or recycling center. Wow. We showed up at 10:00 and were completely unpacked and set up by 12:30.
Last edited on Sat Aug 25th, 2007 09:55 pm by Lderochi
|
CarolynLawrence
Administrator
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 3307 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Sun Aug 26th, 2007 12:45 am |
|
Binx and Lderochi, I feel like I *know* your kids, so it is wonderful to read the updates on their transitions. Lderochi, I can't imagine your son not getting along with anyone --- any political differences will just make interesting discussions.
My daughter and my husband drove her car across country this week. They moved her into her dorm today. She's in the same dorm, same room, same floor, and has the same stuff as last year, so it was MUCH easier this year. She enjoyed being home this summer and, before heading out, expressed some sadness about leaving that she didn't have last year, but now that she's there, she's delighted and happy to be "home" again. And, she's already commenting on the freshmen who have moved into "her" floor! LOL!
|
Lynda
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 6th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 216 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Sun Aug 26th, 2007 12:51 am |
|
Carolyn,
So glad to hear your daughter and husband made it safely to school. I think second year return was hardest for me. We will see how senior move in is tomorrow. His last week home has been such a pleasure.
Lynda
|
CarolynLawrence
Administrator
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 3307 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Sun Aug 26th, 2007 07:12 am |
|
Yes, Lynda, it was really hard for me to see her go this year, especially as I wasn't there today to help her get settled. It was so wonderful to have her home for the summer, and I know that chances are this will probably be the last full summer she'll spend with us.
Ironically, my stalwart husband, who thought I was over-reacting when I teared up as they were leaving, called tonight needing some TLC himself after saying goodbye to her. After six days on the road together 24/7, I think he forgot that he'd be leaving her in Wisconsin. 
|
limner
Member
| Joined: | Sun Jul 16th, 2006 |
| Location: | Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 815 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Sun Aug 26th, 2007 03:02 pm |
|
Lderochi, thanks for the update. Two and half hours from start to finish? I'll say Elon runs like butter. Keep us posted on how he's doing.
Carolyn, glad to hear that your D is in and settled on "her" floor (gotta love it). Sorry to hear that you and your H are feeling her absence so acutely. I know we should (and do) feel proud and lucky to have such wonderful kids that we will miss them, it's still hard to see them go.
Some good friends gave a going-away dinner for our S last night. The wife read part of the unsolicited rec letter that her H had sent to both Penn and UChicago (he's an alum of both) on behalf of S. We hadn't seen it, and I was weepy at the end. He's a writer, and he captured S beautifully. (However, S was rejected at Penn and waitlisted at UChi, I guess those things only go so far.)
S updated them on his roommate and dormmates that he's met on-line and how he's really come to feel good about his decision after a fair bit of anxiety initially. And that was great to hear. Keep those updates coming folks! It helps to hear how its going with everyone these days.
|
binx
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 459 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Sun Aug 26th, 2007 04:24 pm |
|
It's great to hear the stories. Carolyn and Lynda, I know what you mean about second year. Freshman year for my oldest was the easiest, and it's been downhill (for me) since then!
I'm still feeling a bit amazed/delighted/betrayed/bewildered that my kid is doing so well without me. Despite my ambiguous feelings, it really does make it easier to let them go after seeing them adapt and even thrive in their new home. Like it was "supposed to be". She still seems to be doing well enough - is already working on balancing work and play.
Lderochi, your S sounds like he would do well anywhere. It does seem like a great connection to have a roommate's older sibling around. (Better than having your OWN sibling around. )
Limner, what a true gift your friend has given your S. Having someone other than mom and dad who believes in you carries so much weight.
I'm not empty-nesting yet, since middle kid is still home for another week and a half, before starting his senior year. He is busy applying for professional auditions, so I'm anticipating a stressful year. (He WANTS me to worry. Says I do it so well, he doesn't have to.)
Last edited on Sun Aug 26th, 2007 04:26 pm by binx
|
limner
Member
| Joined: | Sun Jul 16th, 2006 |
| Location: | Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 815 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Sun Aug 26th, 2007 04:30 pm |
|
binx wrote:
I'm not empty-nesting yet, since middle kid is still home for another week and a half, before starting his senior year. He is busy applying for professional auditions, so I'm anticipating a stressful year. (He WANTS me to worry. Says I do it so well, he doesn't have to.)
LOL, binx! At least he appreciates your talents.
|
Daaaad
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jun 3rd, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 104 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Sun Aug 26th, 2007 05:25 pm |
|
I've got another three weeks to wait before going through this, so I'm enjoying the emotional prep. My D doesn't go to school until mid-September.
One of my buddies told me about dropping off his oldest to begin her freshman year at ND this past week and said although it was sad to say goodbye, once the goodbyes were over his D practically shooed them out the door so she could get busy meeting all her new friends and neighbors. He said his wife was shocked. But he equated it to another recent milestone of dropping off his youngest at First Grade. Again, once the hugs, good lucks and goodbyes were all said and done, the little guy turned and ran into the classroom. "And he didn't look back, at all." my friend said with both some sadness and some pride.
I guess it can be a shock, watching our kids grow up. And yet, we should be proud of seeing them off on their journey.
|
mominva
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | DC Suburbs |
| Posts: | 334 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Sun Aug 26th, 2007 05:48 pm |
|
Back in April of junior year, in the information letter I wrote to the GC, I told how this last one is the most 'fiercely independent'.
These words are coming back to bite me now as I try to guide her leaving. She wants nothing to do with any of my suggestions. I think she takes them as my not thinking she is capable. But in reality I marvel at her confidence and adventure seeking; it is for me, really, that I try to do the guiding as I don't know how not to.
Last edited on Sun Aug 26th, 2007 05:49 pm by mominva
|
mom61
Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 247 |
| Mana: | |
|
Posted: Sun Aug 26th, 2007 08:43 pm |
|
Our move in also went without a single glitch. Only those attending the last orientation session were moving in that day. We arrived at 2 and by 4 had everything moved in, bed made and computer set up. Went to target for a few last minute things.
Stayed for a portion of the orientation but my lunch he finally said he was ready for us to go.
My husband talked with him this morning. After some problems he got the a schedule that works for him. The roommate is Chill. (whatever that means). He is hanging with his floormates. One who has a 40 in plasma and X box live. He thinks he will get along well with the roommate. He didn't give anymore info.
The Disabilities office has been great. They met with all 3 of us and when son went for his placement testing it was all set up. He has another app tomorrow with the head of disabilities to go over accommodations. We have been really happy with the level of support so far.
Also learned that the school will cash personal checks for the students up to 50 dollars a day. So no need to walk 7 blocks to the bank or use the ATM on campus that charges. Also the bookstore allows the students to charge up to 800 dollars a semester in the bookstore and it is posted to the students account. So you don't need to have given your child a credit card or money in their bank account for books. They are trying to have the students carry as few items as possible.
The only main problem with the school is that the heatlh center will not disperse meds. unless they prescribe them. The nearest pharmacy is a good mile away from campus. I am thinking I will fill the prescriptions at home and mail them.
Classes start tues
I am enjoying reading all the stories.
|
Mezzomom
Member
|
Posted: Mon Aug 27th, 2007 01:08 am |
|
I'm finding that adjusting for my daughter's sophomore-year departure is proving to be quite a bit more tumultuous than I anticipated, but that's largely because I don't know when she's leaving! She applied for an "opening crew" job (prepping dorm rooms and classrooms for the two weeks before classes start) so was supposed to have departed yesterday. Her e-mail app was overlooked though, and when the coordinator finally found it, she realized that my daughter was the first student to apply and should have been offered a job. She intended to rectify the mistake by having my daughter arrive any time of her choice, but then found out that my daughter's dorm room currently doesn't have a ceiling (dorm renovations are still ongoing). The new plan is for my daughter to arrive next Saturday, assuming her room is ready.
It's all working out for the best though. The coordinator felt so bad about missing my daughter's app that she also offered her a temp position in her office for the first week of school. When my daughter replied that she would accept the position IF it didn't cause conflicts while she looked for a work-study position, the response was that the temp job could be switched to a P/T work-study position, so my daughter may already have a job lined up. That's the good news...the better news would be that my daughter had actually done something, anything in terms of packing, but I guess that would be expecting too much!
In the meantime, my daughter announced that she much prefers to wear skirts instead of shorts in warm weather, and of course, she has "nothing" to wear. So I'm locked into my sewing room, trying to get a few things whipped up before she leaves (whenever that is!) I suspect this may be my daughter's sneaky way of keeping me out of her hair, but I enjoy sewing so it works for both of us.
|
Current time is 06:42 pm | Page:   1 2 3 4   |
|
|
|
|
