I can’t believe I’m typing this, but it’s true: Tomorrow, we take Catherine to her first college open house.
This person:
Catherine, 2 months, lovin’ her bath.
(now this person):
Catherine, 16, showing off her new glasses. I’d say the eyes have it.
is starting to look at colleges.
It’s an early look — to a get a lay of the land. Having just started junior year of high school a couple of months ago, there is no rush yet for her to decide, but there’s no time like the present to check it out.
I think it may actually be the first time she’s doing something early rather than at the last minute.
Her chosen field is early childhood education, and for that her early teachers and after-school care ladies deserve much of the credit. I know she’ll be great.
Still, looking at colleges is a new path for us both.
Back in the day, I was not yet “living out loud” as I am today. I kept things simple and low-key. I applied only to two places that offered journalism degrees, chose the one closest to home and commuted the whole time.
Here’s how I looked back then:
I used to need an entire can of hairspray to tame this ‘do. Basil always laughs that he didn’t know what color my hair was when he met me
Don’t get me wrong — Pace U in White Plains, NY, was terrific. I had a great experience, found a fabulous mentor who remains my champion, and learned a ton of things — not all of them from books.
Here are just two of my fondest collegiate finds:
During orientation, I met a Jersey girl (and her bicycle!). Her name is Bernadette and she became my comrade in arms in Journalism Center, and remains a good friend and sounding board to this day.
And the first weeks of class, I met the woman who is the yin to my yang. Jacquie remains my rock, sister and soul mate.
Maybe at one of these schools we will visit this year, similar connections await Catherine.
All I know for now, however, is that my checkbook is already quaking and there is a lot of discussion about what we are wearing tomorrow.
Unspoken (so far) is how embarrassing I am in public.
I know fashionable ladies don’t usually repeat outfits, but I thought maybe I’d go with my August ensemble of two different shoes.
😉
Pushing on a Rope 
As long as you don’t walk around with a big notebook frantically scribbling down everything the guide says and asking all kinds of questions, you will do fine. After 28 college visits and one more kid to go-I have seen it all! Have fun.
Posted by Jacquie | October 28, 2012, 12:50 pm🙂
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | October 28, 2012, 3:51 pmterri: tomorrow’s wardrobe…three shoes, mismatched floral prints top and bottom, and a muscle shirt for dad. that should do it. have a wonderful day
Posted by Bob Dorf | October 27, 2012, 11:18 pmThanks, Bob! I thought I might keep asking the same question all day, too, just for fun!
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | October 28, 2012, 7:24 amI’ll come down and help you choose the most embarrassing outfit. After all, I’ve been through it with 3 kids — and I am a wardrobe professional.
Posted by Karen Waggoner | October 27, 2012, 11:08 pmI need those skull earrings! Too late to run up to you and get them, though. Next time!
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | October 28, 2012, 7:22 amBrilliant! As usual…………….Abbie
Posted by Abbie Carroll Wilson | October 27, 2012, 10:05 pm🙂
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | October 28, 2012, 7:22 amHow exciting and how smart to start now. It sneaks up on you and poof it’s time to actually decide about colleges, etc. Always good to be informed about the choices. I loved your “two different shoes” story! What a great attitude you had and thanks for thinking “blog”! Reia
Posted by reiadm | October 27, 2012, 6:55 pmThanks, Reia! Hope you’ll come back soon!
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | October 27, 2012, 7:20 pm