Single Parenting,  Single Woman Tidbits

Back to School – College Edition

Back To School – College Edition

Well a little over a week ago I dropped my oldest daughter off to start her freshman year of college.  My baby is attending Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA.  A lot of people have asked if I cried when I dropped her off but I didn’t.  Those emotions did not even creep up inside of me.  Please don’t get me wrong because I love my daughter and it is hard to let go but as parents we really have to.  I didn’t want to have her stressed out about me not being able to let go.  I have taught her over the years to be strong and enduring and I am pretty confident that is exactly what she is going to be.  So there was no need for tears…  We laughed and talked about how she could capitalize on the experience while enjoying the college years.

The Dorm Move-In

My daughter’s room was located on the 4th level of her building so it would have been smart of me to ask someone with muscle strength to join me on the journey but I didn’t.  So between the 2 of us and several trips up and down we got all her from the car to her room without incident.  According to my monitor on my phone that day I took 6,902 steps and climbed 17 floors during the move.  We did pre-purchase items for her room such as a bed in a bag for her XL – twin mattress.  The set I purchased came with towels and bath cloths.  It also had a waste basket for the bathroom as well as other accessories.  My daughters dorm is apartment style so she has a common living area and small kitchen with stove and fridge.  In an effort to not pack my car with stuff we could buy when we got there and leave room for all her clothes and shoes and other nik naks, I waited to get other personal items for her.

I remember my freshman year move in and by me living with my grandparents, I did it all by myself.  The good thing is that I was able to move in a few days earlier because I would be out of town on the actual move in day.  I don’t remember having to have half of the things my daughter needed but that was over 20 years ago.

We elected to go to Target to get some of her other necessities.  Although she has a phone with an alarm she wanted to stay on the safe side and get an alarm clock.  Smart decision.  She also needed a 700 W microwave for her kitchen.  Along with those items I purchased her some things for the laundry and personal upkeep.

The experience wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be at all.

First Week at School (Ram Camp)

My daughter was selected to participate in a camp prior to the first week of classes.  The program is called Ram Camp.  According to VCU’s website, RAM CAMP is a week long leadership experience on-campus where new Rams will participate in numerous activities after being split into groups, led by upper class RAM CAMP Leaders. These groups form strong bonds by participating in activities together and learning more about VCU. RAM CAMP is filled with leadership development, team building and fun interaction with other first year students while learning about resources in a smaller and more intimate environment on campus before school begins. This is an excellent way to make connections with the VCU community with other students committed developing their leadership potential.

I was excited that she was able to experience RAM CAMP as it exposed her to new people and by the end of the week she was talking about her new friends.  Here are a few pictures she took during RAM CAMP.

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FINAL THOUGHTS FROM A SINGLE PARENT

I want my daughter to embrace college life and take full advantage of the opportunity.  I want her to have a great educational experience and I hope I have instilled in her good morals and values in where she will make good decisions in reference to her adult life and life as a college student.  I am definitely here for her along the way.  It is a bitter sweet moment but more joyous than anything else.

 

Peace and Blessings

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