Less than a week ago we moved Savannah into a college dorm. Here is our story.
We asked the night before what she would like to do as a last family kind of thing. She opted for a walk in the park. Andy threw in a trip for ice cream to allow Wyatt and Julia to say their goodbyes. It was during this walk that both of my not so little people realized that Savannah was leaving. Wyatt thought she would move her stuff and come back for some time before officially moving. We had a nice time but missed Zach who did not realize we were doing this.
Rain threw a kink in the plan. On the morning of the move, I had a medical appointment, and Andy went out for garbage bags so that we could wrap every crate.
We arrived to not so pleasant traffic. The school, however, had the move in down to a science. They made it very easy.
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| The microwave and fridge come with the room. |
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| I do not have a vanity this nice in my home. Savannah has one right there in her new room. |
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| double bed, X-long Temper-pedic memory foam mattress |
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| It's a suite life. This is the bathroom that Savannah and her roommate share with two suite mates. |
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| Zach came to help. He did not participate in our walk the evening prior. |
Savannah is attending my alma mater. They've torn down almost every dorm that existed when I was there and replaced them with these great new dorms. They are amazing - no cinderblock walls, spacious etc. However, it is clear that digital college life lies on the horizon. She was provided no shelves for books, and her desk has no drawers. Savannah also lives in a dorm where the name of a notorious men's dorm has been retained. I was shocked and slightly appalled when she received that room assignment. Apparently, they are encouraging the residents to pronounce the name differently now which is more in line with how it is supposed to be pronounced but different from decades of mispronunciation. It is apparently no secret that this is being done in part to overcome the reputation of the previous residence hall.
Savannah lives in a living learning program which means that she is grouped in the dorm with others who are studying in the same program. It's a great way to build community, and these kids have been doing that all summer through social media and text messages.
I feel that she is prepared. She was very excited to move in and get to her friends.
On her first full day there I received a text from her stating: This place is awesome.
On her second full day there I received a text stating: I am in love (with the school).
Her first few days have been filled with all kinds of campus events. She's stayed plenty busy and finally acknowledged yesterday that she is realizing she can't do it all. Classes start Wednesday, so the fun social stuff will come to a screeching halt soon enough.
Andy and I did not really feel like she was leaving. We left her on Wednesday knowing we would return on Saturday for an honors new student/family reception. Even now it is likely that I will have to see her within the next few days to deliver a book she needs by Thursday that has not yet arrived.
I have found some holes in my preparation of my girl for this big step. The dorms are now co-ed - not like when I was in college where boys had separate floors from girls. Savannah has male neighbors next door and across the hall. We had conversations (many of of them) about not leaving a drink unattended anywhere or anytime, but we did not discuss invitations to enter boys' rooms.
Back at home I have pulled into the driveway behind Savannah's car numerous times and thought to myself, "I will go in and see what Savannah is up to" immediately followed by the realization that she is not here.
After leaving her again on Saturday we finished a busy day, and I finally caved to an illness that hit me Friday afternoon. I never left my bed on Sunday and absolutely should not have been at work today, but I could not miss. I don't know if it is a severe cold, flu, or strep, but it needs to go, I have too much to do.
