Last week, we dropped off our son at college. They made move-in really easy for everyone. As we pulled up in front of his dorm building at the assigned time, a swarm of 20-25 upperclassmen descended upon our car and in one shot, they took all of our son’s belongings up three flights of stairs to his room. By the time, I found parking and walked back to the room, half the stuff was already put away. This help from other students was really nice and in the spirit of Davidson College.

On the following day, all the incoming students were welcomed at a ceremony held in the same arena where Steph Curry played. I thought the speeches made by one of the students from student senate and the dean of admissions were really on point. The student basically told all the freshmen that for many of them high school was easy but, college is going to be hard work. There will be times when they’ll want to give up and it is OK. This only makes them realize their limitations and give them an opportunity to seek out help, make it a learning experience and grow their horizons. It was good to hear this straight talk from a student.

As the course work gets going and when the students find it hard, it is common to question if they belong there. The dean of admissions addressed this imposter syndrome. He said that this feeling is normal especially when the students are away from their familiar support network at home. He assured the students that the admissions staff looked through thousands of applications and chose this cohort because the staff thought the students belonged there. He was confident that his staff doesn’t make mistakes in these decisions. I thought that was very encouraging and a nice confidence booster for the students.

After an outdoor picnic, it was time to say goodbye and leave so the freshmen could continue on with the orientation program. It was with mixed feelings that we gave final hugs and got to the car to leave. We were all mostly happy. He will be at an excellent institution getting some of the best education available while making new friends and playing great music as a part of Davidson College Symphony Orchestra which will enhance his college experience. He worked his butt off to get there and we are very proud of him. The Covid years were really hard for him and he didn’t do well in school but in the last two years he picked up the slack and was successful with college admissions process. I guess this is normal progression - a child growing into an adult and leaving to find his own place in the world. Of course, we will miss him at home. He is the noisiest member of our family. Always chatting and sharing and yes, arguing about everything. He also makes the most beautiful sounds with his viola. We will miss all that but will also enjoy some peace and quiet at least for a few days.

Now that he has completed the first week of classes without any issues (no missed classes or meals), and FaceTimed with us a couple of times, we feel confident that he will be OK. The Davidson staff also went to great lengths to talk about all the support they provide for physical and mental well-being of students and assured all the parents that their students will be looked after like family. In another month and half, we will visit him for parents weekend. Look forward to hearing about all the new experiences at college.