Its been 1 month

So Nick has been at school for one month and I have to say its been a learning experience for both of us. Me getting use to an empty nest and him getting use to college life. I think the hardest part for him is sharing a room and also learning to live with others and in a new place.

I think that he is an only child with a big room and piece and quiet can get a bit crazy when there is a floor full of 18-19years free from parents. He just wants piece and quiet sometimes. :)

He has his first full papers due and the exams are starting so now is when college really starts and the hard work begins. He is trying to make sure that he gets into honors so that he can get to be with kids that want to work not party. I know thats a wierd statement but Nick is not a party animal.

Hopefully things will get better. He likes NYC so thats a good thing!

Move in day only 15 days away

Only 15 days and my son will be moved in to his dorm and ready to start a new chapter in his life. I am beyond thrilled and scared at the same time. This is my only son and he is going to go and live in NYC without me - ok maybe a bit jealous too! Things going through my head are will he be alright, did I get everything he needs, will he eat, make friends and will he do his laundry right. In addition to those thoughts are the will he make the grade, will he miss me. I know its my turn to let go and let him grow and I am its just going to take some time to get use to it.

Move in day will be a bit chaotic as all the kids on his floor move in at the same time, meeting his roommate, making sure I didn't forget something, and just starting to let go. They have activities planned for them which I hope he attends. In addition its labor day weekend so Monday we will spend it together exploring more of NYC so he can know he way around better. Tuesday - convocation which is open to parents and I am actually looking forward to it as the speaker is a specialist on Autism which i find fascinating. I leave Thursday and probably will be in tears but I have faith in my son - he will do great and NYC is the best place in the world to succeed which he will!

To all the moms and parents reading this here is some advice on getting your kid off to college
1. Make sure all your financial aid is taken care of BEFORE you get close to move in day - call and check all your paperwork - you don't need surprises before first day of class
2. Get the checklist from bed bath & beyond on all their dorm needs and then cross check it with the school - somethings you may not need like furniture - Pace provides it for them!
3. When your child is handed his schedule - don't rush and get the books - have them double check with the professors as sometimes there are changes
4. Get books from amazon.com, chebbs.com and then last resort - your college book store - SHOP around for your books as long as you have your ISBN number
5. Just like when your kid went to kindergarden - try to put a note in with his stuff to let him know that you will be thinking of him.

I will blog when the date gets closer!

He has graduated!

What a weekend. Graduation was amazing. I can't express the pride I feel when I saw him walk across the stage to get his diploma. I didn't cry but I was beaming. My son is the best - I know all mom's say that - but I have to say that he did well. He has gotten accepted to college and he has hopes and desired to do the best there. I couldn't ask for a better kid.

He attended project graduation last night and had a blast. He has been sleeping all day exhausted!!!

What I have learned this year - be a great listener, encourage your child especially when they are getting bombared with college request and forms to fill out. Be there when test time comes. Dont pressure but be there - believe me they will ask when they need help. Also, just giving them a snack when studying means the world. Let them be who they want to be even when you would like them to be something else (afros are ok)! Sometimes a hug will mean more to them then they let on.

When it comes to the college acceptance process - be aggressive in getting information, go on college visits even if you have to drive. Let your kid pick where they want to go - just because you didn't get accepted somewhere, doesnt mean they wont get accepted - also dont pressure them into going to the college you went to - just because you were a Longhorn doesnt mean they want to be one too. Make sure to fill out your finanical aid forms on time and keep a bulletin board on all the DROP DEAD DATES and make sure you double check when things are due. Ask questions -all the time even when you are 99% sure your right.

Above all else - help your child enjoy their senior year - there will be highs and lows but on graduation day - nothing matters but the smile on their face.

Graduation is not the end but the beginning of a new chapter!

Graduation day tomorrow!!!!!

The big day is almost here - I have never been prouder of my son! I will post pics tomorrow. Can't wait!!

Blue & Gold - yes Pace Colors

I changed the page to reflect the Blue and the Gold from Pace. Also wanted to note that I recieved my first graduation letter from the high school - the event is so close!!! Graduation is June 5th - EARLY IN THE MORNING!!!

We are very excited about this - Nick just has to get through 5 more weeks and do well which he is.

I can't believe my little boy has grown up - its scary. Moms - enjoy your kids because in a blink of an eye they will be grown and off to college....

Pace it is

All the forms are in and now we wait. Orientation is in July!

Only 6 weeks left in the school year - I really can't believe its almost done!

Pace bound - NYC we came we saw we conquered!

We went to Pace for preview weekend in NYC. We had a blast! Pace is an incredible school with a great staff and awesome students. We learned alot about the school and I got to show Nick the area. Springtime in NYC is one of the best times to bet there. The weather was awesome!

Nick got to attend a full 2 hour class and it turned out to be a junior class - Intro to Marketing and he got to particpate. The thing at Pace we bothed liked was the small size classes - no more than 25 max per class - that is unheard of! Also the internships are amazing - being in NYC there are more interships to apply for especially in what Nick wants to study.

So now - Nick makes his decision this week!