Sunday, August 14, 2022 was a day that we’ve been counting down to. Uber to the airport had been scheduled and picked us up for our early morning flight out of Tampa, Florida. We were heading to New York for a new adventure. This was the end result of the dream that started when Rhiyan was in 8th grade. This was the end result of voluntary summer school and science programs for three years straight. This was the end result of extra long hours of studying during the pandemic because of online learning. This was the end result of our ancestors prayers. I had a praying grandmother and I remember her praying over Rhiyan when she was a baby. That image popped in my mind so many times during the time leading up to this trip.
Of course planning for this trip was hard. Flights and hotel reservations and car rental was needed. And because funds were low, it was done at different times. So we didn’t stay close to campus because everything was booked. We ended up staying 45 minutes away and that became part of our adventure. Thanks to points from my credit card, hotel stay and car rental was taken care of for the entire trip. Which allowed money to go towards setting up the dorm room over two days! I’m a true believer girls are different when creating spaces. After multiple trips to Target and the Mall, her room felt like a piece of home. Thankfully she was also in one of the brand new dorms on campus so I had a long and strong exhale of relief. I remember how college freshmen dorms were — old and small and the fear of unwanted small visitors. But this was new and smelled new as they were still painting some areas and installing appliances in the laundry room. Everything was going great! The weather was perfect — not too hot and clear. There may have been an hour where it rained the entire time I was there. I could see the potential of this campus and all that it would provide for Rhiyan. I was excited and pleased. I felt safe leaving her 1,256 miles away.
Of course there were tears and lots of them. I stayed three days as to not only oversee dorm room setup, but to take part in the family orientation activities for new students. We registered for all the things, while only attending a few. You don’t realize the time that is put into attending one event while trying to make it to another that is on the opposite side of the campus. At some point we just decided to be present and enjoy the moments together in her new world.
Although I was sad to leave, I was and still am extremely proud of her accomplishments so far and the ones we know are coming. I’m also excited for her to experience things she couldn’t while living in Florida. She gets to see snow again. The last time we experienced real snow was during our time in West Virginia. I told you all, we’ve lived a number of places and different each time. She also gets to experience living with someone her own age. Being an only child can create specific point of views that only a few are privy to, as well as some boundaries that may have been unintentionally set. And the best part of it all, she gets to pursue her dream of studying to be a wildlife surgeon. The animal science program at this school is one of the best and I know the hands on experience will be life changing.
Lets return to the tears. Just a heads up for any parent preparing to drop off their child for college or preparing to in the next year, you will cry. It felt as if I was grieving. That may seem like a harsh description, but it was a true break down. I was not okay for about a week. And that’s okay. In order to move on and begin new routines, I had to go through the pain of change. If there are any suggestions from those that may have already experienced this, please share. Don’t hold the goods. This phase in parenthood is not highlighted in books and articles. This is the side people try to hide because it does not fit into the strong persona we are supposed to be for our children. But I’m okay with sharing that in addition to the hard working woman I am, I too am fragile. I have overcome some of the darkest things life can throw at you. Watch me get through this one too.
– Kelli
Mommy Daughter Adventures 