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Reflections from the Parent of a Senior by Mandy Rofe

Move-in weekend is now behind you and your student. It might have been a little stressful, particularly if you are a parent of a first-year student. Everyone was nervous for different reasons but rest assured, this is the beginning of a magical, amazing, stressful, surprising four years.

I remember our first move-in weekend three years ago, it feels like it was yesterday; a five-hour drive from New York hoping we had bought everything our daughter would need. Rolling up to her dorm feeling excited, sad, scared…all of us feeling these emotions in our own way.

I remember getting the moving bins, hauling everything back and forth; worrying our car would get towed from the lot. Always worrying. Back and forth so many times until we were able to get her settled in her room. It seemed like the process took forever and when it was over, I wished it took longer.

I remember walking away for the first time. It became clear that it was time for us to go, to leave our daughter to start the next chapter of her life. I put on a brave face, hugged her tight, left the dorm room and went to the car to cry. I continued to cry on and off during the long ride home.

That first semester was an adjustment for us, and it will be an adjustment for you too. It will take time to get used to your son or daughter not being in their room. Initially you may not hear from them; it’s not because they don’t love you. They are busy trying to make friends and find their way. Try to be patient, they will come back around.

Fast forward three years and our daughter is now a senior. The feeling I had at move- in, where it took too long but not long enough is how I feel about the last three years. I know my daughter feels the same way. When you attend Penn State or are a parent of a student and you get involved with the school and all it has to offer, it is hard to think of saying goodbye.

When my daughter was a first-year student, she would often remind me that she was the student; I have more Penn State clothes than my daughter (and I know I am not the only parent like this). I became an enthusiastic Penn State fan and after her initial adjustment to college life, my daughter is happy I have chosen to be involved. I am proud of my daughter and the University she attends. Though you may also embarrass your student if you are anything like me; I promise you it won’t last. One day this will all be a good memory and you will be a part of those memories, which they will appreciate.

In September, I attended our last Football game as a parent of a current student. This will be the last time we entertain a bunch of our daughter’s friends at a tailgate.  It’s the beginning of the last year. This year we will have the last visit to the Arboretum and the last time we will bring home as many gallons of Penn State Creamery ice cream as we can. This will be the last year my daughter will tell me all the different stories about her classes, her professors, and her involvement in THON. It’s once again a happy time and a sad time, like move-in day. I am sad the fun will be over, sad my daughter is growing up (she’ll be 21 in a few days), but happy she will graduate from this great school and go on to do amazing things. It goes quickly. Enjoy every visit, every story, every text, every phone call (don’t worry, they call eventually).

Wishing our daughter and all of your sons and daughters the greatest, most productive and memorable year! We Are!!