Sunday, March 28, 2010

Perfect Moment Monday -- Revisiting the Future

Over Spring Break, we took Ryan to visit Colorado State University, my alma mater. I graduated over twenty years ago. Was it really that long ago?

It felt like a time-warp. On one hand it seemed like college was a lifetime ago, and on the other hand, it seems like it was just yesterday.

I believe Ryan’s initial excitement originated with the thought of touring (and buying things) from the last stop on the tour, the bookstore.

We started by watching a Power Point presentation that included statistics and photos of campus life. Then an Admissions Ambassador showed us academic buildings, the student center and one of the dorms (including a student room). She shared wonderful stories about her experience with CSU and answered our questions.

After the tour, we got a couple of souvenirs from the "75% off" racks at the campus bookstore. You can see in the photo above Ryan showing off his new clothes. We drove through Fort Collins, ate lunch and headed back to my parent’s home in Denver.

Perfect Moment #1: Watching Ryan introduce himself to the group. He’s only in middle school, so this seemed slightly premature, but he had such confidence  as he stood up to say his name and declare that he had no idea what he planned on studying.

Perfect Moment #2: Recognizing another mom on the tour as someone I have known since early elementary school. I probably last spoke with her in high school and/or during our college years, since she also attended CSU. Did I mention that she said I had barely changed? That could be a Perfect Moment in and of itself!

Perfect Moment #3: Ryan leaned over several times during the tour and said, “I’m going to school here.” This was perfect not only because it is my alma mater, but that he was so inspired and excited about being a college student. Although this won’t happen for several years, it will feel like a blink of an eye when we’ll be visiting this or some other campus to drop off one of the boys for college.

Insert motherly sigh here…(full of accomplishment, excitement and perhaps sadness because the boys truly will move on).

But for now, this was a series of Perfect Moments!

If you'd like to check out more Perfect Moment Mondays go to Weebles Wobblog by clicking here.

6 comments:

Lori Lavender Luz said...

Wow! Really, many wows.

First, that college is within talking distance.

Second, that you ran into a childhood friend -- that always feels so affirming, especially with feedback like that!

Third, that Ryan is so secure in himself and his future.

I also love the title of your post.

Anonymous said...

What a special bonding experience that must have been for you and your son. Truly a special weekend.

And nothing is more confidence-boosting than being told you haven't changed by someone who hasn't seen you in years.

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

That is a delightful story about your son and your dreams.

Furrow said...

Wow! They're doing tours for middle schoolers now? It must have been exciting seeing him walk in your footsteps for a bit.

Kristin said...

What an incredible series of experiences. Was this a tour for prospective students or something aimed at younger kids like Ryan?

Anonymous said...

DH loved that day as well.