Time out for Fun (and Orientation) at Old B.U. Stomping Grounds

This week we took our eldest daughter to Boston for orientation at Boston University, which she will be starting as an undergrad in just a few short weeks.

It was a real blast for me on a number of levels (or wicked pissah, as they say in Boston).  First, I am very proud of her in general - she had a great academic record in high school and is now ready for the big leagues.  She is a very well rounded kid, serious yet fun (OK I'll stop gushing now).  It is a big step, going to college, but she is ready for it.

Second, I am pleased that she selected my alma mater.  I attended B.U. as an engineering student in the early 80's, before somehow winding up in P.R. 

My post Age Regression via the College Tour documented my feelings and experiences about our visit to B.U. in my daughter's junior year of high school.  This time, it really was like going home again - my (soon to be ex) wife and youngest daughter (also a source of great pride) stayed in the dorms.  We visited many of my old stomping grounds - Newbury Street, Faneuil Hall, Copley Square, etc.  I stopped in at Newbury Comics - which was still there, in the same place.  I perused the displays at the famous Condom store, right next door to Newbury Comics, also still there (it was kind of surreal, condom shopping with my soon to be ex, but we get along OK so it was not that big a deal, we actually had a good laugh about it).

During some down time I ran some laps around  the track at Nickerson Field, the same stadium that hosted my graduation in '83 - I used to run there as an undergrad.

Some B.U. kids took us around town and kept us busy in-between lecture sessions, activities that seemed designed to keep the parent and siblings busy while the incoming students got the info they needed (scarcely saw my older daughter during the three days, that was fine, she was having fun, learning and meeting people).

I was thrilled that four of the six kids were Communications school students, and three of these are studying P.R.  One of the kids is an engineering major.  So I had a lot fun talking to these kids, and comparing notes about my time there.

I also felt a little like a VIP, as my name tag clearly identified my as an alum.

Comments

[Melody Haislip]

What a thoroughly nice (in the best sense of the word) person you are. You seem quite comfortable in your own skin, are friendly with your soon-to-be-ex and endearingly proud and fond of your children. I see lots of high grades and very few psychiatric visits for your lucky offspring. Glad you all had such a great weekend. I enjoyed your story.

[Theresa111]

Sounds as if you want to go back to school and hang out with her. Sometimes it's hard just being the parent. Congratulations and it's a real compliment she chose your school. :)

[rgeller]

Thanks much for reading, and for your kind words Theresa and Melody