How to handle insults of my kid’s college choice?

[Anonymous]

It's a good school. No question.

The state has controversial politics from the POV of Democrats. It's unsurprising that a Democrat-raised DMV friend might go off with an anti-Texas rant.

If I were your kid, I'd simply state that "the school is good, I'm excited to go there, and I can live anywhere after graduation". And leave it at that.

My sister lived in Houston for a few years after grad school although she didn't like it much. I have friends who were excited to get jobs in Texas during and after MBA school. It's not to my taste but each person needs to understand they can't change other people's taste by ranting at them.

[Anonymous]

I think in this case the kid is speaking out of ignorance about Austin and based on his stereotype of the state (a stereotype that has some grounding in reality to be sure). I don’t know what your kids politics are but some answers might be —

I don’t really care about the politics in th state I’m in

Austin is a super progressive city and I’m really interested to see how progressives in Texas are pushing back against a regressive state power structure

Okay, well you’re entitled to your opinion, and you aren’t going there, so that’s great for you

I’ll think about that while I’m enjoying some great music and food

I don’t know about Texans so much but you’re the one choosing to be a dick about someone else’s college choice, so what does that say about you?

[Anonymous]

OP, a lot of people hate Texas. This is your son’s peer talking to your son. Why are you so butt-hurt about it? And your son needs to let it roll off his back if he’s getting upset by this kind of douchebag comment. UT Austin is a great school. This jerk is going to be in the rearview mirror in another two months, so your son should not care about him. And both of you should know that in life people will always have something to say. As a resident of DCUM, you should know that better than anybody! LOL!

[Anonymous]

Ignore any criticisms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid was lucky to be going to one of his top choices of college (UT Austin). He’s a normal high stats kid with decent ECs, so we’re realistic about his chance for the T30. While his pipe dream school is my alma mater, UT Austin is his realistic dream school. We also like the area a lot. Unfortunately last week a classmate of his (they’re friends for some time, but have sort of drifted apart) gave him a lecture on why he would choose a college in Texas and went on to insult all Texans. I was like, WTF?! How to deal with crazy people like that?

That uptight little snot is the reason why your son should never come back from Texas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This would be more of a sympathetic post if you told me, your kid was going to Alabama. But university of Texas…. The fact that you feel like you have to defend that makes me think that you are not in a good place yourself.

PP, No need to put down Alabama. My NMF is there on a full ride and having an amazing experience. He turned down Purdue, VT, Case Western and Northeastern.

These are kids and UT Austin is an amazing university. Congrats OP!

[Anonymous]

Where is the classmate going to college?

[Anonymous]

The key to being around closed minded people is to remain decidedly open minded. It confuses them and drives them nuts. You and your son are open minded. Congratulations! That's awesome. I wish him much success.

[Anonymous]

When you close your mind, you close yourself off to wonderful, life changing opportunities and experiences. Pity that kid for being closed minded, and destined to live life in a small box being as deep as a street puddle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid was lucky to be going to one of his top choices of college (UT Austin). He’s a normal high stats kid with decent ECs, so we’re realistic about his chance for the T30. While his pipe dream school is my alma mater, UT Austin is his realistic dream school. We also like the area a lot. Unfortunately last week a classmate of his (they’re friends for some time, but have sort of drifted apart) gave him a lecture on why he would choose a college in Texas and went on to insult all Texans. I was like, WTF?! How to deal with crazy people like that?

No WTH is wrong with you?

Sending a kid to Texas in this political climate is stupidity and terrible parenting.

You think your kid will get a job in four years in a state run by Paxton and Abbott ??

[Anonymous]

I’m not a fan of Texas but even I know UT Austin is an amazing school. Congrats to your kid, and that person is an uneducated a-hole.

[Anonymous]

Make sure his going away package has condoms and Plan B.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid was lucky to be going to one of his top choices of college (UT Austin). He’s a normal high stats kid with decent ECs, so we’re realistic about his chance for the T30. While his pipe dream school is my alma mater, UT Austin is his realistic dream school. We also like the area a lot. Unfortunately last week a classmate of his (they’re friends for some time, but have sort of drifted apart) gave him a lecture on why he would choose a college in Texas and went on to insult all Texans. I was like, WTF?! How to deal with crazy people like that?

No WTH is wrong with you?

Sending a kid to Texas in this political climate is stupidity and terrible parenting.

You think your kid will get a job in four years in a state run by Paxton and Abbott ??

Now here we have a poster OP could use for practice.

Ignore?

[Anonymous]

East don’t be a maga fool fixed it for you

Texas that’s just basic parenting 101 fail right now

[Anonymous]

Congrats to him. He is going to leave the east coast crazies behind. It will be so great for him and for you to spend time there. Austin is fantastic. Mine has have had similar issues and generally reply with a smile, nod and walk away. It is usually the parents though. What lunatics.