Lots of fun memories from college. Loved learning, time with friends, exploring a new city and region of the country. It's a time of growth and exploration and I hope my kids will have the same.

I wouldn't say it was the best time of my life, though. I can't even point to that at all. Each part of life has had plusses and minuses and for the most part it's good - but I look for the good and show my kids that too.

Certainly there are a few stretches in life that weigh in with more minuses - almost always due to family life events. But I just hunkered down and figured out how to deal with whatever was thrown at me. I eventually reached the end of those tunnels and came out a person with more life experiences.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not any more. Kids' summers are filled with new requirements that many parents didn't have to deal with - research and internship. So, no, not true at this point.

I know plenty of college aged kids whose summer jobs are the same sorts of things I did - camp counselor, wait staff/restaurant hostess, retail, etc. Also the ones who tout their internships often seem to be remote, cush ones (or stay at college to “do research” for a professor which usually sounds like a calm and fun summer with other students around). Of course there are students doing serious work, too, but plenty have “regular” temporary jobs.

Yes, I was talking about top performing kids.

LOL. Unhappy kids struggling through life as a rat race = “top performing kids.” Mom, you failed.

I've been very fortunate throughout my life, but I do look back at my college years as my happiest. Most of the college friends I still keep in touch with feel the same way. I went to a big state flagship with a liberal arts major and then to a top professional/graduate program. Pressure was pretty modest and workload wasn't too bad. It was relatively easy to distinguish myself. I had lots of free time and lots of people and resources at the school to enjoy it. My partner went to HYPSM undergrad and also enjoyed the college experience but not quite as much as I did.
Now my DS is already admitted to my alma mater and awaiting decisions from a number of Ivy's and SLAC's. I find myself obsessing over whether he will get in despite the fact that, in my heart, I suspect he would be happier at my alma mater. I believe his outcomes will enjoy a bit of boost if he goes Ivy and the prestige will follow him in life. Still, I often wonder if I've lost sight of what's important and whether my hoping he gets into a more prestigious college is the product of a warped set of values.