It is filling my summer time and it is filling my heart.
And when I need to process news like Nu saying they may not go back to college, it really, really helps to remind me that there are many, many ways to start over and over again.
Pic: This afternoon's culinary delight was the work of many toddler hands and combined broccoli, eggplant, and peaches. (I will not be trying this at home.)
13 comments:
You help so many, many people!
My younger son left college after one year. He was never very fond of school, period, despite always doing well. He's doing just fine! His job pays for continuing ed in his field--all things cars--and he learns what he loves.
Good Luck.
There are many, many ways indeed. Both my kids took a year (in Jake's case, it was more like 20 months) as a gap year. Jake went to trade school to take plumbing, and he did really well. But he learned he didn't want to actually work in plumbing and instead got a temp job as a picker at a vineyard during harvest. One thing led to another and now he is a vineyard assistant, and he loves every minute of it. His plumbing school came in handy though, as he works with a lot of pipes and irrigation! So you just never know. Life is a long and winding journey, and even if Nu leaves college they can always go back, or go somewhere else, or work in a different field and advance that way. Nu is young and there are lots of forks in this road. However! This is not to say it's easy to step back and watch as they try their hand at life. It is NOT easy! But trust in the process, my friend. xoxoxo
My son had a similar situation Nance!!
You give so much of yourself.
I know, being an academic, it's probably hard to see Nu consider another path. Are they thinking gap year or leaving school?
I might give that eggplant "dish" a pass too! Some kids aren't ready for the pressures of college, either academically, socially (or both, I suppose) and it can be a real adjustment. Doesn't mean a return is out of the question at some point -- it could happen. Or not and something even better comes along. When you think of it, how many people do you know who are doing what they started college to do? Many choices await Nu and the timetable is open. Maybe the gap year IS the ticket.
On another note, your volunteer work sounds so rewarding.
I bet the time with toddlers is really really filling your cup. As I said yesterday, you have such a positive, zen vibe and kids really pick up on that. I bet they love playing with you. Plus you are so far removed from that stage of life so it's probably fun for you to do some pretend play with kids (I, on the other hand, am so burned out on it!!).
I am sorry to hear about Nu but I agree with what the other wise ladies have already said. There are many paths to success. My Godson left college after one semester and ended up going to a trade school to become an electrician. That's the path my dad took and he owned a business for many many years that my BIL (my Godson's dad) took over 10+ years ago. So there was a very easy career path for him to follow. Nu has time figure out what they want to do. I wish gap years were more common. I know of 2 people whose kids did gap years and really benefited from them. One went to Brazil, I want to say? And the other did some sort of Americorp type of program?
Thank you, Nance and Nicole... this is so incredibly helpful to remember!
Thank you!
Thanks, Nicole! I have followed Jake's journey and love he found something he enjoys. What more can a parent ask for?! I will take my hands of the wheel and trust more <3
Not sure of anything yet, Steph... I'm glad my mom isn't here for this, haha.
Very sound advice, Jeanie (incl. the passing on the eggplant dish ;). I think the gap year could seem more feasible once a plan to move forward is in place.
Thank you, Lisa. I signed up for the toddler room out of nostalgia for toddler quirks. It's endearing since I don't have to be there fore more than two hours at a time, I guess :)!
It does help to think of this as a gap year and a time of discernment... and it would help more if there was a clear calling. But I'm sure (or I hope) all will be revealed in good time. Thank you for the counsel and comfort!
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