Copyright ©2010. The Associated Press. Produced by NewsOK.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
College send-off is rite of passage
CARLA HINTON, Religion Editor
|
Published: July 30, 2009
Oklahoman
Leave a comment
Laurence Greene, right, with his parents Lisa and Emmitt Greene in Edmond, Okla., home on Wednesday, July 16, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
In the weeks after her son’s graduation from Edmond North High School, Lisa Greene grew excited about sending him off to college.
Multimedia
More Info
"I’m excited because he’s got a great future ahead, but it’s also the end of my ‘baby.’ This is my adult child now."
Lisa Greene
NewsOK Related Articles
They shopped together for items to go in his dorm room.
They got through the enrollment process and are now preparing for move-in day.
The realization that her son is leaving home is finally sinking in.
"The moment that it hit me was when he got his student I.D. I got a little emotional,” Greene said, smiling.
"There’s ambivalence. I’m excited because he’s got a great future ahead, but it’s also the end of my ‘baby’ This is my adult child now.”
The Oklahoma City mom and her husband are among thousands of parents across the country preparing to say farewell to their college-bound children. Greene’s son, Laurence, 18, plans to attend the University of Oklahoma in the fall. Their daughter, Lauren, 19, commuted to the University of Central Oklahoma last year as a freshman, but plans to stay on campus this year.
So, Lisa Greene said Laurence’s imminent departure means the Greene nest really will be empty.
Handling the bevy of emotions that come during this rite of passage can be tricky, but most parents do well, said Christina Mallory, an admissions counselor at Oklahoma City University.
Mallory said the key to a smooth transition is for parents to let go and allow their children to become more independent.
"Learning how to go to class, keep a schedule, learning to go to bed on time so they can get up in the morning — kids learn those things in college,” she said.
"Parents need to be supportive and cut the strings.
Life Photo Galleriesview all
Prev
If you prefer your thoughts to appear in The Oklahoman, we encourage you to submit a letter to the editor.
Would you like to leave a comment?
Log in or sign up (it's free).