The Alum and the Freshman

[kybearfuzz]

Yesterday, I hopped in the car and drove to my hometown to help my sister out with my nephew's upcoming move to college. She and her hubby had a few unexpected money issues this past week, so I told her I'd help out to get my nephew some odds and ends he needed.

After we spent the entire day shopping and burning a hole in my credit card, we had dinner with the twin and his family (Mom refused to go out, but that's a whole different negative story). So eventually, I crashed around midnight and was up around 5 AM this morning. My sister didn't even go to bed, she stayed up doing laundry.

We got to the Berea College campus around 9 AM and did a quick unload in his dorm room. His roommate had moved in, but had gone to soccer practice already. After we got everything settled, his roommate and his family showed up. His roommie is a great guy, he likes horror movies and comic books. Honestly, he'd have made a perfect roommate for me back when I started there in 1990. I think he and my nephew will hit it off well.

Next, we ran all over campus, getting his student ID, his books, his laptop, etc. We stood in line for HOURS. I felt like we'd gone to Kings Island without the rides. The one thing my sister was amazed about was the fact that everyone was so nice. There were students to guide you anywhere on campus, some students were there to help you move your stuff, etc. My sister said that when she went to Eastern Kentucky University, the student guides just ignored you.

Eventually, we grabbed a late lunch at one of my old hangouts, which was wonderful, before they had to go do the parent-student thing. At that point, I left them to head home. I'm sure my sister was a mess to let her kid go.

I'm so envious of him honestly. It made me remember my first day on campus and being both excited and terrified. If I could do college over again, I'd do it in a heartbeat I think.

Comments

[maxauburn.livejournal.com]

You're a terrific Uncle!

You helped your nephew and his family out.

That is very cool.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I try...

[texwriterbear.livejournal.com]

You are an awesome uncle. That was nice of you to do all those things!!!

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I'm sure he'll put everything to good use. I know where he lives if he doesn't. :D

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

It's hard to tell which of you is more excited in the photo! :) I bet you're tired tonight! Your sister must be exhausted.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

LOL! I was so tired last night, I crashed early. I am surprised my sister didn't sleep on the way back home. I bet she's still asleep right now.

[mort-83.livejournal.com]

How exciting! Sounds like you had a blast. When my nephew moved into his dorm, I need a pitcher of Manhattans afterwards. :-)

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Oh I think we could have used a beer or two after the move, but unfortunately Berea is in a dry county.

[changeling72.livejournal.com]

Great photo.

I never went away to uni - either time - and think I missed out a bit in the regard. Saying that, I was 23 when I started my first degree, so I don't know how I would have gotten along with all those 18 year old kids!

Nice to hear you get along with your nephew and that you're such a good uncle.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :)

You might be surprised. My third college roommate was three or so years older than me and he got along well with everyone. I think being a bit older would have given you a different perspective. You'd have been the smart older brother they'd need. :)

[spatts5.livejournal.com]

I'm sure your nephew (and sister) really appreciated having you help with the move in. I hope you gave him some campus tips. Glad to hear his roommate is a good guy. My very first roommate was from Korea, didn't speak much English (not to me anyway) and smoked (this was a time when smoking was still allowed inside) so it was kind of rough. Did you feel old going back to the old campus?

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I didn't feel so old, but I admit that even I got tired of hearing me say, "... back when I went here..."

Strangely, in my mind, I still feel like I'm a 20-something and being around all these students who are young enough to be my kids makes me feel both envious and ancient.

[huxbear.livejournal.com]

Looks like you were BOTH having the time of your lives! Him, imagining how his life was about to change & you, thinking about how your life WAS changed by your similar experience & how you'd love to do it all again! :-D

How incredible! :-)

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

It was a good time. I'm trying not to pry and ask how things are going because I'm sure there is SOOOOO much to juggle right now.

I get updates from my sister (his mom) regularly.