Today, we spend time with our youngest daughter running around Ames doing a “transfer visit” because she’ll be moving from the University of Iowa to Iowa State.
Today’s slice: 5 random things I saw in Ames.
- Tall people: My daughter is 5’1″, so her perspective on life is a bit different. As we were wandering around, she made the comment to me, “Damn, why are there so many tall people here?” At first, I was like “whatever dude”, but as we went from building to building, there were A LOT of tall people. It was a bit startling just how many there were all over campus.
- Animal science: One of the reasons were we were is that she decided last summer that animals were meant to be a big part of her life. “I’d love to milk cows for a living, but I won’t make any money and I would like to go on vacation.” So, she met with the transfer student advisor (who knew there was such a thing) in the animal science department and went over everything she’d need to do this spring, summer, and fall to get ready. They put me a little more at ease when I asked “ok, now what” when referring to what happens when she graduates.
- Gymnastics: Our other daughter showed up and we went to the Iowa/Iowa State gymnastics meet. It was so much FUN!! Our daughters did tumbling, and those meet tending to drag. This was so upbeat with hype music, the gymnasts going NUTS when one of their teammates nails a routine, and little girls running around everywhere! Bonus: Iowa won! #beatstate
- New car: We went back to our daughter’s apartment and she showed her sister her new car. All the bells and whistles were cool, then I asked, “So what’s the gas mileage?” *cricket* And then they started hitting buttons to find it! She’s very happy with her new vehicle and I’m happy she’s happy! 🙂
- Happy thoughts: College has been fairly difficult for our youngest. Between struggling with some mental health issues and trying to keep up with the rich kids, she’s not always very happy. She was smiling a lot after her meeting with the animal science advisor. She’d shared she was very nervous about this transfer because it was basically admitting she’d messed up and was “starting over” in making new friends and relationships. Today gave her some confidence going forward that yes, there was something out there for her in the world.
It will be another long day tomorrow as we’ll stick around until 3:00 to watch our oldest sing. Then, two hours back to Iowa City and two hours back home. It was worth it today watching our daughters giggle and laugh together. Their relationship isn’t easy because, well, it’s just not. Little trips like this, where they can just catch up a little bit are good for their souls.
It’s good for our souls as well to see them happy together as sisters.
The Life of a Conflicted Teacher 
March 6, 2020 at 10:49 pm
It sounds like everyone had a nice weekend, and that is such a relief in stressful times. I hope your daughter finds joy in her transfer.
March 6, 2020 at 10:52 pm
You and me both! This is stressful for everyone as she wears her emotions on her sleeve! 🙂
March 6, 2020 at 10:54 pm
I’ve got one of those kids too. My son is one giant ball of emotion and falls apart at the slightest problem or challenge. 4th grade is killing him, and I am afraid to even THINK about his teenage years or college. 😬
March 6, 2020 at 10:52 pm
Also, re: tall people. When I taught high school, the kids just kept getting taller and taller every year. I’m 5’9″, so I initially was one of the tallest in the room, but every year, the kids got bigger and bigger. Last year, when I switched to middle school, I had dozens of 8th graders who were taller than I am, and were still growing. By the last part of the school year, even many of my 7th graders had shot up to more than 6 feet tall. I think people are getting bigger!
March 7, 2020 at 4:23 am
What a celebration of family and life during this transition. I felt happiness emanating from every part. Good luck to your daughters – oh, and it makes one wonder: Why are there so many tall people on that campus??
March 7, 2020 at 5:28 am
Sounds like a joyous time with your family. I always think short and sweet visits are the best! 🙂
March 7, 2020 at 5:41 am
Fresh starts can be good and she’s wise to know when she needs one. I love the random moments we can all be together these, it feels…whole.
March 7, 2020 at 7:07 am
This sounds like such a good day, and I really like the “5 Random Things” format for capturing it. (I might be borrowing that idea too!). I am so glad your daughter figured out what makes her happy and has found a way to get a degree towards that. I used to joke that “kitten caregiver” was my ideal job, not imagining that there WAS such a job, then I saw a job listening for exactly that at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah!!
March 7, 2020 at 8:00 pm
Savor these good moments! So good to have captured them here. Parenting is hard. I can see that even though that wasn’t the focus of this piece. Your kids are lucky to have you there supporting them.
March 8, 2020 at 12:18 am
“College has been fairly difficult for our youngest.” I can relate to this. All of my friends believed college was the greatest time of their lives. For me it was difficult and I do not look back at my undergrad very fondly. I think my anxiety stems from a particular semester where I wasn’t okay and now anytime I take a class I get very stressed out. I really hope she can find happiness with this transfer.
March 9, 2020 at 11:28 am
Both of my daughters have had struggles with some things about college. I believe that is part of growing up. Tell your daughter that she didn’t mess up, but that she grew up a bit and learned more about herself.
March 9, 2020 at 1:34 pm
That’s exactly what we did Saturday as we drove home. We talked about how she’s learned about herself and that she’ll go to a place where she need to be, right now. 🙂