I launched this ancient thread in November 2003, as a newbie of almost 3 weeks’ standing.
This was back in the days when we had one forum, and marked everything else “OT.” Life was simple then.
I am happy to report that the daughter who is the subject of my inquiry in 2003 is now a graduate of St. Mary’s College, currently waffling over whether to continue with her Masters in Teaching program now, or defer for a year (and possibly work for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation or somesuch.)
Subsequently, her two sisters followed her to St. Mary’s, where they will start their 2nd and 4th years in the Fall. Somehow I got through those middle two with less obsessing. I believe it has to do with the nature of the people involved, as–most certainly–does the following:
My 4th and final child–Gabe–primarily referred to on these forums as “the kid,” is now on deck, about to enter 12th grade at his small LD/ADD specialized school. And I am besting all my prior records for obsessiveness. Not that he notices. It just means I spend silly amounts of time trying to search for all extant bits of knowledge and opinion pertaining to any of the programs and schools we’re considering.
This is not unusual for kids with similar learning profiles, but it is easier to think of this guy as being about 13, rather than 17, in terms of life awareness, life skills, and personal motivation.
We are looking at small schools with special programs for LD kids. Would that be enough? Who knows.
We are looking at gap years and transitional programs that could help instill life skills as he matures to college-readiness.
We are definitely not looking at Harvard, and–in this case–not even St. Mary’s.
It has been a summer of meeting with the college consultant, the neuropsych psychologist (LD kids always need this stuff for documentation,) and visiting from Massachusetts to Florida which will continue into the Fall. Paperwork, driving, headaches, and a hope that between my analyses and instincts, and his mildly attentive observations during visits, we will stumble upon something good.
I kind of miss those days…when there were but a handful of on topic threads and 98% of what was posted was labeled “OT”. Ah, the memories…
I do remember your first post. At that point, my eldest was only 13, and I thought college was a lifetime away. Now I have Izzlet #2 heading out this fall to Oregon to attend a survivalist school…TrackersNW, and then he’s off to culinary school (visions of restaurants filled with authentic Italian cuisine seem to dance in his head). Haven’t figured out WHERE yet, but he’s wanting to do that overseas. This will jive well with the move we’re still planning on making next fall (another, wow where did the time go?)
I hope you can find something for Gabe with as little stress as possible. Crossing fingers and toes for you.
Noah still is “I dunno” after graduating from high school this past May. He really does NOT have the slightest idea what he wants to do, and since he’s never been a good fit for “traditional” school, I’m not even pushing local college for core classes. He’s looked very seriously at Americorp - and that may still be what he decides to do for a bit.
Nate was SO much easier, since he decided at age 12 what he wanted to do. He’ll be out of the Navy in less than 3 weeks - looking for at least part time work and hoping to go to school. His wife is working (and has benefits, thank goodness) so that may be a possibility.
Always struck me as a strange thing that young people around Gabes age are being asked to make choices that will affect the rest of their lives at a time when they think they will be, as Bob sez, Forever young.
With Emms hand on the tiller he should be O.K.
I suppose the three girls have raised the bar a fair height so he could be feeling a bit intimidated but he’ll get there,
Different drummers and all that.
