Our oldest daughter is a senior in high school this year and has recently been overwhelmed with all of the preparation necessary for her entry into college.  In fact, she was so overwhelmed, she considered taking a gap year to get some things done and to work on trying to secure scholarships and such for college.  When I (and the school counselor) explained to her that she would not have the scholarship and/or grant opportunities if she sat out a year, she took the bull by the horns and agreed to at least move forward in her quest for furthering her education.

But, it’s daunting. 

Lucky for her, both of her parents have experience in this area.  My husband had to secure scholarships, grants and a fellowship while he was obtaining his Master’s Degree as well as his PhD.  I quit college after two years and then returned when I was in my mid-20’s, and again had to ride the waves of grants and loans.  We’re not experts in the area, by any means, but we are experienced enough that we know enough to keep our daughter calm while wading through the paperwork.

This girl has many things going for her – she’s in the top 10% of her class, she’s a member of the National Honor Society, she’s personable and friendly, lovable and kind – and she is a poster child of good academic and social manners. 

We are threading our arms together to help her get through this without too much pain and disappointment.  The pain is all of the forms to be filled out, along with taking the SATs and the disappointment will be if she does not get approved for some of the scholarships she has applied for.

She will pursue her education with as much joy as she can, because her spongy brain is nowhere near full enough to keep her content for life.  So, we will go the way that many have gone before us – and do it with joy.  And when she walks on graduation night – we will know we have given our all to help her in the next chapter of her life.