Column: Mixed emotions on watching child head off to college

On Saturday afternoon, my stepdaughter will climb aboard a U.S. Airways flight in Spokane and head to college in Flagstaff, Ariz.

It’s a moment that I’ve thought about a lot over the past year as she filled out paperwork, applied for financial aid and picked out her classes. I believe this is the beginning of an exciting transition – when she finds out more about herself and perhaps discovers her calling in life.

Freshmen in college probably don’t view the experience in those terms. Back when I went to school, I simply wanted to move out of the house to live on my own.

Yes, I wanted to go to college and become a writer, but at that age, I doubt I ever stopped and pondered the big picture. There were too many girls to chase and too many all-night parties to think of such things.

It’s exciting to think about everything that lies ahead for my stepdaughter. In a way, I’m enjoying the college experience a second time through her own journey.

But you know, it’s also a scary experience for us parents – especially since we now live so far away up here in Montana. I can’t speed over to the dormitory parking lot to change a flat tire. I can’t take her to lunch and trick her into telling me about any new romances in her life.

I’m sure there are many parents around town going through the same type of emotions as their own children leave for school, jobs or the military. Even if at a distance, parenting never ends and we will do our best to help her stay on the path.

Now, a few ground rules for our college student:

• Make sure you are safely in your dorm room before dark.

• Use the cafeteria and don’t overdose on junk food.

• Avoid the male species entirely. In fact, wait until age 30.

• And finally, call us, so we can hear your voice.

Good luck, kiddo.

(Brad Fuqua is managing editor of The Western News. He can be reached at: thewesternnews@gmail.com )