Moving day had arrived in the college town I call home. Parents from all over the nation flocked to the city, eager to pick up their kids for the summer. Cube vans filled the streets, and local eateries buzzed with families treating their children to a hearty meal after a year of hard work.
During this bustling time, I found myself in a downtown bakery, picking up cookies—not for myself, of course. In an attempt to reassure the cashier of my intentions, I quipped, “I’m such a great mom for buying my kids cookies.”
She smiled warmly and replied, “That’s lovely! Are you moving your child off campus?”
I was stunned. Did she really think I was old enough to have college-aged children? With no option but to avoid that bakery in the future, I rushed to my car to inspect my reflection in the rearview mirror. Was I dressed appropriately? My hair looked decent, and I had even applied moisturizer that morning. Surely, I didn’t look that old. Wait—was that a new wrinkle?
Just a few years ago, I worked at the university. Walking through campus, I felt almost indistinguishable from the students around me. It hadn’t been long since I was one of those co-eds, blending in effortlessly. I would often tell my husband, “I’m hip. I’m cool. I totally pass for a student.” (Yes, I realize that declaring my hipness undermines it entirely.)
My husband had a more realistic view. “You’re delusional,” he said.
Contradictions of College Town Living
Living in a college town presents a multitude of contradictions. On one hand, being surrounded by youth allows you to sip from their fountain of vitality. College students are the definitive trendsetters, making it easy to stay updated on the latest music, fashion, and smartphone apps. You feel as if you’re riding the wave of modernity. On the other hand, each fall introduces a new batch of students who seem to have gotten younger. Honestly, half of them still wear braces!
While these students appear to be getting younger, I feel as if I’ve hit pause. Intellectually, I know that’s not the case—I have a degree to remind me of my past. Yet, being in such close proximity fosters the illusion that I’m not that far removed from my own college days. I still know what’s in, I look current, and I feel current. It’s all too easy to believe I haven’t changed a bit—until a cashier mistakenly assumes I’m someone’s mom.
Reflections on Time and Change
Next fall, the first of our friends’ children will head off to college. How did we reach this point? It’s true they started their families before many of us were even in serious relationships, let alone married. Still, it seems surreal. Didn’t we just graduate?
My kids are still quite young, but we’re at the stage where they’re closer to heading off to school than we are from having finished our own studies. We’re old enough to have friends who are now professors. The same friends with whom we once skipped class and shared drinks at the campus pub are now the ones delivering lectures and crafting syllabi.
This realization creates a significant cognitive dissonance—a term I picked up in school. Managing the gap between my actual age and how I perceive myself isn’t something they teach you. Ironically, the only way to learn this lesson is through the passage of time—and the occasional harsh light of fluorescent bulbs.
Considering a Return to College
I’ve often toyed with the idea of pursuing another degree. In what might seem like the ultimate in helicopter parenting disguised as self-improvement, I consider going back to college when my children do. Perhaps we could share classes, stroll across campus together, and even enjoy lunch. I’m sure they would absolutely love that. After all, I’m hip and cool, right? Or at the very least, I do bring the cookies.
If you’re also navigating the complexities of parenting and education, you might find some insightful resources on intracervicalinsemination.org. And if you’re looking for at-home insemination options, check out Make A Mom for reputable syringe kits. For more information about pregnancy and home insemination, visit Cleveland Clinic, an excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, living in a college town comes with unique challenges. While it keeps you connected to youth and modern trends, it also serves as a reminder of the passage of time, leading to moments of confusion about your own age. Embracing these paradoxes can be both enlightening and humorous.
Leave a Reply