All of us can agree that going home for breaks from college is pretty awesome. Trips home during the latter years of college are still great, but do definitely feel different – for me at least. There is a little less coddling from Mom and lectures about safety from Dad, and a weird combination of greater appreciation for my parents and feeling stifled by having to report my every movement. Still, I find that it’s when I’m away at school that I really appreciate my parents. So, in honor of Mother’s Day I’d particularly like to recognize what my mom has done and continues to do to support me while I’m in college, because I’m certain I wouldn’t be able to achieve what I do at school – and enjoy it like I do – without her in my corner. I think this sentiment is true for all college students (…except, of course, my mom does it all a little bit better J), and I hope it inspires you, the 186 South College reader, to tell your mom from the bottom of your heart why you appreciate her.
The author c 1997 with Momma Harrington
Not particularly gushy, but let’s get the obvious one out of the way: Thanks to you and Dad for giving me money for college!
Thanks for encouraging me to push out of my comfort zone and try new things and experiences, such as traveling to Italy (winter 2014, can’t wait!), pursuing challenging but interesting undergraduate research, being a Russell Fellow, moving off campus, and more.
Thanks for reminding me to look at the big picture when I’m stressed about schoolwork.
This one’s pretty adorable – thanks for coming up with great ideas about little holiday gifts for my freshmen.
Thanks for not complaining when I’m having a bad week and go spend a ridiculous amount of money at the grocery store on yogurt.
Thanks for suggesting improvements to my resume during the taxing summer internship search (and thus helping me land some great positions!).
Thanks for giving the best advice when I’m faced with tough decisions.
Now that you live in Delaware, thanks for constantly offering to wash my laundry – though we all know you do that slightly more out of a distinctly mom-like affinity for laundry than a desire to take the task off my hands.
Thanks for always being my #1 fan.
Thanks for being you!
What does your mom do for you?
~Ruby Harrington
