Finding inspiration on the way back to school

“Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living;

the other helps you make a life.”

-- Sandra Carey

My husband Jon and I were filling in our calendars with upcoming

plans and dates when our daughter Amy chimed in that she might head

back to college earlier than originally planned. I understood because

her friends were already back at college, and she was more than eager

to do the same. We’d had great family times, but she was ready to

dive into the next chapter of her life.

I remember the fun and excitement of college and friends, and

wasn’t surprised when Amy changed the date more than once. Jon was

going to be out of town on a business trip, and I thought I could

drive up with Amy, help get her settled for a day or so and then fly

home We could share the driving and the unpacking and, besides some

shopping and meals, I promised to give her plenty of space. I even

offered to try to be more of a friend than a mom on our “road trip.”

Amy liked the idea. So I decided what I needed to do to leave,

including a contingency plan if she bumped the date forward again,

which she did.

Amy had the car loaded before I packed my things. We started the

drive the way I used to start my drive to college. We thanked God for

the gift of life and His love, the ability to go to college and a car

to get us there. We thanked Him for family and friends and we prayed

for safety for all who were traveling. We asked God for wisdom and

guidance for Amy as she faces many decisions.

We sang with music, ate snacks and commented on the beauty of

God’s creation. We talked about faith, friends and the future. We

were also content with silence. During those times, I could

practically hear Amy’s mental wheels churning as she prepared for her

first steps and days of her final year of college.

She and her friends are at an exciting time that can sometimes be

overwhelming and confusing too. I enjoy her friends, and prayed for

her and for them. I remember that learning in college doesn’t just

come from what you read and study, but also from what you live,

observe and choose. Relationships with professors are important, but

are often only for a period of time, while relationships with friends

can be life-changing and lifelong.

The 400-plus miles flew by and soon we unpacked the car, set up

her room and went for pizza with some of her friends. I enjoyed

hearing from Hannah, Jackson, Judi and Tyson. Each shared some of

what they learned, both inside and outside of great classes. Dorm

rooms and friends are clearly classrooms and teachers too, and Amy’s

been blessed to have quality teachers in both.

I’m writing this from the cafe in the college bookstore. I could

spend all day here, not just looking at everything for sale, but

listening to the conversations and life that pass nearby. I’ve

watched, listened and learned from the younger generation. I’m

reminded that true education is not only year-round, it’s lifelong.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

[email protected] or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.