Back to School

It’s that time of year again—when we see lots of flyers delivered to mailboxes with ads for school supplies and TV commercials with great sales on clothing for school-bound kids. I remember August as the time when my family was in a mad rush to get the last vacation in while rushing to get everything we needed for the start of school. When I was in grade school, my favorite part of the whole process was the chance to purchase a new pack of crayons.

Oh, the fun of being a kid!

Not much has changed really, whether students are prepping for grade school or high school or even college. The mayhem has only just begun.

I was at Bed, Bath, and Beyond this weekend and saw the frenzy beginning. (Aha…the semester is about to begin. Thank goodness.) Admission offices do a lot of planning over the summer and work with many students and families visiting campus, but now we know that campus will soon be invaded by returning and new students alike. It is rewarding to see the students we worked with for over a year finally become official members of the Loyola family.

Back to my shopping experience… I didn’t realize that some stores actually offer a guide to help college students purchase all they need for their dorm room. Really? I saw quite a few parents taking note and at the same time, observed some of the college-bound girls knowing what they want already and trying to get their mothers to just follow them to the next aisle. The conversations were all about the time it would take to drive to campus, what the roommate was bringing, or my favorite—a discussion about a particular lamp one young lady really wanted.

No matter how the process begins, it is that time of year. I am glad I could witness that sense of excitement and a bit of the ‘unknown’ because it means that new experiences are around the corner.

So get the car packed or stuff it all into a few suitcases for the flight. We will see you soon!