I had a wonderful experience driving my son back to college after his spring break, so thought I’d share with parents of college aged kids.
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pa.When he left in September as a freshman – I think of myself as the opposite of a “helicopter” parent – I must admit I was anxious. And the 5 hour ride home alone from Pittsburgh was a new experience. It didn’t rank with dropping him off the first day at daycare, but it did create a certain turmoil.
But this trip was pure joy, out and back. We spent 5 hours intensely discussing everything from how to take better photographs (his hobby that I have literally stolen, lock, stock, and camera!), to how he was getting along and meeting the many challenges of freshman year. I learned a lot, and felt close. He had grown, and so had our relationship. We were on his turf now, and a lot of the father son tensions seemed to have melted away.
After we arrived, my son and his buds had a blast building me a new computer from components. That gave me a few hours to walk the campus, talk to kids, and take a few pictures. The Carnegie Mellon campus has a unique architectural style and intimate scale, and is situated between Schenley Park and University of Pittsburgh (design fans visiting the area should visit nearby Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater”).
Bill Gates computer science center under construction – opening in 2009.This roadtrip enhanced my admiration for the next generation, and reinforced hope for the future. Below are a few of my favorite shots (and the ride home was a breeze – but the trucks and $17.25 toll on the Pennsylvania Turnpike are something else!).
Uo the hill – back to the dorm room.
Long day’s journey over – time to hit the road.