Freshman in College

Well Al I have not been on this site since before we moved to the Mid-West this Summer. MD still feels like home in alot of ways so it was the first place I looked for when I signed on.

What is your initial feelings?
At this point I am very proud of Mike. He seems to be adjusting to the College and to the team very well. They had a Coaching change over the Summer. That is always a concern. But the new Coach has really stepped up and is demanding alot of his players. Academically as well. Study hall is now 4 days a week instead of one and so forth. So I have to say that I am very pleased with our choice ( Mike's choice ) in the School.

How often are you in contact?

I don't feel that I get to talk to Mike as often as I like. He calls his Father more ( though his Dad won't admit that). But we are flying out to see him play this weekend!! I am so excited. It seems that he is missing me more as well now that we are coming. I have talked to him 3 or more times already this week!

Do you call him more than he calls you?

I really don't call him much. The one time I did he was in class! I like to let him call us when he is free. He has slot of responsibility on his shoulders and I don't want to add to that.

How do you communicate, TXT, Cell, e-Mail

I do email him but rarely get one back. It is usually by phone. His Dad and I do not text.

What do you talk about?

We talk about School first. He had his first Academic meeting with his Coach yesterday so he called me to talk about that. We talk about what he is doing on the ball field and off. Doesn't sound like there are any girls we need to worry about yet. But I am sure in time there will be.

It has been very hard on both my Husband and I. When Mike signed we were still toying with the idea of moving to the Mid-West but nothing confirmed. Having Mike so far from us is very hard. He called today and he is sick for the first time. As a Mother I wish I could be there for him. Mike is handling everything very well. I think he likes being "on his own". In fact I am sure of it. It is harder for him because the "home" that he knew is not the same now with us having moved. But he did get to come here for a few days so at least he knows where "home" is now.

Sue,
I always tell parents what you hope for is what you hate. You want him to become independent, but it is the independence you hate.

Always keep in mind there are ton's of families where their kids have selected the wrong school, for whatever reason, and they are facing kids who are homesick, kids who are involved with drugs, alcohol, parties, and some are even becoming parents. How does the saying go, "I was feeling sorry for myself because I did not have any shoes until I saw someone who did not have any feet."

When Brian was a Freshman I wanted him to call every day, unfortunately he didn't. I was able to convince myself it made more sense to make an agreement with him on a day of the week. We chose Sunday night, and if he could not make it, he would call us and tell us.

Our communication has been via cell, but if I really need to speak with him I txt him. Basically I have "Call Me ASAP" saved in my phone and send it to him.

Today's kids don't seem to use e-mail.

The bottom line Mike is becoming an independent young man, and looks like you have done a great job inasmuch he seems pretty confident and is handling most issues on his own. You should be very proud.

Hope I have helped!
Al McCormick
Check out my new website www.mostvaluableplayer.biz