Admitted @ 4 {University Dilemma}

Admitted to 4: Thomas More, Notre Dame, Washington State, University of Puget Sound; wait-listed at 1: Hillsdale;  Zachary's university selection now enters its final phase.  Presidential scholarships and merit based financial awards sweeten the admission deals offered by these various universities.  Congratulatory phone calls, emails, letters of welcome, and invitations to 'admitted' gatherings are all flashy lures in this sea of selection. With at least one more campus visit on his horizon, Zachary has a few weeks in which to finalize his plans for next fall. 

Zachary's choices:

• attend a prestigious Catholic university on a large campus in the Midwest 
• attend a devout Catholic liberal arts college on a small campus in the Northeast
• attend a local liberal arts university on a small campus with optional participation on swim team in the Northwest
• attend a state school on a large campus in Eastern Washington, earning a BA in 2 years (2 years credit given for running start course work)

Each university on his list comes with its own benefits and costs; each comes with some distance to travel and some climate adjustment.  Good advice abounds, but some voices can also cloud the waters with overt enthusiasm for one choice over another.  Above all, we want Zachary to follow God's will for his life and to choose wisely the school which can best support him on his path. 

And now, the million dollar question lingers: What will Zachary decide??? 

Will you please say a prayer for Zachary?

Jesus, I trust in You!

Godbrothers

Peter holds his Godbrother Samuel

Samuel's new tongue trick

Joseph and Peter sit with sleeping Samuel while Aileen and I dart into a shop.

A side benefit to Zachary's recent appointment at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma was the opportunity for his siblings and chauffeur to visit with our Godson/Godbrother Samuel and his mom our dear friend/Godmother.  Linked by many layers of love and years of friendship (Aileen and I since second grade at St. Charles), our time together is always phenomenal in some way or another.  This recent afternoon rendezvous occurred while Samuel's older brothers were in school, Zac was touring UPS, and the dads worked, so the five remainders enjoyed a stroll in Tacoma's Proctor neighborhood with an obligatory cup of coffee. 

Samuel, with his delightful smile and energetic attention for friendly faces managed to stay awake for almost the whole visit, save a brief snooze in the stroller as we perused the shops.  He captured our hearts, and we longingly await our next opportunity to enjoy his company (and that of his fine family).
Such a treasure to behold!

Joseph smiles with his Godmother, Aileen.

Aileen and Bridget

University Calls {University of Puget Sound Campus Visit}

Visiting the old stomping grounds, the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, as the parent of a potential student seems slightly surreal.  And yet, that's my reality.  Zachary received his acceptance letter from UPS with the added bonus of a 4-year presidential scholarship, making it well worth the day trip to investigate the campus and sit in on a class.  Visiting the brick and evergreen campus where Tim and I attended undergraduate studies in the late 80's brought back fond memories for me and opened up exciting possibilities for Zachary. 

While on campus, I dropped in on my former advisor in the Communication Department, who happened to be at her desk preparing for a class.  She had no idea who I was, but it was nice to see her again and to introduce Joseph and Peter to someone who had such an impact on my life at university. 

Can you spot Zachary?

After joining an hour's talk introducing the university, we parted ways with Zachary, who spent the rest of the day touring campus, attending a class, sitting for interviews with the head of admissions and the head swim coach, as well as visiting the athletic facilities.  Joining students from California, Idaho, Colorado, and Oregon, Zachary was the lone Washingtonian in the group.  Interestingly, only two fellow visitors were admitted students; all the rest were probably juniors getting a head start on university discernment before the drop-dead decision deadlines approaching now. {Note to self: bring Joseph and Peter to visit campuses before spring of their senior year}.

Of note:

• While touring the athletic facilities, Zachary had to laugh when the mother of a swimmer from So Cal asked in wonder, "But where is the outdoor pool?
• While visiting the humanities class, Zachary volunteered to answer a question, "What was inside the acropolis?"
• Next stop: WSU campus visit
• One year ago today, we visited the Colosseum, Forum and St. Paul's burial site in Rome.