Life Down On The Farm

Becky applied to Loyola University of Chicago last night...she has her heart set on going to college in Chicago. This is a liberal arts college and has a much higher rate of acceptance than Northwestern, so it is a very good possibility she will get in. But, she is also still considering University of South Dakota and maybe even University of Kansas (where Brian applied and is hoping to get in). At first I was concerned about how this small town farm girl would handle living in the big city of Chicago, but then I thought more about it and realized she would probably adjust just fine. After all, she went to New York and handled that fine (without an adult around to help) and she went to Washington DC and made lots of friends in just that one week. Becky is not shy and not one to sit in a dorm room and never go out...she has always been a social butterfly and a big city is probably just the place for her. Besides, in order to go into musical theatre she would have a better chance at internships in Chicago and future job opportunities. Now my biggest concern is not having a chance to visit the campus before she decides to accept admission (if it is offered). I want her to be in a place that is safe and that she likes...I tell her she can't choose a college based just on the city. But, like I said before, Chicago would have more opportunities. I am torn...of course the final decision is hers, but this is really tough on me. I hate the idea of her not being able to come home except for holiday breaks but I love the idea that she is pursuing her dream education in her dream city. When I had kids no one told me how hard it would be to let them grow up and move far, far away.