What Were You in College
A late night muse on times long past53 total reviews
Comment from InHisownwrite
What was I when there?
Wasn't hanging around with Greeks....
The geek senario....
Funny!
Just an awesome real life story all the way through...
Something we can all learn from....
I was stoned for most of my college years..
That's another story..
Bryan
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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What was I when there?
Wasn't hanging around with Greeks....
The geek senario....
Funny!
Just an awesome real life story all the way through...
Something we can all learn from....
I was stoned for most of my college years..
That's another story..
Bryan
Comment Written 14-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Hi Bryan - I would have been stoned if I could afford it. Had to drink my drugs, whatever beer was on sale.
Comment from lola29
Bill, you've written another very good story. I was probably too serious--always fascinated by a brilliant teacher--too bad there were so few.
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Bill, you've written another very good story. I was probably too serious--always fascinated by a brilliant teacher--too bad there were so few.
Comment Written 14-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Thank you Lola - I always appreciate your support and kind words. Regards, Bill
Comment from animatqua
Made that mistake with my children. The grandkids we're raising have a whole different world. We can afford to buy them a lot. We don't. If they want a lot, they earn it. Our oldest ran away from home because he figured things were a lot easier `out there'. It broke our hearts, but we figured it was better he find out sooner than later what `out there' is all about.
We saw him for the first time in almost a year last weekend. He now has a job, money in the bank, and a down payment on a $600.00 truck. He also bragged about all of the bargains he got at the local grocery store.
Did we win one? Can't tell. I figure we're just not losing as badly as we did with his mom.
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Made that mistake with my children. The grandkids we're raising have a whole different world. We can afford to buy them a lot. We don't. If they want a lot, they earn it. Our oldest ran away from home because he figured things were a lot easier `out there'. It broke our hearts, but we figured it was better he find out sooner than later what `out there' is all about.
We saw him for the first time in almost a year last weekend. He now has a job, money in the bank, and a down payment on a $600.00 truck. He also bragged about all of the bargains he got at the local grocery store.
Did we win one? Can't tell. I figure we're just not losing as badly as we did with his mom.
Comment Written 14-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Wow - thanks for sharing that. To early to tell on my grandkids, but maybe there is hope.
Comment from N.K. Wagner
Bill, I don't believe for a minute that you failed your children. You gave them an opportunity that they either did not appreciate or were not suited for. Had it been otherwise, they would now have degrees. That's all you could do, or were expected to do. They're adults. If either of them regret their earlier choices, they can go back to school. If they have no money, the government will help them finance it. If they can't go to a big-name school, they can go where they can afford - most do just that. Don't beat yourself up for your children's choices and behavior. You've done that part of your job. All that's left to do now is to love them. Oh, and you did a good job with your essay and, apparently, your life. :) Nancy
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Bill, I don't believe for a minute that you failed your children. You gave them an opportunity that they either did not appreciate or were not suited for. Had it been otherwise, they would now have degrees. That's all you could do, or were expected to do. They're adults. If either of them regret their earlier choices, they can go back to school. If they have no money, the government will help them finance it. If they can't go to a big-name school, they can go where they can afford - most do just that. Don't beat yourself up for your children's choices and behavior. You've done that part of your job. All that's left to do now is to love them. Oh, and you did a good job with your essay and, apparently, your life. :) Nancy
Comment Written 14-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Hi Nancy - thanks for reading and the kind feedback. I really don't beat myself up, just realize that doing more doesn't mean spending more. Time is what they could have used. Always warm regards, Bill
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So give them, and your grandchildren, time now.
Comment from highlander104
This is an excellent entry into the non-fiction contest. I enjoyed reading the "then" and "now" scenario and believe when you think you "fell short as a father" you also should think of "then" and "now". Each new generation brings about change. Some good, some bad. Your children are "good" children and they learn that from their parents--you are one of those parents.
Good luck in the contest.
Jean K.
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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This is an excellent entry into the non-fiction contest. I enjoyed reading the "then" and "now" scenario and believe when you think you "fell short as a father" you also should think of "then" and "now". Each new generation brings about change. Some good, some bad. Your children are "good" children and they learn that from their parents--you are one of those parents.
Good luck in the contest.
Jean K.
Comment Written 14-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Thank you for reading and your kind and generous feedback. We get so few sixes that I always feel honored to receive one. Regards, Bill
Comment from missy98writer
Bill,
what an honest and frank essay you've written. It's a shame that when things are handed to kids they take it for granted. My parents agreed to pay for 75% of my tuition as long as I worked part time and kept up good grades. I did change my major many times before getting a degree in Criminal Justice. It's a shame your kids pooped off their chance a college degree. I'm so glad I got my degree. Your narrative is excellent. I really enjoy reading your marvelous writing. Keep up the superb writing.
Melissa.
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Bill,
what an honest and frank essay you've written. It's a shame that when things are handed to kids they take it for granted. My parents agreed to pay for 75% of my tuition as long as I worked part time and kept up good grades. I did change my major many times before getting a degree in Criminal Justice. It's a shame your kids pooped off their chance a college degree. I'm so glad I got my degree. Your narrative is excellent. I really enjoy reading your marvelous writing. Keep up the superb writing.
Melissa.
Comment Written 14-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Thanks for reading Melissa and for your kind remarks. I was with my son a couple of weeks ago, and now at 33, he realizes he messed up. Not so much college, but just growing up in a different way. Regards, Bill
Comment from c_lucas
There comes a time when the father must step back and give his children the responsibility of careing for themselves. This is very well written.
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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There comes a time when the father must step back and give his children the responsibility of careing for themselves. This is very well written.
Comment Written 14-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Thanks for reading Charlie, and your kind comments. I don't really look back with extreme regret, just wish I had given more time rather than money. Regards, Bill
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You're welcome, Bill. Charlie
Comment from Shirley B
Dear Bill, I give you the six for your honesty, but I can't think that you fell shaort as a father. If you did I really fell short as a mother. During Wesley's 2nd year of college, Randy and I didn't have money for his college , Randy was laid off at work and wanted to go to college , we only had money for one to go to college. After a family meeting we chose Randy. Not long after that Randy left us for a another person he met at college. Talk about feeling like a terrible Mother. Wes still hasn't been able to go back to college. He has a good job, but still no college degree. It sounds like to me you are a great Dad. Don't sell yourself short! Great story, Shirley
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Dear Bill, I give you the six for your honesty, but I can't think that you fell shaort as a father. If you did I really fell short as a mother. During Wesley's 2nd year of college, Randy and I didn't have money for his college , Randy was laid off at work and wanted to go to college , we only had money for one to go to college. After a family meeting we chose Randy. Not long after that Randy left us for a another person he met at college. Talk about feeling like a terrible Mother. Wes still hasn't been able to go back to college. He has a good job, but still no college degree. It sounds like to me you are a great Dad. Don't sell yourself short! Great story, Shirley
Comment Written 14-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Thanks for reading Shirley and for your kind and generous feedback. Believe it or not, my original outline for this story was a humorous story on how poor I was in college. Once in to the story, that wasn't the way it came out. Oh well, perhaps another story. Always warm regards, Bill
Comment from mumsyone
Money doesn't always cut it. My husband and I were not even as fortunate as your father, to be able to give our son a check at the beginning of each college year. Things were rough for us and for him. He often called home asking for money and "care packages" of food, which we always came through with. But he was on the Dean's list all the way through; went to Med school, and is now a well-known, well-liked and respected chiropractor in the town where he grew up. I'm thankful to say that he now looks back with gratitude for the "sacrifices" we made without regret, for him to go to school. But we wouldn't have had it any other way.
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Money doesn't always cut it. My husband and I were not even as fortunate as your father, to be able to give our son a check at the beginning of each college year. Things were rough for us and for him. He often called home asking for money and "care packages" of food, which we always came through with. But he was on the Dean's list all the way through; went to Med school, and is now a well-known, well-liked and respected chiropractor in the town where he grew up. I'm thankful to say that he now looks back with gratitude for the "sacrifices" we made without regret, for him to go to school. But we wouldn't have had it any other way.
Comment Written 14-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Thanks for reading and particular thanks for sharing your own beautiful story. Regards, Bill
Comment from Larrypic11
This is certainly a piece that many can instantly relate to. It is written crisply and clearly. We never know where our decisions will get us or the people they are intended to serve. Thanks for sharing it. Larry
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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This is certainly a piece that many can instantly relate to. It is written crisply and clearly. We never know where our decisions will get us or the people they are intended to serve. Thanks for sharing it. Larry
Comment Written 14-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2011
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Thanks for reading Larry and for your kind and generous feedback. Regards, Bill
