College: choices and challenges

On Thursday we dropped Kotch off at the airport to fly to her "sometimes first choice, sometimes second choice" college for a college visit/scholarship competition. At the same time, I started the socks for this trip.

She came home today and definitely has placed this one as her "definite" first choice ... at least until she hears how much aid she'll be getting from this one and the other "first choice". I finished the socks tonight as she described her visit to the mid-west and this wonderful college.

Once she decides, she'll get the socks for the college -- so, either the above or these (for her other "first choice"):It's completely up to her and either college would be a wonderful experience for her; my first choice would be the one she just returned from (and this is only SLIGHTLY affected by the fact that the girls in the freshman dorm all learned to knit this year!).

While we were waiting for Kotch's flight to arrive, we took the opportunity and spent the day in D.C. Dh took StringBean to the Art Museum while I took the boys to the Air and Space. On our way to meet up with Dad and StringBean, we stopped in the Hirschhorn Sculpture Garden for a photo op on this gorgeous 70-something day in the Nation's Capitol:

College: we grow 'em smart

So we brought Kotch up to her "some days first choice, some days second choice" college for a full-day scholarship competition. 120 some kids are vying for full-ride scholarships for this amazing school. While Kotch was taking her test, I got to sit for 3 hours, listening to the school's sales pitch ... which was phenomenal! I want to go there.

The enthusiasm and love of teaching exuded from every presenter. These folks really love teaching there and the student takes priority in every aspect of life. There was also a panel of students who were so pro "The Mount" that it would be hard to doubt their veracity.

When we got home I saw this post from my favorite SIL living in Colorado: the feast of St. Francis deSales. So, on the Feast of this great saint (and patron of writers), one of our favorite nieces (just 6 months younger than Kotch) received a full-ride offer from DeSales! How cool is that!

Guess we grow 'em smart ... or at least teach them to use appropriately and completely the gifts and talents from God!

Oh, and just so you know I wasn't completely idle while sitting for the almost 2 hour car ride, 3 hour testing, and 2 hour car ride home:
I have a quote on my knitting blog from fellow hand-knits designer Jill Wolcott:

I hate meetings ... but if I can get some knitting done, it's not a total loss

So not only was it a great meeting, but I ALSO got some knitting done.

Kotch and I have made a deal ... when she goes off in two weeks for another scholarship competition at her other "some days first choice, some days second choice", I will knit a pair of socks again. When she decides which college she'll attend (or wins the full-ride, which will decide for her) ... she'll get that pair of socks!