When it was time for me to head off to college, my mom presented me with an ornate tin tied with a ribbon. Upon presenting it to me, she told me it had been sitting open in our kitchen for the last few months. She put the lid on and tied it up with a ribbon so that I would take it with me to school. It was a way for me to take a little bit of home and our family with me wherever I went. 

As the oldest of five children, my departure for the University of Kansas was a big deal in our house. It set a precedent in the family, whether I understood that at the time or not. It was emotional for my parents, a game-changer for my brothers and sister, and a huge step for me. And that little tin of “nothing” turned out to be everything for me as I started down the path toward adulthood. 

Having moved 19 times since I left for college, nothing has been more precious to me than the box my mother presented to me before I left for the University of Kansas.  

I encourage you to take just a moment during these hectic summer months to create your own “memory keeper”.  Even if your student doesn’t think it’s a big deal at the time, I assure you the significance of that gesture will take on more meaning over the years!

Don’t know where or how to start the college conversation? Get in touch today for your complimentary first meeting and let’s start talking about the future.