I've thought about this post for a while. I just graduated from college, so my experience in your daughter's position is four years old. Also, I went to a relatively small (5000 undergrad) private school. So, maybe my experience is irrelevant to the question at hand, but here's another perspective.

I did not do a single activity I had done in high school in college. I was going 1500 miles away, and I wanted to try completely new things. In fact, other than being a coxswain for my first semester, I was not in any co-curricular activities. I focused on making and retaining friends from my hallway and special orientation (among my best friends at college) first semester, along with the all-important academics. I had such a broad spectrum of friends that there was always something going on and I was never alone. Keep in mind, I'm not the most outgoing person.

Second semester, when I was comfortable with the new friends I made and with the path I was taking, I delved into more activities--namely my sorority (hooray for deferred rush!), other women's issues, and environmental organizations. The people I knew who did the things for which they were stars in high school--cheerleading, debate, etc, have had basically the same types of friends and experiences that they did as a 17 year old.

Please feel free if you want to ask me any questions! My undergrad experience may be over (hooray for grad school!) but it is very near and dear to my heart.

Back from the Weekend
 

My family and I had a wonderful weekend. We spent Saturday at my mom's summer house in Wisconsin. While the boys golfed, my daughter and I ate, shopped and went to a pick your own cherry orchard. Last night the two of us went to dinner and to the theatre--we saw Lion King--it was amazing. We had plenty of time to talk--I let her do most of the talking.

I'm still saving my big advice for the letter--that way she won't be as likely to tune me out. But without saying a word she has decided to call to make an appointment for an audition and will make the call today. Hooray!

She talked to her two new roommates and was working out details of who's bringing what. So far, they seem to get along well. She's also lunching today with a girl from a nearby town who's going to the same school. She's made plans for going to the first football game. And she starting to pack her clothes. (I think I better have her find out just how big (small?) her closet is going to be ;) .

What a roller coaster we're on! She's back to being upbeat and confident. I'm hoping it lasts! Thanks for everyone's perspective and advice.

I'm glad that everything is turning out ok, momoftwo. :)

Re: Back from the Weekend
 

Sounds like Door County to me! Loving it!That's probably wisest. Plus, she'll be able to keep the letter and look back on it to remember what a supportive mother she has.I'm glad she's planning ahead, and yay for a band audition! Now let's just cross our fingers for RUSH! Good luck.

Sounds like things are improving -- I think everything will turn out for the best, rush or no rush (although you know what we're hoping for here at GC :D ).

NOT SURE IF TRI D are always right! But this sounds like Primo advice to me!

Just ask JMOM she is going through the same thing but with a son!:) Daughter is already good on, Sone is Frosh eso I am keeping my fingers Crossed! He has a heck of a legacy of Greeks, but Luv her , she is rootin for mine!

She is the rootin tootin P U driven lady lookin for antiques in the Bayou!:D

So, when does this become "Did she or didn't she?"

When?
 

Recruitment is the weekend after labor day.

momoftwo, I've been watching your thread.

I know for me that it took a little while to warm up to the idea of rushing! Hopefully your daughter will grow and make decisions that are best for her--and if that includes Greek life, how exciting! :)

Update
 

She has an audition! And she is happy about it :) She just called me singing. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it goes well, her teacher thinks she'll do fine. I know she needs to find her own way, and do things that she wants to do. At the same time, I don't want to see her rule things out because she's afraid it won't work out.

I don't need to worry about encouraging risk taking with my youngest--with him the conversation is all about taking the right kind of risks!

That's great news, momoftwo! Give your daughter our best! :D

What, pray tell, is a coxswain?

I think it's the person in crew (rowing) who yells out the orders.

That's exactly what it is.

If I recall correctly, the cox also steers.