We recently attended a presentation by an admissions officer from Notre Dame University. Wow. Now I kind of want to go there, but I realize that ship has sailed for me. The thing is, my son kind of wants to go there too, which is great, because it’s a terrific university with so much to offer. But, holy cow, it’s expensive!

Yes, there’s financial aid available, and loans and whatnot, but I don’t want him to begin his adult life saddled with large debts. It’s difficult enough to be out on your own for the first time, responsible for your own bills, without worrying about how you’re going to dig yourself out of a hole created by debt. He’s well aware of this concern, which is why he’s applying for scholarships.

The main one he’s going for is the Naval R.O.T.C. scholarship, which both makes me incredibly proud and a little worried. I think he’ll be accepted, but we won’t know until after he actually applies. The application process for scholarships and universities in general, can be quite involved. There are forms to fill out and questions to answer, and essays to write.

It’s a good thing he’s a good writer. He comes up with interesting responses to the questions he’s faced with, and writes them in a way that’s genuine and direct. I think the reader can get a sense of who he is through his answers, at least I hope so.

I’m trying to stay calm throughout this whole process, since I know that any hysteria on my part would only slow things down. I know he’ll get all of his applications filled in and sent out on time. I know that he will be accepted into a program that will be a good fit for him. I know that it will all work out.