Not Letting Go, Just Shifting

Whew...we made it. After years of late-night study sessions, Science Fair meltdowns, and countless pep talks before Big Exams and Championship Games, it's here....College.

That moment you dreamed of when you enrolled them in that first enrichment program or cheered them on for the Spelling Bee and Dance Recitals. Now it is time to pack them up and send them off to the new campus, to meet new roommates and to experience new realities.

We have spent years nurturing, protecting, guiding and now suddenly we are standing in a dorm room trying not to cry because our baby isn't a baby anymore. It's emotional. It's proud. It's terrifying. It's beautiful. It is less practical and more emotional and if you know you know.

While their packing list says Twin XL Sheets, a Shower Caddy, Snacks, Laptop, Mini Fridge and Surge Protector. My list says: A hug that lasts a little longer than usual, A silent prayer that the world is gentle with them, and the "talk" about staying safe in classrooms, parties, and in life. More specifically, when it comes to our young black men and women they don't get to just be college students. They will now be navigating spaces that may or may not have been built with them in mind. So we have the talk about the birds and the bees, but also the one about being seen, being safe, being unapologetically excellent, and keeping your name clean.

Although we may be letting go in this moment it does not mean that we have to be disconnected or step back. Yes, I will FaceTime you at first way too many times. Yes, I will randomly CashApp you $25 for "laundry" that I know will be used for pizza. I will still be your biggest fan, your personal prayer warrior, and yes THAT MOM who will pull up if needed.

Whether you are the first in your family to send a child to college or one in a long line of educated greatness, this is history. This is legacy. Do not minimize this moment - lean into it. Take the pictures, post the proud captions and if you need to ...Cry Sis! We've earned those tears! It's the release of every late night, every scraped knee, every hard conversation, and every small win. To all my Classy Mamas standing in dorm rooms this fall - whether you are laughing, crying, or both- just know this: you've done something powerful!