Shark researcher? Too much lab time. Early childhood education? Maybe. Political science? “I want to take every class on this list.” That’s the one! Tatum and Aiden both started their college career at the end of June, along with another one-third of the first-year class at the University of South Florida.
She and roommate Carson, a Florida native, found each other through some app early this spring, and before I left the day after orientation, their room was already decorated with a pink rug, comforters, jewelry stands, heart-shaped pillows and fairy lights.
About five days after I left, I was receiving videos showing Tatum’s entire friend group, which is extensive and active, in their room. Clubs and beach days are part of the summer experience. She has gotten a lingering bad cold but still gets out and about. One place that cheers her up is an animal shelter. She used to do the same—go hang out with puppies—when she lived in Utah. It’s a good strategy, but I’m glad to say she doesn’t seem overly homesick, probably helped a lot by the fact Aiden is with her.
In-person classes, less so. Tatum’s health form failed to have a small box ticked off saying whether she declined or updated a vaccine, and we think this is why she was assigned online and asynchronous classes. However, this doesn’t explain why she was assigned the following two courses: (a) issues in music and (b) medical terminology. She has been a good sport about it and is getting As so far, but may even be looking forward to a full load of in-person classes this fall.
She’ll have a two-week break back home in August before heading back on August 19 to help new students move in. There’s nothing like being an old hand to feel at home.
She has the added benefit of having Aiden’s extended family in the Tampa area, and they have a beautiful home, dock, pool and storage room they generously share. It makes me feel more at ease with the whole hurricanes and lightening strikes thing to know there are friendly adults nearby.
We have our USF merch around the house to make us feel closer and nothing sparkles more like Tatum than the beautiful champagne bottle she bedazzled for graduation. But we miss her. Luna the cat still wanders into the room looking for her and wanders out, sadly settling for my bed with practically an audible sigh.
One thing it will be exciting to learn in college: How to pack a suitcase!
@theterrace 