Doing College Move-In Day the Right Way

Move-In Day (or Weekend) has an extremely special place in my heart because it signifies the start of something transformative, particularly for first-generation college students and their families. I still remember the day our mom dropped my twin and me off for what would be some of the most life-changing years of our young adult life. We were the first in our family to go to college, and it meant my mom would be leaving, not one, but two children in a remote town 7 hours from home for four years. Only God knows what my mom was thinking the day she dropped us off, but I am sure glad she came along for the ride.

My twin joined the Corps of Cadets, so her move-in time was different than mine. I was the first to get dropped off at my residence hall. I waited in a LONG line of students to pick up my room key. While I stood in line, I saw students and their families arriving in their trucks and cars and starting to unload. My anxiety began to go out the roof as I started to see the type of items students were unloading. Organizers upon organizers of stuff, televisions, microwaves, refrigerators, bedding - everything I eventually came to know as "stuff for college". I immediately questioned my place at Texas A&M. I thought, "I cannot even pack right for college, what makes me think I can do college?"  I hate that I always get these small voices of doubt in my head when it comes to doing something different, something uncomfortable, and out of the ordinary for my family. But I also appreciate the level of confidence my humble beginnings as a migrant farmworker instilled in me. I let myself get into these doubts, but then I find the courage to push them aside and keep moving forward! If I could work 8hrs for 6 days in the dead of the heat, then I can do this! So, I recentered my energies and focused on the day's mission - to move in!

Eventually, I got my room key and made my way to my room on the fourth floor of the residence hall. By the time I got there, my family had already taken all my belongings up four flights of stairs. Next up, was my twin. We got to the Corps of Cadets drop-off area where current students took my sister's belongings and escorted us to her room. They briefly showed families the residence halls and corps area, and then they were asked to leave! Oh my gosh, we lost it! Haha. You mean we cannot help her set up her room? You mean we can't go have lunch with her? You mean I won't see her at all today?! (I might be exaggerating, but felt like ripping a band-aid off!). I was so close to my sister that this would be the first time I would not see her for a consecutive number of days.

(My mom after climbing those four flights of stairs with my belongings: an organizer, a pillow, my San Marcos blanket, detergent, my backpack, and what looks like two boxes, and I think a large duffle bag of clothing)

My mom and I decided to head back to my room and set it up before she had to hit the road back home. It was a rough experience, but very eye-opening. We were not prepared for the abrupt separation. I think we thought that we would be, but we weren't, and I don't think any family is, much less first-generation families. I remember my mom telling us how she drove in tears the entire way back home - 7hrs, in tears. She had just let go of one daughter to the army a year ago, and now she had to let go of two. I am sure it was hard on her, and I am sure it still is.

Nonetheless, college move-in day for me signifies discomfort, heartache, challenge, and humility. There is no one right way to do college move-in day. With the help of administrators and current students, the level of anxiety and separation can be managed for both student and family. Today, when I am able to make it to move-in days as a volunteer, I look for those students and families who might need a little pep talk during the process to help alleviate those anxieties.