Abilene Writers Guild
Abilene, Texas, U.S.A.
"Not failure, but low aim, is crime." (Lowell)
P.O. Box 2562—Abilene, Texas 79604
Monthly meetings are the fourth Thursday at
7:00 P.M.
Meeting at the Center for Contemporary Arts, 220 Cypress St.
Apron String Snippets
A Mother's Advice to a New College Freshman
By Barbara Rollins
Ten years after writing "Apron String Snippets" Barbara danced with the new groom, believing he listened well to her advice.
Eighteen years we've planned and saved for this day. This morning with boxes, bags, and bundles you drove into your future. This is good. I'm smiling through my tears.
I exalt in what you have accomplished and in the promise. You have found your wings and taken flight. I would not hold you back for anything, but oh, how I long to cling forever! You who would comfort my tears with a great big hug, endure my paper embrace across the miles.
Happiness has no site. You found happiness in high school, in your friends here, in the activities you enjoyed. A part of your heart is heavy, leaving behind your pals. Be happy. Those who are happy in one place will find joy at their destination. With Paul, learn to be content no matter where you are. Leaving comrades will always be hard, but new friends are waiting.
Dare to do. I regret the year I sat in a college dorm and failed to explore Tennessee. Plays, performances, places, parades, and people await. Seek them out. Educate and edify yourself.
Maintain your standards. Along with tremendous potential outside your door, there are perils. Choose well where to go, when to come in, who to go with, and what to do. Why choose a topless bar when you can see Twelfth Night for the same fee? Select friends who share your interests.
Play a part. Whether you observe campus life or participate, you get out what you put in. Jump in. Don't wait for an invitation - if you contribute, you'll be welcome. Run for student government office or play intra-mural sports. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or audition for a dramatic role. If you do instead of watch, you'll be happier and better satisfied.
The name of the game is education. Remember, however, that "extra-curricular" means besides the schoolwork. You are conscientious and work hard at your studies; otherwise, this would have been listed first. However, always remember that study comes first, then the broadening opportunities. If you don't make the grades, then your university experience will be cut short along with the opportunities.
A week is seven days. I miss you already, and I want you to come home. Of course you are always welcome here. You will see students who leave after their last class each Friday and return just in time to start back Monday. These folks miss the best of college life. A community evolves in the leisure times, and students who are not a part of the weekend campus life remain on the fringes. Spend some of your early weekends on campus.
Parent your child. I'm not there to tell you to clean your room, remind you to brush your teeth, or admonish you to get a haircut. You can live in squalor, assuming your roommate will tolerate it. You'll find, though, that decadence is not as much fun as you think it might be. When you take care of yourself and your things, both look better and last longer. It's your task to upbraid your weaknesses.
It's okay to need me. You're not so big that you can't still need a big hug. When you do, call me and I'll give you one over the telephone. It that's not good enough, give me a few hours and I'll be there in person. You can't do anything so bad that you're not loved and welcome at home, and nothing that's frightening alone is as bad when there's family around.
History is being made. I missed out on the sixties, although I lived through them. I didn't watch television or read a newspaper and had only the vaguest idea what was happening off the campus. Pick up a paper or watch a network news show at least once a week so you won't have so much history to catch up with when school is out.
¡Vaya con Dios! Go with God! There is a church across the street from the campus, and they have a class for you. You didn't leave God home, and he's ready to listen to you, as are his people. Get up on Sunday morning and go to church, whether you want to or not. You'll be glad you did.
The key word to all of the advice is, "Enjoy!" These university years will be some of the very best of your life. You'll make lifelong friends and memories. Soar on your newfound wings!
Barbara B. Rollins doesn't change jobs, she switches careers. Having tried school teaching, Christian Education, type setting, legal secretary, executive secretary, and law, she decided at age 40 what she wanted to be when she grew up. Since 1988 she's been judge of County Court at Law No. 2. Switching jobs meant going back to school, so she has degrees from McMurry, Scarritt College, and the University of Texas Law School. She started writing in earnest when rebuffed by George W. Bush in her efforts to move to a higher court, that only a couple of years after he kissed her cheek and remembered her months later. Since then she's written 8 5/2 books, four of which were published January of 2004 by Capstone Press as the Forensic Crime Solvers. Her short work has been published by Byline, Kidz Ch@t, R*A*D*A*R, In Chambers, Texas Association of Court Administrators Journal, and as United Methodist Curriculum material. She has been President of Abilene Writers Guild since 2001 and webmaster since the inception. She's been married to Mike 31 years and their sons David and Jeffrey both married in 2005 and work with, on, around and in computers. Her history from the 14th century to the current week is set out at SharpWriters.com.
