So we're moving into college today, yeah.
It’s a big day.
It is a big day.
Got breakfast at Bodo’s.
Bagel with cream cheese, keep it classic.
I’m realizing that I brought probably double
the amount of stuff that I should have brought
I feel like she brought her whole life.
She's got a sewing machine in here somewhere.
I don't know if she's going to have time to sew.
I feel a little bit better now that I've got most of my stuff into my room.
Ignore the crashing sounds in there.
I'm really excited to meet my roommate today,
and I'm excited to meet new people and just discover UVA.
The freedom of being in a university, on grounds.
This is my alma mater, so he’s extra excited .
It's kind of a dream come true this is a great school.
I feel like I've been working for this day for my whole life, pretty much.
And so, it's hard to believe that it's really here.
I brought her home 18 years ago as a little baby,
and now I'm dropping her off at UVA,
and I know she's had this dream about coming to UVA since she was 13 years old, so...
I just fell in love with the grounds.
Orange and blue are my favorite colors...so.
We’re much older brothers.
so we've always been watching her, since she was born.
just, I guess, excited and nervous to see
the little baby going to college for the first time,
you know what I mean?
They're leaving, but, um, I know they're in a great place, so,
So, um, this is his second home.
It's definitely going to be a change of pace.
I mean, there's so much out here,
I’m not used to like all the hustle and bustle, I guess.
Hundreds and hundreds of clubs
and maybe like almost 100 around just tech alone,
which is awesome.. I'm planning to join a few of them, of course.
Well, she wants to get into the medical field.
So if I ever pass out or something like that during a holiday,
hopefully she can resuscitate me or some sort.
Leaving home, it was a little bit sad for me because, you know,
you're leaving, like, your whole life behind and just picking up
all your belongings and moving somewhere else.
I'm obviously sad about leaving my parents and my family,
I'll miss my mom's cooking the most. Yeah,
Well, it's...
my youngest, so, you know, it's bittersweet.
A long, quiet drive home because she's our first to go to college, so.
Well, they're not supposed to know how the drive home goes.
Yeah. Roller coaster.
We're on top of the mountain today, but...
We can always go down in the valley soon too.
we're really excited for her.
We're happy, we’re proud.
We are a little...
sad.
He's the oldest of my three kids, so
he's a, he's a good big brother.
So...
he'll be missed.
I'm so proud of her.
Yeah, she's smart.
She’s one smart young lady, no doubt.
I lived with my grandparents my whole life.
and I, again, wouldn't be here without them either, so...
Come on, Gramgram.
I couldn't be no prouder.
They're my brothers, but they're really more like dads,
so I've always had like three dads.
I'm excited to start this journey.
So, thank you, guys.
Oh, you’re welcome. Yeah. For sure.
[Laughter]
I'm gonna try not to cry, but I'll be fine. I’ll be fine.
We can't wait for holidays and all the fun times
that she comes home and visits and we can wrap our arms around her.
I've already shed a few tears, as he knows, I guess I'll.
I'll make some phone calls, Maybe some face times every once in a while.
He is.
He's my
he's the oldest of my three kids,
so he's a he's a good big brother.
So he's leading and clearing the path
for them and showing them the example of a big brother.
he also has to grow up.
He can't stay home.
he's leading
and clearing the path for you want.
Everyone.
going to lose,
who are He's going off to college to better his self
and they're going to follow in right behind him.
I gave him lots of advice,
but it's been at different times of it.
But he also has to grow up.
He can't stay home.
So he'll
Well, he's
the oldest of my three kids, so he's a he's a good big brother.
So he's leading and clearing the path for them
and showing them the example of a big brother.
Oh, my goodness.
When I go home, I know I'm going to miss a lot of things
because he always on my side when I'm supposed to, I'm in the kitchen,
it's bittersweet to lose our
our precious young daughter after UVA. Yes.
going to be depressed, but that's okay.
I know the dogs are going to miss him, that's for sure.
is going to feel a bit lonely without her, you know?
Yeah. it's it's it's going to be emotional.
I'm not going to lie.
have a great time.
We'll do.
Oh, I'm just super stoked.
Super duper stoked.
That works out.
He I don't even want to think about it, honestly.
I've held it together pretty good.
So, Are you going to miss this?
Can you tell him how?
Yeah, he.
He cried a little bit yesterday Appreciate it.
We all have a good day.
Sorry.
So I didn't really think about college.
Not going to lie until, like,
maybe my end of my career is, like, it's actually, like, coming up to me.
It's like, Oh, wow, I'm going to college next year.
That's crazy.
Yeah, I call them every once in a while.
Not too often. Not like every day or anything like that,
I've had
to hide some of the pictures that are on my desk at work.
Oh, well, we'll bring those back out in a week or two,
Oh, I'm very happy.
I very happy and very excited for my, my
I say kind
It's a big change
from going home, like having my mom tell me what to do and everything.
So I think being on my own now is going to be definitely a learning curve.
But I'm 100% sure I can definitely adapt.
Very proud.
I going to do it without him, her and my uncle.
I wouldn't be here, honestly.
So I can't thank them enough.
it is probably more about myself not having him with me because he's my.
My friend and everything.
I think our biggest piece of advice is just be open to new experiences.
probably just all the new experiences I'm going to get to have meet new people,
try new classes I'm actually passionate about.
Just a mix of nerves and excitement.
Yeah.
And all the people in the environment, it was in the spring.
So it's just really beautiful here.
Oh, yeah,
I was going
my Jamie Sharp, but I know I was like, God, I'm not going to do it like that.
I talked to my dad is different because JMU and UVA are kind
of rival schools, and there's a game coming up on September 9th.
I'm going to be there.
But I also support UVA since he's there since I graduated from JMU.
But I'll still be a duke at heart.
I kind of been with him through the process of, like,
being in high school and then like, seeing him grow up.
So, like,
having him here at UVA is kind of tough because I didn't really expect him
to go up this fast. And time has been rolling.
So, like, I feel the next couple of years are going to go by so, so fast.
But I'm proud of him, proud of everything that he's done.
And I'm glad to have an closer to me come out, Look for me.
You'll be lost.
I know. Yeah.
We'll be back from our orientation.
Actually call them. But I was lost.
I don't know what he was going to do, but I just.
I'm a little nervous, but he's good.
Three and a half hours is not bad, so.
Yeah.
we're super excited that he got the opportunity to come here.
Great school.
Just new territory.
So kind of challenging on knowing what to do
and what not to do, what to bring, what not to bring.
The campus is huge and a little overwhelming, but everybody's super nice.
You just got to stop and ask.
Oh, I dread to know.
So probably silence, but
we'll get through it.
we're getting there.
Everybody's been super nice and super helpful, so it's been great.
It really has.
You guys did a great job organizing for sure.
So, I'm excited to meet new people and try new things.
I'm excited for how big the campus is, and it's so cool to walk around,
so I'm just going to be excited to walk around and try
new stuff.
I'm really excited for him.
This is my second boy going to school, so I'm really excited for him
a little bit, you know, obviously sad, but
his dad and I are also excited because we're like empty nesters.
So it'll be an adventure for all of us.
But but we're thrilled.
This was his dream school and he's here.
And so couldn't be prouder.
I've had a couple of crying sessions before I came here.
long as I've ever been out of the house for about a week.
Um, and even then, you know, my mom,
my mom and she, she's worried all the time, But
it is not everything that he is suppose that he's going to see,
but he has the ability to create what he wants to see as well.
Build a community around you and inspire them
with what you think should be added to the school community.
And that is the way you also have to give back to the school.
you all Going to miss him?
Yes, Yes, yes, yes.
probably going to be me missing
more from him not being there than him missing from.
But I do expect that he would do well.
He's a pretty serious child
and he pretty much listens to advice which we have given him my house on off.
So I'm pretty sure he's going to do well and he is going to be a good addition.
And I we've had a lot of talk about that
to the community that he's joining over here.
Definitely excited.
I mean, getting a little nervous, but
yeah, it's a part of it.
Obviously so excited and proud of him.
But the nest is emptying and that's always a little emotional.
But really so excited for him.
it's the start of a new chapter.
I, I really just personally look forward to those times that he comes back
because that's what helps me get through the hard part
of saying goodbye.
Even though I know a lot of other people are in the same boat.
It's just like scary
a good learning experience, learning new things,
learning how to become independent and like meeting
new people do?
Right after your graduation.
Enjoy your time here
because it goes by faster than you think.
encouragement.
Yeah. There it is. Thank you.
It's.
It's emotional. I mean, it's tough.
It's not easy because they're they fly in the nest and
It's a great opportunity to kind of not reinvent yourself,
but kind of start fresh, That's what I think it'll be a
Yeah.
I think I'm good about calling them.
I think I'll try to call them a lot,
She's our baby.
just show up, show up to class, show
up to events, parties show up to floor events, show up to friends.
Invitations just say yes,
It was hard for me to put my finger on what it was that I was feeling.
It wasn't fear of her being successful or going away.
It wasn't even about leaving the house.
growing up, not needing us anymore.
Moving out on her own.
just how big the school is.
It feels a little bit overwhelming at first, but I'm sure I'll figure it out.
Oh, I mean, I guess one thing that I'm not too concerned about,
that kind of worried about, I have a few 8 a.m.
classes.
So adjusting to that I think But I'm really looking forward to it.
but being here
really put me in the mindset to be ready for the year.
But we'll see.
by ourselves,
Oh, I'm.
Yeah, I'm
She's to.
She's my sister, so she just excited for her future.
And really excited.
The fact the fact that she's now actually made it over here.
So I you've got a tremendous faculty.
You've got a tremendous people around you.
You're in a beautiful, safe environment.
I think, you know, just relish the next four years.
it's definitely mixed emotions.
been hot.
Hot? A lot of stairs.
You got a mountain view.
You got the stadium lights. It's very nice.
I'm excited to live somewhere new because I've never lived on my own before, so.
I'm really, really happy for her.
I'm glad she's coming here.
I'm glad she's moving out.
I'm glad she's going to learn more.
I'm glad for many different reasons.
But most of all, she earned that.
She earned it to come here and earn to move forward.
And then I believe it's a step in the right direction. So.
Not having like considered preferred
or your sisters?
So we woke up early.
We're
Probably just the people.
I mean, the different communities.
just be able to explore the grounds and the gyms and all the food and stuff
like that. like that?
Oh, they don't know soccer. I'm a really big soccer guy.
I love watching soccer, playing soccer stuff, I'm excited.
He's my third one going to college, so I've had a little bit of practice
I'm excited.
This is my alma mater, so it's extra excited
that he gets to experience the school like I did
right now is the only time in his life where the only thing he has to worry about
is just going to school and go to classes and do well and meet friends.
And that
Texting each other and calling each other face time.
And Mike likes to check on me a lot.
So you know better.
it's kind of a dream come true that it's a great school.
I think it's the best for Virginia. So
I'm excited to be a cavalier.
So far, it feels exciting.
Like there's a lot of stuff to do around here, and I'm ready
to try as many things as I can.
We're moving in.
I'm realizing that I brought probably double the amount of stuff
that I should have brought over. What happened?
Yeah, but we're roommates, so it's fine.
I can just give her some. It's fine.
I think.
I think it hit me
like doesn't even have you that even graduate high school like it.
This feels like summer camp.
I don't know.
It probably hit me in, like a week or two, but I think it's stuff
that, like, more independence will be, like, a lot better.
I'm calling her every
forward technology once a week.
Like, I feel like, you
Oh, have fun.
Meet a lot of people, be safe, explore different things.
You'll have a great time.
I don't know. We'll find out.
We already got two dogs, but we're not really.
The dogs are going to become the surrogate children.
Perfect.
And then look
I am so excited
for these kids who were in school during the pandemic.
They've been waiting a long time to have some freedom and some independence.
And I just I think this is the perfect place to have it.
She's going to have a great time and learn a lot.
I don't know.
I'll protect her.
I'll let her know what's going on. But for a few days, I'm not too far away.
For a few days, I don't know that we need to.
I just want her to have a good time and not even think about him.
Yes, Now we're famous.
Oh, it's been fun.
It's been organized.
I felt like the whole process has been good, and I'm excited to
go to school, make some friends.
Oh, stay in touch, be safe,
and then have fun.
Um, face time calling.
Maybe not too much.
A little bit. Texting?
Yeah, Just the normal things.
Oh, yes, of course. I'm good.
I'm like, crazy. Yes, yes, around.
Okay, Let's go.
Let's go.
Okay.
A lot of it.
He was kind of
one of his friends said to me last night, I'd be stupid, but not too stupid.
So I kind of like, try things, have some fun, but don't be an idiot.
That's just. I thought that was good advice.
I'm really excited because both my parents went here
and my older brother goes here.
So it's kind of sticking with the family as joining, becoming a Cavalier.
So I'm excited.
I don't know about destined, but I was definitely influenced a bit.
I've been coming to UVA, I guess I was like four.
They made it through that without crying.
It's nice about that.
There's always time, you know?
There's always
I didn't really think about college.
Not going to lie until, like,
maybe my end of my career is, like, it's actually, like, coming up to me.
It's like, Oh, wow, I'm going to college next year.
That's crazy.
I think he's ready for it.
He was valedictorian of his class, so he is he he's ready for this?
I think so.
Oh, he's
hundreds and hundreds of class and maybe
like almost 100 around just tech alone, which is awesome.
I'm planning on doing a few of them. Of course.
Have fun.
Study hard.
Call your aunt
every once in a while.
I wrote, Yes, every once in a while.
And just have a good time. Enjoy it.
Embrace it.
Okay.
Because it got to be weird not having him Yes, we for her.
My grandma back. Yes, it's be aware her grandma. But
yeah it'll be
good Yeah, I call them every once in a while.
Not too often.
Not like every day or anything like that, but, like,
keep in touch off to make sure that everyone's okay.
I know they're going to make sure I'm okay.
So I'm like, okay.
My grandma is like, already planning on calling you every Sunday.
And I'm like, Okay, that's cool. That's cool.
Very proud.
I going to do it without him, her and my uncle.
I wouldn't be here, honestly.
So I can't thank them enough. Awesome.
Super, super duper excited.
I've been just walking around campus and it's just in all of this.
Isn't that awesome?
And I'm just super stoked.
Super duper stoked.
I live, my grandmother is my whole life and I again, wouldn't be here
without them either. So Yup.
front of that.
I couldn't be prouder,
Grandma.
I'm stuck.
Actually, it wasn't.
orange and blue are my favorite colors.
That works out.
He Just call me
and I'll pick up the
there's going to be a lot lynch dishes
because he eats, like five times a day at the grocery store down.
Yeah, that's for sure.
It's going to be quiet, but instead, we'll miss the friends of
the friends popping by.
So, yeah, we're it's a transition that he's ready for.
We're ready for it.
But it's going to be it's going to be an adjustment.
Yeah, that's for sure.
We are going to miss them.
It's just that we've got this unity happy about and
one of our kids,
I don't even want to think about it, honestly.
I've held it together pretty good.
So, Are you going to miss this?
Can you tell him how?
Yeah, he.
He cried a little bit yesterday Appreciate it.
We all have a good day.
Sorry.
So um, that's going to be sad.
Yeah, and told her he didn't want her to leave.
And it was a little emotional, wasn't it, buddy?
Yeah, but we're happy for us.
And now he says he wants to come here one day.
Right?
Didn't you just say that a minute ago?
We want to make it a positive experience for him.
And it's hard.
It's hard. So we're also adapting.
It's a learning curve and we will be there for each other.
I think having fun is very important, enjoying all the ups and downs
and it's not going to be easy, but
you have to learn how to cope for things and prepare it for the next level.
So to say.
Yeah.
Oh, no, I'm not going to, like, go.
Yeah.
Oh, no, I'm not going to, like, go.
Very, very, very proud of him.
Yeah.
And we all will be there for him. Yeah.