Discovery Days

As Bethany and Elijah are in their senior year of high school, they have had opportunities to visit colleges and attend 'fun' activities.

Just this month, Techno and I went with them to Discovery Days at the University of Wyoming.

An all day event where we started by visiting 'booths' of the various colleges/careers/activities that the kiddos could consider.

We spent a great deal of time at the psychology, engineering, and honors college tables along with quick stops off at the performing arts and research booths.  (Techno and I also grabbed a little information from the health services and scholarship booths - because, you know... parents.)

After meandering around the tables, we sat through the opening presentations to give an overview of UW.  Hearing from a panel of current students was informative and enlightening - although somewhat redundant since Jacob is already a student there -- this isn't our first rodeo.

UW really is a great school with lots of options for various types of individuals.

We divided and conquered as Techno and Elijah headed off to the engineering program presentation while Bethany and I went to the Arts and Sciences presentation as that's where the field of psychology falls.

Once these presentations were complete, we met up at the campus dining hall and had a quick lunch.

Some students feel the food at Washike isn't very good, but our kids, Techno, and I have to disagree.  Maybe it's just in comparison to the meals we were offered when we were in college, but... the variety is diverse, they have plenty of gluten free options, anything we've ever eaten there has been tasty, and if all else fails, there's always cereal, waffles, and ice cream -- what more could you ask for?

A quick pic after lunch.
I had intended to take pictures of each stage, but it just didn't happen.  Sigh.

Since the kids have stayed on campus in the past, we've seen the dorms since Jacob lived there, we skipped the dorm tour to give ourselves a bit more time to eat a leisurely lunch.

Following our meal, we headed off to hear about the cost of attendance for in-state students.

Again, somewhat redundant as Jacob is currently a student, but it was good to hear some of the minor changes and see the prospects Bethany and Elijah have for covering tuition.

To end the day we trekked across campus to view the Honor's House.  The house where honor's students can apply to live.

Techno and I had toured the house with Jacob when he was visiting campus, but I had forgotten some of it.  The atmosphere is quite nice; the living space and kitchen are amazing; the study rooms are spacious; the 'game/TV room' is open yet cozy; but the bedrooms are TINY!  Yet, they have carpet and look cozy and welcoming.

Bethany fell in love; Elijah not so much.

To see their differing personalities emerge in these areas is quite comical.

Bethany loved the Honor's House.  The camaraderie of being with like-minded students. The homey feel of living in a house with others.  The potential for building friendships and connections.

Elijah on the other hand decided it was too close for comfort with all those people.

Ha.

So true to their personalities.

They've both been accepted to UW and will most likely be among the students tromping around campus this fall.

Now we simply wait to hear about scholarships; acceptance into the Honor's College; housing assignments; and roommate determinations.

An exciting time.

A nervous time.

A time of change.