Utah Valley University

 Last week, I had the opportunity to go with Golda to see her new school.  She chose Utah Valley University for college, majoring in ballet, and we couldn't be happier.  Golda and Ruby leave for Europe at the end of June, then Golda will essentially come home to pack up in August, and she'll be gone!

I might be sounding melodramatic.  She'll only be an hour away, but she'll be on the adventure of a lifetime.  Her honors advisor infused us with excitement through his enthusiasm.  He said, "You only get to be young and in college once, Golda. This is an epic time for you."

It's so true.  This next academic year will possibly be the most pivotal of Golda's life, and the one in which she learns the most.  I'm happy she will be in such a great environment to grow and spread her wings.

 Most of the buildings on campus are connected by large hallways.  Everything is open and bright, and the views to the east of Timpanogos and the west of Utah Lake are inspiring.

 This is honor housing.  Golda had been to a workshop at UVU and really fell in love with the dance program.  Even though she got a full academic scholarship, Scott and I were still leaning toward Weber, where Golda could almost certainly get a flute scholarship on top of a full ride academic, and live at home to save on rent.  As much as I like Weber, I was disappointed in that scenario.  I wanted Golda to move away and have the collegiate experience that I had.

Then Golda went out on a limb and applied for this housing scholarship with an essay.  She got it!  There are only 138 of these scholarships awarded to students who are in the honors program, so it was really a confirmation that Golda should go after her dream of UVU.  She went out and grabbed the opportunity and made it happen for herself.  I'm proud of her.

 She will live in a four-bedroom suite with three other girls who share a kitchen, living room and two bathrooms.  We ran into one of my former violin students, Maddy Mansfield, and she told Golda that Ventana is great, and that Golda would love it there.  She and Golda will be in the same ward, so now Golda knows at least one person at church.

 She has a pool, too!
After meeting with the ballet advisor and signing up for a heavenly number of dance classes for fall, and meeting with the honors advisor who gave hr the lowdown on classes, Golda was ready to start college immediately.  UVU has a study away program where you can attned another university for the same cost as UVU, which is 0 for Golda.  She's looking into programs for after her mission, in other states.  The world is her oyster!  It's very exciting.

We met Scott and Ptolemy and Coco and Tziporah at Zupas for lunch to talk about the exciting future ahead of Golda.  It's intense having all these differently-aged kids.  Coco and Scott were shuttling the two littles to their ballet classes while I was in Orem with Golda.  Thank you!   It seriously takes a village to make everything happen.

Speaking of which, I got three offers after I posted Golda's college decision on Instagram, from friends who live close to UVU, and who wanted me to know they were there for Golda.  Knowing that, college doesn't seem as daunting, and this mother's heart is reassured.