Yikes, Now I am a Lowell Parent!?!

Well, I'm back at Lowell now, as a parent! My daughter made it in as a Freshman, and so I darken the hallowed halls once again.

When I first went back I had a vague feeling that I had a paper due, or a test I had not studied for. (For which I had not studied? - hope it's not an English test....)

So much has changed, but so much is the same. As soon as I entered the courtyard, I automatically glanced over to the spot where my friends used to sit, half-expecting them to still be there.

I stood on the stage of the auditorium and was filled wtih a rush of memories of "Follies" and Mr. Land's choral concerts and wished I could go back. I looked out into the audience and remembered getting a standing ovation for singing one song - instigated by my father of course!

In the front courtyard, I flashed back to the drill team in those high platform boots. Hanging out on Inverness and other streets grabbing a smoke in somebody's car. Listening to Tower of Power, and Traffic, and Led Zeppelin on 8 track.

My kid wanted so badly to be accepted to Lowell and told me at the open house that "I have to go here, Mom" When I pressed her for an explanation, she answered "Because everybody is a nerd, just like me." She comes home overflowing with stories about her classes and teachers and friends, and I get a little misty.

So next time I go, I am going to sit with her on the newly installed Class of 1975 benches and tell her how we were there making memories and friendships for life. How each of us went on make our mark in the world, shaped not just a little by this fantastic opportunity to attend this unique public institution. And then I will sit back and watch her make memories of her own...