Elizabeth returned from California and began her good byes. She hung out with her friends, stayed up late talking to Michael, attended one final Georgetown College class, and made somelast meal requests. She packed lightly, finished her summer reading assignment, and switched bedrooms with Michael.
Steven and I drove with her to Knox. We passed the windmills, ate ice cream at McDonald's, and eventually arrived in Galesburg. She checked in, got her keys, and watched upperclassmen (and upperclasswomen) carry her luggage to her room. She unpacked, met her R.A., and began her celebration of newfound freedom and independence!!!
Steven warned me not to cry in front of Elizabeth (have I ever cried?) because that would upset her and cause her to miss us more than she needed to. I held it together until the designated "Time for Goodbye" activity. But he was wrong! Elizabeth cheerfully hugged us, told us she loved us, and posed for a photo with Steven. As the tears flooded my face, she energetically bounded away to meet her orientation group.
Elizabeth texts and/or calls each day. We love to hear about her new friends from around the globe (her 15 suitemates are from Russia, India, Pakistan, Cuba, Vietnam, Japan, and states around the US), who are teaching her about their home country's culture and customs. She loves her roommate, Angel, who hails from Chicago. She has cheered at athletic events, attended Opening Convocation, and heard a lecture by Civil Rights activist Elizabeth Eckford. 
I think the Human Rights Village has been so good for her because of the instant connection she has with all 15 of her suite mates (although she only has to share a bathroom with 3 of them). I think if you are interested in human rights, you have a certain perspective and outlook that cuts across many areas of life, as opposed to other subjects (like math? or literature?) where your interest in that field doesn't necessarily predict your viewpoint on other areas of life. So I feel like Elizabeth has found like-minded souls who share her interests and values beyond just one subject of study.
Elizabeth requested a Painting class but it was full. She asked a professor if she could be added to his Schools and Society course. He explained that first-term freshmen are not allowed into the class, but that he had checked her transcript and writing and made an exception! The course will emphasize the role that class and race play in educational opportunities and experiences in America. She is pumped about this class! Yesterday her Human Rights course watched a movie about race and law enforcement … she read the book earlier this year. One day she wrote "I love my psychology class!" The most lovely curriculum-related text she has sent is the one that stated "I love learning again." Her favorite building is the library, which she loved most the first time she toured Knox. Be still, my academic heart.
Oh how we miss her and oh how we talk about her all the time. We simply cannot wait - not one more day - to see her during Parents Weekend! Two suitcases and some boxes are already crammed full, ready for the trip. They are not my suitcases and boxes or Steven's suitcases and boxes; they contain all the requests for food and clothing Elizabeth has made since school began. Yes, ramen noodles are inside.Go Prairie Fire!
