I’m the parent of a George Fox University freshman.

This morning we made the 2 mile journey to campus with the back of the van full of boxes and clothes on hangers. The day went smoothly. The hard work had already been done—selection and registration for classes, calculation of fees, purchase of books, financial arrangements—and much of it was done online. When the time came for students and parents to go their separate ways, we said our prayer together and shared hugs. I had hoped this would not be sad, and it wasn’t. Our daughter is confident and she is doing something she has wanted to do. She knows our love for her is not contingent on living under the same roof. And we are glad she is starting her college education and making a step toward more independent living.

I’m a parent and I’m proud of my GFU freshman.