Minnesota Prairie Roots

Writing and photography by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

Trying to sort through educational options February 16, 2011

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 8:54 AM
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I’M UNCERTAIN WHETHER I should admit this given I could be labeled as a “bad parent.” But I’ll risk criticism.

I am weary/tired/exhausted from trying to figure out every detail that goes into educating today’s child.

Can you blame me? I’ve had children in school for 20 years.

So…, given that, I felt a sense of relief last Thursday evening when my husband and I walked into Faribault High School to help our 17-year-old register for his last year of high school. I’m not sure why we had to be there, except to sign the registration paper. Our son knew, for the most part, what classes he wanted. He input the information into a media center computer without our assistance and questioned aloud why he couldn’t register online from home. I wondered too.

His Dad and I waited and pulled a few books from the library shelves. I scanned the magazine shelves—O, the Oprah Magazine; People; and periodicals about cats and dogs. I yawned, more than once. I was tired and really hadn’t wanted to venture outside on such a brutally cold winter night.

But I am the parent and this was required of me, to be here. I also had questions about AP classes, PSEO, SAT, PSAT and CLEP. Acronyms. So many. So much to consider and decide regarding my son’s education.

I’ve been pushing him to earn as many college credits as he can in high school. I know he’s capable and I also know he won’t get as much financial aid as his sisters given we have only one dependent now.

If all goes as planned, meaning he scores well on Advanced Placement tests, successfully completes several college classes and passes College Level Examination Program tests, my son should have a good semester of college behind him when he graduates from high school.

But we’re still trying to sort through the process, and it’s like panning for gold.

© Copyright 2011 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Ready to spread her wings and fly away, to Argentina (again) May 16, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 9:31 PM
Tags: , ,

NOT ALL THAT MANY years ago, she was a little girl with an affinity for wearing skirts and hair ribbons. Today she is a young woman, shopping for business skirts. She wears her curly hair down now or, occasionally, up, minus the ribbons.

As a preschooler, she ran everywhere. Today she drives a sporty red car or walks to her destination.

Once she preferred to be alone, shut away in her toy room. Later, she grew to enjoy the company of friends, and even me.

In elementary school, her academic success began. She competed in a regional spelling bee every year she was eligible and brought home numerous ribbons and, one year, a trophy. Her dad still laughs about the time she asked him how to spell “silage.” He’s no speller.

Four years ago she graduated at the top of her Faribault High School class with a 4.0 grade point average and gave a commencement speech.

Smart. Sweet. Independent. Strong. A woman of faith.  She is my daughter.

On Saturday, Miranda, now all grown up at age 22, graduated with the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, centennial class. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a double minor in International Studies and Communications Studies.

Miranda poses in front of the UWL hillside letters at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.

But that’s not all. She graduated with highest honors, which requires a 3.75 GPA or higher. In the College of Liberal Studies, her college, about 50 of the 459 graduates earned highest honors.

My daughter has, indeed, done well academically. I’m proud of her.

But I’m especially proud of her independent spirit. She is fearless, adventuresome. In a few weeks, Miranda leaves for a three-month public relations internship in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she previously studied and did mission work for six months.

Yesterday, when we were packing her belongings, I coaxed her into sitting on my lap. I wrapped my arms around her and held her close. “I’m going to hold you like this for four months,” I said, pulling her even tighter. “Then you can’t leave.”

I, of course, didn’t mean it. Well, I sort of meant it. As a mother, I selfishly would like nothing more than for my daughter to live in or near Minnesota.

But as a mother, I also know that I must let her go to live her dreams, to be happy—wherever that may be.

Looking down on La Crosse from Grandad's Bluff. To the right is UWL, my daughter's home for four years.

© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling