Scene: Sunday, April 17, 2012. Beautiful sunny day in Chestnut Hill, MA. Home of Boston College. (BC Alums, did I get your colors, right?)
This was a Father and Son day trip where we were joined by 1000+ other incoming freshman and their expectant parents – some like Eric, who were trying to decide if BC was going to be their home for the next four years.
Father Jeremy Clark (b. Australia; Chinese History specialist; Rugby enthusiast) kicked off his remarks by sharing some background on the Jesuits and their foundation which I recap like this: Pursuit of education and knowledge. Integration of education with Religion and one’s pursuit of their highest personal calling. Embracing character, community and service. And, AND, their belief that “God is in All Things.” More on this later.
Roll past a 45-minute briefing session in Biology and another 45 minutes in Chemistry (and I’m ready for therapy – Can I be the most clueless parent in the room? Why are most of the parents taking notes? Should I be taking notes? On What? Maybe I’ll doodle. Ahh, I forgot my pen. And I have no paper. Isn’t the time up yet? Why can’t I get an iPhone signal in here to check my emails? Isn’t it hot in here? I glance over at Eric. He’s intently focused on the Professor. At least someone has it together. Could he be adopted? Or Worse?). We moved on to the last of the formal classroom sessions which was hosted by four BC seniors sharing their thoughts on the BC experience. It was standing room only. No air in this room. Or, perhaps I’m still hyperventilating from the last Chem session. (What is wrong with me?) During the end of the Q&A, a parent asks how invasive the religious requirements are at Boston College. You could only hear crickets. The Believers, shifting (squirming) uncomfortably in their chairs. Gritting their teeth I’m sure. The non-Catholic/non-Jesuit/”Other” parents and students sitting up at attention waiting for the response. And me, I’m standing up against the wall…behind my son who sitting in front of me…I plant my feet…lean up against the wall…I squeeze his shoulders…I feel woozy. (Get a grip man!)