After just one year, my son has chosen to forgo a nearly full college scholarship. He doesn’t have another baseball opportunity lined up at a different university, nor is there a promising job waiting for him. He’s not chasing the thrilling experience of a gap year either. His only plan is to finish his degree back in California, but beyond that, he’s uncertain about his future. All he knows is that he was unhappy where he was.
The initial excitement of our eldest son receiving a combined baseball and academic scholarship to a Division 2 institution had eclipsed any concerns we held about sending him to South Dakota. My heart swelled with pride as he stood on stage during the NCAA signing day, celebrating alongside fellow senior athletes committing to colleges nationwide.
In that moment, I reflected on his years of dedication: a rigorous schedule filled with Advanced Placement classes, daily baseball drills, and countless hours spent honing his skills in our backyard. The financial investment we made over the past decade, which included batting lessons and travel fees, felt like it was paying off. All the family weekends spent driving to tournaments had led to this proud occasion.
Before he accepted the scholarship, we ventured from Southern California to South Dakota to explore the university. Despite a blizzard greeting us on arrival, my son embraced the experience with the enthusiasm typical of teenagers, ready to embark on a new adventure.
However, reality turned out to be less favorable for the boy who had thrived in sunny San Diego, where he split his free time between the beach and the mountains—both of which were scarce in South Dakota. Thus, I was taken aback when, just a week into his second semester, he expressed a desire to return home at the end of the term.
While the idea of having him closer was comforting, I grappled with feelings of inadequacy as a parent. Did I raise a quitter? A young man who didn’t value a remarkable opportunity? Had I inadvertently taught him to abandon ship when faced with difficulties?
But after he completed his freshman year—driving 1,700 miles home in less than 48 hours—I gained a new perspective.
1. He’s Not a Quitter
My son endured a tough first semester, rarely voicing complaints about the biting cold, relentless mosquitoes, or the lack of appealing activities. He diligently attended 5 a.m. workouts and long afternoon practices, focused on earning a starting position at third base. When the season began, he achieved that goal. However, the baseball program proved to be a poor fit, and his diminishing passion for the game indicated he wasn’t making a hasty decision.
2. He’s a Problem-Solver
I felt immense pride in how he navigated this situation. Instead of simply declaring his dissatisfaction, he approached me with research on majors, tuition, scholarship possibilities, and baseball programs at various California universities. He not only devised a plan but also had several backup options.
3. He Will Learn from His Choices
I imparted parental wisdom, emphasizing the importance of considering the consequences of his decision: “Starting as a freshman is a significant honor. You may not play at another college.” “This scholarship is a privilege. You’ll need to cover any additional tuition costs.” “This university offers your desired major. Are you certain about leaving?”
Will he regret his choice? I cannot say. Will he start at another college program, or will he find himself on the bench? That remains uncertain. My role as a parent is to guide him, then step back to let him make his own choices. He might succeed, or he could struggle. Regardless, I trust he has the tools to move forward.
4. His Happiness Matters
Ultimately, after considering every option—including the possibility of not playing baseball at all—he decided to leave. When he shared his feelings the next day, I was moved to tears. “I woke up today feeling happier than I have since starting college,” he told me. “For the first time, I don’t feel trapped here for four years.” I recalled times in my own life when I felt confined, a feeling I wouldn’t wish on my 19-year-old.
5. His Achievements Remain Intact
The scholarship celebration was monumental for our family. I realized my internal struggle stemmed from disappointment—not in my parenting or my son, but in the unfulfilled potential of what could have been. However, that doesn’t diminish my pride in his accomplishments. The memory of him signing his letter of intent will always be a cherished moment.
In the end, my son made the best choice for himself. Although NCAA rules prevent him from playing at another Division 1 or 2 university this year, he has decided to join a junior college baseball team in Southern California, a program known for successfully launching players to higher levels. The coach is reputable and has already secured him a position at third base. We hope that when he transfers to a four-year university in his junior year, another scholarship will be available, but only time will tell.
What I do know is this: My son is swinging for the fences, and I will continue to cheer him on, just as I always have.
In conclusion, these experiences have taught me valuable lessons about resilience, decision-making, and the importance of pursuing happiness. If you’re interested in learning more about related topics, you might find information on home insemination kits useful as well. For a deeper dive into the science of pregnancy, take a look at this excellent resource on in vitro fertilization.
Keyphrase: Life Lessons from My Son’s College Decision
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