Here I go taking a first step into a pile of possibilities.

Okay, first look at colleges has been completed.  Five different types of campuses and programs, all in the same geographical area.  It was a really helpful first look.  My daughter did a great job of observing during each visit.  One college had a program that she thought may fit well but not very nice facilities.  Another had good facilities but was all girls.  Another had a good program and nice facilities, and is a good focus to move toward.  The fourth had good facilities and good programs but no programs of interest.  Finally, one was an art program.  And, tour guide and admissions presenters ranged from well spoken and knowledgable to low talkers with little agenda.

Let's go back to those steps...

What did she want to be when she was little?
How does she spend her free time?
Who does she look up to?
If she could do any job for one day, what would it be?

What type of experiences has she had that really felt exciting or interesting?
Is there something she finds herself returning to again and again?

Which classes does she find easy right now?
Which classes does she find more challenging, but she wants to do well in?
Which classes do not click?

I asked these questions, and received these answers, and you know what, THIS IS NOT A SIMPLE PROCESS.  But, it is an important process and well worth the time and effort to follow through.

I take a step back, and use the meditation breathing I have been working on, and remind myself that this is not MY journey but one that I am trying to help with because I have been around a bit longer.  And, I pull out one of my valuable, handy dandy worksheets (The Art of Mindfulness -- Living Your Life as if it Really Matters...thank you Thomas R. Plunkett) and read that

MINDFULNESS IS PAYING ATTENTION ON PURPOSE,

WE HAVE MORE POSSIBILITIES IN EACH MOMENT THAN WE REALIZE (Thich Nhat Hanh)

 and my personal favorite LIFE IS SHORT SO WE MUST MOVE VERY SLOWLY (Thai Proverb)

Hey, it is all about the fit.  I am working with one wonderful child right now, and another wonderful child is in the thick of his first year.

College is the right path, right?  That is the next question on this journey...