I wrote the bulk of this story last fall as Brady was preparing to begin his college career. I saved the draft but never published it. Several things got in the way, so it just sat there.
When I first considered writing I thought I’d have to have about twenty stories written before I started posting. I soon learned that wouldn’t work. I ended up writing about life as it came to me, and sometimes events of the day took me off track. I do have a half dozen drafts started, and that’s where I found this.
Brady started college last week. Seems like just yesterday Ruth was picking him up from kindergarten so they could go hang out at Menards and play in the storage sheds. They both loved doing it. Simple pleasures during a simple time. Life complicates things. They change. Some are welcome, some are difficult to handle. But it continues on, nonetheless.
I don’t know how much college costs these days, but it’s too much no matter what. I have several retired college professor friends. They all sing the same song. Universities today are sitting on billions of dollars of endowed money. The problem is there is little, if any, correlation between a school’s endowed funds and tuition fees.
When I went to school, I earned all the money I needed for tuition, room and board during my summer break. I always had a part time job during the school year. That ensured I’d have a few dollars in my pocket. When I saw my dad, he’d slip me a few. I never asked but welcomed his generosity.
When other guys needed money, some sold their clothes or other possessions. I bought two sport coats and a guitar that way. I kept the sport coats and sold the guitar. I made about $15.00 on the transaction.
I ran across Ruth’s college ID, computer payment punch card and student activity book from her junior year. She stored them with several personal items. I’m sharing them because they provide a look at the times.
First, she was beautiful. I didn’t know her then but understand why people were drawn to her. Beautiful is always a draw.
Second, her computer punch card outlines the “fees” and university housing charge for her first semester. Her “fees” were $185.50, and housing was $316.
The final document was her “Student Activity Book”. There are five coupons in the book. The first line of the “conditions of use page” states. Upon presentation with the appropriate coupons still attached, it entitles the owner to exchange for ticket to certain Lecture-Concert events under the management of the University during the year for which the book is issued. She didn’t use any.
Brady’s college years will be different than ours. He’s playing basketball so his time commitment will be dictated in part by his coach, but he’s a smart kid so he should do well. The key is learning how to manage your free time. That’s the biggest challenge.
I’m not sure how much money the school is providing. It’s nowhere near a full ride, and his parents make too much for financial aid to kick in, so he’ll be charged close to full freight.
He’s still looking for an apartment. The thought that we might have become roommates was a joke, although some of you believed it was a good idea. We have discussed developing a series of tick tock videos around the concept. It might even make a good sitcom. If you see one down the line, you read about it here first. It would be a combination of “The Odd Couple” and “Two and A Half Men”.
Brady came to see me about a week ago and we played golf. More importantly we talked. If you ask him, he’ll tell you that his first year didn’t go as planned. Yes, he enjoyed the experience, but he got hurt so basketball didn’t go the way he hoped.
He rented an apartment near Grand Rapids in a complex called The Grand Castle. He shared it with a friend, JD, who has become more of a brother. They both played ball, and they got along well. The two of them are joining two other players and are sharing a house this year. They move in sometime in the next week or so. I believe he said his rent will drop from $950 a month per man to $650 each. The first was plus utilities and the second includes them.
I didn’t tell him that I shared my first house with four guys too. We each paid eleven dollars a week and that included our utilities. Our second year we moved to a new apartment complex closer to campus and we each paid $65.00 a month. They were very different times.
When I asked about his upcoming classes, he told me he needed to meet with his advisor before he developed his schedule. He wants to make sure he does what he needs in order to “red shirt” his second year. He’ll work out with the team but won’t play this year. He needs to balance his classes accordingly.
He plans to take some business classes and has considered studying sports management. The most telling thing he said is, “I want a career that pays me for how well I do my job.” That speaks volumes. He’s got his head on straight and has started a path that will serve him well. He’s also smart enough to know that he can change course if he chooses to do so. At nineteen he’s got a lot of options.
And if all else fails, we’ve still got the “Odd Couple” meets “Two and a Half Men” concept going for us.