Update
Luck Club,
At this year-end time of reflection, I was just thinking over various posts on this forum, and this thread on your son's education popped into my head. Any update on how he's doing in Ireland?
omni
So my son has been home for the holidays, and over hearing his conversations with some family and friends, he has found some enjoyment in Ireland. With parental units, he hates it!
The good:
He is handling the responsibility of independent living well.
He is going out with house mates one or two nights a week. (social development)
He is mindful of the costs of going out with house mates. (frugal genes)
He worked through a very difficult process to get his Visa stamp. (overcoming obstacles)
He appreciates not having to live in a dorm room.
He has done well in his classes.
The bad:
He is still only doing the minimum required work.
He hasn't engaged in any school extra curricular activities.
Most of the students go home on the weekends.
He hasn't taken advantage of being there by traveling about.
He spends most of his free time in his apartment.
He hasn't yet developed any strong friendships.
He is determined to return home after the year and go to State U, and didn't even apply as a transfer any place else.
All and all we are glad to have been able to give him the year to mature, and feel he will be much better prepared to handle State U next fall. Little disappointed he isn't fully taking advantage of the opportunity. His shyness and or social anxiety is holding him back. Unfortunately there isn't anything I can do to help him with that issue.
Thanks for asking.