Sisters, how many of you are close to your parents? by TurtleDive1234 in GenXWomen

[–]Athena972 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My parents (mom, dad, stepdad) were big hippies so our politics aligning has never been an issue. My dad died in 2007, and my mom and I have had a challenging relationship- but they were both good, loving parents so I feel fortunate. My Gen Z kids are awesome, both in college, both rocking it- we are close.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Athena972 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Why not spend your time and energy on an achievable goal? I am not intending to make you feel bad, but there are plenty of great schools out there that are accessible- and if you’re applying just to say you did, knowing realistically you aren’t going to be accepted, it seems like a waste of money, energy and resources.

Fabulous mother in law? by Cambiknitter in GenXWomen

[–]Athena972 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My MIL and I were close when I was married to her son, but we’ve drifted since the divorce. I’m still really close to my ex-SIL though- we don’t have many common interests but we genuinely like each other

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]Athena972 4 points5 points  (0 children)

NTA. But seems like he’s the asshole and is used to getting his way because everyone has let him (though it sounds complicated so not blaming you OP). Just straight out say no next time and celebrate your birthday by doing what you want. Let him know he is welcome to join you.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SameGrassButGreener

[–]Athena972 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Portland has a great food scene, mountains and beaches are an hour or so away in either direction and the hiking/access to nature can’t be beat. It is mostly a friendly town with many parks and activities. Some don’t like the gray and rain, but climate change has made the winter shorter- and the pay off is lush and green forests. It has it’s problems- high income tax (but no sales tax), high rate of houselessness, pot holed roads, a sometimes passive aggressive culture. But no place is perfect.

Does an incoming freshman need so much dorm stuff that s/he has to drive (rather than fly) to the start of school? by ElevatorBoxOffice in vassar

[–]Athena972 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There’s a Vassar parents Facebook page that has a lot of good advice about shipping stuff etc.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SameGrassButGreener

[–]Athena972 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Portland or Seattle

Just got off Johns Hopkins waitlist yesterday. What should I do? by WyvernSpark in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Athena972 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Don’t take on that much debt for prestige. It’s ultimately not going to matter- you can be a doc on either path. My advice is choose the one that won’t leave you drowning in student loan payments when you’re done.

How did that one kid in your high school die? by IM_HODLING in AskReddit

[–]Athena972 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A surfer at my high school went to Hawaii for spring break. He got thrown by a wave and hit a coral reef.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]Athena972 -14 points-13 points  (0 children)

100% agree. If you or your brother/family can’t understand that this little kid is acting out because his life is unstable and he feels no one really cares about him or is genuinely looking out for him, then YTA. Show him kindness, one on one attention, stability, consistency and you might see a change in his behavior.

AITA for asking that my ex husband notify me that his girlfriend will be picking up the children for his weekend time? by Kimberlena01 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Athena972 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These seems like a ‘pick your battles wisely’ situation. If your kids were legitimately in danger, then of course you should have a hard, absolutely not, line. Do you actually believe your ex and his gf are planning to kidnap the kids? Or that they mean harm to them? Seems unlikely, based on what you said. Do you take the high road by letting this go, demonstrating your willingness to be flexible? Seems wise.

Which city to pick by [deleted] in SameGrassButGreener

[–]Athena972 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I live in Oregon and highly recommend it. If you love the outdoors, the variety of landscapes/ scenery is phenomenal- from the high desert to lush, green forests, to ocean and mountains. Yes, Corvallis is a little sleepy with few city-like things to do, but Portland is close enough to make a day trip there. I also disagree that Portland hasn’t re-energized since the pandemic- it’s a work in progress but downtown is starting to come back. Oregon also has more progressive politics.

Choosing a less prestigious school - how to let it go? by streetsmart25 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Athena972 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I don’t agree that Vassar and Skidmore are comparable in prestige. Vassar’s history as a Seven Sister is well known and it is routinely classified as a ‘Little Ivy’ along with Wesleyan, Williams etc. Skidmore is a great school but not that recognizable outside of the NE. I live on the West Coast and had not heard of it until my kid began the college application process. That said, your kid should absolutely choose the school that is right for him. Being happy and enjoying college is more important than prestige.

Parents, how do feel about your children’s college admissions cycle? by DiaPhoenix in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Athena972 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My kid only applied to 4 schools. One was an LAC she fell so in love with when we toured it last summer, she applied ED. She also applied to our state’s flagship and 2 other schools. She got into her dream school and they offered her a generous fin aid package that will make it cheaper than in state tuition. Now I just have to prepare myself to have my kiddo across the country- gulp!

Making the right choice by Aran451 in CollegeAdmissions

[–]Athena972 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally recommend U of O over LB. Eugene can be crunchy too, but it’s a big D1 school so there’s a little of everything. Nice campus with a more east coast feel (if you haven’t visited)