Heading off to college is such an emotional time. Newly minted adults are riddled with apprehension, nervousness, excitement and a whole host of other emotions.
They worry that they’ll get lost on campus and be unable to find their classrooms. They’re concerned about their grades and tougher classes. What if the professor is mean?
Throw in the coronavirus pandemic and all of the untraditional requirements such as wearing face coverings and having some classes strictly online instead of in person, and this fall will be a new voyage for all college kids.
College is a completely different experience than high school and requires incoming freshmen to act like the independent adults they’ve since become. They’ll make decisions for themselves and oftentimes pay for their own way.
If they fall ill, Mom won’t be there to care for them. They’re on their own. If they sprain an ankle, they have to hitch a ride to the student health center and seek care on their own. It’s all intimidating!
This journey to college can be so nervewracking for many! So it’s no wonder that Kenzie Lund of Minnesota is absolutely brokenhearted at the thought of leaving her family for college.
The idea of not waking up in her comfy bed with loved ones just down the hallway is upsetting, so much so that Kenzie bursts into tears talking about it. She just can’t fathom the thought!
Except that Kenzie’s five years old…
Kenzie was born with a heart condition and has endured so many difficulties in life already. While she’s happy and healthy now, she can’t imagine the thought of leaving her family for college, mom Jessica shared with Good Morning America.
Jessica was driving along with Kenzie strapped in her car seat, her glamorous sunglasses perched on her nose when she began growing exceptionally emotional.
At first, Kenzie asked when she is supposed to live on her own. Jessica explained that when she’s 18, she’ll head off to college and live in a dorm.
That’s when poor Kenzie lost it. She had a full-blown meltdown protesting heading off to college even though it’s at least 13 years away.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t want to go to college because I will miss my mom and dad.”
Jessica explained that she isn’t going off to college tomorrow. She still has time at home with her family.
“Honey you go to college when you are 18.”
“I know but I don’t want to.”
“Why are you so sad? ”
“Because I just want to stay here.”
“Forever and ever with me?”
“Yeah.”
“Yeah? Aw you’re so sweet. You can stay with me forever and ever okay?”
“But I won’t go to college. I don’t want to do that.”
After a week into college, there will be plenty of college freshmen who agree with Kenzie and don’t want to stay there. They have to wash their own laundry, scavenge for snacks when they’re hungry and actually put in a ton of work to earn solid grades.
But poor Kenzie is panicking now.
“She’s just a funny little girl and has been through a lot. Everyone says she will be a performer. She’s quite the character.”
Jessica captured Kenzie’s adorable meltdown on video and shared it on social media where it quickly went viral. This poor girl panics and there’s no need to just yet.
But we truly understand. The concept of college can be scary! Especially the cost of tuition.
Mom admitted that she plans to keep this video forever and show it at Kenzie’s high school graduation party. It’ll be further proof of just what a champ this little dolly really is.
“Kenzie has been through a lot in her life so far. She was born with multiple heart conditions and has been through three heart surgeries along with other surgeries and many months spent in the hospital. She has a permanent pacemaker so she will have more surgeries in the future. She has a world of support and people who love her. We are so lucky.”
Leaving home at 18 is an important milestone, but it can be scary and intimidating. Don’t you worry sweet girl, it’s not time for you to spread your wings and fly just yet.
Watch her adorable and understandable freak out session in her car seat in the video below. It’s endearing! Moms of college kids can totally relate!
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