Parents undergo 'uni'versal pangs

Many teenagers are all set to go abroad later this year, after their 12th standard examinations for further studies. How are parents gearing up as they get set to drop off their children to international colleges for the first time? How will they handle the separation pangs, the feeling of pain and the trauma of exodus as they move on to another phase of their lives? We find out from city-based parents and kids on how they deal with anxiety to make this transition easier.

Bengaluru-based Shaira Motwani whose daughter Lavika, a student of Mallya Aditi International School will leave in August to the US for her graduation says, “It’s going to be extremely tough to let go of my daughter, but they have to live their life and make their future. Education is the best platform we can give our children. She is awaiting her results which are out end March. We have applied to 18 universities all across the US and she will get through one of them.”

Twelfth grade student from NPS, Vanshika Sood, who has got acceptance from universities in UK and Canada for graduation in business management, is all set to take on the world after school. Vanshika (18) shares, “Being away from my parents is not going to be easy for sure. I had a brief taste of it last year when I went to summer school abroad. Although, I was there only for a few weeks I found it extremely difficult to handle all the responsibilities of cooking and cleaning. I was talking to my parents every single day. But that was just a few weeks, now it’s going to be longer. We will visit each other whenever we can.”

Filled with dreams of a better future, Vidhi Malik is all set to send her daughter Kaashni to Wharton University. “As the time is approaching for my daughter to step out of the safe confines of her home, I have butterflies in my stomach!
Nevertheless, I feel my little cocoon has grown into a beautiful butterfly and is ready to conquer the world. As a mother, I have my fears but I wouldn’t hold on to her. I will miss her a lot, but thank god there are phones and video calls that will keep us connected every day.”

Designer Ravina Belani confesses she had a tough time coping with her only daughter Rhea going to Rhode Island School of Design for her graduation. “Leaving Rhea in the US was the most difficult part as I had to deal with a hollow feeling. FaceTime made life easier back home. It is difficult but you can learn to deal with the distance by being constantly in touch. Thanks to today’s technology that made it slightly easier to deal with the separation. It’s a small price to pay when you see your child grow into a successful young lady!” says Ravina.