An Uncle’s Prayer

My nephew Bryce moves into his Ole Miss dorm this week — and my sister’s nest is now officially empty (except for a very spoiled cat.) He’s moving to Mississippi (from Atlanta) and will join his brother Blake in the Magnolia State. I’m Uncle-proud and extremely pleased he’ll be here. I swear he was born yesterday.

Time flies — We just hang on for the ride.

As he settles into his new life, I have a simple prayer for him: I pray he treats his time on campus as the adventure it is. I hope he seizes every opportunity college has to offer and refuses to let go. I hope he has the time of his life (within reason for the sake of my sister.)

Of course, today, I’m reflecting on my move-in day at The University of Tennessee. I think of the loads of stuff. The nervousness. Watching my parents drive away. The blank slate of opportunity ahead of me.

If I had to do it over again, I would’ve taken more advantage of the opportunities outside of the classroom. Because that’s where so much of my education took place. Hiking in the Smokies. Hearing President George H.W. Bush speak. Working on the Student Newspaper. Drawing cartoons. Playing harmonica in a bar. Meeting Alex Haley and Senator Baker. Sitting in my advisor’s office as she helped me chart my career. Meeting the cartoonist at the local newspaper (who is my mentor and friend). Being challenged by amazing faculty to do better. Getting to know the Dean of Students personally. Serving as a Resident Assistant. Serving on Student Government. Running on campus. Going to UT football and basketball games. Playing intramural football. Seeing plays and concerts. Going to guest lectures. Making friends. Friends who I still cherish today.

Twenty-eight years from now, Bryce will probably watch his nephew move into a dorm, too. I hope that when he does, he as no regrets.

Godspeed, Bryce. And have the time of your life (within reason for the sake of my sister.)

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