Elon parents smiled, hugged their children and took final photos at the Family Send-Off Picnic on Aug. 22. For many, this was the last meal they will have together before students begin their first year at Elon University.
The picnic, held across West Koury Lawn, West Moseley Lawn and the Martin Alumni Center, gave families a chance to spend time together following Move-In Day and New Student Orientation.
For Sara Hubbell, the moment carried more weight. Her daughter, Hannah, is her oldest, making this the family’s first experience sending a kid to college.
“My advice is to experience it,” Sara Hubbell said. “Be present and have adventures, have all the fun, learn all the things, know that we’re here as backup if they ever need it.”
For Hannah Hubbell, she said the nerves she expected before arriving have started to fade.
“Even though this is an unknown, I am confident in myself, and I know what I’m doing,” Hannah Hubbell said. “I know I can figure out how to manage myself and get my school work done and stay on top of it.”
Ruby Mueller, another incoming student, said she was excited to have a change of scenery from the West Coast and happy to spend the afternoon under oak trees with her family.
“It’s been really emotional, but it’s super nice that we have an opportunity to just say goodbye for now and just kind of have that moment with our family,” Mueller said.
As families start to leave campus, they leave students with reminders from home and advice they can take for the next four years.