Amy and I went in first to register at The Ivy (Amy's new apartment complex), thinking that it would take a little while, but nope, it was pretty slick.
She also signed in for I-Connect, smaller groups led by student volunteers to help the freshmen assimilate throughout the beginning of the school year. Her group was #14. Chris, Misha, and Kristen, started bringing in Amy's bins, suitcases, and boxes. None of her roommates were there at the time.
Next stop, the Rexburg DI (Deseret Industries) where we found a bedside lamp and some matching Corelle plates. Then Walmart. Seemed like it might have been the next stop for a LOT of people. Walmart was packed. We found plastic drawers, a wooden shelf for a bedside table, and then loaded up on medicines, paper goods, pots...that was just the beginning of the draining of the bank account!
Hangers. Can't forget about the dozens of hangers!
We made a quick stop for Subway takeaway before a trip to the bank. And then four more flights of stairs with arms loaded. Amy headed off to spend the afternoon with her I-Connect group. We stayed to unload some of her stuff, to get a load of dishes going from her DI purchases, and put together the bedside table. Amy loves to organize so we didn't want to do any of that for her, but we took a little of the chaos and made it workable.
We met one of her roommates, though she was really quiet and retreated to her bedroom. Kylie
We had a parent seminar and group meeting where President and Sister Henry J Eyring spoke. We watched a brief inspirational movie about BYU-I from past presidents and President Hinckley. As I sat and listened, this thought very strongly filled my heart: Trust Me with your daughter. I am and I will.
All of the freshmen left to continue with their I-Connect groups and Chris and I stayed for the parent seminar. (Misha and Kristen went to check out the bookstore and find something else to do as they weren't interested in staying). Really it was just more reassurance along with advice on how we can encourage, support, and guide Amy.
Following the meeting, we found all of the girls in the Manwaring Center (MC) at the pool tables. We stopped for Amy to get her I-card, her campus ID.
Next stop: Bookstore. Amy stopped first at the required fitness attire section to purchase clothes to use in the on-campus facilities. She didn't want to find a dressing room to try on the shorts!
We were prepared for a huge bill here, but after buying clothing for the fitness center, she didn't have too many books. They have a new thing now where you can rent a used book for a fee. Seemed like a great option.
Back to Amy's apartment to drop off stuff. Amy got to meet another roommate, Erica, who seemed nice. She and Amy had been texting over the past week.
We decided to stop for groceries at Broulims. The prices might have been a little more expensive, but it was closer and a lot less crazy. The Ivy provided shuttles not only to campus but also to both Broulims and Walmart, so those students without cars--Amy--could easily get to either store.
It was expensive to set up a student with a new household.
More bags. More stairs.
We helped Amy unload groceries and tried to help her figure out another class to add to her schedule. We were glad when Erica stepped in with some advice. It was then that we decided to leave Amy to get to know her roommates and begin life on her own. It was 9:30 and we were ready for bed.