On a cloudy Thursday morning I had the rare opportunity to be alone with my 3 year old for more than 2 hours. My 4 yr old was out on a field trip till later that afternoon, and with the 12 year old in school and hubby at work, it was just him and I.
What to do? What to do?
Farmer’s Market of course! What else on a lazy, hazy morning with only 1 kid in tow? We headed over to the farmer’s market by Columbia University which is open every Thursday and Sunday. It’s a small market. I like them best for jams and baked goods…and maybe even some flowers. But the biggest reason for our train ride down to 116th St on a day like this is the campus itself.
I don’t have much of a connection with the University, other than my brother went to law school there…and I worked for their medical center for many years. Mostly, it’s just an awesome campus to walk through. On days like these it can be peaceful, and it’s always welcoming. I have never had anyone say anything to my kids as they run around and the students and professors always smile and are really friendly.
As we walked through I saw they were setting up for graduation ceremonies. Families taking pictures of their graduating student full of pride. I remembered that feeling of graduating from college myself…albeit a city college, but nonetheless an awesome moment in my life. And I looked at my little boy as he tracked ants, and ran around bushes, and up and down stairs, wondering to myself what the future held for my baby.
Will we one day find ourselves standing on these very steps, my eyes teary with pride, taking pictures of my baby on graduation day?
Who knows. Maybe. Maybe not. I can’t say it is my deepest desire that they attend an ivy league college. I truly just want them to be happy and successful in whatever they do, however they choose to do it. But it was very emotional just to think of. I felt happy for the students and families who got to experience this amazing school, and this wonderful campus.
If you are ever visiting NYC, come to 116th St and stroll across the campus. It is rich in history , a peaceful place to rest your feet, and located in an awesome neighborhood with tons to do. And if you’re wondering where to find some awesome Greenmarkets in the city, check out GrowNYC.org for a complete listing with dates.
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Isabel @AlphaMom
I first walked through that campus when I was about 6 years old and then and there (as irrational as it may be) that I wanted to attend. And I did, as an undergraduate. So, seeing your little boy wander and you being all wishful for your son's future happiness no matter where he goes to school is making me all sentimental now.
Columbia trivia: When you visit the "Alma Mater" statue on the Low Library steps, look in the folds of her skirt. There's a hidden surprise.
Carol Cain
Isabel @AlphaMomAw! How cool Isabel! Thanks for sharing : )) And for the trivia! Am going to have to check it out next time!
jonesie
This was the sweetest post ever. He looks like a Columbia man already! I wanted to go but it didn't quite work that way. When he graduates from there you need to take a pic just like the second to last one and frame them side by side (How cool would that be!)
Christine
What a wonderful post! My daughter goes to Columbia and I know what are in Alma Mater's folds but won't spoil the surprise for everyone. Loved the pictures of your little guy there – it is a beautiful campus and well worth the expense of sending my daughter there. The experiences she has had in the past two years have been unbelieveable and she is now doing her summer internship at the medical center in the lab. What a place! She has her own apartment for the summer 🙂