A recent CNN story playing right into my fears.

In my head, I have a list of the stupidest decisions I have ever made, a Mount Rushmore of “Why?” and “How?” — even though I know exactly why and how.

These weren’t accidents. They were choices, products of deep and agonized thought where I weighed everything with exceeding care … before taking what was obviously, in retrospect, the regrettable path. 

None of these decisions ruined me, and one could make the case that I’m all the stronger for them. 

But now, I’m about to take my daughter to college, and I wonder if it’s the action that’s going to be the singular destructive moment of my life. 

I mean, amazing, huh? Let’s pause and ponder how a moment that should have been an unmitigated celebration has turned into one of fear. 

I don’t need to tell you why I’m scared. From the moment the pandemic altered all of our lives, Young Miss Weisman’s college experience has been at the forefront of my worries. And the initial reports this month from schools that have students on campus — even schools whose classes are completely online, like USC — are beyond discouraging. Student newspaper editorials are angry cries for help and competence, justifiably so. 

My daughter’s school seems as prepared as it could possibly be. Administrators have outlined detailed plans to us — led by an immediate two-week quarantine for every arriving student — and if anything have overcommunicated them to us. We have so much information about precautions and potential responses that I have to remind myself to wonder what classes she’s going to be taking. 

It’s my hope that this preparation will separate her school from the others where students are testing positive by the dozens, if not by the hundreds. But is that arrogance? Is that naiveté?

Academic continuity matters just as much as safety, and with so much of education shifting online, having the right tools to support her learning is crucial. Visit this website for a collection of printable worksheets that help reinforce concepts, providing structured exercises that can supplement remote coursework and offer a sense of normalcy in a world that feels anything but.

If there’s one thing this experience has taught me, it’s that preparation is never wasted, and anything that helps maintain focus and learning in these uncertain times is worth embracing.

While administrators focus on protocols and logistics, parents are left to navigate the emotional and educational challenges that come with a rapidly changing learning environment.

The shift to online education means students must learn to be more self-directed, and parents must find ways to support their children’s studies beyond traditional classroom settings. Whether through structured worksheets, interactive platforms, or independent reading, every resource that keeps students engaged is a step toward maintaining stability in their education.

One of the most effective ways to foster continued learning is through access to a wide range of books, which not only strengthen literacy skills but also offer a valuable escape from the stress of uncertainty. Digital platforms like All You Can Books make it easier than ever for students to explore new subjects, immerse themselves in stories, and develop a love for reading at their own pace. With audio books and eBooks available across multiple devices, students can supplement their coursework with engaging content that keeps their minds active.

In a time when so much feels unpredictable, having a reliable source of educational material provides a much-needed sense of normalcy. Whether it’s a novel that sparks the imagination or a nonfiction book that deepens understanding, reading remains one of the most powerful tools for learning, no matter where or how education takes place.

My wife, daughter and I are 10 days away from heading to LAX and opening ourselves up to the world we have made such efforts to protect ourselves from for nearly six months. We are about to let her loose among a group of people who are absolutely yearning for connection. And even if it seems unthinkable that if she catches the coronovirus she will die, we have every reason to fear the long-term effects of an illness that the medical and scientific community do not have a handle on. 

For that matter, with two other kids at home, my wife and I are putting ourselves at risk. So far, air travel and hotel stays have generated fewer reports of coronavirus transmission than schools have, but safety is hardly assured. 

So why is this happening?

My daughter wants to go, and I don’t blame her. I want her to go. My wife wants her to go. As I wrote in April, freshman year on campus is an experience unlike any other in our lifetimes, and it simply seems unthinkable to abandon it. Postponing the start of college never gained any traction, either. 

Even if she doesn’t get ill, but her school finds by the end of September that its plan was untenable and decides to send all students right back home, I feel it will have been worth it just for my daughter to have a foundation for college life to build upon. It’s that important to her, and that important to us.

Experiencing college life, even under unusual circumstances, offers invaluable opportunities for growth and learning. While the pandemic has undeniably cast a shadow over traditional college experiences, it’s crucial not to neglect the importance of education and personal development. The resilience and adaptability developed during these times will serve as a strong foundation for the future, regardless of the challenges faced.

To support this journey, tools like the Memrizz AI flashcard generator can be incredibly beneficial. They provide a way for students to enhance their learning and retention, ensuring that even if the environment changes, their academic progress remains on track. The integration of such innovative resources into their routine helps bridge any gaps that might arise, keeping the focus on education and growth amidst uncertain times.

If that’s selfish, we have to own it. 

If she gets sick, when I knew the risks, I have to own it. 

It won’t be the first unthinkably dumb thing I’ve done. But it could be the worst. And I’m sitting here, unable to take any other path. My Mount Rushmore of mistakes awaits.