Parents of incoming students share thoughts

Sending a child off to college can be fearful for parents.

Jay and Julie Soures of Zionsville, Ind., could let themselves have three times that fear. With triplets Kody, Amy, and Kol all beginning their freshman year at IU in the fall, the Soures certainly will have a change in their home life.

“The hardest part will be having an empty nest and having the house quiet,” Julie Soures said. “But we are relieved to have them all be together.”

The Soures said they are also excited about the opportunities their children will be afforded while attending IU.

“Our daughter is very excited about the opportunities to travel abroad while at school,” Julie Soures said. “And they are all excited about the social life here at IU.”

The Soures triplets are fourth generation IU attendees, with their father Jay being the last family member to graduate.

“I’m re-familiarizing myself with campus,” he said. “I’m excited to get to tell the kids about all the secrets about campus, like when to walk to class and when to ride a bike and the shortcuts to get to class quicker, as well as show them my old fraternity house and residential house.”

Kaylie Mellencamp is an incoming freshman who will be roommates with the Soures’ daughter Amy. Her father Phil said he is just excited for the chance Kaylie will get to socialize and have fun here at IU.

“I want her to have the time of her life,” he said. “She will of course get a good education, but she will also be able to get active socially and meet a lot of people. I’m just sure she will make us very proud.”