JACKSON: Sad end to what was to be the perfect day

Published 9:41 pm Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Letter to the editor,

“This can’t be happening!,” my granddaughter exclaimed.  

The sad end to what was to be the perfect day.

Up early, getting excited about the drive from Dublin to “Transfer Student Orientation Day” at Georgia College and State University. Wearing the school colors for a chance at a free hat and mug. (We got it!)  Gonna be a great day. Arriving early, we found what appeared to be a perfect spot to park. Searching for the front campus with the big white tent, we followed the upbeat music. We were met by faculty and students offering to help us find our way and extending a super greeting. After a scrumptious continental breakfast, the host welcomed us and led us to the most ornate, beautiful auditorium I’ve ever seen. While there we heard from numerous faculty members, employees, and the college President Cathy Cox.  Tons of encouraging information was presented and we were so encouraged and knew we had made the right choice for our college experience. Especially interesting was the true, genuine concern the University has for the well being of their students. With the covid days creating more stress, loneliness, depression, and thoughts of suicide, the University offers tools to assist their students to ensure their success. Afterward we were able to locate the buildings where our classes were being held. Our complementary lunch venue offered just about anything one could want. We are feeling good! Well time to head out. But to our dismay, our “bubble” just popped when we noticed a white piece of paper under our wiper-not a “Welcome” note-you guessed a parking ticket for exceeding what we found out later was the two-hour limit. We couldn’t believe that on our perfect day, there wouldn’t be some leniency for the students who would be pouring literally thousands of dollars into the local economy-boy were we wrong. I don’t plan to visit Milly again until Addie graduates. That day, I will park at Wal Mart and take an Uber to the campus. Shame on you Milledgeville Police Department. 

Randall Jackson

Dublin