Julia Sims: When doors shut

My college is closing. You may wonder what this has to do with being a mom or what this has to do with being a mom of a little boy. Bear with me, because, for me, it has everything to do with it.

My husband went to N.C. State and my son is all about anything Wolfpack red. When Will asked about Sweet Briar College, where I went, he wanted to know the school colors.

I told him pink and green and, of course, he laughed. Then I explained that even though that sounded "girly," it was anything but. I told him girls can wear pink and green and be tough as nails. We talked about girl power and the fact you never ever underestimate a woman ... or the girl sitting at the desk beside you in school.

I told Will that when I went to college, I knew I was the type of person prone to socializing and easily distracted. For me, a big university would've been a distraction. Instead, I chose to learn in a small classroom environment. At Sweet Briar, I found my voice and my courage.

My little boy has always been impressed that my dad, Pops, was a soldier. Will is equally impressed that I covered the war on terror as an embed reporter. I told him that was a result of the confidence, courage and communication skills I learned at Sweet Briar. Nothing "girly" about that.

I believe there is a place for everything, particularly liberal arts. Consider this:

I want Will to grow up knowing the value of a liberal arts education, understanding women are equally strong and having the choice of deciding what kind of college, if any, he'd like to attend.

My husband suggested taking Will to Sweet Briar before it closes later this year. My heart swelled when I heard that.

So, I plan to show my little boy the place where I grew up, the place where I learned I can do whatever I set my mind to, the place that made me who I am: a wife, a mom and a journalist. My college is closing and it breaks my heart.