OXFORD, Miss. (WTVA) -- Many tears are shed and there are hugs all around.
A pivotal moment in the lives of both parent and child begin with goodbye.
Darren and Buffy Ruthhardt are among those with much to unload and little time to do it.
"We're about thirteen and a half hours away from here driving and so she had to bring anything she could think of that she might need while she's not at home," Buffy Ruthardt said.
When the job is done and they drive away, the reality will set in. A new life is beginning for their daughter.
"It's very exciting. It's bittersweet," Ruthardt added.
This will be the last one out of the nest for Lee and Lynn Grogan.
"We've been packing for three weeks, so we're excited to have an empty nest," Lynn Grogan said.
"So many parents are sad that their children are leaving the nest, but there are many parents that are really ready for their children to become college students and take their lives to the next level after high school," Department of Student Housing staff member Kells Johnson said.
"There's not an empty space on campus. There's somebody in every nook and cranny, but it's very exciting and despite how hectic it is or how busy it is, we're all just trying to have a good time," Department of Student Housing Graduate Assistant for Marketing Gloria L. Howell said.
University officials estimate there to be one thousand volunteers that have stepped forward to help out. They all wear bright green t-shirts to stand out.
That help is appreciated by many who have more to think about than moving in.
"I'm excited but I'm more nervous than excited because I've never been away from home and it's kind of overwhelming. I think I'm gonna be ok," Houston native Brittany Fields said.
