In the old days (not that old!), when a kid went off to college, the apron-strings were cut -- the student was on his or her own, usually for the first time in their lives. We met whoever we were standing in line with to get a post office box, registering for classes, etc. If we couldn't figure out how to use the washers in the dorm basement, we asked other students. It was a new life.

Now, the first thing that freshman do when they arrive at college is to set up their laptop, email their high school buddies, and update their Facebook page so everyone will know what they are doing. If they have a problem, they call mom to find out how much detergent to put in with their white wash.

Does this mean that college kids these days are less independent? I worry that students no longer have that magical moment to reinvent themselves when they arrive at college.