I don't think we can live other people's lives for them, anticipate what they will go through based on what we went through? First, you are enough older than she is so of a different era. In two years the college milieu might be completely different? I was at university in the 1960's, I think I understand what you are saying Salukigirl and that you are thinking about your niece and what her experience might be and how you might be able to help is commendable but I don't think can work any more than if her mother were to talk to her about it.

But being part of the baby boomer/hippie generation and what "you" think about my experience and what it was actually like for Me, is like night and day and will be similar for you and your niece I think; not the same time period or background to be able to "share" like you are trying to, I don't think.