Student Organizations and Leadership Program Adviser Karlos Santos-Coy saw the polarizing emotions Friday morning that can be expressed by parents dropping their kids off at college for the first time.

Friday was Move-In Day at Sac State, where about 1,300 incoming freshman and returning students moved into residence halls.

“One woman who dropped off her son was already crying because she couldn’t stay with him. At the same moment, another mom was blaring her car stereo and cheering, saying how exited she was to have an extra bedroom in her home,” Santos-Coy said.

The office of Student Organizations and Leadership coordinated approximately 300 student volunteers to help incoming students and their parents move into the dorms. It was the office’s fifth year organizing the event, said Tom Carroll, assistant director for Student Organizations and Leadership.

The mother Santos-Coy saw celebrating was Annie Bluit, from San Leandro. She said she was just proud of her son Evian’s success.

“I’m happy that I did a good job raising him. I raised an asset, not a liability. I know he’s going to go far. I’ve always dreamed of this day,” Bluit said.

The mixed bag of emotions was apparent from students too, some of whom admitted to being anxious, while others were happy to get as far away from home as possible.

“I’m really excited to be out of San Diego and in a new city,” said Brandi Cook, 18, and incoming freshman. “I chose Sac State because it was a good distance from home and they have a good nursing program.”

Victoria Huber, 18, a freshman from Santa Maria, said she is experiencing life on her own for the first time.

“I wasn’t worried until I got here,” Huber said. “Now that I’m here, it’s kind of scary that I’ll be on my own. I’m worried that I’ll forget something because my home is six hours away.”

Huber’s mother, Elizabeth Huber, expressed similar concern.

“I’m as worried as any mother would be when dropping of her 18-year-old daughter who’s never been on her own. I’m worried for her safety,” Elizabeth Huber said. “But if there’s one person who I know will make it, it’s her.”

Roughly 80 percent of the residence hall’s 1,600 students were scheduled to move in Friday, with the remaining 300 to move in over the weekend, Santos-Coy said.

The office of Housing and Residential life had events planned all day Friday for incoming students, including brunch, an ice cream social and a seminar on how students can set up an internet connection in their dorm rooms.

“Our goal is to have the residence halls ready and welcoming for all new and returning students,” said Anthony Buono, assistant director of Housing and Residential Life. “We want to keep them engaged and help them build a sense of Sac State pride.”

Ken Paglia can be reached at [email protected]