My eldest went off to college two years ago and is now a sophomore and doing well. First year, he joined a fraternity, indulged in some college stuff :(, but by second semester freshman year - he ran and won Vice President of his house and decided to join ROTC. Fast forward to this spring break - he's back to my cuddly son who wants my hugs and love, he realizes what he left and misses us, is number one in his ROTC class (at a school with 45,000 kids!), has had to manage some serious crap as VP of his fraternity and knows enough that he's referred to as dad (as a sophomore!!) because he's so responsible.
Silver lining - they come back if you let them fly. It is oh so satisfying.