Image courtesy of Setsucon 2025
As a single parent of two independent teens, I find myself excited to take part in any activity they want to do together with me. I love spending time with them, and I know that they’re getting closer and closer to adulthood, which means needing mom less and less. So, I try to soak up each moment, and really any idea they have I’m willing to try out.
And since my kids are a wonderful mix of a variety of interests, sometimes that also means going outside my own comfort zone or hobbies. Afterall, they’re underage to drink, so that rules out mom’s main activity. (I’m kidding … mostly.)
This past weekend was one of the wonderful examples of the benefits of being adventurous with them. Both of my children love anime. They like cosplay, reading manga, watching the programs. On occasion, when they know I’d love it too, I’ve even watched a few of their favorite series with them.
This may not sound that unusual. Parents take interest in their children’s interests. But in this case, it is something I would have never done or tried without their influence. But I can tell you, as formerly having been one myself, if you are one of “those people,” who somewhat look down on the world of animated series just because they appear cartoonish or child-like to you in some way, let me tell you: you’re missing out.
Firstly, the storylines alone are amazing. I’ve watched a small fraction of the multitude they have, but still have found deep, very adult, and incredibly interesting plots. Yes, there are some action scenes, fights, battles, etc. that may not be my usual cup of tea. But overall, that is an aside to the relationships, conflicts, and surprising storylines that will keep you guessing and invested.
But, I’m not here to sell you on anime (though you should try it out!). I will say that in a very “not me” kind of world, I’ve found a very welcoming, fun, and enjoyable community of people. In our second trip to the same convention, we trekked last weekend to Altoona to attend Setsucon 2025.
Since 2007, the Penn State Anime Organization has hosted the con, with growth each year. If you’ve gone to any type of convention or even a professional development series, it is much like you’d expect to see. Panels of experts offering input and their opinions are roomed next to fun gaming of both the video and tabletop variety. A song-and-dance Maid Café is nestled near a manga library. And the highlight for my kiddos each year, an massive hall is open to an Artists Alley. If you’re a Grateful Dead fan, like I am, this is the equivalent to Shakedown Street, but for anime fans. If you don’t follow either, think massive flea market, mixed with an in-person Etsy showroom of amazing goods, all themed to the shows you love.
Personally, on both the years we’ve attended, my personal, by far, favorite part of Setsucon is cosplay (or put more bluntly, people watching). Yes, there are competitions ranging from themed shows to wig-styling, and many take it very seriously, but I could just sit in the lobby and enjoy the participants going by, too. There is such an elaborate and varied world out there of talented and fun costumers.
I love the handmade dedication, the attention to immaculate detail, and the ability to put together odds-and-ends to recreate stellar copies of fans’ favorite characters. And, while my youngest has long been involved in the craft, I only got my start with them in the past few years.
And this year, it was such a fun combination of both working with and for my kids on a fun and vast “crafting” project, but also to create characters from a show we all three absolutely loved watching together. It was a great time, both preparing, then wearing the cosplay gear.
Quite frankly, I wouldn’t care what they wanted to do. The best part of any adventure with my kids is just that… my kids. They are wonderful humans, and I consider myself completely blessed to be a part of any activity they want to do or try.
While we had an absolute blast eating at wonderful restaurants, participating in a fun-filled con, and even dressing up, it was those tiny moments in between that I’ll hold in my heart forever. Talking in our hotel room, bonding over a new musical, and the hugs, laughs, and memories. That’s what I’ll hold onto forever.
I’ve learned to enjoy, truly, a culture I’d never would have explored on my own. They’ve opened my eyes to plenty, and I love sharing the fun enjoyments of life together. I cherish every chance I get to hang out with them, to be a part of their lives, and soak up every memory I can.
Someday, they’ll be adults. Maybe they will even have similar experience with children of their own in the years to come. No matter what, I hope they hold these trips as dear to their hearts as I always will. I consider myself one lucky mama.
