I was accepted at Stanford ... and my daughter at Cal Tech, with scholarship offers. We didn't go, because California was not, after visiting, where we wanted to be. Could that happen with Ms. Tinkle too?
Cognitive dissonance is the theory that when you "feel off balance to a marginal degree" you learn the most. Any person who leaves their comfort zone, whether it be towns/cities, states, jobs, or social circles, knows exactly what this feels like. It is also refered to as culture shock. But after you've given yourself the chance to adapt to the new situation, it all seems normal again, but you know so much more....
Now, after being exposed to a whole new situation, your knowledge base grows significantly. This is where true human learning takes place. She has a great opportunity to expand her knowledge and self awareness. Of course you will feel odd, when you travel to a foreign campus, be around other people for 2 days, but this should be embraced. Isn't that the college experience?
She's experienced Missoula and zoo town. Go check out another part of the world, expand who you are and who you will become to the fullest. She can always return to zoo city and comfort.
This is what Missoula was for me and many others, a great weird place that felt like home after some time.. She should experience another part of the country, another type of lifestyle, leave the nest, in the name of learning and knowledge.