Homesickness

Well, by this time your student has been in college almost two months. They are probably experiencing a bit of homesickness. For those of us 35 and older we often wonder how could this be? In the age of technology, now more than ever we are in constant communication via home, text, Facebook, a Twitter and Skype. So how can a student be homesick? It's easy to miss home cooking, friends, family traditions, pets and even those pesky siblings.

The best thing is to remind the student they can always call home. I've worked with students who have been heartbroken being away from home. Fortunately, they have been able to go home. When this isn't the case, it's best to remind them to keep in contact. Another reminder for students is to get involved in campus activities and meet other students. Participating in events gives an opportunity to make friends and pass the time.

The beauty to become the person, they desire to be lies in the separation from the familiar. The options become limitless when you're not bound by people who think,they have you figured out. 

Encourage your student to utilize their new surroundings to do new things, meet new people and grow as a person.

The Mid Summer Epiphany

Over the years  of working with students in Residence Life, I have been made aware of the strange happenings over the summer. Although the summer is known as a time for work and play, something happens to the student who has just completed their first year of school and living on campus. There is an epiphany that occurs. The student reflects on the good and the bad. They realize their parents had a point about responsibility (although the confession of the realIzation won't comes until their 30's). 

These students will return to campus more confident about their abilities, surroundings and resources. The staff will immediately see the change and smile because they finally got the epiphany. 

Parents, don't lose hope. Remember to guide not coddle your student. Teach them how to maneuver paperwork, people and situations. Don't do things for them because it's easier for you. This delays the preparation for their success.  Don't block the epiphany. 

School's Out for Summer

With students leaving campuses across the country to return to their home towns, there is a challenge for households. If you have a students who has just completed their first semester or first year, there is the subject of independence.  Living on campus gives a rush of independence to the student. Mom is not there to give a curfew, talk about keeping the room clean or wake a student up for class. Had you considered how things will change when your student returns.
Trust me, your student has been thinking about it for months. They are planning to hang out late, work, hangout with friends and of course sleep in and eat some great home cooking.

Take some time to talk with your student about house rules. Consider this...you have been dying for them to grow up so the obligation is on you to treat them like an adult. Give the expectations...clearly.

Have a great summer!