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There are frequent calls,
texts and Snapchats early,
and as they make friends,
you need to be prepared for
less communication. We
established expectations
early on communication, and
they are pretty good about it.
After that first semester, and
certainly after the first year,
communication normalizes
again. The visits to Clemson
are always a blast, with plenty
to do, including just relaxing
and enjoying each other’s
company. The visits home
always seem too short and
too far apart. You can’t wait
until summer comes. By the
second year and probably the
third year, the return home
for summer has ended. They
find jobs. They intern. Their
roommates stay in Clemson.
They fall in love.
Then you do what we did —
we moved from New York to
Greenville and now we are
around an hour away!
They will always be your
children. Enjoy every second.”
Patricia and Michael Moran
Greenville, S.C.
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10)
Encourage Involvement and Engagement both In and Out of Class
One of the biggest benefits to college is students have the ability to engage
in many opportunities. Of course, academic success and learning is at the
forefront, but students who glean the most from their collegiate experience
invest in both academic and non-academic activities. Clemson has over
700 honor societies, student organizations, clubs and sports organizations,
and participating in these opportunities is one way to augment their
undergraduate experience.
1. Mullendore, R. & Banahan, L. (2007). Empowering Parents of First-year College
Students: A Guide for Success. NODA National Orientation Directors Association
and National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience & Students in
Transition: Columbia, SC.
2. Cawthon, T. (2017). Clemson University: Clemson, SC.
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