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“What am I to become?” (e.g., major, career paths); “Who am I to love?” (e.g.,
friends, significant relationships); “What do I believe” (e.g., beliefs learned
by other influences or their own beliefs); and “What do I stand for?” (e.g.,
ethics, principles and values that guide one’s life). Each period may result in a
student different to you as they work through these and other developmental
issues. While only three months separate a high school senior from a first-year
college student, these three months and the first semester are significant
periods of growth and change. Your student is learning how to be a college
student. You will be reminded of these changes at Orientation, through
divisional newsletters and from other communications from the University. We
encourage you to remain supportive of your student while they manage their
emotions, become autonomous, foster competence, develop relationships and
discover their purpose. At the end of their college journey, you will be amazed
and proud of the person and professional they will become.
Suggestions for Enhancing Your Relationships with Your College Student
As a parent or guardian, your support, guidance and direction has assisted
your student’s acceptance into the 23rd-ranked public institution. Also, for
many parents and guardians, raising a child is one of their most significant
investments. As a parent, you have helped your student successfully
navigate the educational process, resulting in their enrollment at Clemson.
Sending a child to college often creates anxiety for parents and their new
roles. Much literature exists to help, but we would suggest you simply do
what you have done to ensure the success of your student up to this point.
The following are five tips we have identified as beneficial in aiding a
successful transition from high school to college.
Ride the Emotional Rollercoaster and Practice Your Soft Skills
The next few years will see like a rollercoaster for you. There will be ups and
downs, twists and possible mistakes made along the way. Your student will
need your patience, a listening ear and a healthy dose of empathy. You know
your student better than anyone. Listen to them and allow them to solve their
own problems themselves. Trust you have done a great job raising them.
Remember this their time to shine!
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