How do you really get to know what your child’s college is like?
Before the digital era, students and parents were first introduced to many colleges by reading through Barron’s Profile of American Colleges. Schools were classified into the following cattegories – Most competitive, Highly competitive, Very competitive, Competitive, Less competitive, Noncompetitive. This was the start of the college search and selection process.
Today, websites, such as Niche, U.S. News and World Reports, and others rank colleges and provide insight into college life. However, to get a true feel for the college, it is important to walk in the steps of the students, to see for yourself.
Take a Walk
If you visit a child during homecoming weekend or parents weekend, that is good opportunity to walk the campus either alone or with your spouse or as a family. We feel after touring the school with your child it is ideal to experience the campus for yourself.
Take a day to visit the campus on a typical day school day. Often you’ll see construction going on, maintenance, and possibly a special event. You’ll see students with coffees in their hands walking to class. You’ll see students with laptops open, discussions, students working out, hanging flyers, and playing collegiate sports.
On a walk through campus, be sure to stop and get a coffee where students get coffee. You can get a sense for the quality of the coffee and also what’s happening. In many cases, it will be a lively center of college activity.
Take a Seat
Often on campuses there are benches and chairs at various locations. Many colleges have quads. If you’re waiting for a child to finish up a class or meet them for lunch or dinner, just sit. Be happy that your child has an opportunity to take in all of the campus has to offer.
Just sit, listen, and observe. And observe closely. One of our parents was sitting in a chair, listening to the birds, resting on the branches of a big tree. It was fascinating until one of the birds pooped on our parent.
These chairs are often portable so be sure to move the chair out of harm‘s way.
Take in the views. All colleges have views. Some views are more magnificent than others. When you sit on a bench, read the history of ther person int might be dedicated to. Many benches often have a plaque. Some might have a rock with an engraving explaining the person‘s contribution to the school.
That person whose bench is dedicated is a snapshot of one person’s experience at that college. One such plaque was dedicated to a student who just graduated two years ago and passed away. The person was a student-athlete, and the final sentence reads
“May this bench offer for a place of reflection and inspiration, recognizing each day as a gift and an opportunity to be life altering.”
Sometimes with a child in college, work and the so many other commitments of life, it is hard to sit and reflect.
We feel we do not do this enough.
What careful thought went into those words, “each day is an opportunity to be life altering” is quite a statement. Certainly one that can be reflected on for quite some time.
A tree dedication to a faculty member read:
“Your impact will live on.”
Isn’t that what we all hope for?
Statues
What statues are on campus and what is that significance to the college? Appreciate the artwork that went into making each statue. Recognize the location of the statue and imagine how many times your child passes this place. And perhaps ask your child about the statue and what it means to them. Take a picture next to the statue so you can remember your day on campus.
Observe College Community
Notice the community surrounding the college. Look at the demographics of the people living there. Observe how the college and the community coexist and hopefully thrive together.
Read the Flyers
Read flyers. There may be some shocking flyers that you read, but this gives you a picture of the campus and the issues that students are passionate about. There could be signs for athletic contest, play, or musical performance.
Career opportunity, such as teacher Code Ignite, a fellowship for Matriculate advising
Do a little research and ask around and see if there’s one spot that you must see.
Every institution of learning offers incredible opportunity for the students. It gives students an opportunity to see where they’ve come from, who they are, and most importantly who they want to become.
I’m sure people will reflect on their own college experiences if they had them and compare. Remember that this experience is your child’s alone. As a parent, ou are a supporter of that experience. Give space when needed. When a child seeks assistance and guidance, be there.
Reflect
Life is a journey.
College plays a major role in shaping the future journey. Be sure to slow down, reflect, and do all that you can to make your child’s college experience an incredible stop along an amazing journey.
It is very difficult in life to stop everything. Take a step back, take a deep breath, and put things in perspective. A nice, quiet, solitary walk throughout a college campus an bring clarity of midst a world of chaos.
It’s great to get fresh air, exercise, and reflect deeply.
We hope every parent can have this opportunity to get a little glimpse into a child’s college experience.