As high school junior and senior years progress, the day of departure from home looms ever closer on the horizon. In spite of the many trials and tribulations associated with teenage years, there is sweet sorrow in this parting of the ways (the separation lasting at least until after graduation, in some cases). In fact, it is quite usual for family arguments to increase during this period – some kind of defense mechanism at play, it appears.
For many parents, it seems only yesterday that they were putting their pride and joy on the big yellow bus on that very first day at school. And although your sometimes raging teenager might not admit it, he or she often values you more than just for doing the laundry (although that doesn’t hurt).
And so it comes to pass that many students, in spite of the initial rush of blood to the head, opt to stay close to home when finally selecting a school.
In a recent blog exchange, parents were encouraged to have their students look at colleges well beyond their immediate geographic location. Higher chances for admission, and equal travel time between driving and flying were both cited, as well as challenging the student’s sense of independence and adaptability.
These are valid arguments in their own way. However, it is essential for the student to physically visit each school that is under serious consideration — whatever the location. And the visit should be during term time, with visits and appointments with students and faculty, and not a mere three or four hour whirlwind tour when the corridors are empty.
In the end, the student and parents should be looking at six or more candidate schools by the time the award letters come through, and each one of the schools should provide a comfortable environment for the student to learn, live, and develop socially. If they don’t like living there, it will be ever more difficult for them to succeed there.
Whatever the final destination, for those Moms who cannot pack themselves into their students’ luggage, you might want to check out The Portable Parent. Your kids might not listen too well to you directly, but may pay more attention to a non-verbal third party.
