Our first born is going off to college and this is really a big deal for my wife and I. To be honest I am not sure that as parents, we are 100% ready for it. Like most things, if I find myself pondering on a problem for more than two nights, it means a conversation must be had. I sat down with my daughter and asked her, what are you doing to prepare for college? Her insights were valuable, and totally different to what I expected. Below are a few tips from my daughter on transitioning into college
It’s important to enjoy the summer. It is the last summer we will be having with some of our friends, and it creates an opportunity to form lasting bonds and memorable experiences. Don’t isolate yourself from others by letting go of your high schools friends. Sure, let go of the “fake-friends” but make the effort with those who are making the effort with you. Go to the concerts, do fun things, and be committed to the relationships by being available, being present and creating joy-filled memories. Doing this creates colorful memories that we can reflect on when we are miles apart from each other. It creates stories we can share with the new friends we make at college, and when we return home to visit family, it is a launch pad for reconnection and a platform on which to create more memories.
Protect your friendships with the attitude of ‘let’s make the most of it’. Going into this final summer with an I don’t care attitude; I am going to do what I want is one that could find you burning bridges. It could ruin your summer and certainly place a damper on the summer experience your friends are having. There is also a chance that this I don’t care attitude will make return visits home awkward because we chose to be self-centered. Making the most of it means find ways to maximize the time you have together with your friends at home.
Understand that anxiety is normal, not just for the parents, for teens as well. The last year of school is stressful! This is a time of major excitement because of the changes that are coming, this excitement comes with anxiety and fear. Some friends are going to their dream colleges, others have accepted a second choice and for others funding, or lack thereof, is forcing decisions to be made that were totally not in the cards. In Wake County, community college is free for the 1st year and a lot of people on taking advantage of that. Have an open mindset as you enter this next phase of your lives. It’s where career planning takes place and internships to make sure we are going to like doing the work we are studying for. With an open mindset you can make decisions to amend program choices, change electives and make learning choices that are well suited. How can you manage anxiety? Communicate with friends and family. Share how you feel – burden shared is a burden halved – you will feel better with the realization that you are not alone in this transition.
When at college, put yourself out there. Think of it as expanding your friendship circle verses making new friends. Having friends at other colleges means that you will find traits in the new friends that attracted you to the friends you already have. It is like networking! Show genuine interest, talk about their likes, and dislike and then see if you could be friends, close friends or just college acquaintances.
This conversation with my daughter gave me a little more insight into how she views her world. Judging from the response, I guess the future looks bright. If you are reading this and wondering if your young adult needs to develop the confidence and interpersonal skills to show-up at college as their best selves. Reach out to me for additional insights or learn more about our Generation.Next program here.
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As a people’s person, you will find that Neville is fit for purpose in this industry. His focus on others allows them to grow into the person that they want to be. Neville and his wife Caryn moved to Cary North Carolina in January 2021 with their three daughters and are excited to build a successful business in the USA. To work with Neville or to just have a conversation reach out and connect with him here.
About Generation Next – Skills for Future Success:
Especially for Juniors and Seniors in High School, Generation.Next: Skills for Future Success is designed to prepare young people for the here and now, as well as what’s next. It provides skills they need to set and achieve goals, and perform to their full potential – at school, home, and work. The curriculum was developed with feedback from students and consists highly interactive sessions that include real-life scenarios and role-playing.
What You’ll Learn
This course focuses on five key areas critical for future success — Building Self Confidence, Enhancing Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skill Development, Teamwork and Leadership Skills, and Effective Attitude Management. Each area incorporates skills that are useful throughout life – inside and outside of work.
Why you want to learn it
Today, the world is more complex, competitive and demanding than ever before. Young people often need to balance school, work and relationships while at the same time, planning for their future. Generation.Next helps teens become more confident and better able to cope with the pressure and stress that adolescents face.
How it will help you
Graduates tell us that their new skills have made them increasingly focused on their goals. They feel they make better decisions when faced with difficult choices and confront problems and challenges more positively. They also believe they are more persuasive communicators as a result of attending and felt it prepared them for applying to colleges and interviewing for jobs.