Staying Connected: The Final Stretch of Freshman Year

A myriad of emotions can be experienced by students during these final months. Some students will savor their accomplishments, hard work, and positive academic results from fall semester and carry over to a successful spring semester. Other students will be confused because hard work did not translate into academic success. These students need to avoid developing a defeatist attitude. They can avoid a defeatist attitude by talking with a faculty member. Faculty can assist students to examine study skills and study habits and make appropriate adjustments. Webster University encourages student study groups. Study groups are an effective method to cover a wide range of course materials. There will be a small number of students who wonder why they ever attended college/university in the first place. If your daughter/son falls into this category I strongly suggest that you recommend they speak to me or my colleagues in Counseling/Life Development, Loretto Hall #103.

Moms and dads can also experience a myriad of emotions during these final months of their daughter/son’s freshman year. How we feel about our freshman’s academic results is one obvious emotion. Another emotion we can experience is based on our freshman’s adjustment to university life. We are glad to see our freshman making friends, participating in university activities, and growing into responsible adults. We are sad when our freshman appears isolated and not developing friendships, not participating in university activities, nor developing into a responsible adult. Hopefully you are aware that I and my colleagues are here to assist you with any concerns about your freshman. I can be reached at 314-968-7030 or e-mail stackpa@webster.edu.

So what’s next? Plans for summer may be an important discussion. It would be wise to share expectations you have for your freshman’s summer activities. If your expectations are different from your freshman’s expectations, collaboration as opposed to compromise would be best. Concerns about freshmen returning home for the summer can generate many emotions and stressors. Again, sharing expectations about home regulations, chores, boundaries, use of motor vehicle, etc, will go a long way in avoiding misunderstandings. As I said in a previous article, “A little knowledge is dangerous!” If your freshman completes his/her freshman year as a “Know it All,” just smile. You know sophomore year awaits her/him.