What Does Thanksgiving Mean to ME?
Turkey, mashed and sweet potatoes, and stuffing? High school football games? A house full of energy and happiness.
T-Day is a time to take stock and give thanks for our blessings, gifts, and those in our lives. Wishing everyone joy and excitement, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day throughout the year.
Thanksgiving is the first significant break in the action for college and career students, especially first-year students who return home having left in September. The first time for a brief, but extended break. As the father of four, the break was always an interesting time for them, with their new dynamics and my desire to learn everything about their academics and campus life.
As parents we’re anxious to learn everything, while students are interested in the three R’s: refueling, reconnecting, and recharging their batteries. They can be talkative or quiet.. Don’t despair, just be patient..
Remember, they’re on break when you pick them up. I recall how challenging it was to resist asking them about their classes, friends, and activities. Most rides quickly became quiet as they fell asleep (three out of four), and I listened to smooth jazz.
The moment will come to ask questions and dig into how campus life is going—and whether there are potential bumps in the road. As parents, we must listen for signs and be patient. Please send them to the T-Day football game and feed them. Then, inquire about the first semester. If they’re struggling, let them know it’s normal, but encourage them to consult with academic support and resident life, and to explore options for joining a club or organization to get involved. Thanksgiving is a bit past the midpoint of the semester. Your student has three weeks to “crush it” before the end of the semester and Christmas break. Address things now.
My colleague, Mya Anderson from Student Empowered, shares other important tips and ideas to support your 1st year student home for the holidays.
For high school students and their families, Thanksgiving marks a significant milestone in the college planning calendar:
- By now, seniors (families) should have submitted 99% of their admission applications and the FAFSA (and maybe the CSS Profile). Their eyes should be on college portals and emails for information, as well as on scholarships.
- If students are undecided, the break can be a perfect time to discuss the next steps. No one path after high school fits everyone, even if that’s what you hear (feel). Work, community college, service, apprenticeship, and a structured gap year are all effective options.
- Juniors (and 10th graders), it’s time to turn up the heat on your college planning, including creating a resume, thinking about living in a dorm, and how big is too big (campus), and where do you draw the line on distance from home. Come January, you’re building a list, learning how to evaluate options, and figuring out where to visit during the February school break.
- Upper-class college students need to focus on checking their timelines and credit requirements to graduate on time. Enrollment timelines for five- and six-year-olds are very expensive.
- Graduated or graduating soon, it is time to plan as student loan grace periods are about to expire and loan repayment begins on Federal and private education loans.
- Parents, yes, there is a lot to talk about as you continue to coach and guide your high school-, college-age, and working young adults.
Thanksgiving break is an exciting and busy period, but it’s also a time to stay ahead of pressing deadlines and tasks.
Wishing all a very Happy Thanksgiving.