Degrees Go to Die- Personal Preparedness
Your student has received their high school diploma. They are headed to college/university. You’ve got a classic “launch my teen to school” to-do list. Linens, check. bathroom supplies, check. Clothes, check.
How about Emotional Readiness? Is there a checklist for THAT?
Everyone who knows they are going into a new situation deals with it differently. Some reach out to friends and family- others withdraw a bit. For some reason, boys tend to pack the day before, and girls start planning their college dorm/apt move in 100 days early like a D-Day Invasion.
Let’s look at our student through the checklist given below. Clarke University in Dubuque, IA had this up on their website a few years ago. It bears sharing again.
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The following are skills that will help you develop your own internal structure and be successful in college.
TIME MANAGEMENT Prepare a weekly schedule that includes time in class, studying, activities, work, meals, study and time with friends. Being a college student is like having a full-time job. Several hours of studying and preparation is expected for each class.
STRESS MANAGEMENT Regular exercise, adequate rest, good nutrition, prayer and/or meditation are all suggested ways of engaging in self-care that reduces stress. Finding ways to increase coping resources will help students decrease the stressors that life will throw your way.
STUDY SKILLS Even some of the best high school students have not always developed good study skills. Knowing how to read a textbook, take notes in class, use the library and take multiple choice tests are all areas that will help you be more successful in the classroom.
MONEY MANAGEMENT It is important to have experience in independently handling money, balancing a checkbook, using an ATM reading a bank statement and learning to make responsible decisions about living on a budget.
ASSERTIVENESS SKILLS Speak up for yourself in an assertive manner that is not aggressive or passively allowing others to take advantage of you. Assertiveness skills are helpful in roommate communication, study groups, team and conflict resolution. They also involve learning and practicing healthy boundaries.
WELL-DEVELOPED SELF CARE SKILLS Develop bedtimes based on physical need and health. Adequate sleep and healthy diet can improve mood, athletic and classroom performance and coping strategies for stress. Exercise, relaxation and good hygiene are also important aspects of self-care.
KEEPING SAFE AND AVOIDING RISKY BEHAVIORS Staying safe means learning to advocate for your wellbeing. It means making smart and low-risk choices and planning for the “what ifs” in life.
SEEKING ASSISTANCE WHEN NEEDED A big part of advocating for yourself is knowing when to ask for help. The college years are a time for learning new information, new life skills, and a new way of relating to our world. Seeking help when you need it is a sign of strength and integrity, not an admission of failure.
RESPECTING THE RULES AND THE POLICIES Every community has rules and policies and our college campus is no different. Our rules and policies apply to safety and fostering a positive community where all students are respectful of themselves, others, and the environment.
DISPLAYING HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND PERSEVERANCE Learning to incorporate personal values and ethics into every aspect of life is a significant part of personal growth during the college experience. Part of the path of integrity is learning how to hang in there and stay committed to goals.
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No student can check off everything on the list. But they should know it is a pretty good measuring stick.
Until Next Time,
All My Best,
Bonnie
