You’ve packed their bags, driven them to campus, and now your college kid is on the precipice of what should be four incredible years. It’s a time for learning, exploration, and personal growth that can only happen in the ages of 18 to 23. Amidst the parties, sports games, and social events, there are pivotal experiences I wish for my college student to encounter—some thrilling, others challenging, but each one significant on their journey.
- Embark on an unforgettable road trip.
The kind where meals come from gas station snacks and sleep is an afterthought. - Take a course from a professor you fundamentally disagree with.
Sit front and center, engage actively, and practice respectful discourse instead of criticism. - Stand up for someone’s right to free speech, even if you find it distasteful.
Whether it’s a liberal or conservative group, learn to defend their right to express themselves. - Participate in intramural sports.
Join as many teams as possible; this is your last chance for 11 p.m. co-ed softball games. - Watch all the free foreign films on campus.
Attend theater performances and concerts that don’t cost a dime—trust me, it’s worth it. - Attend lectures by visiting dignitaries and experts.
Gain insights from brilliant minds; no social media feed can match that experience. - Survive on Ramen and pizza for a semester.
Maybe throw in some fries—after all, those late-night games burn calories. - Experience heartbreak.
Getting dumped by someone you truly liked will be humbling in a valuable way. - Encourage a friend not to drop out of college.
Support that student down the hall who’s thinking of going home; be their cheerleader. - Invite a classmate to spend the holidays with you.
Bring home that fellow student who can’t afford to travel back for Christmas. - Master one impressive meal.
Equip your first kitchen with everything needed to cook a fantastic roast chicken—ditch the plastic cups for real dinnerware. - Get your car towed.
A couple of times might just teach you that rules apply to everyone, including you! - Party like it’s 1999.
I’m not endorsing irresponsible behavior, but memorable nights of fun are essential. - Engage in student government.
Help advocate for causes you care about; you can influence how student funds are allocated. - Work on campus alongside Ph.D. holders.
Their intellect will challenge you and keep your mind sharp. - Change majors multiple times.
If you’re unsure about your career path, that’s perfectly okay; keep exploring. - Start a business with friends.
Whether it’s moving furniture or driving for rideshare, earn money through hard work. - Skip class once in a while.
Just remember: missing instruction can lead to consequences like pop quizzes. - Lose an expensive textbook.
Learn the hard way how to manage your belongings and finances better. - Discover where all the free food is.
It’s everywhere, especially during the first weeks of each semester and finals. - Have so much fun that you never want to leave.
Embrace these moments; adulthood can be tough and demanding. - Be prepared to move on eventually.
Outgrow the college lifestyle and face the real world with courage and readiness—without a hangover!
These experiences will shape your college journey, providing memories and lessons that will last a lifetime. For more insights on fertility and family planning, check out this resource on boosting fertility supplements and for postpartum health care, visit Intracervical Insemination. For comprehensive information on artificial insemination, refer to this Wikipedia article.
In summary, college is a time filled with opportunities for personal growth, exploration, and invaluable life lessons. Encourage your student to embrace these experiences as they navigate this transformative stage of life.