ABC's for a first generation college parent

ABCs for parenting a 1^st generation college student

By: Ethan Brisby

Goal: A fun way to connect with 1^st generation college parents

When I went to college I was a first generation college student. While my mother was happy for me and supportive, she could have used an advisor just as I did to help her new course. Its one thing to be the first in your family to attend college, it is a completely new experience to be the parent of a child who is embarking on a journey you yourself never stepped foot. 

This is a simple way to encourage parents of first generation college students to remain involved in their child's life even when remaining involved means you will be vulnerable to your ignorance. For there is nothing new under the sun, which means your child in due time will turn to you for advice and guidance for the things a classroom just can't teach.

By the grace of God we are in a generation where a college education is a viable option for anyone who is willing to take the challenge. This was not always the story. I hope you enjoy this entry as I write to the parents of first generation college students. 

A-Always encourage your son or daughter to chase their dreams even if it means leaving the nest

B- Be prepared to learn and evolve just as your child will during his/her transition

C- Call a parent who has experienced what you are going through

D- Dive right into a new hobby for yourself

E- Express interest in your child’s new goals

F- Forgive and forget any shortcoming, so you can be as supportive as possible

G- Go visit the campus during parent weekend

H- Have an open mind to who your child will be after spending time on a college campus

I-Imagine your goals.                                    

J- Joy is always better than stress. Embrace the possibilities

K- Keep your distance if that is what the child is asking for

L-Life goes on

M- Make the most of the opportunity

N- Note his or her progress

O- Own the experience

P- Pride yourself on being a first generation college parent

Q- Quiet time is still needed

R- Rest as time allows

S- Savor these moments. Soon your son daughter will be a full-fledge adult

T- Tell your son/daughter how proud of them you are

U- Use the experience to learn a new city

V- Visit as frequent as you want

W- Wait for graduation

X- N/A

Y- Yield on the side of caution  

Z- N/A

There you have it, the ABC for a first generation college parent. This entry could be an entire book, and who knows that may be on deck for you. Overall this is about embracing progress. I firmly believe knowledge is the key to success in our society today. Not only book knowledge, but the knowledge of knowing what had to be sacrificed for many of us to even have the opportunity to enroll in college. Higher education was not always as accessible as it is today. So push your child ahead, encourage them to stand on your shoulders parents and see further down the road to a place of courage, wisdom, and understanding. For these are but a few of the priceless virtues gained from the experience of college life.

Thank you, and God bless.