When Your College Child Comes Home for a Visit

After attending summer school at the university, my son was able to come home for a few days to visit us and his friends. I continue to be impressed with the impact that college and living independently has had on my son. Some outcomes include:

My son is growing up and learning how to become a member of a larger community.
He is very grateful in how we raised him.
EJ is learning how to give back to others.
His living situation is very healthy and supportive.
EJ is living in a school sponsored co-op housing with older students. This provides him with an expanded support system of mentors.
Each co-op member must contribute to the upkeep of the house. My son is learning new house management skills.

When I reflect on EJ’s growth after his first year at the university, I am impressed that he has found a living environment that supports his social-emotional growth. Due to my son’s experiences in construction, he is the new Maintenance Manager at his co-op. This job ensures that that EJ continues to learn essential life skills that will support his daily living needs. The leadership co-op responsibility also provides EJ with opportunities to participate in house management meetings with a variety of students. Now that he is part of the household management team, EJ participates in the review of housing applicants to ensure cohesive living experiences for a diverse population of students.

With appreciation for the college experience,

Yvette