our first family weekend october 2011 
“it’s coming, it’s coming,” grandpa yelled. what’s coming? grandma questioned. photo: grandpa doing the wave — for the first time!! 
really, what’s not to love? a beautiful campus nestled beneath the flatirons and a campus reminicent of an italian village. stunning. simply breathtaking.
the best advice for freshman
reprinted from the CU Parent – Parents Supporting Students University of Colorado, Boulder Newsletter
i thought it was worth reprinting this article to share with college students, parents of freshman, upcoming freshman parents and college students who i’ve heard sometimes question, why? why did i go to college? for what? i don’t know what i want to do. i hope this provides some perspective or another perspective as it did for me.
by Caitlin Hoffman, senior, French and humanities, orientation leader 2010-2011
In my experience as an orientation leader, I work closely with incoming freshman and their families and on a daily basis I am asked the question, “what’s the BEST advice you could give a new freshman?” Well that’s tough — there are so many new aspects to college life that it’s hard to pinpoint just one piece of useful advice.
However, after consulting my very wise and seasoned friends, co-workers, and peers for their sage bit of advice, if there were one thing they wish they had known as a freshman, this is what it would be:
College is all about change, new experiences, new perspectives–embrace them! Find your go-to place to study– it’s okay if it’s not the library. You’re in the driver’s seat now, but with more freedom comes more responsibility, so be accountable. Drink water, and lots of it. It’s okay to change your major once (or twice or four times); one class can change your mind. Recycle. Step outside your comfort zone and try new things, it’s the best way to make memories.
Wash your hands. Start off strong academically, your GPA will thank you later. Your CU (college) email is your lifeline to the university, check it often. Dorm rooms need to be cleaned more often than you think. Go to office hours. Think of and embrace new problem solving skills. Sit in the first two rows of a class whether it’s a 20-person seminar or a 400-person lecture, your instructor will recognize you. Dining hall food is better than you think; if it gets old, get creative. Stress happens; find the best way for you to manage it. Don’t lose your syllabus. Keep a working resume, and work on it. Embrace nap time, 20 minutes can make you feel like a champ.
One piece of advice that resonated among all “gurus” consulted was to get involved. Finding something you’re passionate about and getting involved in it will change your life. A good friend put it perfectly, “Seize the day, because there will never be a more perfect time to do so than in college.”
reprinted from the CU Boulder Parent Newsletter as stated above.
XOXO! debbi
