In this episode, we have the honor of hearing from an AUS parent. Archana has two children in university and speaks with relatable words for many parents. She also gives wisdom for how students can embrace their new independence, while continuing to interact with their parents.
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Erica: Welcome to FYE Chats, an AUS podcast. I’m your host, Erica Payne. University is a BIG transition that can be a little overwhelming. We invite you to listen in on candid conversations with the AUS community because we want to see you THRIVE as you begin your First Year Experience.
On this week’s show, we’ve invited an AUS parent to join us in chatting about the joys and challenges of sending their child off to university.
Erica: Hi Archana! it’s so great to have you here today!
Guest: Thank you, Thank you Erica. Same here.
Erica: Archana is an educator mom who has spent a major part of her life working with students. Her daughter is a Sophomore, Mass Communications major. While parenting 2 university students, she has learned a great deal about understanding and supporting her children.
To begin, Archana would you share a little bit about your experience of your daughter starting at AUS? What types of emotions do you remember?
Guest: Okay sure. My daughter since early years has been an introverted person. Not too outgoing, and very selective about the people she wants to hang around. So my concerns majorly were around her emotional well being when i left her. Butwe were grateful to the core as our daughter qualified in a premier institution like the AUS .
Erica: You must have been so proud. But I can imagine it would be hard for you to leave her on her own the first time.
Guest: Yes, it was difficult, but we were optimistic too because she was entering into another phase of life, a new milestone.
Erica: Of course. I’ll bet most first-years forget that this is a huge step for their parents too! How did your communication with your her change after she started at AUS?
Guest: I wouldn’t say the communication changed but The mode of communication definitely changed from real to telephonic but the content more or less remained the same. We spoke at length every evening about everything under the sun ….Professors, food, new people she met etc etc .
Erica: I’m so glad you were able to stay in touch. Not every student will want to talk every evening, but regular check-ins are helpful.
With her living in the residence hall it must have felt a lot different than grade school. You probably didn’t have many parent conferences with their professors. What other ways did you find to support your student academically?
Guest: Of course the difference from school which was just a phone call away. The principal could be accessed. The teachers approached. This time…the sole channel for daily updates was our daughter herself. Everything we wanted to know, we learned through her. But of course we had the support of University portals of ilearn and the banner which could be accessed by both .
Erica: That is true. Your student is the best channel for finding out what is going on. It is helpful to know that students have 24/7 access to their iLearn and Banner accounts. Many professors will update grades regularly on iLearn, so you can check-in with your student and view the results together.
It might be important to know about resources and academic support on campus. With everything happening in such a whirlwind, reminding your student of our workshops and free tutoring services could be a great incentive for them to seek help, if they need it.
In what ways do you feel like AUS supported you as a parent?
Guest: Oh, the sheer existence of the university itself! It is an awesome place. We could not have put our child in a safer place. And I’m not just saying it to your face, it really is a wonderful place to be.
Erica: I’m so glad that AUS has helped fulfill your daughter’s needs!
Especially while in a distance learning setting with students still at home, do you have any advice for how parents might give their children some space to build their confidence as an independent adult?
Guest: Oh yes, this pandemic is really a difficult situation for children beginning university. It would be crucial for parents to make a conscious effort to permit their childs’ mental and physical space as well. Understandably, the challenge of beginning your University at home is a tough one…parents would need to not only ensure physical space but allow independent mental discretion also to be able to face the new academic challenge .
Erica: I love that wisdom. Now, students, if you are listening- you’re not off the hook. Your parents have likely been by your side since you were very little! It is important to maintain a healthy relationship with them during this transition. [Name of guest], I would love for you to share some [motherly] insight with our newest students, heading to university for the first time. How can these students keep their parents in the loop about life as a university student?
Guest: The children have to realize that it is a big change that has come, not only to them, but for their parents also. Probably for the first time, they are being separate from their children and it is not a comforting place to be emotionally. They are looking forward to know what exactly is happening in their child’s lives. If you can’t do it every day, you must update your parents once in a while. Besides the infrastructural support that a parent gets from the university. it is the student’s responsibility to intermittently text and regularly call their parents on the phone .an active communication takes any relationship a long way
Erica: To close, we usually ask a few of the same questions to guests. For you, I’ve got two unique questions. First, what was your favorite interaction with the AUS community?
Guest: It would be difficult to describe one interaction but we were fortunate to have received excellent hospitality and warmth across the board since day one beginning from Ms.ghazal the admissions in charge toMr.Issa and all the dorm supervising ladies .
Erica: [Possibly put a plug here for FYE Connect] We hope we are able to safely meet our parents and students for our vibrant on-campus events one day soon! Last question: What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with our parents of first-years listening?
Guest: My advise to parents now is the time to compliment yourself you let your child achieve this milestone they are your creation hence TRUST them !have faith for they are stronger than you could imagine and most of the times give credit for .
Erica: It was such a treat to hear from an AUS parent today.
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Thanks so much for listening to the show. See you next time, on FYE Chats.