On the Bright Side: Keep your family in the loop

People always tell you that college is going to be the time of your life. You join clubs, meet new people, find hobbies and just get the chance to experience adulthood. You get to grow as a person and start to make your own way in life. You are busy doing all these things that are going to help build your future. But what people don’t tell you is how it affects the people you are leaving behind.   

Most of the time we think about how we are going to leave our family and be homesick, but your family is also going to miss you. The may not say it out loud because they don’t want you to feel bad or they don’t want to admit it themselves that you are going away. Not everyone has the same family dynamics and that is okay. But there is always someone rooting for you. Whether it’s your grandparents, an aunt, or people who are like your second family, there is someone in your corner who thinks about you. 

I know my parents worry about me, but sometimes I get so caught up in my busy schedule I do not call or even text. Sometimes I step back and wonder how often my parents are worried about me. Are they hoping I’m doing okay if I haven’t called in a while?

I would like to encourage everyone this week to set aside some time to call home. No matter who comes to mind, pencil it into your agenda to call them or put a sticky note in a visible place to remind you to do it.

So many times we are caught up in school, practice, work, clubs and just trying to get through the day we forget to check in with the people who want to see us succeed. The least that you can do is set aside 10 or 15 minutes to fill them in on the things going on in your life or how classes are going. Just catch up with them. 

We may not realize it but our parents and family probably worry about us way more than we think. Not only do our parents or siblings want to hear our voice but they might be able to help you through anything you’re going through. Maybe you are stressed out about a test and they give you support and advice that help you get through it. 

This might sound simple, and that should make it that much easier, but it’s good to let family know you’re doing okay. Even if you don’t have much to talk about I’m sure your family would be relieved to know you are doing fine.