The final stretch of the semester is here. See what members of our Family Council have to share as they reflect on their own journeys and the journeys of their Horned Frogs so far:
What has surprised you most about your Horned Frog’s development while at TCU?
“How much my Horned Frog has matured and is leaving as a fully formed emerging adult. Her faith, her focus, her determination, and her future are her own. She came to TCU knowing what she had accomplished on her resume, but she leaves TCU knowing who she is as a human being and her value in the world.” – Jeanine P.
“My HF has become much more of an adult, more self-reliant. She takes care of (most) things before being asked about them, though there is still the occasional procrastination, but I’m pretty sure that’s genetic. Her passion for her major has blossomed her into an eager learner.” – Jennifer C.
“How quickly he figured things out! By the end of the first week, he had met with his advisor, adjusted his schedule (appropriately) and was excited about his studies.” – Sue W.
General Tips:
- Students develop autonomy and structure quickly. Inform their journey, don’t steer for them!
- Remind your student that they are more than a resume. Their development and passions are equally important.
- Challenge your student as much as possible to make guided decisions on their own.
What is something important to know about being a college parent or family member that no one prepares you for?
“How many seeds you have planted that will grow and develop once your college student leaves home. All the hard work and time invested will return to you ten-fold in the most wonderful way.” – Jeanine P.
“College goes by SO quickly! It goes by in the blink of an eye, it seems. Make sure your HF takes advantage of every resource available, because they won’t have these TCU campus luxuries forever. The fine arts (concerts, plays, exhibitions), sporting events, intramural/club sports, presentations, workshops, student resources (career development, counseling, substance abuse/recovery, etc…), campus and spiritual life, they’re all amazing!” – Jennifer C.
“Your experience with your child is just that. It is a product of the relationship you built with your child. Try not to compare. Your child might not call every day (mine doesn’t!). That’s okay! Every child and parent relationship is different, but that doesn’t make it good or bad.” – Sue W.
General Tips:
- Encourage your Horned Frog to explore everything that TCU has to offer! With many of them having 1-3 years until they graduate, there are are lots of opportunities!
- Your relationship with your Horned Frog may have changed over the past year and post graduation and that is natural.
- Remember to lean into being a co-pilot for your student as they return from school and graduate.