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:
For families beginning their TCU journey, what is something you wish you knew before your Horned Frog arrived on campus for the first time?
Every possible need can be met by the extraordinary family that is TCU. Trust that every resource is here and available! Encourage your student (and your family) to read email messages, spend time on the websites, and be involved in the abundance that is available at TCU! – Jeanine P.
I wish I had prepared my Horned Frog for emergencies better. I mean, you never know when they’re going to happen, thus the name “emergency”. I had seen information on the parent Facebook page about the Urgent Care on W. Berry Street for after-hours issues, but I didn’t think my HF would need to use their services for a skateboard mishap at the end of her first day of classes. She ended up needing an actual ER and stitches on her face. I’d recommend looking up all resources your young adult may need, that is In-Network for your insurance, and to make sure your HF has all of the necessary cards and information readily available. – Jennifer C.
Everyone here wants your child to succeed. They are accessible to students and support their growth and development. – Sue W.
Have your student attend Frog Camp. My son was a bit unsure despite being told it was a really neat opportunity and ultimately did go (he chose one of the Fort Worth based camps). In retrospect, he now admits that it was one of the best experiences he has had and still keeps in touch with many of the fellow students he met at the camp. Not only did he make connections, but many of his friends who didn’t go now regret not going. My son also underestimated how convenient everything is, both on and off campus (he does not have a car). The campus itself is easily navigated on foot, and so are most of the stores/pharmacy that he frequents. When he does need transportation, Uber is readily available. – David F.
General Tips:
- Explore the various resource you are provided including parent communications.
- Encourage your student to keep an eye on their email at all times.
- Develop emergency and wellness kits for illnesses or medical emergencies.
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!
- Your relationship with your Horned Frog might change, and that is okay!
- Remember that we are now co-pilots in the helicopter, not helicopter parents.