Have you ever helped your kids move to college? What emotions did you feel, and how did things go? 

In this episode, HigherEdJobs podcast hosts Andy Hibel and Kelly Cherwin each describe their recent experiences of dropping off a child at college, from their personal and professional perspectives.

Andy and his wife dropped off their youngest, and he said it was an idyllic experience. Their oldest child had previously set off for college in fall 2020 during the lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. He recalled the family waving at her through the front window of their house as she drove away by herself. 

Kelly and her husband dropped off their oldest son, the first to leave the proverbial nest. She found solace in talking with other parents who have gone through the first-time “drop-off” experience and in the university newsletter which provided tips for parents on what to expect. 

She said one of the best questions she came across about the process was: Can you prepare for this big event? 

"I don’t know if you are ever ready or can truly prepare," Kelly said. One of the newsletter's tips was to prepare for a variety of emotions. As my husband and I drove away, "there were tears," she added. "It was different from what I was trying to mentally prepare for, what it was going to be." 

Andy and Kelly want to express appreciation and thanks to all the staff, students, and leaders on campuses in the U.S. who helped make the move-in experience tremendous and smooth for students and parents. They make a huge difference for families going through major life transitions.

Do you have an experience or advice that you’d like to share regarding dropping off or sending a child to college? Email us at podcast@higheredjobs.com

 

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