A message for STUDENTS!
Students...I have an important message for you!
The college admissions process is stressful - application deadlines, essay drafts, test scores, and late-night conversations about the future.
Through it all, there’s often a quiet yet unwavering presence standing beside you: your parents.
While the process can feel overwhelming for you as a student, it’s important to recognize that it’s a journey for your parents, too. They’ve invested not only financially but emotionally, pouring their time, energy, and hearts into helping you reach this milestone. This is a reminder to pause, reflect, and express gratitude to your parents for their pivotal role in shaping your path.
Behind every successful college application is a support system. For many of us, parents are the foundation of that system. From the moment we first expressed our dreams of higher education, they’ve been there. They’ve encouraged us to aim high, even when we doubted ourselves. They’ve driven us to campus tours, proofread essays, and sat through hours of anxious brainstorming sessions. They’ve helped decode financial aid forms and offered reassuring words when rejection letters arrived. Their involvement goes far beyond logistics, they’ve been our cheerleaders, coaches, and confidants.
What we sometimes fail to see in the flurry of applications and decisions is the emotional toll this process takes on them. Watching their child prepare to leave home is a bittersweet experience. They’re thrilled by your ambitions but also grappling with the reality of your growing independence. Acknowledging this duality can deepen your appreciation for their support.
Gratitude is a powerful force.
When you take the time to thank your parents, it not only strengthens your bond with them but also encourages you to approach other relationships with appreciation. Your college years will be filled with opportunities to express gratitude - to professors, mentors, peers, and others who will help you along the way. Learning to say "thank you" now sets the stage for a lifetime of meaningful connections.
Moreover, expressing gratitude has been shown to improve mental health, increase resilience, and enhance overall happiness. It’s a small act with a big impact, both for the giver and the receiver.
So before you pack your bags and embark on this exciting new chapter, take the time to say thank you! It could be through words, actions, or both. What matters most is that your parents know how much you appreciate everything they’ve done to help you reach this point.
College is a journey of growth and self-discovery, but it’s also a testament to the love and support that’s shaped you. Thank your parents for being your first and fiercest advocates. Let them know that their investment - in all its forms - has made a difference. And as you chase your dreams, carry their love and sacrifices with you as a reminder of where you’ve come from and who’s been by your side every step of the way.
In gratitude of my parents,
Melina Kazanas
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