<p>Our family mission statement: Your mission in life is to discover the gifts that God has given you and then use those gifts for the glory of God.</p>
<p>If you could only give your child one sentence of advice before he or she left for college, what would it be?</p>
<p>Maybe we can compile a top ten list.</p>
<p>Here’s a few I can think of:</p>
<p>“Make avery effort to attend all of your classes, in person, and don’t fall behind in the assigned work.”</p>
<p>“Life is a game of addition - make every friend and acquaintance that you can in college, and try not to treat anyone harshly.”</p>
<p>“Do the best you can in each class, but be sure to have some fun.”</p>
<p>“Take classes in subjects you may be interested in even if you may think they will serve no purpose later in life.”</p>
<p>The best advice that I have heard for college students was spoken by the college president at D’s freshmen orientation:</p>
<p>Go to class, do the work, ask for help.</p>
<p>Read the assigned material/do the homework BEFORE you go to class lecture. You will get a lot more out of it that way.</p>
<p>Don’t wear sloppy sweatpants to a wedding.</p>
<p>Don’t ride in police cars.</p>
<p>The advice I give isn’t just college related, but real life, leaving home related:</p>
<p>Be kind to others. Help people when you can. Don’t be afraid to ASK for help. Call home regularly. Do you job well (and that “job” may be to go to class, do your work and get the best grades you can). Respect others. Insist on respect for yourself (and that includes respecting yourself). Wear a coat when it’s cold. Explore the school out beyond your major, your dorm, your department. Join clubs. Step out of your comfort zone. Don’t sweat the small stuff, but remember that it is MOSTLY small stuff.</p>
<p>Of course, our kids don’t always listen. But I really believe all of the above. It’s all helped me in my journey.</p>
<p>Find the balance between work and play where can you succeed but still enjoy the journey.</p>
<p>Remember, the choices you make, determine the choices you have.</p>
<p>Actually gave him that advice this year.</p>
<p>Our phrase is - be aware of your surroundings. We say it ending every phone call.</p>
<p>I told this to my son last tear when I dropped him off:
Be smart - Don’t call home ONLY when you need money.</p>
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<p>I am so stealing this - thanks!</p>
<p>archiemom, I am putting yours into my favorite quotes file!</p>
<p>There ain’t no free lunch.</p>
<p>Dream a dream so big that it takes your breath away.</p>
<p>Have fun, but remember why you are here.</p>
<p>Stay centered and grounded in The Truth, do everything to the glory of God, and have fun! </p>
<p>It’s an exciting and rewarding time - soooo coool!</p>
<p>@ stradmom - LOLROFLOL</p>
<p>Ditto what sseamom said. Also: Don’t overpluck; leave eyebrow grooming to the professionals.</p>
<p>Like chess, think several moves ahead, don’t simply react to what life throws at you.</p>