looking for input for mag article - please share!

[acousticgroupie]

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some input from college students. I am being published in the May/June issue of College Bound Magazine and am writing an article called “Claiming your Independence”. If anyone has any quotes to share about how they maintained good relationships with their parents as well as their independence while at school (or living at home and attending) please share. I’ll also take any input about what to avoid doing when trying to maintain good relations. The premise is that many kids have their parents paying for college so they must comply with them, but in college, you’re also trying to grow as an individual. If you have anything to add, I’d like to hear it. Include your first name, last name (won’t be published), age and college you attend. Mail reponses to kpasculli78@cs.com. Thanks so much, Kristen Pasculli

[drifter]

Hey Kirsten

What an excellent idea for a mag article! I will put my thoughts here.

I think it is important to be selective about what information you share with your parents. Part of growing up involves learning how to be honest and open with those around you while maintaining your sense of privacy and independance of mind.

If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend that you don't think they will approve of, maybe you don't need to tell them about him or her until it gets serious? If you are thinking of changing your major, maybe talk it through with counsellors, friends and people in your destination profession before confronting your parents with your choice, if you fear they will put pressure on you to do something you don't want to do or are unsure about.

I am not saying all parents have bad advice. Some parents indeed have invaluable advice. It is about how you feel about taking it. A parent's advice is rarely received by us as an independant piece of information. It is usually received with a bit of pressure to take it and do what they say.

If you feel zero pressure from them and can take their advice just as another independant piece of information then you might also be someone who can talk openly and honestly to your parents about your new college life.

Alternatively, if you are comfortable trusting their judgment and don't mind just accepting their advice without question, then by all means, talk about your life with your parents.

But if you feel that even if they may have good advice, you would still like to work things out yourself and reach the conclusion through your own personal experiences and reasoning, then I think it is best to put a bit of distance between you and your parents while you are establishing your independance.

Thats my thoughts!
Good luck!

[acousticgroupie]

. thanks for your reply. Can I have your name, age and college you attend/attended?

[acousticgroupie]

i can really use your help:)

[drifter]

Hey AcousticGroupie - I would like to keep those details anonymous - not to mention the fact that I don't know that they will help you out a great deal.
I can say I am a law student at an Australian University though if that helps.

[acousticgroupie]

Well, it’s kind of the journalistic style I’m going for. But thanks anyways!