Seth Templeman sat down with his mom, Kelli Templeman, to talk about her experiences as the mom of college students.
What was it like sending your first child to college? Sending my first child to college was a very emotional time for me. I was worried about if I had taught him everything he needed to know to be on his own. Was he mature enough to handle school responsibilities and his social life without me checking on him to make sure school was coming first. I worried about him making new friends and being involved in campus life. I didn’t want him sitting alone in his dorm room. It’s hard for a parent to let go even though you know you have too. You have had that person with you every day for the last 18-19 years and it’s tough dropping them off at a school 2 1/2 hours away knowing from that day forward life will never be the same for either one of you.
What did you learn from that experience? I learned that my child could handle college life and all the day to day responsibilities that come with it. He still would call home on occasions with questions or to vent maybe about things and that made me feel good to know that he knew we were there for him. He utilized his advisor to help him manage his college career so that he would graduate on time. He really matured and became independent while in college.
How did you use those experiences with your other children? Just talking about his brother at college and keeping him informed of everything his brother was involved in. Open dialogue about different experiences and how to handle situations.
What was the biggest difference between sending off your first and the second child to college? Sending my second child to college was equally emotional but I knew the campus he was going to (because his brother went to the same school) and I felt very comfortable with it. That eased my worries of what the dorm going to be like, how big was the campus, would he be able to find his way around and many other things. I knew better what items he really needed and maybe things he didn’t need to take to college.
Advice for families with multiple children attending college? Visit different colleges to find the best fit for each child. Kids need to go where they want to go, not because their parents or siblings went to that college.
What do you like most about Missouri State? I love Missouri State because of the size, what it offers academically, and cost. My husband and I graduated from UNI in Cedar Falls, Iowa and it very comparable to Missouri State. It’s big but not too big. You get a great education for the cost. It just has more of a home feel to it. The SOAR program is great for incoming freshman and parents. Lots of questions and anxieties will be put to rest during those two days which makes “move in day” a little easier.
Why should families feel comfortable with their student’s decision to attend MSU? Because they have chosen a school where they have visited and know what the school has to offer them, and they feel it’s the best fit. From personal experience, I have attended many campus activities with both my kids and have always felt that Missouri State staff go above and beyond to make each activity special. We have always had a very positive experience and have lots of good memories to cherish.
(Interview by Seth Templeman – Business Administration Major, Data Analytics Minor | New Student and Family Programs, Family Assistant| SOAR Leader 2018 | Theta Chi Fraternity, Brotherhood & Public Relations Chair 2017-2018)