So, it’s time for the holidays. How did that happen? It seems like it was just August!  In just a couple of days, your student will be home a week for Thanksgiving Break. They’ll come back to campus for approximately three weeks then their back at home for winter break! Oh my goodness!

Enjoy every minute that you have with your student and family over the holidays. Listen to all they are saying and read between the lines. Let them sleep…they have worked hard and they need to recharge.

Don’t plan every minute of their winter break. That was something I did when my kids were in college. They don’t want to be on a schedule. They want to spend time with you, see their friends from high school and eat their favorite food that you cook for them.

While your student is home for Thanksgiving and winter break, encourage them to think about the following tasks they need to get done:

1. Complete the FAFSA. Missouri State’s priority date is February 1^st. So get that done as soon as possible (The FAFSA will open in December.). https://www.missouristate.edu/FinancialAid/ 
2. Encourage them to fill out the Foundation Scholarship application. The deadline to submit the application is March 1^st. https://www.missouristate.edu/FinancialAid/Scholarships/msu-annual-scholarships.htm
3. Have a talk with them about their budget and how that is working for them. Do they need to get a job? There are jobs on campus so they should look at those if getting a job is something they need/want to explore. jobs.missouristate.edu
4. Have some conversations about mental health. Self-Care for a Bear is a real thing. College is a big stressor and, in a pandemic, it’s even worse. They are working to keep their grades up, stay involved on campus, hang out with their friends and learning a lot about themselves. Remind them there are resources on campus to help them. These include the Rec Center, Magers Health and Wellness, the Counseling Center and the Dean of Students.

Let your student know how proud you are of them. Share your life experiences and how you handle the challenges you face.

Our students don’t often know what’s going on in their family members life so share with them. They worry about you also.

It’s been a pleasure engaging with you this semester. I am counting down the days to heading to see my family in Tennessee. I look forward to the Spring semester and getting to work with you again.

Never hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns. I am happy to help. Contact me at pchildress@missouristate.edu, 417-836-3060 or text me at (417) 812-5468.

Happy Holidays from my family to yours!