An accomplished speaker and writer, Ellie Kay is best known for her financial wisdom and work with Heroes at Home, but in this Financial UPGRADE, she branches out to a topic that’s especially important this time of year for many: high schoolers’ transition to college.
Ellie says, “I believe that every student can be successful in college by following the Do’s and Don’ts of a smooth college transition.”
My (Dawn’s) first granddaughter is entering college this fall, so that’s on my mind a lot these days.
Ellie hits on some points I’ve never considered, both for parents and their college-bound students.
Ellie continues . . .
How can you prepare for a smooth move to college that sets you up for success?
When my daughter was four years old, she came home from a friend’s house sobbing uncontrollably. While comforting her, she blurted out, “I don’t want to go to college!”
Apparently, her friend had an older sister going to college and my daughter couldn’t imagine leaving us. I reassured her that college was a long way away and by the time she left, she was ready.
When parents are preparing their kids for college, I think they may have flashbacks of them as four year olds. It can be hard to send them away.
As a mom of seven, I’ve found there’s some “homework” you can do in the summer to make college transitions more successful.
1. PRIORITIZE key relationships.
DON’T fill up free time with friends at the expense of family.
DO tell your mama (and papa) that you love them.
2. PLAN Your Finances.
DON’T think that you are too young to budget the money you have.
Luke 14:28 says, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, doesn’t sit down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” This verse reminds us that it’s important to plan when it comes to our finances. “
DO be prepared to develop good financial habits that will set you up for success before, during and after college.
3. PREPARE for Positive Changes.
DON’T make this all about you.
DO keep it positive and focus on faith.
Moving away from home can be hard but I believe that every student can find success by preparing your relationships, finances and faith as you make this journey into adulting.
What can you do today to prepare for success in college tomorrow?
Ellie Kay is the best-selling author of fifteen books including Lean Body, Fat Wallet, and Heroes at Home. She is a Toastmaster Accredited Speaker as well as a popular international speaker and media veteran who has given over 2,000 media interviews including appearances on ABC, CNBC, CNN and Fox News. She writes for six national magazines and has been a Subject Matter Expert for the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Washington Post. She is the cohost of The Money Millhouse podcast. Currently, Ellie provides financial education to military members through her “Heroes at Home Financial Event” sponsored for USAA. Ellie is married to LTC Bob Kay and they have seven children.
Graphic adapted, courtesy of YannaZazu at Pixabay.