I think the last words of advice should be to take as many courses as you can from Professor Gehrz! Thanks for putting together such a thoughtful series of chapters about how to think about one of the most important experiences we have in life.
Thanks for mentioning sports - and finding the version of college sports that is right for each individual. One of our sons manages HVAC for athletics at the U of Arkansas. That's a different world from D3 athletics. When I interviewed potential coaches for Bethel I tried to make the pitch that D3 athletics should be a liberal arts activity. Participation involves critical thinking, learning from others, learning collaborative skills, dealing with diverse perspectives, seeing yourself through the lens of others, learning to communicate effectively, delaying gratification to achieve a better outcome, evaluating what is most important, etc. This is an area of college life that is rapidly changing with NIL, shared compensation, transfer portals, and a redefinition of what is amateur vs. what is professional. The effects at the D3 level are less, but some things filter down that change expectations and experiences.
As for praying for our offspring, we're still doing it. Some prayers seem to go unanswered while others give a better answer than could be imagined. There are disappointments for parents as well as students during the college years. For parents, finding a support group of fellow parents who pray together for their college students can be a lifeline.
I think the last words of advice should be to take as many courses as you can from Professor Gehrz! Thanks for putting together such a thoughtful series of chapters about how to think about one of the most important experiences we have in life.
Thanks for mentioning sports - and finding the version of college sports that is right for each individual. One of our sons manages HVAC for athletics at the U of Arkansas. That's a different world from D3 athletics. When I interviewed potential coaches for Bethel I tried to make the pitch that D3 athletics should be a liberal arts activity. Participation involves critical thinking, learning from others, learning collaborative skills, dealing with diverse perspectives, seeing yourself through the lens of others, learning to communicate effectively, delaying gratification to achieve a better outcome, evaluating what is most important, etc. This is an area of college life that is rapidly changing with NIL, shared compensation, transfer portals, and a redefinition of what is amateur vs. what is professional. The effects at the D3 level are less, but some things filter down that change expectations and experiences.
As for praying for our offspring, we're still doing it. Some prayers seem to go unanswered while others give a better answer than could be imagined. There are disappointments for parents as well as students during the college years. For parents, finding a support group of fellow parents who pray together for their college students can be a lifeline.
Thanks, Jay — for the kind words, and the helpful advice!
Easy to say trust the professors who will steer child into genital mutilation funnel.