Wear Sensible Shoes and Other Observations of College Graduation Day

Our oldest child graduated from college over the weekend. I wasn’t sure what to expect, which may sound silly since I’m a college graduate myself. I graduated several decades ago from a mid-sized public university in the era of Aqua Net and patent leather pumps. I remember the fashion, but honestly, I can barely remember the ceremony. It’s likely sandwiched

#RealLifeWonderWoman–Meet Melissa Sturm-Smith

Wonder Woman inspires me with her grit and determination. She fights for truth and justice and possess super-human strength. Yet, she has the heart of a woman. We encounter passionate, fascinating women every day. These women may not chase down bad guys in shiny red boots and may not wear tiaras to work, but they get stuff done. They are employees, wives,

What to Expect When Your Student Studies Abroad

I’ve had so many of you reach out to me wanting more information about studying abroad after reading the last guest post by our daughter Brooke. So I asked (okay, I begged) her to share a little more information with you–the parents–in mind. Here she is again with a student’s perspective on the study abroad experience. What to Expect When Your

The Life-Changing Magic of Studying Abroad

Do you have questions about study abroad programs? Not sure if a global experience is right for your child? Read on and learn first hand the impact a study abroad experience had on this college student. I must tell you she’s no ordinary guest blogger. She’s actually my daughter. And she has a lot to say about the value of

Anxiety and college students

College can be stressful. Students must juggle school, work, friends, and finances, all while trying to figure out the trajectory of the rest of their lives. Feelings of loneliness, uncertainty and isolation can overwhelm even the most well-prepared students. They become stressed. Anxious. As adults, we know anxiety is a normal part of everyday life. It is often a natural

10 Tips to Prepare for Final Exams

Follow these tips and watch your productivity and test scores rise! Study in 25-minute bursts, taking a 5-minute break between these sessions. It’s called the Pomodoro Method of productivity. Listen to music. Studies indicate that music can actually help you study. Attend study groups. Alternate where you study. Alternate how you study. Use study tools like notecards, whiteboards and practice tests. Study smart. Spend less

10 Gifts Your College Student Will Appreciate

 1.  Collapsable Microwave Popcorn Popper  This ingenious contraption fits right in the microwave and delivers delicious popcorn with no oil required for healthier snacking. The bowl is easy to clean and collapses for smart storage. $9, Amazon. 2.   Laptop Decals  An inexpensive way to motivate them and personalize their laptops. Hundreds of styles to choose from on Etsy, like this one

‘Tis the season…for homesickness

Your phone buzzes. You’re thrilled when you see it’s a text from your child—the one you dropped off at college four weeks ago. But, when you open the message, your heart sinks. I hate it here. I have no friends. I want to come home.
 The collegiate honeymoon is over. Your child is homesick. And this text seems to come