Want to thrive in college? Looking for inspiration? Meet the book every college girl needs in her backpack.
The Wellness Girl’s Guide to College Success — a powerful, uplifting, and deeply relatable guide is written by none other than college senior Michelle Sylvester.
Michelle isn’t just any author—she’s an actual college student. A current senior at Northeastern University in Boston, Michelle wrote this guide from her heart, strictly based on her own transformative journey of navigating college. From starting a new life in the city to building new friendships, to dealing with dining hall anxiety and learning how to show up confidently every day, she’s sharing everything she’s learned so your soon-to-be college student doesn’t have to figure it out alone.
When my daughter opened the email, I saw the joy light up her face. Congratulations! She got in. She did it. Her dream college, the one she had been talking about for years, was offering her a spot.
For a moment, everything felt perfect.
I let myself soak in her excitement. I hugged her tightly. I even let myself imagine what it would be like—move-in day, walking around that beautiful campus, wearing the school sweatshirt with pride. I thought about all the years of hard work, the late-night study sessions, the endless applications, the moments of doubt she had overcome. This was supposed to be it.
Before you know it, college move-in day will be here. Students will be deciding which items to take to college and which should be left behind. Knowing the nature of a college dorm room, students are hesitant to take anything valuable with them to college. Even with supposed secure dorm entrances and locks on doors, most students do not take advantage of these safeguards.
Students allow other students to enter dorms without a key card and often leave their doors open or unlocked when going to class or other campus activities. No matter how conscientious your student is, they can’t count on a roommate to follow the same guidelines. Laptops, expensive textbooks, iPhones and other electronics are easily stolen in an instant if left unattended or secured. BunkTrunk, a genius invention from a parent who met their student’s need is a must-have for any college student. It’s easily assembled by the student and it’s affordable–worth every penny you will spend.
The college application process can be overwhelming, especially for students who are still undecided, have faced rejection, or simply want to reduce stress. Fortunately, rolling admission provides a flexible and less nerve-wracking way to gain acceptance into college. If you or your student are feeling the pressure of deadlines and decision-making, rolling admission might be the perfect solution.
Every parent wants their child to receive the best education possible, however, academic success is not just about choosing the right school. A child’s education is shaped by their home environment and learning habits.
Parents play a crucial role in fostering a love for learning. This is going to ensure your child reaches their full potential. By being actively involved and encouraging curiosity, you are going to help set the foundation for knowledge.
If you’ve been scrolling through Reddit lately as I have or talking to high school seniors, you know that waiting for college decisions can feel like absolute torture. The uncertainty, the constant “where are you going to college?” questions, and the fear of rejection make this one of the most emotionally exhausting times of your life. You’re not alone in feeling this way.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of College Decisions
Some students are feeling hopeless. Others have stopped sleeping entirely. Some have even joked about “ways to torture yourself after not getting in.” The reality is that this waiting period is filled with anxiety, self-doubt, and sometimes even despair. But here’s the truth: No matter what happens, this moment does not define your future.
Recent discussions about eliminating the U.S. Department of Education have raised concerns among parents and students, particularly regarding how such a move could impact federal financial aid programs, including student loans and Pell Grants.
While proponents of this change argue that shifting educational oversight to state governments would lead to more localized decision-making, opponents worry that it could create uncertainty and financial instability for millions of students who rely on federal aid to attend college.
College acceptance season can be an emotional rollercoaster. After months of hard work, applications, and anticipation, receiving a rejection letter can feel like a crushing blow to your student — and to you as a parent. While it’s hard to see your teen disappointed, this moment also presents an opportunity to teach resilience, encourage self-reflection, and support them as they regroup and move forward.
Here’s how you can help your student navigate the disappointment of college rejections:
Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions your student will make, but as a parent, you play a crucial role in guiding them through the financial and logistical challenges that come with it. What happens when your child’s college plans don’t match your budget or comfort level? Let’s tackle some common concerns and explore ways to navigate these tough college decisions with your student.
There has been a fury of panic over the last several weeks as students and families received the news of federal funding freeze. Students all over Reddit were having meltdowns fearing they would not be able to finish college without this funding. That is not the case.
