Move-in day symbolizes an important step for students and parents making the transition from high school to college.

Tips for navigating the high school to college transition

As summer wanes, many parents are preparing to send their son or daughter to college for the first time, and will likely impose at least some of their own expectations, excitement, and even anxieties onto their college-bound student.

Parents play a critical role in helping teens distinguish the world’s story from God’s story for their lives. College can be perceived merely as a means to a comfortable, prosperous life (the world’s story) or as an opportunity for students to flex their God-given mind in search of the vocation best-suited to their gifts and skills (God’s story), according to Derek Melleby, director of the College Transition Initiative at the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. Parents communicate their own expectations for college, which directly impact their child. Melleby asserts, “The main objective for preparing Christian students for college is not simply so they exit college with faith intact, but, instead, to guide students to make the most of their college years in order to grow in faith and to be ready to take up their posts in God’s kingdom after college.”

Melleby encourages parents to thoughtfully consider four questions with their college-aged children as they make college-related decisions.

Why am I going to college?
Many teens and their parents view college simply as the assumed next step after high school. Melleby advises recognizing higher education for its role in developing God-given minds and deepening wisdom about the world in order to serve God more fully.

Who am I?
For many students, college provides an environment in which it becomes easy to be anonymous, compelling reflection of self-worth and identity. Self-introspection is a challenge that college-bound students must be prepared to encounter.

What do I believe?
Regardless of the depth of spiritual maturity upon entrance to college, students should graduate better able to articulate their faith and with the experience of having resolved issues which challenge their beliefs in profound ways.

Who will my friends be?
Because all these questions are likely to be answered within the context of other people, choosing friends and peer groups is a crucial element of the college experience.

The high school to college transition may not be easy, but it is worthwhile. Melleby reminds students, “Colleges and universities can provide a difficult context for navigating faithfulness, but the voyage is rewarding. May you hear God’s voice upon receiving your diploma: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”

For more information on CPYU’s College Transition Initiative, including helpful articles and suggested reading, visit www.cpyu.org.