Parents Blog: Welcome

Second semester is about to begin at Boston University and that is a good thing. It has been quiet around campus for long enough.

But before that first day of class, we’ll be welcoming new students (and their parents) at Winter Orientation. We’re anxious to hear their stories, to learn of their adventures, and to welcome vibrant, energetic, young minds to BU.

To our new BU parents, I am sure you have the usual fears, nerves, sadness and joy that all parents experience as drop off loom and questions arise. Hopefully, our Parent Orientation will ease your mind a little. I am also sure that one of the biggest questions is what will be different for a student starting BU second semester?

I’ve been thinking on this one and have come up with the obvious. It’s winter in Boston. For some students, it might be their first experience with the cold, and I am sure no one will have to wait very long to see the snow. I mean … it is Boston! So, the traditional freshman look (shorts and flip flops) will be altered to include boots, scarves, gloves and a great hat.

Other than wardrobe, I am pretty sure our new students will experience much of what our September arrivals did. New friends, demanding classes, more free time then they ever thought possible (don’t worry, mom and dad, it won’t be free for long) and the typical ups and downs. I rode that roller coaster with my two BU students through 20 semesters (one of mine stayed for a Master’s) and one thing it taught me was that whether they are first semester freshman or experienced upperclassman, there are always victories, defeats, new experiences, confusing feelings, and challenges big and small as they march toward a BU degree. But march they do.

And the pride many parents feel as they watch their child grow and mature (quickly!) is the wonderful reward of parenting a BU student. You have done a great job so far. After all, they are here. This time goes fast (just ask a 2nd semester senior), so relax and enjoy the ride a little. And bundle up in Boston this weekend!

-Jeanne Knox, Chairman, Parents Leadership Council