A Word From Student Leader: Jared Grimsley

I grew up in a family-oriented household. We always said 'I Love You'. It's just what we did. I had a great relationship with my parents my entire life, but I somehow knew that it was going to change after high school. When I came to college, I ultimately wanted one thing: independence. Slowly, but surely, I stopped communicating with my parents as much I would have liked. I didn't mean for it to happen, but it did. I was their first child to go off to college, and it was really hard on them. I was taking their relationship for granted, and it wasn't right.

It made me realize how much I really do appreciate the relationship I have with my parents and everything that they've done for me. I talk to them more than I did my first year, and it puts them at ease. If I could tell parents everywhere one thing, it would be this: Be patient with your student. College will take some time for them to get used to. They may not communicate with you as much as you would like, but give it time. They'll come around eventually!