Advice for Families from Families

Advice for Families from Families We asked families the following three questions about their experiences in having a student attend Bentley. Read below to see what they had to say!

It's important to remember that these are only three parent's perspectives and everyone's experience is different! If you are curious about gaining a current student's perspective or have any questions, you are more than welcome to reach out to our team via email at orientation@bentley.edu

1. What is one way you supported your student in their transition to life at Bentley their first year?

- "One way I supported my student as she transitioned to life at Bentley was to give her the space she needed to be independent and encouraged her to try new things. This was the first time she lived away from home and it was important for her to have ownership of this process. Although a little unsolicited advice was provided here and there, I did my best to let her navigate this process independently, but also reminded her that we were only a phone call way if she (or her roommate) ever needed anything."

- "The one way that I supported my student was just try and stay positive and encourage her to be involved. Be open to new ideas and people."

- "I tried to support my student by giving space but staying connected. Texts, phone calls and packages are all ways to stay engaged. Because we live less than an hour away, we found that taking him out to lunch or dinner was greatly appreciated and a nice break from campus!"

2.What are three words you would use to describe how you were feeling as your student started their first day of orientation and first semester of their college career?

Why did you feel this way?

- "Feelings: Excited, Nervous, Sadness. When asked how I felt leaving my child at college for the first time, I share that it is like leaving them at preschool or kindergarten for the first time! I asked myself, “Will they be happy? Meet new people?

Sleep during rest time? Eat?” The same “worries” seemed to return all over again. These emotions all seem to be common concerns for many families. Just as I encountered after leaving her at preschool for the first time, it took her a short time to get adjusted and navigate her way, but she thrived!

Give yourself some time to adjust too! From my experience, it takes a few weeks for everyone to adjust to this new life experience, but with time it gets a little bit easier every day."

- "I was excited, proud and happy when my daughter started at Bentley. I was excited for her to start a new piece of her life. I proud that she was at Bentley and her hard work had paid off. I was happy for her to have this great opportunity."

- "Proud - of all his hard work, accomplishments and acceptance to Bentley, Excited - for his next chapter and seeing his continued success, and Sad - because I’ve taught my children to be independent and got exactly that: strong, independent children that need me just a little bit less."

3. What is one piece of advice you have to offer to Bentley parents, guardians, and families about having a student attending Bentley?

- "Be available as a support system, but encourage them to be independent and take advantage of the vast array of opportunities Bentley has to offer. Encourage them to meet new people, make connections with faculty and staff, and try something new!"

- "My advice to parents would be to let go and trust that your student is ready for this experience."

-"Congratulations! Having a student at Bentley means you have already raised a successful student and person with much to offer the world. They can do it! They can decorate their own rooms, register for classes, get involved, make friends, do their own laundry. Let them know how confident you are in them, and be there as their biggest cheerleader, advice-giver or shoulder to cry on. Enjoy the journey!"