Finishing Strong
Finals are right around the corner, whether your student is ready or not. Encourage your student to stay focused and take care of themselves as their classes end with final exams. The best ways to eliminate stress and test anxiety are to rest, eat well, and exercise. Your student might consider a night at the HPERto help them clear their mind and refocus. It might also be helpful for your student to manage their time with the use of a daily planner. Utilizing a planner encourages students to plan out their time and keep track of where they need to be and when. Usually, if it is written down, it is more likely to get done.
Reflection
Encourage your student to spend some time reflecting upon the past year. This reflection can provide the framework for the next academic year. The questions below can guide this conversation:
- What went well (academics/social integration/involvement)?
- What did not go well?
- What are your goals for next year?
- How can I help you achieve your goals?
- What did you learn?
- What do you wish you would have done differently?
- How did this year compare to last year?
- How would you describe your freshman/sophomore/junior/senior year?
Perhaps your student heard about all of the great events happening on and around campus, but never seemed to get to one. Maybe they wish they had spent a little more time studying. Encourage your student to begin brainstorming ways they can work on these areas for next year. Campus resources including the Office of Student Activities are available to assist your student in getting involved on campus. If help is needed academically, encourage them to visit the Center for Learning and Student Success+.
Closure
Saying good-bye to friends is difficult and can bring up unexpected emotions. Encourage your student to begin preparing for the good-bye process, even if it is just for the summer.
Advise them to spend quality time with each of the significant people in their life at the University of Arkansas. Whether it is going to the movies or hanging out, addressing these emotions will ease the transition that their upcoming summer may bring. Remind your student that summer break does not mean good-bye forever.
Over the Summer
If your student has not selected a major, the summer break is a great time to conduct research on careers. Suggest that your student visit the Career Development Center or set up an appointment with an academic advisor for guidance in this area. Remind your student to explore job possibilities that match their passions. A career is not only a job but also a lifestyle.
Summertime is also a great time to think about Studying Abroad. Discuss with your student the possibility of them living abroad and taking courses. Fall and spring of the sophomore year is an ideal time to research and apply for Study Abroad programs. With many options to choose from, it is a good idea to start early.