Sharing success stories
Q. I noticed that most of your columns deal with problems teens bring to you. I thought it might be refreshing and bring you a smile to know I’m doing very well. I just finished my fifth college semester. I have a healthy relationship (you taught me to hold out for that), I get along with my parents, I have a part-time job I like, and I’m on a path to go to law school after graduation. I’m not writing to brag, but I think too often people think young people are always struggling. I loved your classes in middle school, and I know you looked for the good in all of us. Well, I’m one of your students who is finding her path. Please print this and please keep up the great work. – 20-year-old
Mary Jo’s Response: How glorious! Yes, your email did bring me joy. Thank you for sharing. I loved teaching middle schoolers, and I’m honored you remembered some of my messages. I promised myself a very long time ago that I would stop teaching the day I no longer loved it, and I now know that day will never come. I appreciate you sharing – good luck with your great choices.
Q. Is it OK to write to you to tell you I got into my college of choice? So much work to get here! I’m excited/nervous if I’m honest. Leaving home will be both challenging and scary, but I think I’m ready. Do you have any suggestions for making the transition? I truly think I’m going to miss my cat the most. I mean, I love my family, but my cat is like my spirit animal. Thanks for any wisdom you can lend me. – 17-year-old
Mary Jo’s Response: Of course it’s OK! Congratulations! I’m glad you mentioned work. Accomplishments like this one do not happen in a vacuum. Your college acceptance is the result of hard work and planning. Good for you!
You’re wise to plan for the transition to college. The first weeks can be stressful as you adapt to a new environment, new classes, new friends, and new expectations. Look at it as a journey of self-discovery.
I spoke with some of my current college students and alumni, and here are their suggestions:
Connect. Say hello, be friendly, learn to listen. Seek out people who share common interests. Take time to be social.
Time management. Organize your time. The single biggest mistake these young adults mentioned was struggling to catch up on grades in the first semester because they got off to a slow start. Beware of scrolling hours away online.
Pace yourself. You don’t need to do everything right away. Conserve your energy.
Develop support. Hold onto family support and engage support on campus. Know yourself well enough to recognize signs of depression and get help.
Be patient with yourself. Growth takes time but it’s worth it to persevere.
I was also told that many campus dorms allow pets, and several of these graduates had cats while in school, so you might want to inquire with your college. Have an outstanding first college experience!
Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.