Proactively Exposing Your Children to College Life

All of our lives we’ve been trained that people learn through action and experiences. I fully believe this because I'm walking proof and it’s why I decided to take this pro-active approach with my daughter Brittnee in regards to college. I believe more parents need to SEEK-OUT a “Big Sister” or "Big Brother" to mentor their kids for the most important decision of their lives…..going to college!

Growing Up

When I was a little girl, my mother always told me, “You have to go to college!” She preached and preached (Yakety-Yak), to an inexperienced, extremely independent, strong-willed, typical rebellious, teenage girl. What teenage girl wants to listen to their mother (hence third-party involvement is the secret to success)?

Needless to say, I paid for not listening to her advice regardless of the form in which it was given......my experiences were my third-party teacher (The School of Hard KNOCKS). I attended college or shall I say many colleges after I was married, because I then realized you couldn't make it through this life without an education. I had to do things the long way around and claw my way to the top in my career! It was quite hard. I worked, took care of a home, studied and went to class in the evening. I even added to the chaos by having a baby.....I love my little Brittnee. Not the ideal situation….why make life harder on yourself if you can avoid it? But ME personally, I wouldn't change a single moment or decision I've made in my life because it's made me who I am...and I'm very happy with MY outcome.

Alpha Pie Sorority

A friend of ours has a daughter that goes to North Texas and is in a Sorority called “Alpha Pie.” Brittnee has expressed to me on several occasions that she wanted to be in a Sorority once she gets accepted to her all time favorite school “Texas Tech.” At this point, I’m just thrilled she shows interest and potential in going to a major college, little only...to be in a Sorority. Nevertheless, she wanted to know “How” to get accepted into this very polished "Select" group.

This past weekend, Brittnee finally ceased the opportunity to learn what it takes to get into a Sorority and experience college living. While staying in the Sorority House Brittnee said the girls taught her the following:

Socializing – The Alphi Pie Sorority set-up a show to pull some diversified groups that go to North Texas together, so that they could get to know one another. She said it was soooo much fun and extremely funny. They made up a routine to "Womanizer," by Britney Spears....the poor guys that were recruited had to be pulled around by Neck Ties...OUCH!! (The ability to socialize with all walks of life is vital in success...even if YOUR the one being PULLED!)
Dressing - You must always wear make-up and have your hair done when wearing the letters of your Sorority (Grandma always said...never leave the house in unpressed clothing, without your make-up and hair done).
Acceptance – They went over the requirements and traits the sister’s in a Sorority look for with Brittnee. They all told her she would have absolutely NO problem with getting into a Sorority, although it would be much harder at a Big State college (Sit-up straight and smile).
House Cleaning – It’s the house mother's job to keep the house cleaned and organized. 911.... someone needed to call Emma Stone from the movie "House Bunny!" I always knew it takes a BLONDE to get the job done! No seriously, someone needs to fire this woman because she was not very efficient...leaving the girls to have to worry about cleaning and organizing things. Shame on you lady for not doing your JOB!!
Studying – Brittnee said while she slept the girls stayed up all night studying for an upcoming test….she wasn’t very keen on this idea. This was probably the worst but most important aspect of the whole experience. Brittnee said, “You can forget it, I’m going to sleep!” I hope this changes, or she will not make it through college. You must be willing to make sacrifices in life in order to get ahead or succeed.
Living Quarters – She learned that the rooms are very small and that they had to share bathrooms with other girls. At first she said, "I want my own private room....money, money."

Then ON HER OWN she changed her mind stating, "The experience and socializing with the other girls would be limited if I had my own quarters." I was very impressed and proud of her realization in the importance of learning from others and her adult like decision …given her ONLY CHILD status! This statement in itself let me know she learned SOMETHING!

The Results

Overall, Brittnee said she learned a lot from this experience and I’m very happy and thankful to Britney Mata for taking time out of her busy college weekend to Sister Brittnee. We owe you one!

Now whether or not Brittnee liked, loved or completely loathed the experience……. was a proactive risk and gamble I felt I had to make as a parent. I’m glad I used this approach, instead of the old “All Talk and No Show,” because I believe it to be much more effective!

I love you Bree and I'm so proud of you!

hello

P.S. Isn't it funny how all of the major highlights she learned are all things a mother tries to teach her daughter or child through-out the course of life...and then they go off to college to learn some of the same lessons only from different perspectives and learning techniques....interesting, I told you third-party intervention is the key to success!