Frank Bruni's Excellent Advice on Gaining the Most from the College Experience

This is a very worthwhile, and perfectly timed, column by Frank Bruni for both entering and returning college students and their parents. I think Bruni constructs a bit of a false dichotomy; in my experience, most parents who work hard to help their children get into a desired college also work hard to encourage getting the most out of the experience. Although the set up seems somewhat overblown, that shouldn't detract from the larger points Bruni raises, which I found to be extremely thoughtful and wise.

There are also some notable parallels to the advice I recently gave to a recent group of entering Maryland Carey Law students. That should not be surprising, perhaps, as the two educational experiences, while different in some ways, are similar in others. (I published those comments previously here: https://www.blindspotblog.us/single-post/2018/07/26/Comments-at-Maryland-Carey-Law-Schools-Welcome-Night-for-Incoming-Students).

One point that Bruni emphasizes that I did not in that lecture, although I have in other posts, is the importance of encouraging student to be conscious of the intense academic (and other) pressures and to be comfortable, rather than embarrassed, taking advantage of student mental health services. This point cannot be overstated, and it has been a theme that Bruni has also wisely explored in earlier columns.

Comments are always welcome.