Academic Corner

Severing Parental Ties in the Smartphone Era Poses Challenges

"It’s time to cut the cord and let them work out issues of their own."

Like many parents of college-age kids, I loaded up the car Beverly Hillbillies-style with all of my son’s essentials; including a half-dozen cans of Old Spice spray, enough Mountain Dew to keep his entire dorm awake until winter break, an Animal House poster, and my son, and headed to Binghamton University for his sophomore year.  This experience was a bit different for me this year. Last year, I was worried he would spend too much time at frat parties and too little time in the library. I was also worried how he would cope on his own because, as I have mentioned many times in various previous articles, he is not exactly the most self-reliant creature. This year, move-in day was a whole new experience. Whereas last year he was very happy …

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MCC New Student Orientation Promotes Student Success

As recent high school graduates head off to McHenry County College for their first year, MCC provides a little help in adjusting to college life.

  For McHenry County College student Edward Abraham, being a student orientation leader has expanded his knowledge of the array of resources on campus, which he says helps him to be a better student.  In addition to giving tours and sharing his first-year experiences with new students, he has a keener grasp on how to “deal with things.” “I like to help students by sharing my experiences,” said Abraham, who lives in Cary. For example, he tells new students that counselors can help them choose a career path and campus public safety police officers, who are on duty 24-7, are willing to help students at any time. “They helped me find my car in the parking lot during a severe snowstorm last year,” he said. “Being involved on campus, such as a …

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