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By Chanya Anderson, Penn State Parents Program Family Ambassador '19

For students, it can be a daunting task learning to navigate classes, clubs, a social life, sleeping, and preparing for a career. As both a tour guide and a Parents Program Family Ambassador, parents often ask me what they can do to help their student answer the “What do I want to do with the rest of my life?” question. It may seem difficult, and it often is, but below are three pieces of advice that I think can help.

Be supportive. College is a place where we figure out who we are and who we want to be. While we don’t always get it right the first time, most of us get it right eventually. When I switched my major to criminology, so many people said, “Oh, you’re never going to make any money with that.” Yet, my parents kept reminding me that I wasn’t picking a major based on money, I was choosing it because I was passionate about criminology. My parents did not know a lot about higher education, but their support kept me going until I was confident enough in my own decisions. So, when your student chooses their major or switches to a new one, be mindful of your response. We want to be able to turn to our families for support.

Learn about Penn State’s resources, too. There are so many resources that are available to help students, especially with academics and career preparations. While your student will likely learn about these resources themselves, it is also helpful for you to know about them, too. Although we don’t recommend that you force them to go to Career Services every day, you might want to provide reminders that this resource is there to help them. When your student is applying for jobs and internships, encourage them to attend the Career Fair in the fall or spring to talk to professionals in their desired field. If they are nervous about an upcoming interview, remind them that they can do mock interviews at Career Services. You can also suggest that they seek out resources within their academic college for help with career planning. These resources are invaluable, but, often underutilized by students at Penn State. Encourage your student take full advantage of them.

Encourage your student to travel during their time at Penn State. This university does an amazing job at making it possible for students to experience life in other parts of the country and the world. From study abroad trips, embedded trips, and alternative breaks, Penn State wants us to travel. And, I think that parents and families should want us to as well. Not only does traveling create a more well-rounded individual, it can also help us to realize our passions and we might want to do with our lives. Oftentimes, it also opens doors that may never have been opened. I have friends that learned how to speak a new language, met with CEO’s of non-governmental organizations, and connected with professors about research opportunities during study abroad trips. Opportunities like these can really help your student’s resume to stand out, too. And if you’re worried about funding, Global Programs can be a great resource.

While it can be difficult for students to answer the “What do I want to do with my life?” question, they will be able to answer it in time. So, while they are figuring it out, the best way for you to help is to be supportive, engaged, and encouraging. You can’t forge the path for them, but you can support them along the way.