Now that you’re back home and after dropping off your student at college, I’m sure the reality of this significant milestone is beginning to set in. This moment, both in your child’s life and in yours as parents, is worthy of reflection and, I’m sure, a time of adjustment. It’s also a time to reflect on the blessings you’ve received and to remember that all your accomplishments, including reaching this point, have been through the grace of God.
While your heart may still feel that tug as you think back on the day you dropped off your son or daughter, it’s important to embrace the new chapter unfolding. The campus and dorms that may have seemed dauntingly unfamiliar when you arrived are now where your young adult will grow, mature, and begin to call their “second home.” These once-strange surroundings will soon echo with stories of newfound friendships, inspiring lessons, and the ceaseless pursuit of knowledge. In these dynamic settings, your young adult will make their unique mark.
As parents, your journey to this milestone has been anything but easy. It’s been filled with late-night homework sessions, application deadlines, document searches, challenging parent-teacher meetings, painstaking exam preparations, and those heartrending moments when you held your child’s hand through the inevitable setbacks. There were tears and laughter, opportunities for serious talks, and maybe even moments of confusion followed by truth and clarity. And yet, through it all, by the grace of God, you demonstrated an unwavering support and depth of love that laid the foundation for your child to embark on this next stage of life. You’ve navigated what is probably one of the most challenging roads of parenting. Now, as you find yourselves back home, take a moment for a quiet acknowledgement that this milestone is as much yours as it is your child’s! It’s a testament to God’s loving kindness and faithfulness, as well as your relentless commitment to providing the best for your child.
So, as you reflect back to that day of separation, remember that it wasn’t just about hauling boxes or setting up dorm rooms. It was a symbolic moment to reassure your freshman that their lifelong cheerleaders are only a phone call away. Although you are now physically distant, you remain as emotionally invested and available as ever. This season is also an excellent opportunity to continue emphasizing to your student the importance of self-reliance, effective decision-making, and personal growth—foundational pillars your son or daughter will continue to develop in this new phase of faith and trust. Encourage them, even from afar, to fully immerse themselves in the college experience. This includes engaging in classes, participating in extracurricular activities, nurturing friendships, and seeking help when necessary.
Let them know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, homesick, or unsure at times—these emotions are a natural part of the college journey. But as you instill this wisdom and affirm your love, ensure that you respect the boundaries of their budding autonomy. Give them the space to explore, learn, stumble, and pick themselves up. And as you reflect on your goodbyes—whether it was a bear hug, a quick peck, a loving pat, or a silent wave—hold on to the knowledge that this wasn’t an end but a beautiful new chapter in their worthy walk with our Lord. Be comforted that your role as parents is not being diminished but transformed. Even though you’re no longer their immediate caregivers, you’ll forever remain their most stalwart supporters.
So, congratulations on reaching this significant juncture. Your family’s presence is part of a larger story—a legacy of generational faithfulness that extends beyond your family to the broader Christian community. This legacy is one that has been built on the sacrifices of those who have gone before, many of whom have invested their lives, resources, and prayers into ensuring that The Master’s University remains steadfast in its commitment to Christ and Scripture. And you’ve ushered your child to the next big step of their walk with our great God, and that’s no small accomplishment. So, cherish it, celebrate it, enjoy it, and praise God for it while remembering what our president, Dr. Chou, said: God has brought you and your family to The Master’s University for such a time as this!
Welcome!!
