It is hard to imagine that our daughter’s first year of college is just about complete! You may remember my husband and I were the parents who moved me (the mom) to Florida for a month, because our daughter was enrolled in the SLU summer program – LEAP. We were so nervous, so crazed by the unknown and so worried. We have come a long way since then and so has she.
If you will recall, we have an older son who attends Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU in Richmond, VA). Although these schools are both wonderful and each offer a different college environment; we have to applaud Saint Leo for its ability to embrace the parent as much as it does the student.
We have faced many struggles over this year. Both children leaving our home, being faced with the instant empty nest syndrome, one of us losing a job, having a second home that we cannot rent nor sell (in Florida), two college tuitions, serious illnesses of a few very close family members… many, many many tears (some for no reason). However, I have to tell you a secret…there are staff members at Saint Leo, who offered a helping hand to us…the parents... any help they could provide – an open offer even for us and in our personal lives. We never imagined when our daughter began her education at Saint Leo that we would meet so many wonderful and caring staff members and make so many amazing friends.
When our daughter chose Saint Leo University she had no doubt in her mind. She had visited many other schools, some of which I must admit I was hoping would be her choice. Her mind was made up from the first moment she stepped foot on the Saint Leo Campus. Her father and I on the other hand thought we wanted something different for her. We were worried about several aspects of this choice: Was she certain of the environment?; was it too far from home?; what would happen if she needed us and we couldn’t be there immediately?; was the campus too small?;, would they offer her a wide variety of choices and experiences?; and, was there enough to do to keep her out of trouble? Our daughter once again proved that she knew what she wanted and that she was making a good choice and she knew it before we did. We now know that she is safe, that if anything comes up or if she gets sick, her college family rallies to her aide without hesitation or a second thought. If she is sad or down, there are many hugs to comfort her. If disappointment crosses her path, there are many pats on the back to remind her of the wonderful things she has accomplished. It is truly amazing! SLU has become her family too. We are so impressed with many of the young adults we have met over the past year and the personal character and integrity they have presented. We would also like to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you to the RA’s. You have all done such a wonderful job with our children. Your patience, your responsibility and your ability to give so much of yourself truly made a difference for every person you cared for. From the parents, we offer you a very special thank you and will forever be grateful for your presence in our child’s first year of college. It made a difference and you should be proud of yourself.
To the counselor’s –thank you for everything. When we first met you, you promised that you would follow our child throughout the year (Now we have heard this before with our son and it just doesn’t seem to happen – unless there is something wrong). But you did exactly what you said you would do! Based on our experience, Kristina Deakins is a wonderful asset to your staff and you could not ask for a better SLU representative. Parents, you will want to trust her when she says that she will look after your child throughout the year… she does as she promises. Thank you for your integrity, honesty and humor. You are amazing!
To Christine O’Donnell - You always have your hands full with more than any one person should. You have gone above and beyond in making the parents feel like they are family too. If we have a problem of any kind it becomes her problem too. CJ has proven not only to be a wonderful asset to Saint Leo University, but has also shown that she is amazing person inside too. Thank you for all your efforts on a personal note. You are the best!
To the rest of SLU staff, educators, etc., thank you so much for welcoming our child and our family into your home. You have truly made Saint Leo University a wonderful experience!
To Parents reading this - if you have a student that is considering Saint Leo and you have reservations about that decision we can relate. We have been there but based on our experience this has been an outstanding choice.
So, our daughter is soon facing finals! She has done so well over this past year. She had a few breakdowns, a few setbacks and a few tears, but she is coming home proud of her accomplishments and she has grown through each and every experience. From the bottom of our hearts we are blessed to be able to say how proud of her we are!
God Bless you all...
