We all go through that stage of rebellion in our teenage years where we want to be adults but we don’t want adult responsibilities. During this time, kids and parents usually butt heads. I don’t think I ever went through a “rebellious stage,” but I know that by the time college was right around the corner I definitely wasn’t acting like an angel. However, what college taught me most is how much I really do need and love my parents. Not everybody can say they their biggest supporters are their parents. Luckily, I can.
Despite living miles and miles away, my parents stay involved in every aspect of my life. Every time I walk out of an advisors meeting, I call my dad to bring him up to speed and to get his feedback. When I’m in a bad mood or experiencing a rough day, I know they’ll find a way to cheer me up. My parents keep up with my friends, they know my weekly plans and we talk almost every single day. I’ve always loved and appreciated my parents, but being away from them has given me a whole new appreciation and respect for them.
Even though my mom and dad have yet to win the “Parents of the Year” award (it’s coming, guys, don’t worry), they try their hardest with me and my brother. They support us and try to guide us in our day-to-day lives, but they’ll also tell us when we’re wrong. After my first semester, I wasn’t in the best shape academically. I received some less-than-stellar grades. I felt like I needed to transfer schools to change my major to advertising, but my parents had my back. They acknowledged that I’d messed up, but they also helped me figure out where to go from there. They never once discouraged me or told me I wouldn’t be able to get my grades up to get into advertising.
I’ll never forget the text message my dad sent me on the first day of my sophomore year, when I was newly addicted to Game of Thrones. “Hit the books hard because it’s a super important semester. If you kick ass you’ll be in good shape moving towards your major. Don’t screw up all your hard work over Game of Thrones.” They encouraged me every step of the way, and with their support and my hard work I was accepted into my major right when I applied.
Another very important thing my parents taught me is to be confident and happy with myself. When I was younger and I would tell my dad and mom that I wanted to do something but was worried about somebody else’s opinion, they’d respond back with their classic, “Who gives a shit?” line.
That was their motto. Somebody doesn’t like you? Who gives a shit? Somebody didn’t like your outfit in school? Who gives a shit? In time, it was easy for me to just say the same thing. Being taught to stand up for myself and to not stress so much about others’ opinions has definitely benefited me out in the “real world” of college. When I make decisions I know they’re for myself and because it’s what I genuinely want and not because I’ve been influenced by everybody else’s opinions.
This year, they’re still my biggest supporters. They’re practically holding up foam fingers saying, “Go Meg!” Whether it’s stressing over roommate issues, a heavy work schedule or a murderous slate of a finals, I can rely on them for great advice. This year I decided to branch out and try to take on extra responsibilities besides a part-time job and classes. I wanted to get some experience with my major so I applied for writing positions and social media strategy positions in hopes of building a resume and getting my feet in the water. Now I write for two different publications and do social media work for the retail store I work for downtown and College Hockey Showcases. Through all of that my mom has followed, liked, shared and commented (you name it) on all of my articles and all of the social media posts I put up. Her spamming all of her Facebook friends with my activities and work means more than she could imagine.
Now this summer I’m finally pursuing a long-term dream of mine and I’m going to live in New York City to work as an advertising intern. I’m practically Carrie Bradshaw. I could never have accomplished this without the support of my parents. Although it has been my dream for so long, I was very sad when I realized I’d be away from them for what is likely my last summer at home. I’d be nothing without my parents. No matter how old I get, I’m always going to want a hug from my dad after a long day or to talk to my mom for hours about whatever is on our minds. I’m lucky I can say that my parents are my best friends.
