Hockomock Area YMCA, Dean College Announce College Transition Workshops

From Hockomock Area YMCA:

Ok – you got in! You have the dorm room, supplies and some new clothes. You’ll be leaving pretty soon to take the next huge step in your life. For many teens, this is a time filled with excitement but also anxiousness and uncertainty, and certain skills need to be developed in order to overcome these fears and succeed that very first weekend and beyond.

Join us on Tuesday evenings, Aug. 9 and Aug. 16, for two powerful workshops which will focus on solutions for some of the hurdles both teens and parents often face at the beginning of the college experience. The Thriving in College: Your First Weekend and Beyond workshop series is sponsored by the Hockomock Area YMCA Bernon Family Branch and Dean College, with support from State Representative Jeffrey Roy, the Franklin Public Schools, Community Impact, New Hope, Riverside Trauma Center and the S.A.F.E. Coalition.

The topics covered during the workshops include, but are not limited to: separating from family, lifelong friends, boyfriend/girlfriend; creating new friendships; academic pressure and social pressure.

The main focus of these two workshops will be how to stay strong, healthy and confident throughout your college years. Parents are invited to participate as well; the workshops will be structured so that parents and prospective college students will be in separate break-out sessions run by counselors, experienced college officials, college students and recent graduates who will share their experiences, advice and wisdom to help everyone get through the first few weeks and months (and beyond)!

"We are aiming to make that transition from high school to college far less stressful for our teens and their parents," said State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin). "We know that powerful things happen when community organizations and people come together and support each other, and these workshops are yet another example. Join us on Aug. 9 and 16 to help make your teen's journey this fall less daunting."

“Going off to college elicits so many emotions: excitement, anxiety and most often some combination of both. We do a great job of helping teens get into college, but we want them to succeed once they arrive. We want teens to realize that if they are feeling anxious, they are not alone in feeling that way. The more our young people are prepared for the challenges they may face, the more positive college experience they will have, from the first weekend and beyond,” said Dr. Anne Bergen, retired educator, host of “It Takes a Village: Raising Resilient Kids in Today’s World” and volunteer on the Bernon Family Branch YMCA’s Board of Managers.

“The transition to college can be very challenging for new students and their families. The first few weeks and months can be an emotional roller coaster,” said Cindy Kozil, vice president of enrollment and retention at Dean College. “Many parents ask us how they can best support their son/daughter during this transition. We offer specific recommendations, strategies and tips to make the experience easier, less stressful and more enjoyable for all involved.”

These workshops are free and open to the public. We encourage all students (and their parents) just beginning college and anyone seeking more information about the college experience to attend.

The event is scheduled to take place at Franklin High School in the lecture hall, located at 218 Oak St. in Franklin, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Preregistration is encouraged, and all those who preregister (keyword search: Thriving in College) and attend will be eligible to win a $100 gift card.

These workshops are part of the Teen Transitions program. The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch in Franklin and Dean College have joined forces to provide mentoring and guidance to young adults currently enrolled in high school. Teen Transitions is an innovative approach that pulls together professionals and industry experts living and working in our community to volunteer their time presenting tips and best practices.

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