March 16, 2010
A Message from the Student Body President
Dear Parents,
My name is Kevin Everhart, and I am currently serving as president of the Student Body at Alma. You were probably introduced to me during the opening convocation. I hope that move-in day went smoothly for you and your first-year student. For many of you, this could be your first child to leave for school. Others may be veterans at this, and finally, you can have the house all to yourselves! For those of you who are going to be empty nesters, enjoy it. I know my parents have.
I was asked to write this letter in hopes that I can offer you a student point of view. Even though as a freshman I was looking forward to living on my own, it was nice to know that my parents were a phone call away. Students long for the freedom that college offers, but once they get on campus they will not want so much freedom – especially when it comes time to do laundry! Give your son or daughter space to find out for themselves what it’s like to be on their own, but it would help for them to know that they can call you at anytime.
In the first few weeks of school they are going to want to come home on the weekends because they miss their friends from home. I would highly suggest that the students stay at school on the weekends at least for the first month. Weekends offer a great time to get to know fellow classmates as well as participate in a number of activities that may be scheduled throughout the weekend.
As a freshman I was amazed at the amount of organizations that were available. Getting involved early gave me a great jump start on creating new friends, meeting other members of the faculty, helping out communities in and outside of Michigan, and focusing on interests I brought with me to Alma. All of these activities open a number of other opportunities. For me, they led me to run for student body president. Your son or daughter is going to have no trouble finding an organization that suits their interests. If they can’t find something that works for them, they can always start their own organization. We get three or four new organizations every year started up and, depending on leadership and interest, they can last for some time. The key message is that your student has fun and interesting opportunities awaiting them at Alma!
In closing, I would like to encourage your son or daughter to get involved in activities early into their arrival at Alma. And for you, I would encourage you to give your son or daughter their space so that they can learn what it’s like to be accountable for their own actions. If you are going to be “empty nesters” enjoy your new freedom!
I look forward to getting to meeting and supporting your son or daughter this year!
Best regards,
Kevin Everhart
President
Alma Student Body
