How to Ask Parents for Help with College
As a current University of Nebraska at Omaha student, I understand the challenges that come with the college experience. One thing I’ve learned along the way is the importance of asking for help, especially from my parents. For instance, I rely on them for transportation, which can make things tricky as I’m still exploring my independence.
There are so many ways that parents can support us in college. I’d like to unpack some of those in this blog, as many of you might be in need of such support. Here are a few ways I’ve asked my parents for support throughout my college journey that might be useful for you.
Learning Skills
College is a time to become more independent, which often means figuring out how to do things on your own. I’ve admittedly had to learn a lot, like how to fill out important scholarship forms or learning how to cook something beyond ramen. In these situations, I tend to ask my parents for help. Try doing the same, as they might be able to help you as well!
Making Choices
Life is full of decisions, especially in college. Sometimes, I find myself stuck and unsure about what to do. For example, while attending my course studies, I realized I wanted to switch majors, but then decided to double major instead. In those moments, I turn to my parents for advice. While they won’t decide for you, they can offer guidance to help you make that decision. And I appreciate that advice because it helped me feel more secure in my classes as I move forward to graduation.
Transportation
If you’re like me, getting to and from school can be a challenge. Maybe parking is too expensive, or you don’t feel confident in your driving ability, or you don’t have your own car. No matter the reason, asking your parents for help with transportation can be a solution to your problem. Simply ask, communicate clearly, and share your schedule in advance.
Emotional Support
College can be overwhelming, nerve-wracking, and more. I’ve definitely had my moments during finals week, talk about stress. It’s during these times that emotional support is crucial. Reaching out to your parents can be helpful as they can provide you with the support and guidance you need.
More Independence
Although it can feel intimidating, don’t be afraid to ask for more independence. If your parents are anything like mine, they might be a bit overprotective. As an artist, I need to get in a lot of studio time to finish my projects. With all of my responsibilities, oftentimes, those hours would be later in the evening, so discussing the issue with my parents helped them understand how important that studio time was for me and my grades. College is a time to grow, try new things, and step outside your comfort zone, but that’s hard to do without their support. Take a moment to sit down and have an honest conversation with them.
Alexa Gonzalez Muñoz is a University of Nebraska at Omaha student majoring in Latino American Studies and art with a concentration in 3D art. Gonzalez Muñoz is interning at the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation this spring.