To those of you fearful of starting college...

For many of you starting college, you're probably heading off to your dorm rooms, accompanied by one or both parents reluctant to see you leave the nest. Or perhaps you're the parent, or maybe even an adult survivor remembering the fear in your belly the day you moved into your dorm for the first time. Or are you an educator worried about a student who's beginning college life and all you can think of is how much that kid struggled to fit in as a high school or middle school student. Whatever circumstances you find yourself faced with this new school year, for those of you affected by anything related to college, I want you to know something. I was scared to death that day my parents dropped me off at my dorm. I was afraid I wouldn't fit in as a university undergrad any more than I did as a high school kid.

You know what? I was wrong. College was the miracle I'd been waiting for. I found other former bulled students just like me, and together we healed so many of our old wounds, discovering an acceptance we used to dream about in high school but never thought we'd ever experience first-hand. To those of you fearful of starting college, to the parents worried for your children--take a moment to breathe. With this new beginning can come hope. But hope like anything else has to be grasped and held tightly for it to work. If you're a student don't be shy. Join clubs and activities. If you're the parent, encourage your child to be brave and take advantage all college has to offer socially. It's a new day, a new environment and anything is possible. Don't be scared. I'm with you in spirit and on this blog every step of the way.