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3 Fun Fall Activities in Charleston You Don’t Want to Miss

September 12, 2017 by

School’s back in session, pumpkin spice flavored foods and beverages are everywhere, and the NFL has finally returned to TV screens across the country.

You know what that means…

Fall is just around the corner!

Sure, it’s only the second week in September, but a bunch of fun fall activities are starting to pop up again. And things like pumpkin patches and corn mazes are only around for a limited time, so it’s best to get them on your calendar now so you don’t miss them!

To ensure you don’t miss out on all the fall fun, we’re sharing some of our favorite fall activities in Charleston, SC. If you live here or are planning a visit, we hope you’ll check some of these events out!

Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch

The Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch is located in Mount Pleasant—a 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston depending on traffic–but it’s definitely worth a visit.

It’s slightly early to get your pumpkins for Halloween, but this venue has an amazing corn maze that you won’t want to miss. It’s only $10 per person (ages 3 and up), which makes this activity affordable for the whole family.

This year, they will feature two mazes. The first maze is 8 acres and is perfect for older kids and adults. The second maze is much smaller and is great for smaller children.

If you have a fun time at the corn maze, make sure you mark your calendar to go back in October to grab yourself a pumpkin!

Click here for more info on the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch. 

Charleston Farmer’s Market

The Charleston Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday in September. It’s a great place to stock up on fresh produce, grab a locally grown pumpkin for pumpkin carving, or purchase a fall craft from a craft vendor.

This market is held in Marion Square right outside the College of Charleston.

The best part…visiting the farmer’s market is 100% FREE and is fun for the whole family. Come enjoy the fall atmosphere and fun street music without spending a penny!

For more info on the farmer’s market, click here. 

Charleston Fall Homes and Gardens Tour

The Charleston Fall Homes and Gardens Tours don’t officially begin until October 5. However, these tours tend to sell out fast, so we want to make sure that, if you’re interested in doing a fall tour, you have plenty of time to get your tickets!

During these tours, a guide will walk you through the town of Charleston and bring you to select historic homes and gardens for your viewing pleasure. All the homes are well kept and beautifully decorated. You may even learn a thing or two about Charleston history during your tour!

Tickets start at $40. However, there are several tour packages available, so you can pick and choose what you want to spend and what you want to see.

Check out ticket prices and learn more about the tours. 

What’s your favorite fall activity in Charleston? Let us know in the comments below!

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How to Help Keep Your Beaches Clean and Safe

July 4, 2017 by

Millions of people in the U.S. are lucky enough to live near a beach or a lake. And if you don’t personally live near a beach or lake, chances are you may take an occasional vacation to one during the summer months to go for a swim.

At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we are fortunate to live near some of the most beautiful beaches in the country—beaches that stay beautiful thanks to the hard work of the people who make an effort to keep them trash free and clean.

Protecting the water we live by is so important. We don’t know about you, but the last thing we want is to jump into the water and float around with a bunch of garbage. Gross!

Second, there are thousands of sea creatures (and lake creatures!) that depend on us to keep their habitats clean and safe. Sadly, every year animals die due to polluted waters.

There is good news though! It’s not hard to pitch in, do you part, and help keep the water safe for everyone to enjoy, whether you live near a beach or are just visiting.

This summer when you’re at the beach, we encourage you to lend a hand and help keep our beaches clean by doing the following things…

Pick Up Litter

It’s not uncommon to walk across a beach and find a food wrapper or a soda can. The next time you’re at the beach, bring a garbage bag with you. When you stumble upon a piece of litter, pick it up and throw it in your trash bag.

It may not seem like you’re making that big of an impact, but if everyone who visited a beach picked up just one piece of trash, it would make a world of difference to the animals that live in and near the water.

Use Reusable Containers

When you plan on spending an entire day on the water, it’s important to pack snacks and drinks to keep your energy up and keep your body hydrated. Unfortunately, many people pack their snacks and drinks in plastic bags and drink from disposable water bottles—items that can easily get left behind or blow away.

We know you’d never intentionally leave trash at the beach, but it’s really easy for lightweight plastics, water bottles, wrappers, etc., to get caught up in the wind and blow away without anyone noticing. To fix this problem, we encourage you to pack your snacks in reusable lunch boxes and fill up hard plastic, reusable water bottles to cut down on accidental litter.

Be Mindful of Using Water Toys/Floats

Rafts, water guns, and boogie boards all make playing in the water a lot of fun! And there’s nothing wrong with enjoying these water toys. It is a good idea, however, to be mindful and keep an eye on your beach toys—especially when you’re not playing with them.

It’s so easy for plastic squirt guns and floating toys to get swept away when a big wave crashes down on you. And during high tide, the sneaky water line creeps up and can wash away the toys and floats you thought were safely placed on the beach.

When you purchase rafts, boogie boards, surf boards, etc., look for the ones that have ankle or wrist straps so you don’t lose them if you get knocked over by a big wave.

Pick Up after Your Pets

If you’re a pet lover, you know how fun it can be for both you and your dog to spend a day at the beach together. What’s not fun is accidently stepping in a mess a dog left behind while you’re walking down the beach.

Out of respect for everyone on the beach, always be responsible for picking up after your pet.

Don’t Leave Cigarette Butts on the Beach

First and foremost, we strongly advise that you not smoke. Smoking leads to so many health problems such as asthma, respiratory diseases, and even cancer. It’s dangerous and harmful to your health.

For some tips on how to quit smoking, go here!

If you must smoke though, please be courteous and keep your cigarette butts off the beach. Not only is it disgusting for other beachgoers to have to walk over your cigarette butts, but it’s also dangerous for animals, like seagulls and sand crabs, that mistake the cigarette butts for food.

If your beach doesn’t provide a place for you to dispose of your cigarette butts, bring a plastic container to the beach with you to dispose of them.

Do you have any other tips about how to help keep our beaches clean? Please share them in the comments below!

 

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How to Celebrate the Fourth of July Charleston Style

June 27, 2017 by

The Fourth of July is just around the corner. That means now is the perfect time to start planning how you want to celebrate this patriotic holiday with your family and friends.

Haven’t given it much thought? No worries!

From fireworks to festivals, Charleston has plenty of activities to choose from. And we at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction are here to offer a few ideas we think you will enjoy!

Check out our favorite ways to celebrate the Fourth of July as we honor the men and women who have served our country.

South Carolina Aquarium Sea Stars and Stripes Event

Looking for a fun, festive, and fishy was to celebrate the Fourth of July? If your answer is “Yes!”, then we suggest grabbing a ticket for the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Stars and Stripes Independence Day celebration.

The celebration starts at 7:00 p.m. on July 4 and ends after the fireworks show.

Tickets include:

  • Aquarium experience including hands-on encounters.
  • American food favorites.
  • Local and domestic beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Spectacular view of fireworks courtesy of Patriots Point.
  • Wonderful memories with family and friends.

Grab a ticket before they sell out!

Uncle Sam Jam

If you enjoy dance parties and spectacular ocean views, the Uncle Sam Jam is an event you won’t want to miss.

Enjoy the cool harbor breeze while dancing to live beach music at the Mount Pleasant Pier as you wait for the fireworks to begin over the Charleston Harbor. It’s a perfect way to wrap up a fun-filled Fourth of July celebration!

Details:

  • Beverages will be available for purchase inside the event.
  • Treats and snacks will be available at the Riverwatch Cafe.
  • Gates open at 7:00 p.m., and music starts at 8:00 p.m.
  • Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited.
  • Admission purchased in advance is $8. Admission will be $10 on-site, if space is available.

Grab a ticket for this event now! 

4th of July Festival

North Charleston is hosting their annual July 4th celebration at the Riverfront Park on July 4 from 3:00 p.m. until 9:45 p.m.

This year’s event features exciting musical guests, children’s activities, food trucks, craft vendors, and the Lowcountry’s largest 4th of July fireworks show.

This event is free to the public, so be sure to mark it on your calendar! If you decide to go, be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair with you to sit and watch the fireworks.

Click here for directions and additional information. 

Folly Beach Fireworks

Folly Beach, located only 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, is the perfect place to watch fireworks this Fourth of July.

Because it’s located so close to downtown, you’ll have plenty of time to grab dinner with your friends and family or peruse the shops before settling down with a blanket or lawn chair on the beach to watch the fireworks show.

It’s doesn’t get much better than watching a dazzling fireworks display over the sparkling ocean water.

Get directions to Folly Beach here.

Patriots Point Fireworks

Looking for a unique location to watch fireworks this Fourth of July? You’re in luck! Catch one of the most amazing fireworks displays this holiday at the flight deck of the historic USS Yorktown, the 10th aircraft carrier to serve in the U.S. Navy.

Tickets are $30 and include access to the ship starting at 6:00 p.m. There will also be food and drinks for purchase and live music throughout the evening.

You can also purchase a $75 VIP ticket, and receive complimentary drinks from a full-service bar and access to a special area at the bow of the ship. It’s a very neat experience!

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to watch fireworks, you can see them for free on the grounds of the Patriots Point Museum.

Find out more here. 

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Top 5 Must-Visit Seafood Restaurants in Charleston

June 13, 2017 by

 One of the most frequent questions we get asked at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is, “What are the best Charleston seafood restaurants?”

It’s no surprise, considering we live so close to the ocean, which is filled with delicious fish, blue shell crab, clams, and oysters. Charleston is the perfect place to grab a dish filled with your favorite seafood while overlooking the very ocean it came from.

There are so many amazing restaurants in Charleston that it’s hard to narrow down which are the best. But, we thought we’d recommend a few of our favorites to help narrow down your choices.

Skip the Red Lobster, and give a few of these local places a try…

Hank’s Seafood Restaurant

Hank’s Seafood Restaurant is a very popular, award-winning restaurant that is located right in downtown Charleston.

Hank’s is open for dinner, and features all your favorite fresh seafood entrees including soft shell crab, grouper, and fresh tuna. It also has a raw bar where you can chow down on oysters, shrimp, and clams.

Hank’s is known for three of its signature dishes: the Lowcountry bouillabaisse, roast grouper with lobster risotto, and fish and shellfish ceviche.

Find out more about Hank’s here.

167 Raw

167 Raw has been voted Charleston’s best raw bar for years.

Although the restaurant is small, the delicious seafood is packed with big flavor. Right now, the most popular menu option is the lobster roll, which includes large chunks of lobster meat fresh from the sea, tossed with aioli and topped with chives.

Aside from the raw bar, guests can choose from menu items such as po boys, shrimp and fish tacos, tuna burgers, and more.

Find out more about 167 Raw here.

Bowens Island Restaurant

If you’re looking for incredibly fresh seafood, Bowens Island Restaurant is where you will want to go.

Bowens Island Restaurant is famous for its locally harvested oysters, fried shrimp, hushpuppies, and Frogmore stew.

On top of delicious food, this restaurant is situated on James Island and comes with beautiful views of the river, marshes, islands, and wildlife. It’s a wonderful place to grab a meal or a cold beer, and relax at the end of a long day.

Find out more about Bowens Island Restaurant here.

Charleston Grill

The Charleston Grill is one of Charleston’s most upscale restaurants and is a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award for food excellence. The restaurant’s head chef, Michelle Weaver, specializes in New South cuisine with a French influence.

As a seafood lover, you don’t want to leave this venue without tasting their creamed oyster and leeks, Charleston Grill crab cakes, or their Thai fish.

This restaurant encourages guests to abide by a semi-formal dress code—in other words no jeans, swimsuits, flip-flops, etc. For a meal this special, we recommend leaving the kids at home and enjoying a night out to this venue with your friends or significant other.

Find out more about the Charleston Grill here.

Fleet Landing

Fleet Landing is located right on the harbor and is one of Charleston’s best waterfront dining venues. Located in the historic district, it’s easy to access and is in a beautiful area.

The menu offers items for both surf and turf lovers. However, if you’re a seafood lover, you don’t want to pass on giving their famous shrimp pot pie, herb crusted baked cod, or Charleston shrimp and grits a try.

This location is relatively causal (men are required to wear sleeved shirts) and is a great place for families and friends to gather and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner together. Reservations are strongly recommended, so be sure to save yourself a seat before you head out for dinner.

Find out more about Fleet Landing here.

Do you have a favorite Charleston seafood restaurant?

Let us know in the comments below!

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June Charleston Activities You Don’t Want to Miss

May 30, 2017 by

 

Between the beaches and historic sites, world-class restaurants and shopping galore, Charleston has a lot to offer. With so much constantly going on in this city, it’s easy to miss some of the best Charleston activities when they pop up on the calendar.
For that reason, we decided to share some of our favorite Charleston events that happen in the month of June. Regardless of whether you live here full-time, or are planning to visit, we hope you’ll add some of these suggestions to your itinerary if you’ll be around in the month of June.
Enjoy!

Carolina Lady Anglers Fishing for the Cure Tournament – May 31 through June 4

The Carolina Lady Anglers raise funds for breast cancer every year with a Fishing for the Cure Tournament. This year, we are honored to be a Species Sponsor for the event.

This fun, family-friendly tournament is a great way to help an important cause while making many memories along the way. If you’re in the area, we encourage you to grab a fishing rod and sign up!
Each team that participates must select a captain to attend the Captain’s meeting on May 31, at 6:00 p.m. at Charleston Maritime Center. The fish weigh-in is on June 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the same location.
For registrations costs, prize details, and other info, please visit the Carolina Lady Anglers website.
Spoleto Festival USA – Runs through June 11
If you love art, music, and theater, the Spoleto Festival is an event you’ll want to put on your calendar.
Technically this festival started at the end of May, but it’s still in full swing. Live events for this festival will continue on through June 11, so be sure to find a day to enjoy the festival with your family.
Between art galleries, dance shows, theater performances, and more, there’s bound to be something at this festival for every member of your family—kids included!
Check out the Spoleto Festival calendar here.
Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise – June 8, 15, 22, or 29
If you love ocean views and Lowcountry blues, you definitely need to get yourself signed up for a Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise.
This dinner cruise is a wonderful way to experience Charleston while listening to the musical stylings of well-known blues pianist Shrimp City Slim and his band.
On this 2-hour cruise, you’ll enjoy a full all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet with access to a cash bar. Yum!
Find out more about tickets and pricing here. 
Sunset at Fort Sumter – June 9, 16, 23, and 30
Charleston is rich in history. So, if you’re here for a visit or live in town, we highly recommend spending an evening taking a step back in time with a Sunset at Fort Sumter tour.
On this tour, you will interact with period-dressed Civil War historians and learn about the Civil War. Once at the fort, enjoy the rich history provided by the National Park Service Rangers and spectacular views of the city, harbor, and Atlantic Ocean from the top of the fort.
This tour also includes a return cruise where you will relax and take in the spectacular views of the harbor and the marine life while dining on southern BBQ cuisine. Beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase at the fort and during the cruise.
Advance reservations are recommended. Call 843-722-BOAT to purchase tickets.
Moonlight Mixers – June 16
Moonlight Mixers is a family-friendly event that’s fun for both adults and children. All ages are invited to celebrate the arrival of summertime weather with some shag dancing on the Folly Beach Pier.
During this event, DJ Jim Bowers will keep your feet moving with the hottest oldies and beach music. This even runs from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Admission is $8 per person when tickets are purchased in advanced online. On-site tickets cost $10 per person.
Purchase your ticket now!

 

Charleston Carifest – June 22, 23, 24, and 25

Charleston Carifest is a Caribbean Carnival celebration in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month.
This festival is four days long and is full of food, fun, music, and costumes. When you attend this event, you will instantly be submerged in education and culture.
Join in on the festivities and embrace Unity in Diversity.
Visit the website for more information.

Do you have a favorite Charleston event you attend in June?

Comment below and let us know what it is!

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Charleston’s Holiday Festival of Lights 2016

November 15, 2016 by

 

Every year Charleston lights up the town with millions of multicolored lights during the Holiday Festival of Lights.

This sparkling event is something we look forward to each and every year at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, and we highly recommended adding it to your calendar this holiday season.

There are many ways you can enjoy this fun and festive event. If the weather is cold, or if you’re juggling small children, we suggest taking the driving tour. The tour is 3 miles long and takes you through over 700 light displays.

If you want to really get into the holiday spirit, we recommended parking your car and participating in the festival’s family-friendly activities, shopping, food, entertainment, and more!

Here’s a sneak peak of some of the things you can enjoy at the festival:

  • Magnificent sculpture made from over 50 tons of sand
  • An up-close look at the lights via the holiday train
  • Mouth-watering treats from Santa’s Sweet Shoppe
  • Giant greeting cards created by local students
  • Riding the beautiful Victorian carousel

The Holiday Festival of Lights takes place at James Island County Park, located at 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412. And no need to worry about the weather. It’s open from November 11 to January 1 rain or shine.

Ready to enjoy a trip through the lights? Here’s everything else you need to know to plan your trip!

Festival Hours

  • Sunday – Thursday: 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 5:30 – 11:00 p.m.

 Admission

  • 1-15 guests: $20 per vehicle, $15 per vehicle Monday-Thursday with donation*
  • 16-30 guests: $40 Monday-Thursday, $50 Friday-Sunday
  • 31+ guests: $100 Monday-Thursday, $150 Friday-Sunday

 *Donations

Monday – Thursday, get into the festival for only $15 per vehicle (1-15 guests) with the donation of a canned food item or dog/cat food to benefit the Lowcountry Food Bank.

 What’s your favorite holiday activity in Charleston? Comment below!

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Charleston MOJA Arts Festival 2016

September 27, 2016 by

 

 

2016 marks Charleston’s 33rd year of hosting the MOJA Arts Festival. This festival was created to celebrate African-American and Caribbean art.

And if you live in the area, or are visiting The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we highly suggest that you check it out.

The festival runs from Thursday, September 29, through Sunday, October 9.

If you’re wondering where the festival gets its name, it comes from the word “Moja,” a Swahili word meaning “One.”

And it’s a perfect choice as one of the purposes of the festival is to celebrate harmony in the community.

This festival has a little something for everyone, including:

  • Visual arts
  • Classical music
  • Dance
  • Gospel
  • Jazz
  • Poetry
  • R&B music
  • Storytelling
  • Theatre
  • Children’s activities
  • Traditional crafts
  • Ethnic food

On top of all the events that take place in this festival, MOJA also has an educational outreach component in Charleston that consists of workshops in public schools and senior outreach in senior citizen homes.

Each day of the festival holds new and exciting activities, so be sure to check out the website and event calendar so you can pick a day filled with activities you will love.

Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite yearly event in Charleston? Comment below!

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The Best Charleston Parks

August 23, 2016 by

 

Nothing beats a nice long walk, picnic, or game of Frisbee in the park on a beautiful sunny day.

And, boy, are we at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction glad to be located in Charleston, a city full of beautiful parks.

Whether you already live here or are planning a visit sometime this year, we hope you’ll take some time to check out a few of our favorite parks in town.

Take a look at our favorites…

Angel Oak Park

 Angel Oak Park is home to one of the most stunning Angel Oak trees you’ll ever see.

This tree is believed to be hundreds of years old. In fact, it’s one of the oldest oaks known in existence.

Aside from its majestic oak tree, this park has plenty of space to go for a walk and has built-in picnic tables. Public restrooms are located on the property.

This park is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

For more info, visit the park’s website here.

Washington Square Park

 Washington Square Park is one of Charleston’s more historic parks. Its historic location is also home to Charleston City Hall.

The park is filled with mature oak trees, which makes it a nice shady place to take a walk or enjoy a good book.

As you walk through the park, you’ll also notice elegant floral displays which are changed throughout the year.

This park is in a public location and is always open to visits. No admission is necessary to visit.

For more info, visit the park’s website here.

Waterfront Park

If you love the water, Waterfront Park is a stop you’ll want to put on your list.

It’s located directly on the harbor, so you can grab a seat on a bench and enjoy the sailboats coming and out of the marina.

On the park property is a beautiful fountain. On hot days, you’ll see children running through the water and having fun.

This 8-acre park is located near the market and other great shopping areas.

Whether you’re shopping, or just stopping by to view the beautiful flower gardens, this is a park you want to make sure you get to.

For more info, visit the park’s website here.

James Island County Park

 If you’re up for an adventure, James Island County Park is the place for you.

It spans over 600 acres and is open for fishing, crabbing, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more.

This park is also awesome for dog lovers, as it contains a completely enclosed dog park.

It’s only a $2 fee per person to enter the park.

For additional fees you can access the park’s campground, climbing facility, water park, disc golf course, and paddle boats.

Make a full day of it or camp out for the weekend at this park.

For more info, visit the park’s website here.

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Summer Surgery Tips and Suggestions from Nurse Chris

June 29, 2016 by
Version 2

Chris in Ireland

Our nurse, Chris Murakami, just returned from a wonderful vacation in Ireland and wanted to share some tips about sun and surgery with our readers!

Planning surgery during the summer months?

Here are some things to remember during vacations, trips to the beach, boating, or simply working in the yard.

It is very important to avoid becoming sunburned before surgery. It is quite possible you could be asked to postpone your surgery depending on the nature of the procedure and the degree of sunburn.  Many of our patients put a great deal of research and planning into scheduling surgery.  Making travel plans, arranging time off of work, and obtaining care givers is no easy task!  We’re here to help you keep your surgery plan on track.

Avoiding sun exposure immediately after surgery is equally important.  You are more likely to burn during that time period especially in areas that blood flow has been disrupted. Keep in mind your sensitivity to heat can be diminished so you might not realize that you are getting burned.

Submerging your body in standing water should not be done until all incisions are completely healed.  This typically takes as long as three to four weeks, but be sure that there is no open or draining area nor any remaining sutures before considering that summer swim.   There are micro-organisms out there that can cause infections and your intact skin normally provides a natural barrier.   You should always avoid the ocean, lakes, rivers, pools, hot tubs etc. whenever you have open wounds – surgical or traumatic.

As far as long term care, try to avoid sun exposure to both your incision lines and any bruised areas. The sun can turn your scars and skin dark if they are exposed before they completely heal or mature. This process typically takes about a year to happen for the surgical scar.  A good guideline is to wait until the scar is no longer pink before considering sun exposure.

Having surgery does not mean that you can’t enjoy the remainder of your summer!   Just be prepared. Stay in the shade as much as possible.  Hats, umbrellas, and sunblock are a must during pre and post-surgical weeks.  And remember, when you are out in the sun and heat, always stay well hydrated! – Have a great Summer! – Chris

Do you have a summer surgery tip to share with our readers?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston, Ask the Doctor, Breast Cancer Awareness, Health and Wellness, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Congratulations to the Class of 2016!!

June 1, 2016 by

Grad cap red

I’ve been in a bit of a stupor the past few weeks as my youngest is getting ready to graduate from high school and preparing to leave home for college in the fall.  It alternates between rambling on and on about scholarships, financial aid, school choices, to just standing, staring off into space not able to speak because it’s a bit surreal that my baby girl is ready to make her place in the world.  Not to mention, the constant feeling of being on the edge of a very long, very ugly cry.

Given that my current situation is what’s weighing on my mind right now it seemed natural to ask graduates what they want their parent to know and how that might differ from what the parents want their student to know.   I posed this question to a group of college bound seniors who will graduate June 1, 2016.  Some answers were funny, some sweet and reassuring but all in all do address some of our concerns as parents.

What is the one thing that you would like to tell your parent to help ease their mind and assure them that you are prepared and ready to go to college? 

– Parker also assures his parents that “I’m not going to spend all my study hours playing video games! I promise!  God!”

-Terry knows that “Uber saves lives.”  Smart boy!

-J.J. says beer tastes gross and Parker adds that it goes through your system too quickly.

-Alexandria appreciates learning some basic life skills!  “Thanks for teaching me how to do laundry!”

-Zachary tells us that his parent already knows his future college roommate.  We’re assuming that is a positive statement.  

-Simply stated Eli says “I got this!”

-Anizia thanks her parent for helping her become a mature, independent adult capable of taking care of herself.

-Ashton acknowledges the hard work it takes to be a parent. “I appreciate all the hard work and endless nights towards making me become the successful young lady I am today and I will not underestimate my gift and knowledge to surpass all obstacles.

-Bailey affirms that her parents have taught her well and helped her make good decisions and now she knows how to make good decisions on her own.

-Jonathan shares this “It’s time to for me to grow up in a new and unknown world. You have prepared me for this since I was being held in your arms. But it’s now time to find who I truly am. I will make mistakes, I guarantee it. But it’s you who has taught me to learn from every experience. So thank you.”

-Maddie adds with a smile emoticon that she is ready for this time in her life and reminds her parents that she will always be their little girl.

There are conversations that we parents all want to have with our graduates but somehow don’t seem to be able to do so without coming off as overbearing, nagging, or simply more involved than we are desired to be at this point in our students lives.  So, graduating seniors, bear with your parents as we try to make sure we have taught you and told you everything that we feel like you need to know in the next few months before you leave home.

Your well-being and success in college is our only concern.  We just need to know that you are going to be okay.   We need to know that we did a good job raising you and that you are able to make good, intelligent, and safe choices.   We need to know that you understand that you are going to college for a purpose, not just a party.  Have fun but be smart and keep your studies your number one priority.  We need to know that you feel equipped to handle most of the things we have always done for you – kept your schedule posted on the fridge, given reminders of your commitments, emphasized the importance of your schoolwork, handled your finances, filled out your forms, washed your laundry.    We don’t want you to be scared of new experiences.  We want you to make lifelong friends and we want to be confident in your ability to do so.

Ultimately, we hope you come out of your college experience a happy, productive adult ready to embark on a career that is meaningful to you and allows you to support yourself in the manner that you desire.   That is all. – Gail

 

Filed Under: All Things Charleston, In Her Words, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,
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