A Time of Transitions
It's a time of transition for today's students. In addition to all the changes they're going through as members of their campus community, some of the constants in their lives are also changing. Katie Couric no longer welcomes them on the Today Show because she's starting her CBS Evening News gig as the first solo female anchor. "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, who so many kids grew up with, just died suddenly after being stabbed by a stingray barb. Andre Agassi has retired from pro tennis after being around most of their lives. Add in the upcoming five-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and all the TV specials surrounding that event, and you have a good bit of change being added to your student's plate. It's both the big and the small events that can have an impact.

Read more about some of the changes happening in our society that your student may want to discuss here and here.

VIEWS

• As students are getting to know one another, they talk about what's going on in pop culture, news and entertainment. The recent transitions made by Katie Couric, Steve Irwin and Andre Agassi will likely be topics of conversation, just as Princess Diana's death was for that generation of students (as it occurred in late August). When you talk with your student, ask what the buzz is on campus. This will help you see what students are discussing and what has an impact on them.
• During their time at college, certain events, from deaths to war to tragic accidents, may hit students in a variety of ways. If they're feeling vulnerable, an event may set them off emotionally. If they're feeling empowered, it may cause them to get active. Try to tune into how your student is feeling about things beyond what's happening on campus.