Parent’s Weekend is a special time for students to give their loved ones a glimpse into their college life. It is an opportunity for individuals to show their moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, and other relatives who come into town what makes their college their second home. I was ecstatic to have my parents and younger brother come visit me this November in New Orleans. After an unpredictable start to the semester, I was looking forward to showing them the progress I had made as an independent college student. 

I spent my weekend with my parents in a very traditional, quality time kind of way. We walked around Tulane’s campus, strolled through Audubon park, ate at my favorite restaurant, Satsuma, and explored the streets surrounding the university. We even attended the tailgates, football game, and had a feast at Josephine Estelle for dinner. I enjoyed having the opportunity to introduce my parents to my friends and peers, all of whom spent the weekend at Tulane with their families too. Overall, being able to show my parents around my new home was comforting. I have always seeked their approval in life, and thus, hearing them fawn over the university confirmed what I like so much about it. 

It is true that I had a wonderful, special, and perfect time with my family; however, after reflecting upon my weekend, I realized the true value of independence. College is a time for students to find themselves, experiment, try new things, and mature. I am certainly guilty of relying on my parents’ opinions too heavily, as they are the people I respect most in this world. Nonetheless, Parent’s Weekend illustrated to me the value of formulating my own views, ideas, and personal identity. By sharing my home away from home with my family, I was able to show them the many ways Tulane makes me happy. However, after only three months at Tulane, I am able to identify what makes me happy here on my own. 

 

Cover photo by: @greenwavefb

About Bailey Germain

Bailey is the Assistant Editor for College Life. She is a Sophomore majoring in Marketing and Management and minoring in Psychology. She loves to write about her experiences and give advice to her peers. When she isn't writing, you can find her at Riley or her favorite New Orleans restaurant Satsuma.

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Bailey is the Assistant Editor for College Life. She is a Sophomore majoring in Marketing and Management and minoring in Psychology. She loves to write about her experiences and give advice to her peers. When she isn't writing, you can find her at Riley or her favorite New Orleans restaurant Satsuma.