Name: Susy Mansfield, Peterborough, NH

Background: Susy's daughter, Molly, is beginning her Sophomore year as a Liberal Arts undeclared major. Molly lived in Williamson last year and has chosen to move to Scott Hall this year.

Susy feels that dropping her daughter off at UNH was a piece of cake compared to the previous year. Molly spent a year as an AmeriCorp volunteer in Charleston, SC. “We went through much of the same feelings dropping her off in Charleston as many parents do when they are dropping off their kids at college. She was a long way from home – away from friends and family – a big change from her comfort bubble that she was used to! We made it through that year with lots of communication (I really recommend a good family share cell phone plan!!) and working hard at staying connected.”

Susy's advice for parents – “First, take advantage of all the information available from UNH. We signed up to be on the email list from Molly's Hall Director [more information about signing up] and that monthly glimpse into life in the halls was very valuable.

Secondly, I recommend a mini family vacation near UNH. At one point in the semester when my daughter was feeling a little down, I made reservations at a hotel near the beach and we had a little family get-a-way. It was only 30 minutes from campus, but it gave her the break she needed and helped us to stay connected.”

If you want to ask questions about the experience of being a UNH parent, contact Susy and Tom Mansfield [s.mansfield@verizon.net]

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