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Home for the Holidays

Oh there's no place like home for the holidays,
‘Cause no matter how far away you roam,
If you want to be happy in a million ways,
For the holidays,
You can’t beat home, sweet home.

Robert Allen

 

Well, sometimes. 

Perhaps when the semester started, you thought this special time would never come.  Perhaps you’ve wistfully spoken of this magical place called “home,” dreamed about certain homemade treats you’ve missed so much, pondered pets that would eagerly greet you at the door, and grown ultra-tired of Skyping with those you love.

And then that extra-special moment arrives.  It is indeed wonderful to be back. But wait!  You say the house rules state that I have to be in by when?  You’re telling me to clean up my stuff?  You’re giving me a “to do” list that challenges the length of the Constitution?  You’re asking me a million questions about my friends, activities on campus and class choices?  You’re giving me advice that I didn’t know I needed?

Transitioning to independent living on campus and then back to the less independent life at home can be challenging.  You have been on your own agenda for three months and now must adapt to family life.  Even though it might be wonderful to be back in the presence of all those you have missed, the change in roles and expectations can be jolting. 

Add to these transitional challenges the fact that most families have their unique stress.  The holidays are often not “perfect” as idealized in stories or portrayed in films.  For all individuals, holidays are often times of added stress and even disappointment.  This experience can be particularly true for the college student.

Ways to cope?  Take care of yourself physically and emotionally.  Understand the natural challenges of the situation.  Plan time with helpful friends and family.  Engage in activities you enjoy.  Be gentle in communication.  Remember the overall goal of “win-win” in order to make the experience the best possible.  Consider that you’ll be slugging it out in classes again in just a few short weeks. 

Wishing you a wonderful holiday!

 

The Mary F. Harley Student Health and Counseling Center is supportive and integral to the academic mission of the college. Excellence in learning is optimized by health and a healthy lifestyle. The staff of the health and counseling center is dedicated to assisting students in making healthy lifestyle choices and accepting responsibility for their own health and well being.

Our Mission

The mission of Sweet Briar’s Health and Counseling Services is achieved through a holistic framework based on the harmony of the mind, body and spirit with emphasis on women’s health and self care.

Medically related questions should be directed to Rosie T. Lewis, Nurse Practitioner and Director of Health Services. Betty Blevins, the Mental Health Counselor should be contacted with questions or concerns regarding psychological issues. Both staff members can be contacted at (434) 381-6140.

Cheryl Steele, Dean of Co-Curricular Life, provides administrative oversight to the Health Center and works closely with the staff members. She can be reached at (434) 381-6134.

Student Accident and Insurance Plan

The student Accident and Insurance Plan is made available to Sweet Briar students.  Students may opt out of coverage upon completing and returning the waiver card indicating that they have other insurance coverage.  If a student does not waive the coverage they have purchased it for the year.

Claim forms are available from the Business office in Prothro hall and at the Health Center.  The College does not file claim forms or have any involvement in claims processing.

Details regarding the policy are available here: Student Accident & Sickness Insurance Plan

Special Housing Accommodations Application Information Form 2011

Other questions regarding the policy should be directed to Raymond C. Jones, CLU (804) 730-1727 or to Rita Cash in the Sweet Briar Business office (434) 381-6200