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Submitted by Shannon Hime-Bizzarro, Chair of The Citadel Family Association

Whether this is your first child who has left home for college or the only child to choose a military college, transitioning to The Citadel can be an interesting experience.  Unlike other public colleges, at The Citadel you and your child will be exposed to new terminology, proper uniform protocols, mandatory study time, and much more.

In addition to the military lifestyle your son or daughter will learn to embrace, there are often some very real challenges that are not immediately evident. Having a few of these things in mind can give you a head start at finding solutions that work for your family as you all begin this new adventure.

One of the first things people notice about Charleston is the weather. There are many beautiful days to appreciate. There is also a sticky humidity that hangs over everything.  Acclimation to heat and humidity can prove difficult cadets. With an increase in physical activity, most are not accustomed working out in these conditions.

It is not uncommon for the infirmary to have sick calls in the first weeks as the heat takes its toll. Though Knobs will be issued "CamelBak" water packs for use during the cadre-training period, you should still encourage your child to hydrate prior arrival. Water or sports drinks (to replenish electrolytes) are the best choices. This is also a good idea for you remember when you visit Charleston.

Our high temps and humidity can last through October. We don’t pull out our fall clothes quite as quickly as Northern region, so be sure monitor Charleston weather when planning a visit, or you will find yourself struggling to acclimate as well.

Another unnoticed shift in the early weeks is that of expectations, both cadet and parent. Moving away from home for the first time can be exciting, but if it’s unchartered territory, the expectations may be unbalanced. Many parents expect the phone calls and letters to be commonplace. The truth is that your child will be busy and tired. A quick email or text may be the norm for the first several weeks.

Your cadet will also experience other shifts, including:

• Money management
• Time management
• The joys and struggles of both being away from home & meeting The Citadel's multi-tiered challenges.

There are cycles of both need and avoidance as they begin to manage their departure from home. This is commonly manifested through their requests for financial and moral support, without a desire to hear parental advice or correction. Despite these common experiences, your cadet will greatly benefit from your encouragement throughout Knob year.

The last element for consideration is for your Cadet to stay focused why they chose The Citadel. Most of your cadet's high school friends will attend "normal" colleges and have experiences not found at The Citadel (frat/sorority rush, no curfew, time jobs, unlimited freedom). They may think they are missing out and wonder "what if'.” If doubts of this nature come into the conversation, it is very helpful to remind them of why they chose the "road less traveled" at The Citadel. There is no easy path to more than 175 years of proven success!

So where does the CFA fit into this?

We can offer our own experiences and encouragement to you because have been where you are — and we are still here! Every child is different and every year of their education here be different. But you are not alone!

Every cadet company has assigned CFA Reps. (as listed on our website) who have received training and are poised to help you , or direct you to those on campus who can. They are knowledgeable not in school information, but in taking things day by day, sometimes hour by hour. Each one of us is here for one of you.

We welcome you to our Citadel family, and we are so excited you are here!