December 2007 Message from Student Affairs
Holiday Greetings!
When you dropped your student off at school in August, I am sure neither of you realized the many changes which would take place this semester. Whether your student is a junior biology major or still undecided as a freshman, each has faced new academic and social rigors.
Each has created a new synergy reflective of their emerging intellectual and social development. Each in their own way has contributed to the well-being of our community. Each has participated in helping those whose lives were touched by the California wildfires through community service and other philanthropic endeavors. As the fall semester comes to a close, I join you in celebrating your student and the transitions that have taken place.
n the next several weeks the campus will quiet as students prepare for final papers and exams. You may want to consider sending a healthy care package to your students so they will be reminded of the importance of balanced meals.
Sleep is one of the most overlooked and valuable resources when it comes to functioning at ones full potential. Research studies have shown that sleep deprivation (“all-nighters”) cut into the academic and athletic performance of all students. According to the Center for Disease Control,
“Students who are working or studying long hours often experience episodes of sleep deprivation. This can cause daytime sleepiness, sluggishness, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Learning can be more difficult, and short-term memory may be impaired. Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, making one more susceptible to infection. Young adults who do not get enough sleep are at risk for problems, such as automobile crashes; poor grades; depressed moods; and problems with friends, fellow students, and adult relationships.”
Faculty, staff, and administrators appreciate your sharing the following recommendations with your student.
- Review your class, work, study, and play schedule. See what changes need to be made to ensure you get six to eight hours of sleep each night.
- Avoid stimulants like caffeine (energy drinks) and nicotine. The stimulating effects of caffeine in coffee, colas, teas, and chocolate can take as long as 8 hours to wear off fully.
- Have a good sleeping environment. Get rid of anything that might distract you from sleep, such as noises or bright lights.
- Stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day—even on the weekends.
- Eat well-balanced, healthy meals.
- Visit the Health Center to seek medical attention if you feel ill or under the weather.
Coming home for the holidays is often full of expectations. Being clear and communicating your expectations to your student so there is no misunderstanding before they arrive home is a good idea. To learn what students thought were the most important things they wanted you, their family members, to know, we asked them. We listened as over 50 students gladly shared their thoughts during informal interviews around campus. Justin, a sophomore, summed it up when he said, “I want my folks to know, Life is good at USD.” Shelby a senior business major synthesized the comments of her classmates. When I come home I want:
- A clean room
- To SLEEP in my OWN BED and not have an alarm
- Lots of home cooked meals
- My laundry done
- Time alone with my mom (maybe go shopping or cook a meal together, get a massage). Guys like Ron said he wanted to eat or help moms with their meals
- Time to spend with my friends
- For all to know that if I am busy with my friends it doesn’t mean that I don’t care about my family, its just there is so little time and so much to catch up on
Freshmen like Jordon, Lauren, Allie, Conner, Sam and Samantha and Mai all echoed those sentiments and added their budding independence, "We are a lot more independent…. It’s important for you to know that I am not the same as I was in high school. I am more mature. I have been making my own rules. I want more freedom, more trust. I may not come home at the same time I did in high school, that doesn’t mean I am doing risky things, it just means I am growing.”
As this holiday season approaches, I congratulate you on supporting your student through this fall semester.
Yours in Torero Spirit,
Carmen M. Vazquez
Vice President for Student Affairs
