A few days ago, I had the opportunity to drop my daughter off at college for the first time. It was one of the most emotional moments of my life. At that moment, I realized what the phrase “time flies” really means. I could not believe that it has been 18 years since I brought her home from the maternity ward in my blue Saturn.
On this day, as we cleaned and sanitized her dorm room, I told her how I cleaned and sanitized my car before she rode in it for the first time. I also told her how I drove slowly and carefully and ignored the other drivers who were honking and yelling at me. After we arrived, I capped this story by letting her know that she will forever remain special to me. When we finished cleaning, sanitizing, and arranging her things, I said to her, “This is it, my daughter,” and tears began to flow. It is a nerve-wracking experience to drop a child off into this uncertain world.
September is back-to-school month. Many Nigerian parents across the United States will be sending their children off to college and to other institutions of education. While many like me are doing this at the college level for the first time, others are veterans who have done it repeatedly. However, regardless of where you fall in this spectrum, take pride in the fact that you and your child or children are the reason why Nigerians have remained the most educated immigrant group in the United States for many years – Congratulations!
As if the unknown world into which parents are sending their children is not scary enough, this year Covid-19 has made going back to school even scarier and more challenging. States and schools are grappling with finding a safe back-to-school path. Many schools are doing hybrid classes set up as part in person and part online. For the different learning options and more on what to expect this fall, we invite you to read the excellent article by our education correspondent, Patrick Idima at https://nigerianparents.com/education/what-to-expect-as-school-resumes-for-the-fall-session/
As you send your child or children back to school this year, the most important advice remains be safe and protect your health. Encourage them to adhere to the well-known guidelines and instructions. Most importantly, establish a contact routine with your child or children, follow up with the authorities if that routine is broken, and, of course, pray for them.
Speaking of praying, our featured speaker for September is a man of faith and prayer: Monsignor Anselm Nwaorgu. He is a parochial vicar, psychologist, and teacher. He is also the first native African priest to be elevated to the status of Monsignor in the United States. Nigerian Parents Magazine’s(NPM) interview with Monsignor Nwaorgu will be published on September 15, 2020, and will be on our podcast. If you have not heard Monsignor Nwaorgu speak, I invite you to read this interview, and you will understand why he epitomizes Nigerian excellence.
As we continue to bring these stories to you, we strongly believe that you are a vital part of the organic growth we seek. Therefore, drop us a note at editor@nigerianparents.com and and let us know what we can do better.