Book Review

Doors Open From Both Sides 

The Off-to-College Guide from Two Points of View: Parents and Students 

Margo E. Bane Woodacre, MSW and Steffany Bane

American Literary Press

Baltimore, Maryland

$14.95

About the authors:  Margo Bane operates a business specializing in communication and leadership seminars, and is a former two-term Delaware state senator. Her daughter Steffany Bane graduated with a B.A. in advertising and graphic design from the University of Miami, where she received the Outstanding Achievement in Advertising award from the School of Communications.
 

This brief guide was written by a mother and daughter chronicling the challenges of a child leaving home for college, from Steffany’s senior year in high school through college graduation.  Both kept journals of their experiences and feelings, offering an inside view of the roller-coaster of emotions that families can experience during this transition.  With an only child leaving home for a college far away, both mother and daughter headed for unknown territory and have pooled their experiences to help others chart the way.

Many students can identify with Steffany’s agonizing wait to hear about her college acceptance. With her heart set on the University of Miami, she was deferred for early decision.  However, as the authors point out, “deferred” does not mean “declined,” and Steffany was soon thrilled to receive an acceptance to her college of choice.

Mother and daughter collaborate on helpful advice that can relieve some of the stress involved in the off-to-college transition, including:

• Summer preparation before college

• Packing for school

• Roommates

• Keeping in touch with families – e-mail, e-mail, e-mail!

• Finances and budgeting

• Independence and responsibility

• Being sick away from home without mom’s chicken soup

• Managing time

• The parents’ visit

• The first visit home for the holidays—conflicts over rules and freedom

• Beyond the dorm—moving into an apartment

Though slim, this book is a practical resource for parents and students from two who have been there and done that—successfully!

For more details about the book visit: www.frombothsides.com