The loft is built. You’ve carried all of the boxes of clothes, DVDs and posters into the room. You’ve made two trips to Target. You’ve even bought school books.

You’ve been so busy, you almost forgot you’re going to have to leave your son or daughter behind in Athens. But now, all of the sudden, it’s time to go.

So, you take one last look at the room, give one last hug and say goodbye.

It’s a challenging time.

You’ve spent the last 18 years watching your children’s moves, helping with decisions, keeping them safe. Now, you’re expected to say goodbye and let them fly.

This is my senior year at the University. Three years ago, when my parents moved me into Russell Hall, I knew they would have a hard time saying goodbye.

What I wasn’t prepared for was the pang I felt when they left. I always have been independent and tried to carve a path without parental influence. But, when I was away from them my first semester, I felt lonely.

At this point, if your children say they feel lonely, it is not the time to swoop in, invite them home every weekend and feed them well and buy them stuff when they go home. What many students need are supportive parents on the phone, encouraging them to stay at school, meet new friends and join organizations.

Though it is easy to count down the days of the week and go home every weekend, your student will be more fulfilled and reap great rewards by staying at school.

When your child stays at the University, he or she will make friends, find a niche and ultimately succeed.

And, you will be proud when you come to visit and see a happy, plugged-in student who belongs.

As I stayed at the University and made friends, I found I loved the sorority I joined and found success writing at The Red & Black.

Ultimately, the most fulfilling culmination of a University student’s career is establishing a life for himself or herself (and attending a Georgia-Flordia game in which the Dawgs win!).

- Kristen Coulter is the editor in chief of The Red & Black.