College student development can take on many intricate forms. However, one of the prominent theories, written by Arthur Chickering, uses "vectors", or levels, to identify the main areas in which students will face challenges while in college. These vectors are in order and must be worked through before moving to the next. Typically, your son or daughter will most likely experience the first two vectors during their first year of college. Each vector is briefly described below:
Developing Competence: "Am I Cut Out for This?"
In order to move to any of the subsequent vectors, college students need to develop competence in three areas: intellectual skills, interpersonal qualities, and physical/manual abilities. To elaborate, these entail developing critical thinking and effective communication skills, as well as acquiring athletic and artistic achievement. Students may question their abilities as they work through this stage but should get a sense of confidence as they master each area. Examples of this may include how to handle the demands of their classes while having less structure in their daily schedules, or having many new opportunities and student organizations that your student could become involved with.
Managing Emotions: "How Do My Feelings Affect My Actions?"
Students learn to manage emotions such as anxiety, anger, depression, desire, embarrassment, guilt, and optimism. Managing emotions is important to ensure that these feelings do not interfere with educational and personal growth. Overall, students become aware of their emotions and are able to adjust them, thereby developing self-control. This can be seen in the adjustment of having a roommate and working with each other to make it a livable space for each. Your student may or may not have had their own room over the years and open communication and respect are a part of managing emotions.
Moving Through Autonomy toward Interdependence: "On My Own"
Students begin to trust and depend on themselves rather than relying on traditional support groups such as parents and teachers. This separation is important in order for the student to express his or her own opinions and goals in life. You may see your student make some major decisions on their own such as where they want to live or changing their academic major.
Developing Mature Interpersonal Relationships: "Intimacy and Friendship"
Students begin to accept and appreciate differences while responding to people as individuals without stereotyping. Furthermore, they will begin to develop the capacity for intimacy and relationships become more meaningful. College provides your student with an opportunity to interact with other students from various cultures and backgrounds that they may, or may not, have been exposed to in high school. Through this interaction, stronger friendships and relationships are created as well as mutual respect of others.
Establishing Identity: "Who Am I?"
Students learn to understand and accept themselves while establishing their personal system of behaviors. Comfort with the different aspects that individuals identify with or that make up their experiences is important in establishing identity.
Developing Purpose: "Where Am I Going?"
Students should be able to define career goals, personal aspirations, and familial obligations once they establish a personal identity. Decisions will start being made in order to learn to balance these goals, aspirations, and obligations. These decisions include internships both in and out of the
Developing Integrity: "Personal Value System"
The development of identity and purpose hits a peak with the development of integrity. During this final vector, students clarify and establish a set of values and beliefs that remain consistent and provide a guide for their current and future behavior. Thoughts and behaviors that they may have in high school are rationalized and either kept or discarded. A strong sense of ethics develops that your student will hold presently and into their future.
After hearing that you may be thinking, "That's nice but what does it mean for parents?" Essentially, this article is intended to help you understand that college is a time of development, transition, and experimentation beyond that which you may have experienced with your student in high school. Your college student will undergo many changes and still needs your encouragement, love, and guidance. However, it is important to encourage your student to make his or her own decisions and allow room for failure. Now is the time to, to encourage them to explore and question their passions, beliefs, and more. These invaluable experiences will ultimately help your student grow into independent, well-rounded, successful adult.
Written by: Jenny Constantine, BGSU Intern/Florida International University student