BPA Ambassador Program off to a great start

The Brehm Parents Association’s Ambassador Program is off to a great start this school year. The program pairs family members of returning students with new student families. The “Ambassadors” answer questions about the Brehm experience and other questions that arise regarding Brehm and the Carbondale area.

“Parents who have had their children enrolled at Brehm volunteer to speak with new families about what to expect at Brehm and to address any concerns that new parents may have,” said Diane Field, BPA member. “We all understand how difficult of a decision it is to send our children away when they are still so young. By speaking with someone who has already done it, it is hoped that new parents will feel less anxious about their decision.

“It is also a chance for new parents to ask questions that they might not want to ask the administration,” Diane continued. “For example, new parents may want to know how van runs work and what types of activities our children participated in during that time. Or they may want to ask, ‘What type of clothes should a new student bring with them?’ ‘How is the food?’ Anything that new parents want to know about, our Ambassadors are happy to discuss.”

Diane said she remembers how the Ambassador Program helped her when she was a new Brehm parent.

“Hearing a friendly voice reassuring me that things were going to be fine, really helped me get over my fears of sending my son away to Brehm,” Diane said. “Plus, I learned some valuable information about how most of the students from Chicago take the Amtrak together from Carbondale to Chicago over Thanksgiving - how they stick together during the trip, with the older ones looking after the younger ones. I would never have considered letting my son take the Amtrak when he was a freshman until I heard that from my Ambassador. It’s been a great experience for Andrew and hearing this from another parent gave me the courage to let him take this big step toward independence. This type of information you only learn from other parents.”

Maureen Wielansky, BPA President, remembers her Ambassadors.

“We had the sweetest and most patient family,” Maureen said. “We sat on the phone for an hour asking questions and they answered every one of them. We also talked at Move-in Weekend and they checked-in with us throughout the year.”

Diane said that the BPA’s Ambassador Program serves “as the parent-to-parent welcome wagon.”

“It is hoped that the Ambassador Program provides the reassurance to parents who are sending their children away to a boarding school for the first time, that their children will be safe, well cared for by a remarkably devoted staff and that their children will be challenged academically, socially and emotionally,” Diane said.

Diane’s advice to new parents: “Know that there will always be someone at Brehm, including Ambassadors, who will be available to help you. And, try not to dwell too much on how much you will miss your child!”

Maureen’s advice: “Talk to your dorm parents. Keep in contact with your Ambassador. Contact the BPA if you need any help. And, remember that the Brehm staff is top-notch, so the kids are safe and will be fine.”