Parent & Family Advisory Council Member Feature

Machonne Williams

What surprised you the most about the transition to college for your student?

• He wanted to be independent and was ready to figure things out on his own. Learned how he became a stronger leader. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to parents of first year students? 

• Let them figure it out. Yes they may fail, yes they may need you, let them grow. They will appreciate you much more. Don’t solve the problem for them ask questions to make them think how to solve the issue. 
  Schedule a video call to to speak weekly, seeing them is better than hiding behind a text message. 

What have you learned about Drake since being on PFAC?

• Friendships. What’s happening in so many areas on campus. It’s great for parents to be involved and to also volunteer. 

Robert Bradic

What surprised you the most about the transition to college for your student?

• The amount of hands on care that was provided to my son.

What is one piece of advice you would give to parents of first year students? 

• Be involved as much as possible. Find out about volunteering and do it. It will pay tremendous benefits for your family.

What have you learned about Drake since being on PFAC?

• We learned how to craft a roadmap for success for our son.

Jay Andrew

What surprised you the most about the transition to college for your student?

• How little they wanted to come home.

What is one piece of advice you would give to parents of first year students? 

• Stay in touch. Everything can change in a flash.

What have you learned about Drake since being on PFAC?

• How integrated all of the different departments of the university actually are. I never expected the level of coordination between the different departments.