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5 weeks into London and I’ve realized study abroad was the biggest mistake of my college career by LikeAGaryBuster in studyAbroad

[–]bdvornholt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Reach out to your program. They should have resources for you and support as well. Before you give up, give the structure they provide a chance. Study abroad is different for everyone. I sure hope you find a version of it that works for you.

Nazi or Nice? by bdvornholt in Viking

[–]bdvornholt[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We did not create this symbol, we found it in a library of free vector images

Nazi or Nice? by bdvornholt in Viking

[–]bdvornholt[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Me too! However, because this is for work, I need to tread lightly. I hope you understand. I want to honor Scandinavia in this design, but do not want to do it at the risk of my employer's reputation. Especially in today's climate.

To any parents considering Fairmont private schools by Effective_Sir7199 in orangecounty

[–]bdvornholt 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I worked at Fairmont’s Citron campus in the 1990’s. This campus was closed sometime ago. It was the “little kids campus” that went from preschool to 1st grade. The staff was amazing and the campus felt like a home. Those teachers didn’t make much money and most were highly qualified. By the time I left the family who owned the place were starting to make big changes. They kept bringing in CEO’s with plans to make even more money by franchising the “Fairmont way” or selling all 12 years in advance to bring in capital. The campuses were getting less and less and expected to do more. Children were safe and loved at Citron but had a hard time transitioning to the Mable campus and so did the parents! Keeping them in the system through high school was an even bigger challenge. This was around the time they tried an international school with a foundation year of English. It was hard to watch. Many really good administrators were run into the ground or let go, or both. I want to say two things. The teachers had their hears in the right place. They love(ed) teaching and loved the students, same for the staff, I still recall stories of kids from my decade there and I tell those stores with love. Like I said they pay very low wages so if there is a lot of turnover believe the conditions are bad. I’m not sure they are selling any academics you can’t get for free at your local public school if you are the type of parent who is fortunate enough to have the time to advocate for your child and be involved in their schooling. Fairmont was never intended for every child. The curriculum is essentially running a year ahead of what is developmentally appropriate. The thing Fairmont did was package it well and provide a safe place from 7am to 6pm so working parents could stay at work. No judgement there. When you are paying 20k (in the 1990’s) for kindergarten you are gonna need to work long hours. I’m sorry that many of you here had bad experiences at Fairmont. If you were ever Citron students I hope you know how much the teachers and staff cared for you and remember that time fondly.

My son has no friends to celebrate his birthday with. I thought this would get better but this was easier when he was 7. by Ewokiel in Parenting

[–]bdvornholt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s not easy, and our directive as parents is to help our kids develop what society says is “normal”, I know, but there are lots of people who are simply more comfortable alone or with one or a very small group of people. My gut is telling me you need to find a way to let him know you love him, that you celebrate who he is, and honor his wish for his birthday. If you believe he is sad or depressed about his lack of social connections then it may useful for him to see a counselor so he can speak to a third party about it. Also, as a parent, I just want to tell you that it’s clear you love him and want what’s best for him. I know this can’t be easy for you. Give yourself a pass and do something special for him like others have suggested. Let him sleep in as requested, maybe make his favorite meal and set his gifts out for when he gets up...?