Sunday, my wife and I helped our 18 year old daughter move into her dorm at Hillsdale College to begin her Freshman year. Two weeks earlier, we watched as our 20 year old son loaded up his car to move back to Butler University for his Junior year. In between, our younger two headed back to middle school and high school to start their 2012-2013 academic years. This time of year is full of emotions as schedules return to the structure of school calendars and parents across the country help their children, grown and growing, into new chapters in their lives. The new school year is a rebirth as students take steps forward into their own futures and we parents seek to find our own way through the change. I wish all of you the very best as you manage your own challenges in this time; excitement, anxiety, happiness and sadness all converging to make it a most interesting time of the year.
For our student health center clinics across the country, another season begins. New students and the ever-changing landscape of health care in our country promise to make it a challenging year. May you find joy in the good work that you do and always remember that the care you provide is a touch of home for your student patients. Good luck and best wishes for an awesome 2012-2013!