Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 124
124 intention of beginning one. Therefore, parents should keep in close contact with their child, frequently reminding them of their Islamic values and being watchful of any red flags, such as refusing to talk about Rishtas (marriage proposals), or criticizing arranged marriage etc. DAILY LIVING Getting Ready for College Though the vision of college or university brings up images of knowledge, hard work and success, it can also include elements that are not the ideal environment for an Ahmadi Muslim child, or conducive to attaining higher education. Very often, parents who are first generation immigrants may not be familiar with the American education system, may not have the necessary knowledge about the benefits and drawbacks of the system. On one hand, college may open up doors to a lucrative career and prosperous life; on the other it can present some serious challenges for your child as he steps into this stage of his life. Therefore, it is important for parents to educate themselves about all aspects of college life and have some insight not only into academics but also into campus activities and the general environment. They will also have to decide whether they will permit their college bound student to apply to colleges far away from home or whether they will want their child to attend a school close by so that they may live at home, or at least be able to come home at weekends. When making this decision, parents and child should be fully in agreement. Weigh the pros and cons of each situation carefully, keeping in mind factors such as the standard of the selected institution, financial concerns and the maturity and personality of the child, especially their capability to maintain their Ahmadi Muslim identity when living on their own.