Perhaps your student had an opportunity to take a great summer internship in another city or to stay on campus working as an orientation guide. No matter the circumstances, if your student is not around this summer, chances are that you might miss him. Don't worry, though, because you can stay connected from afar by:

• Becoming familiar with the website associated with his summer activity-it gives you common ground to discuss ("I saw that the company you're working for this summer has a division in Japan-have you had a chance to do any international work?").
• Tapping into Instant Messaging and email to stay technologically in tune.
• Visiting him in his summer place-talk about what will work with both of your schedules and then plan a mini-vacation to a different place.
• Talking about your days-continue developing your adult relationship by sharing how your days have gone. He'll tell you what's happening or what he's learning and you can do the same. It's important that your student know what goes into your days, too!
• Sharing digital photos-you can send pictures of younger siblings splashing in the pool while he shares pictures of his new friends and surroundings.
• Sending cards, clippings and more-no matter what you send, that piece of real mail from home is bound to brighten your student's day!

You may not be in the same place this summer, yet your connection can continue to strengthen, even from afar.

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