Every Monday, a small group of moms come together at USC’s student union to offer encouragement and a listening ear. The moms try to provide a safe place for students to talk in confidence about anything that may be going on in their lives.
“We just spent some time over the summer really picturing it and thinking through it, what we wanted it to look like,” said Pat Lamas, one of the moms who takes part in “Ask Mom.”
“Ask Mom” began to make their weekly appearance in the fall on the outside patio of Russell House and has continued to be there for students into the spring semester.
“It just feels satisfying to come alongside some of the college students, and just either help them think through some things that they have been pondering, or worried about, or concerned or even just in their studies,” Lamas said. "It’s really been a privilege."
Just as they did for their own children that went to college, these moms hope to provide support and encouragement for those whose parents may be hundreds of miles away.
Jean Wilund has three children who have each gone through college. As one of the moms who participates in “Ask Mom,” her goal is to give students hope even when times may be trying and difficult.
“I just want [this] to be a faithful, trusting place to come and ask the lighthearted questions to the deepest questions that there are to ask and know that it’s a safe place,” Wilund said.
One of the most rewarding parts of “Ask Mom” for the mothers is having the chance to interact with college students and build relationships. These relationships become especially important because students may come to find that there is less pressure to talk about certain parts of their life to a mom than to their peers.
“I do think that relationships are really important and that nowadays, I’m not sure that we have the in-depth relationships that we once honored or valued,” Lamas said. “[Students] are guarded in what they feel they can ask or divulge to some of their peers. And so here, it provides some freedom and yet they feel encouraged by it, and maybe inspired.”
“Ask Mom” has received a positive response from students that have taken part in speaking to the moms.
“As open and receptive as they are to us has been a surprise, but also a delight. It makes it even more fun,” Lamas said.
Many students have taken the chance to talk to the moms whether it be through passing by and taking a cookie, or by asking for advice or just having a chat.
“To have moms on campus, it’s kind of refreshing, kind of brings a feel of home, and makes USC feel a little more at home and like you’re more welcomed here,” first-year finance student Steven Fracasso said.
“Ask Mom” will continue to take place every Monday afternoon, offering students a safe haven and baked cookies.
“I definitely think more students should take advantage of this opportunity because I don’t see a downside of friendly moms passing out cookies, or just being nice and seeing what we’re up to,” Fracasso said.