Joanna Nesbit, Freelance Writer

Joanna Nesbit

Washington Post

  • 8 Pieces of Wisdom for Parents Sending a Child Off to CollegeAugust 2019

    After saying goodbye to your college student on move-in day, one of the hardest things to come to grips with at home is the yawning lack of information. Here’s what I’ve learned, from college experts, campus orientations and my own years of being a college parent, about how to navigate this shift in the relationship.

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  • One Student's Junk is Another Student's TreasureSeptember 2018

    You can spend a fortune on dorm furnishings, only to have your child chuck them in June. Here's what schools are doing to help reduce waste.

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  • Teens Face a Gender Pay Gap Too: Here's How to Help Them Navigate itJune 2018

    According to a gender pay expert, teen girls experience a pay gap too. And it turns out we're not giving our girls the skills they need for asking about and negotiating pay, skills they need for the adult work world. Read on for tips to parents and to girls. (Also published in Seattle Times.)

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  • Planning to Borrow for College? Then it's Time to Clean Up Your CreditJanuary 2018

    Many families need to borrow for college. Having a solid credit score and a good credit history will give you better options. Here's what to know.

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  • 11 Misconceptions About Paying for CollegeDecember 2017

    Understanding financial aid, merit aid, and college costs is complicated. Here are 11 things families commonly don't realize about paying for college.

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  • Getting Sick in College: How to Teach Your Child to Cope on Their OwnSeptember 2017

    It's not a question of if, but when, your child will get sick. Here's why -- and ways to mitigate being sick all year long.

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  • Money Conversations to Have with Your First-year College KidAugust 2017

    Even if your new college student is savvy about money, moving away to school is a big transition and involves lots of unanticipated costs. Here's what to discuss so everyone's on the same page about who's in charge of what. (Also published in the Chicago Tribune.)

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  • What to Know If Your Child Fails Out of CollegeMay 2017

    Students struggle for all kinds of reasons in their first year of college, and sometimes it involves failing out. Here's what to know about how to help your teen.

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  • How to Help Your College Student with Loneliness, Without HoveringSeptember 2016

    Students head off to college expecting it to be great and aren't prepared for homesickness, academic difficulties, and friendship woes. Here's how to help.

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  • How to Take a Gap Year Overseas When You're Not WealthyJuly 2016

    Not all kids are ready for college right after high school. Tips here from experts on how to create a great gap year, along with ideas and programs for domestic and international opportunities.

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  • When it Comes to Paying for College, Be Realistic and Do Your HomeworkJuly 2016

    College is expensive. That's why parents need to research costs and financial aid early so they're not blindsided during their child's senior year.

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  • Watch it This College Application SeasonOctober 2015

    College application season can be a fraught time, exciting for some and disappointing for others. My thoughts on why a bit of empathy is in order, learned the hard way.

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