Moms Know Best: Local Women Look to Make Connections on Campus

Once a week, Sue Jackson and Lori Rose find a place to sit on Penn State’s campus and do what comes natural to them — be moms.

With a sign that reads, “Ask a mom” and a fresh batch of cookies, the seasoned mothers — each with kids who graduated or are currently attending Penn State — offer their services to those who may be missing the comforts of home.

It all started when the pair got together at church one day, brainstorming a way they could help. They began to realize that for students on campus who are often away from home for the first time might benefit from some good “mom time.”

“We got to talking about wanting to show love to our neighbors, students especially, and just be kind to people and listen to them … We are not selling anything or pushing anything. We are just here to love our neighbors,” said Rose, who lives in Pleasant Gap.

“We care about campus and we care about the students. We are connected because we live here and we have family who have been here as students,” said Jackson, who lives in State College.

“So, I got thinking about it. This whole campus is here and what are we doing about it? Nothing. So, how about we just go sit and see if anyone wants to interact? Or we could listen to someone if they need someone to talk to.”

The pair considers themselves introverts, so they stepped out of their comfort zone to try to make connections with others.

“The first time we came out we were kind of scared about how people would be to us, but everybody has been very, very positive,” said Rose.

She brings her dog Ellie along because “a lot of people love to pet a dog. They miss their dogs more than their moms.”

They started their efforts the week before finals and they said many students were glad to get some motherly encouragement and a little stress relieving playtime with Ellie.

Over the weeks, the pair have met many people, from a young woman whose mother died 15 years ago and was looking for some advice, to international students who are a long way from home.

Since classes have been let out for the summer, they have talked to more staff members on campus who are looking for a little motherly advice, and all are welcome.

They move around campus to different locations so they can meet different people, but one young man has stopped by three times — once even after he graduated and went on a trip across the country. He made sure to stop and tell the “moms” about the experience.

Their “Ask a mom” sign has brought in some interesting queries, such as “What should I get my mother for Mother’s Day?” and “What questions should I ask when sub-letting my apartment?” and “How long should I date someone before I ask them to get married?”

While they know they don’t have all the answers, they do what moms do best. They listen and care.

“My daughter, who graduated from here, had so many friends who lost their mom or didn’t have a good relationship with their moms. So, that just struck me that people just want to talk to an older woman,” said Rose.

A free cookie and a couple of pets to Ellie’s head helps too.

“We don’t have a lot of other valuable skills to give people,” joked Jackson. “But we can give our time and attention and try to show love to strangers.”

This story appears in the June 30-July 6 edition of The Centre County Gazette.