Having a support system is crucial when you go back to school. Family and friends play such an important role in your life; it just makes sense that their support, or lack of, can have a tremendous impact on your college success. The following tips may help you as you ease the transition for your loved ones as well as yourself.
Building a Support System
Take a minute to write down everyone you think can help you as you incorporate college into your life. Asking for help is tough for some of us, but the people around you are likely more than willing to lend a hand. You'll need assistance with things like chidcare, household duties, and stress management, as attending class and studying begins to take up more of your time. Don't forget to add support staff from your colege or university, such as academic advisers. These folks can be extremely valuable in providing answers to your questions and providing peaceof mind.
Communication is Key
Open communication with those in your life is the key to making it all work. Talk to you family members before you enroll in college so that they're aware of the reasons you have for wanting to go. Once you're enrolled, be sure to let them know of the changes they can expect, such as the fact that you won't be as avaiable to them as you once were. Reassure them, however, that you will be there when they need you and encourage them to communicate their needs as well. As you go along your college journey, things will come up that will need to be addressed,and changes will need to be made. Just remember to keep the lines of communication open as you go along!
Set Boundries
Setting boundaries with your loved ones and with yourself will help to keep you on the right track. Your famiy may expect you to be as active in the household chores as you once were. Remind them again of the benefits of pursuing your education and that they agreed to be supportive of your efforts. Then delegate some of the household duties to older kids, your spouse, or partner. Before long, everyone will slide into a routine that works for your family. Setting boundaries with yourself is another story.
So often we want to take on more than we can handle. It will be even more important while you're in school to say no to certain requests and to be creative about ways of completing others. For example, when I was going back to school, I often purchased baked goods for my kids' school parties or for summer gatherings, rather than making them from scratch. Though I enjoy baking, it took a lot of pressure off of me to be able to use that time fr studying and just pick something up from the store the next time I was out. Finally, you may be surprised to ind there are some friends who aren't as supportive as you hoped they'd be. Sometimes friends feel threatened by the fact that you're pursuing your education. They may even be jealous. Or they may simply be afraid they're losing you. Take time to reassure them, but don't let them bring you down or steer you away from your dreams.
Altough adding college to your life will be an adjustment, things will eventually settle down. If you've been a student for a while now, what has worked for you? What would you suggest to help new students in forming a support network?
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