This week, more than ever, I find that I have been focusing on how drastically my life will change as soon as school begins. After meeting with my student liaison from The Wright Institute, I have been very focused on what the transition will be like as soon as I start school.
Currently I am living a life that while not as intellectually (academically) stimulating as I would like, it's easy. I work a set shift, make enough money and am able to spend ample time with my partner, family and friends. My favorite upside to having all of this extra time is that I get to create- by cooking. While I am excited to be accomplishing my dream, I am anxious to see how drastically my life will change. I am not only anxious for myself, I am anxious for my relationships with friends and my partner.
As mentioned before, I had a meeting with my mentor from The Wright Institute and I received the best advice about graduate school that was very much needed. The advise ran the gambit from how to maintain relationships to whether or not I could work throughout the school year. These pieces of information were so vital to me that I wanted to share them with anyone else working toward graduate school or working toward an end goal that will change their lives in any way.
#1 Don't doubt your ability to accomplish your goal. If you've been accepted into a program it's because you are prepared enough to do it.
#2 Treat your program (whether academic or not) like a job. From the way that you dress, the amount that you participate and how you interact with others, it is imperative that you maintain a high level of professionalism. This could land you a reference, job or internship later on.
#3 Don't feel pressured to be everyone's friend. While understanding the social climate of your program is important, having friends and being a member of the social scene does not always need to be a priority. I am the first person to be overtly social and comfortable in group settings but it is important to not let petty social issues get in the way of your goals.
#4 Beware of Burnout! This is by far one of the most important tips. Know your body and mind. Know when to say NO to extra work or optional reading.
#5 Set specific days in which you won't do any work. If you're anything like me it's impossible to say no to an extra 30 or 40 mins revising a paper or studying for an exam. To both avoid burn out and maintain healthy relationships it's imperative that you are able to put down your work and walk away from it.
#6 Understand what is expected of you. As simple as this may seem, it is very easy to get trapped with an assignment when you do not understand what is being asked of you. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Questions will help you understand what is being asked of you, what goals you need to reach, what resources to use to get there and can help create stronger relationships with co-workers, cohort members or professors.
#7 Be open with your partner or friends about your work load. While friends and partners will come and go, your education is something that will be with you forever. For this reason, be honest about how much you have to do and when you are free to make plans. If you know you will be unavailable, tell people in advance and let them know when you will be free. This will keep you from unneeded social stress.
#8 See this experience as an adventure! Yes this will be a lot of work and there will be stress involved but you are accomplishing your dream- remember that.
No comments:
Post a Comment