the encouragement lounge: Recognize the intensity and importance of what you are doing

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Recognize the intensity and importance of what you are doing

This is another post in response to Audrey who asked for advice for students who still have several weeks of classes remaining (or I would add, are working through the entire summer). I think that when we have been working at something for an extended period of time, we can lose sight of just how much we have already accomplished and even the significance of the endeavor.

As you work to maintain your motivation, reflect on all that you have accomplished. Whether you have just finished the first class of a master's program or the third year of a doctoral program, you have achieved, you are progressing through a graduate program and this is no easy task. Moreover, going to school as an adult, balancing school with family and work, is a significant commitment and one worth recognition.

Your pursuit of education is important and intense, and you are doing it! Bravo!

Cheering you on in your work!

Harriet

Photo by HLS

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Working adult students, on my mind...

I hope this blog will be helpful to friends and others involved in a variety of endeavors. However, I created the blog with students in mind and continue to develop it with that specific group as my focus.

I believe that with the increase in evening, weekend, and low-residency programs, students are working more and more in isolation. If we were all full-time students on campus, we would have the informal support that comes with being able to go down the hall and talk with a colleague, etc. But instead, we are working late nights and weekends at home in front of the laptop.

With that in mind, I hope the encouragement lounge provides brief moments of respite and energizing connection. This does not at all replace valuable face-to-face contact. Many aspects of the academic journey can only be addressed via in-depth conversations with colleagues and teachers. And I would always rather sit down and talk with someone than to communicate online. Nonetheless, my aim is to give you one more channel for quick hits of support.