the encouragement lounge: Stay on track -- even when others don't get you

Monday, October 3, 2011

Stay on track -- even when others don't get you

Hi All,

I know that some of you have doubters in your life -- folks who don't get why you are back in school. Maybe they don't value education or maybe it's about their own insecurities or un-pursued dreams. Regardless, you made this decision with intention -- nobody goes back to school without thoughtful consideration and I'm sure you were no different. So, when those around you express doubt, or question that you are in school, or make little sarcastic comments, hold on to what you know in your core -- you are doing this for good reasons.

In addition, be sure to connect with people who "get it". Whether it's classmates or faculty in your program, or other friends or family, keep in touch and keep talking with people who will support you in this endeavor.

Any thoughts? Who has been supportive for you?

Cheering you on in your work,

Harriet

Photo by HLS

No comments:

Post a Comment

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.