Finding a Support System
7 minute read
When you’re starting school again after a break, there’s a lot to juggle. After all, you’ve got less time and more responsibility than the traditional college student. Support systems can look different for everyone, but they can help ease your transition back to school. That’s why having mentors, peers, and family members in your corner to help ease the transition back to school makes all the difference.
A reliable support network can keep you accountable, help you track your goals, and be there to listen when things get tough. Along with finding your favorite place to study, building a network of academic and social support will go a long way toward helping you succeed!
For many adult students, finding a support network can be overwhelming and a little intimidating. But even if you feel like you’re going it alone right now, there are so many ways to build a support network to help you throughout your academic journey.
Identify where you could use support
A good place to start is to consider your particular circumstances and where you could use some support. Write down your biggest fears or hesitations about heading back to school.
Write down what’s on your mind; then, spend a few minutes brainstorming possible resources available to you at home, work, or school.
Here are some examples:
I need reliable childcare while I’m in class.
School:
- Does my campus offer childcare?
- What classes are offered online during school hours or at night when my children are sleeping?
Home:
- Can a family member babysit for me?
- Can I find room in my budget for a regular babysitter?
- Do I qualify for a state stipend or grant to cover these expenses?
I’m going back to school after a long break and am worried about technology changes.
School:
- Are there virtual or in-person librarians available to me?
- Is there an IT support center or other resource offering email or chat support?
Home:
- Are there tutorials or getting started videos available from my student portal?
- Can I find helpful tips on YouTube or online?
- Do I know someone who’s taken an online class that I could reach out to for help?
I want to focus on classes (and a degree) that will help me get a job after graduation.
School:
- Who is my academic advisor?
- What academic and career planning services are available to me (and are they available online and during evening/weekend hours)?
Home:
- Can I ask my supervisor or mentor questions about getting into my career of choice?
- Do I know someone who has the job I want? Are they willing to meet with me to discuss tips on career planning?
I’m worried about the coursework being too difficult or falling behind.
School:
- Does my school offer online tutoring or peer mentoring?
- Does my instructor offer office hours or provide other means of asking for support outside of class?
Work:
- Is there anyone at work who knows my field and could help if I needed it?
- Would my work allow me to adjust my schedule to meet the needs of my coursework?
If it helps, tackle just one concern at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Remember, you’re just brainstorming! You don’t have to have all the answers.
Identifying fears you’re holding onto about going back to school, allows you to better understand where to turn next.
Finding support
Once you’ve got your list, talk it over with someone in your support system – a friend, family member, or your ReUp Success Coach. When in doubt, tell people you’re going back to school! You might be surprised to discover support from unexpected places once you start talking more openly about your journey back to school.
Support at school
In addition to your ReUp Success Coach, your school likely has several free resources for adult learners so it’s a great place to start building your support network. Your academic advisor can help you sort through your schedule and academic goals, and it’s their job to support you throughout your education, so don’t hesitate to ask for help!
Many campuses also offer student services, peer mentorship programs, tutoring programs, and technical support specifically for adult learners. Your school website is the best place to start researching what your school has to offer for both on-campus and online learners.
TIP
Your Success Coach is someone you can reach out to to help you find these resources. All you have to do is ask!
Your instructors and peers also provide excellent opportunities to network on campus. Many instructors love to connect with adult students and will appreciate your life experience and maturity. And given that 40% of today’s students are over 25, you may be surprised to find that many of your peers are also navigating their way back to school!
There are several ways to get involved, so try choosing just one approach that feels comfortable for you and that works with your busy schedule.
Here are some suggestions:
- Make a goal to attend one office hour with an instructor each quarter
- Reach out to 2-3 classmates to form a study group
- Join a club or attend an event on campus to find friends and mentors in your area of study
- Ask a classmate to meet up for a 15-minute chat on Zoom just to get to know them better
- Schedule 30 minutes each week to participate in online discussion threads, asking questions and deepening conversations
Support at home or work
Remind the people in your life why going back to school is important to you. Chances are, they’ll want to help you succeed.
Sometimes just naming your concerns about juggling work and life with school can allow others to offer support – like managing chores and housework, or babysitting once your schedule changes and becomes more demanding.
At work, talk to a manager or HR about possible tuition reimbursement. These programs can help offset the costs of school and provide an opportunity to present the new skills you’re learning at work.
If you’re still feeling stuck, reach out to a ReUp Success Coach. They’re there to support you whenever you need them.
