Do you have a loved one currently attending school? Is he or she in school to start a new career? Here are easy tips you can follow to give the students in your life the support they need for their upcoming class start:
- Believe in them. It takes a big leap of faith to enroll in a healthcare program for the first time or return to school after a long absence. Believing and vocalizing support in your loved one’s ability to succeed as a student can help boost their confidence when they have doubts.
- Be a cheerleader. Deliver encouraging messages in person, by text, email, or even social media! Sharing words of support such as “You can do it!” or “Thanks for working so hard!” may seem minor, but if you cheer your loved one on frequently and with feeling, they will have no doubts about your desire to see them succeed.
- Celebrate milestones in a big way. Another module complete – toast to your loved one’s success! Share the excitement.
- Be inspired. It’s inspiring to see someone you love overcome challenges or doubts toward reaching an end goal. Going back to school is not easy but it is temporary.
- “Like” the small achievements. Have a Facebook or Instagram friend who is going back to school? Pay attention to their news feed. If they mention studying for an exam, send an encouraging note. “Like” their education achievements big or small – from handing in a paper on time to learning about their externship. Let them know you are paying attention and care about their success.
- Watch the kids. School experts agree that one of the single biggest challenges facing parents going back to school is consistent childcare. Whether your loved one is your spouse, friend, sibling, or child, you can make things easier by offering to help with their children and honor your commitment. You will be amazed at how much studying an adult student can accomplish in 4 hours of kid-free time on a Saturday morning.
- Make a school schedule together. Going back to school as an adult requires serious time management skills. Create a family calendar. Block off times for work and school. Block off times for homework and study. Block off times for family and fun. Get the kids on a regular bedtime routine. Remember that you are in this together.
Some days your loved one may feel like going back to school is an impossible goal. On those days, your ability to listen may be all that matters.
Are you ready to start working towards a career you can love? Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for classes starting soon and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.
-Allen School
Article updated July 2024