What College Students Must Do Before Taking Their Time Out
Are you handling the coursework badly? You might be unaware of the signs, which is not surprising at all. You fall asleep while revising your essay, and it happen on more than once occasion. You have a series of poor grades, almost failing on two units. It might take a year more than you're expected to complete all the requirements (before you receive your degree). You don't want your parents scolding you on this one, so you must take summer resits. And you don't plan to tell them about it. Perseverance - and procrastination - should enable you to meet all the requirements (and graduate), yet you wonder if you can make it to your final year. Are you ready for thesis writing? You don't have to answer that question, as you need to look at your situation. Maybe you need to take the time off.
It's not uncommon for teenagers to indulge in the things that they enjoy the most whenever the coursework is stressing them out. It's also natural to struggle, if not falter, if the pressure is getting into them. Some might be reminded of Nick Kyrgios, but this is not a case of a young athlete who may (or may not) be unaware of his privileged status. The warning signs can lead to a dropout, which can be a cause of regret later. You don't have to think ahead, as you must weigh your options. Dropping out won't be one.
5 Ways to Get Back on Track
Find the right people to turn to. You don't know where to find inspiration, and there are days when you force yourself to get off bed. The motivation is not there, which is a warning sign. Your roommate (or hall mate) may not be the best person to turn to. For one, you might have the same predicament as your mate’s. If he (or she) doesn't have a problem, then you might not get a sympathetic ear. You need an older person, who has been there before. Don't hesitate to tell it to your tutor. A counselor can also give you encouraging words. Your family can be allies. The next item is related to this one.
You should have a one-on-one. Some colleges require you to have one-on-one with someone from your department. It can be your tutor, if not a figure who can tell you that you're struggling with the coursework. There are other universities that don't offer feedback, which may force students to learn discipline and commitment the hard way. If you happen to be one of those students, then you must look at this situation as an opportunity. A journal should help you keep tabs on your progress (or the lack of), if you meet all the requirements (or some need to be arranged accordingly).
Do you need financial consideration? You may be having trouble with paying your tuition. You're too young to know how to handle money. There might be other factors as well. All of these reasons should be addressed immediately. It's not good if this would linger on later, as it can affect your focus on the coursework.
Ask yourself if you really need to take the time away. You might be getting burned out too soon, if not you're unable to make the necessary adjustment (to meet the demands of the coursework). It might not be a valid reason for taking the time away from your studies, but there's nothing wrong if you can make a strong case about it. If you want to pursue this course, then you must not forget to include the date of your return to your studies. You should have also the courtesy to tell your tutor (or anyone in the faculty, who happens to be in charge of handling such matter) that you still have the desire to go back to college (and complete your studies).; Failure won’t be an option, yet the time away can change you. It can give you ambivalent feelings on what you’ve learned in college and (what you've learned) on the road.
Define your purpose. If you’re having trouble in focusing on your coursework, then ask yourself about the purpose of your studying (this particular field of study). A degree would be a cherry in a cake, so dig deeper. You must like what you’re studying, if not passionate about it. This will help you enjoy reading and writing, which enables you to do better. You just keep on reminding yourself on this one.
A Note to International Students
If you happen to be an international student (and you plan to take a time off), then check out your visa first. It might not allow you do it, prompting you to apply for a different kind (of visa). And you may not have the time for it. Is it worth it? If you answer in the affirmative, then think about going back. You can end up paying more. Is it really worth it? If you’re still insisting on it, then think of the time wasted. The deed may not be done, but mulling about it is considered a waste of time. Read this article one more time.
