Stephanie Staples is here to school you
Raegan Hedley, Lifestyle Columnist
Fall, or back-to-school season, is engrained in our brains through commercials that harass us to buy new binders and sneakers just for 12 years of mandatory education. Despite how you spent the last four months of freedom, I know there’s a part deep down inside any of you starting another year of college that wants to throw your textbooks into a body of water and run away.
Since I’m a student who shares these feelings and fears, I asked Stephanie Staples, life coach, professional speaker and host of “Your Life, Unlimited” on 680 CJOB, for some advice on going back to school. I could try to give you guidance myself, but when you’re still in school, it can be like trying to see the forest through the trees. Because students in college are often at varying points in their lives and education, she emailed back with advice tailored for three different types of students.
Students starting post-secondary education
Stephanie says, “as you get used to this new normal, the expectations will be high, the questions will be many and the demands on your time may seem overwhelming. Generally, the amount of work you have expands to the amount of time you give it. If you don’t put boundaries around your time, chances are very good it will consume much more time than needed.”
Key takeaway: Put boundaries on your time
Students in the last year of their degree or program
Stephanie says, “you may feel so done, ready to quit, like ‘that’s enough already!’ Hang in there and let ‘done is better than perfect’ be your mantra. Work to avoid burnout and remember that perfection is highly overrated. Work towards excellence, not perfection. Do the best you can given all the other circumstances in your life.”
Key takeaway: Done is better than perfect
Students going back to school later in life
Stephanie says, “you may not have the luxury of living at home and being called to the table for dinner every night. Very likely, you have a job and other people to look after and dinner to make! Sit down with the important people in your life. Explain to them exactly how they can support you as you begin this new phase. Tell them what’s in it for them (a less-stressed you, more time with them to do fun things, etc.). Give them choices of things they could do to help: walk the dog, clean the kitchen, give you peace and quiet between 7 and 9 p.m. Thank them sincerely. It won’t just be you earning this education — it will be a group effort.”
Key takeaway: Delegate, delegate, delegate!
Raegan Hedley is a sassy millennial who
aspires to someday become a kick-ass
business professional. In the meantime,
she writes on her blog at raegjules.com and tweets
