For one reason or another, many folks find the need and/or the desire to
return to school. It may be that physical challenges and life events or disabilities require them to rethink and adjust their career. Maybe life has taken them down a path of reflection and the need and desire to grow in certain areas of life lead them to further education. Work and professional credential renewals may also mandate it.
A course or two or an advanced degree in a person's life is seldom met with isolation. More often than not these people already have busy lives and full platters and school becomes yet another item to juggle.
If you are a person who is juggling life, work, and school, I applaud you. If you are challenged by pain and physical limitations as well, I am inspired by you. And I thank your families for any support they offer you as you work your way down your life path and master your educational pursuits.
I started my summer semester toward my Ph.D. this weekend. It is the first time I am taking three online courses simultaneously. Some may think it foolish. And it may in fact prove to be more than I can bear right now, but I have my reasons and I pray I am able to meet my goal to complete them all successfully at the end of 10 weeks.
At this moment, I am faced with the reality that the time has come and responsibilities are now. I was initially filled with panic as to how I would manage on top of all of the challenges that I am personally facing and the sleepless nights of pain and worry. For a moment at least, the mountain seemed insurmountable at best. But this is not the time to belly up...
After a good look, a deep breath, and a reminder that I am not alone, I began to look at the big picture and break it down into manageable pieces. One thing I knew for sure - I needed to
get organized. So I took the time to look at each course: assignments, special activities, projects, other requirements, etc. And I noted the due dates for these items on a calendar.
Once I noted the major features and requirements of each course, I took time to specifically review those assignments due this week. And I made copies of those things. I created folders for each course and I entered the information into each one. On the fronts of the folders I noted specific components: texts, journals, posting requirements and project descriptions for quick reference.
Next I noted all non-school responsibilities and events on the same calendar. For all entries I placed a tentative time frame so I could get an idea how everything was fitting together.
Probably one of the most important things for people with pain and limitations like myself, I made time for rest periods, noted usual times of heightened pain and discomfort and I made space for flexibility in my busy calendar. I noted the word "negotiable" next to these because they may change. I want to feel I can adjust my routine to accommodate them as needed. For people with pain and discomforts, handling busy schedules requires us to be sensitive to our personal needs and limitations as well as our strengths and ambitions.
I also printed out one last item before retiring last evening - the time line and deadlines for making enrollment adjustments. This is the first time I have ever attempted 3 courses simultaneously and it may prove to be too much for me. And that is okay. I won't know unless I try however, and I am willing to give it my best.
The one good thing for me is the fact these are online courses so I can take them from home. This helps a lot. I opted for this type of learning for a number of reasons. I can continue to work and go to school. I can work on my homework sitting in a recliner or laying in bed when I can't sleep at night if necessary, etc. I can use my heating pad whenever I want. The flexibility is of great importance and a necessity.
Get the most out of the technology you use. My computer has the capability of voice recognition and I am setting that up. I have neurological deficits in my arms making typing almost impossible at times. During those times, I will consider the voice recognition capabilities of my laptop to keep on keeping on if necessary. The investment in software to make learning easier is well worth it if a person plans to complete a degree online.
And don't forget
ergonomics, especially for the person with pain syndromes and physical limitations. Be sure your study area is comfortable and accommodating. If you are most comfortable working with a laptop on a sofa or in a recliner with legs elevated, then consider doing so for brief periods. But make sure to stop, get up and move around periodically and stretch. If you tire, leave school work alone for a little while and go back to it later when you are refreshed. You will accomplish more in less time. Try to keep balance. Your school work is only part of your daily routine. Don't neglect other responsibilities to family, work, and community.
So if you have had a desire to explore the path of continuing education, don't let your limitations stop you from doing so. The key is to be flexible and organized with your time and energy. Don't allow yourself to over-tire or get so over-stressed you begin to feel ill. Be conservative at first. Try one course and see how it goes. Later on, you may desire to test your limits. And be forgiving if you find that you may have to step back and re-evaluate your plans and time lines. It is okay to do so. It is not a sign of failure by any means.
How many of you out there are online students or busy adults juggling with school on top of everything else in life? Let me hear from you! What have you done to make this workable for you? What advice can you share with others who need to forge on in the wake of other life challenges? Create a post with "School Challenges" in the title on either my
Pain Management or
Migraine message board and together let's forge on! I look forward to hearing from you!
~Indie
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Labels: Education
