Second Thoughts

I know I said I’d talk about online learning strategies last blog, but it’s a stone in my shoe about not addressing one reason that some of you might choose not to register for fall classes. So second thoughts about blogging today.

Full disclosure: I almost always lean toward “Go! Go! Go!” and haven’t been told yet that a student felt it was a mistake to have kept on. I will admit there may be times to do with finances, head space, or health where a gap year is prudent. I just don’t like to see that particular decision made for the wrong reasons. Sometimes those reasons that hold us back are hurdles, not barriers.

So second thoughts for you, now, about not going back. If you’ve made your decision, this is an invitation to pause, to look at the reasons behind your decision–not just the logical reasons, but the emotional ones too. What made you come up with this decision? Who have you talked with–it’s good to check in with your counsellor, your coach, your girlfriend/boyfriend if you haven’t already.

All this information, all of the logic you have applied still doesn’t answer the biggest part of why you have made this particular decision.

We make decisions on the basis of emotion, then use our brains to make our case to ourselves. 

I’m inviting you to really look at why you made the decision you made–in terms of what is the emotion, the feeling behind your decision?

Maybe you are fed up with the frustration, changes, and uncertainty of how classes will go, what will happen, and are seeking the certainty of an alternate plan, be that a job, reading, caring for the kids, etc. A moment’s thought here will let you assess just how certain any of the parameters connected to any plan is guaranteed. Short of mushrooming yourself for the next couple of years, you will have to deal with uncertainty–just what kind of uncertainty we are . . . uncertain about. You have successfully dealt with uncertainty and frustration over the past few months, and can do it again.

Maybe you are afraid, and right now I think almost everyone is afraid to some degree of how the coming year is going to unfold. Take a breath. It is okay to be afraid. You have dealt with fear over the past months (and previously, no doubt). You can do this again.

It is okay to want certainty; it is okay to be afraid. This is just not the time to make decisions about your career based on these wants. If other factors really dictate a gap year, go for it! However, if you can get the other factors reasonably lined up, then don’t let the very real emotions we all have trick you into making a decision that can hobble you down the road. Take a breath. Fear the fear. Do it anyway and . . . Go for it!

Here’s one of the few cynical thoughts I’ve had–let’s say your GPA is less than desirable. If ever institutions and the people in them are going to be more inclined to helpfulness and flexibility rather than rules and rigidity, this next year is going to be the year to feature such student-affirming attitudes and policies. Take advantage.

On that tip, the usual invite to share your particular wants, fears hopes for next year [email protected]  

(Next time I really will talk about tips for succeeding with online learning.)