How to Bounce Back After a Difficult Semester
After enduring a tough semester, you may feel hesitation or anxiety about being in the classroom. Here are three ways to mentally and emotionally prepare for a successful return to college.
By Sharon Callender — October 20, 2022
When graduates proudly walk across the stage on commencement day, dressed in their caps and gowns, they are beaming. As students receive their diplomas and transition from undergraduates to college degree recipients, they are met with applause and cheers from family, friends, caregivers, and fellow graduates, sharing the joy of their success. It is the well-deserved, and hard-earned milestone moment every student fantasizes about from the beginning of their college journey.
This moment never happens by chance, good luck, or even being an exceptional student. It happened because of their perseverance, dedication, and focus.
There is not one student who reaches the milestone of graduation without facing their fair share of obstacles. Those difficulties might have included failed classes or low grades; being put on academic probation, mental or physical health struggles; unexpected financial constraints, a leave of absence due to the death of a loved one, or even having to take a full-time job to support their family. These setbacks and many others can cause any student to feel permanently stuck in a web of frustration.
But how do you successfully return to college after bumping into significant challenges and making it to graduation day? How do you bounce back without letting past circumstances hinder you?
The answer is directly connected to a strong work ethic and belief in yourself. You can rise above the hurdles and achieve your goals. The past doesn't have to sidetrack you.
When you are ready to return to the classroom after a challenging semester or receive the green light to start classes again after a withdrawal or hiatus, give yourself time to prepare emotionally and mentally. Doing the work of supporting your inner self before the semester begins will empower you to succeed, stay focused, and remain mentally ready to excel in the classroom and beyond.
Here are three ways to mentally and emotionally prepare for a successful return to college.
Decide to Focus on What You Can Control
We can often let what happens outside of ourselves change or persuade our outlook, but you hold the real power to move forward in your life. Now that you have decided to start over remember that you are in control of your attitude and actions. Your commitment to persevering overrides all circumstances out of your control. A tenacious attitude and acting on it will enable you to perform at your highest level.
Get clear about your plan for success. Find time to make pivotal decisions that will result in a rewarding semester. Use the DECIDE acronym (Determined, Educated, Confident, Inspired Disciplined, Enthusiastic) to create your blueprint for success:
Determined — How can you become "all in" about your college experience and your life? What would a typical day look like when you are in this zone? Showing determination may be as simple as committing to an extra twenty minutes of study time or submitting an assignment before the deadline. Even when you face unforeseen obstacles, determination gives you the motivation to fix your focus on the goal of graduation at the end of the road. Each assignment and class you complete leads you to that day. Always keep the end goal in mind!
Educated — Be committed to learning in the classroom and outside of it. Read or listen to audiobooks that encourage personal development and internal growth. One book to consider starting with is "Atomic Habits" by James Clear.
Confident — When we are confident, we believe in a limitless version of ourselves. We see our untapped potential and have the courage to embrace change instead of fearing it. What are the confidence-building steps you can take this semester? Could it be re-taking a required class you failed, joining a club, or seeking an internship? Trust yourself and take a leap that stretches your confidence muscles.
Inspired — What inspires you? Is it hiking or painting, or volunteering? Spending time with friends? Find time during the semester to create balance and joy in your life by doing something you love at least once a week.
Disciplined — Be the most disciplined person you know. Go to class, participate, do your homework, and submit assignments on time. If you need an extension or extra help, always communicate with your professor in advance before things spiral out of control.
When working on assignments, gently challenge yourself with these words: Am I only doing the minimum? Am I capable of doing more? Do I feel good about the work I am submitting? If the answer is no, what can you do to fix it? Is the solution seeking help from tutoring/support services or a simple revision you can do on your own?
Maintain a sense of pride in everything you do by producing work that reflects your personal best.
Enthusiastic — Be excited about this season in your life! You are intentionally paving a new path to support your personal growth and transformation.
Remember, what you DECIDE is your paintbrush, and your life is the canvas.
Limit Distractions
Life has thousands of productivity-robbing things that vie for our attention regularly. Sometimes it's binge-watching our favorite shows, social media, constantly texting, or gaming. A simple way to refocus on priorities and tasks that needs to get done is by reflecting on this question: Is this helping me succeed, or is this helping me fail? What is revealed through that straightforward question can guide you in the right direction. Let your answer be a compass that leads you back to your goals.
You Have the Skills
After enduring a tough semester, you may feel hesitation or anxiety about being in the classroom. One way to free yourself from this is concentrating only on what you learned from the past and how it prepares you for this new beginning. Maybe you learn that you study better with a group rather than solo, or listening to music helps you when writing papers. Make a list of at least ten insights from your previous college experience. These little discoveries can have a powerful impact on this new term. Approach this semester not as a blank page but as one with tips and notes written in the corners to guide you.
Sharon Callender
Rev. Sharon Callender is an interfaith minister, assistant registrar, and coach with certifications in life purpose, mindfulness & spiritual coaching. She specializes in helping individuals discover clarity, healing, and self-love through creative expression. Sharon is also a published fiction author and poet who is currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree at The New Seminary.
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