Reflect on personal growth during the break. Consider how the time away has helped you develop new skills, perspectives, or understandings.
Adjusting Back to School
Growth
3
After Your Break: Returning to School
Reentering school after time away can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to bring fresh perspectives and renewed motivation. This section provides insights on easing back into academics, reconnecting with campus life, and making your transition as smooth as possible.
REFLECT ON YOUR EXPERIENCE
Challenges
Acknowledge the challenges faced and how you overcame them. Reflect on what these experiences taught you about resilience and problem-solving.
Achievements
List any achievements or milestones you reached during the break, whether personal, academic, or professional.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Goals
Define your short-term and long-term goals. Consider how they align with your experiences during the break.
Plans
Create a concrete plan for achieving these goals, including any steps needed to return to school or advance your career.
Opportunities
Identify new opportunities that have arisen as a result of your break. Consider how you can take advantage of them moving forward.
RETURNING TO CLASS LIFE
Establishing a routine can make it easier to adjust back to the academic environment. Reconnecting with your support networks — like friends, professors, and advisors — can also help ease the transition. Don't forget to take advantage of university resources such as tutoring centers, counseling services, and study groups to support your academic success.
What Has Changed?
Take time to reflect on any changes in your perspective toward education and your career since your break. Think about the new skills or knowledge you gained and how they can be applied to your studies. It’s also helpful to consider any shifts in your priorities and how they might shape your approach to school and life moving forward.
Scheduling Classes
When returning to school, it's important to plan a manageable course load to help ensure a smooth transition. Meeting with an academic advisor can help you choose classes that align with your academic goals and keep you on track for graduation. As you plan, also think about balancing your coursework with extracurriculars, work, and personal commitments to maintain a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
ADRESSING THE REASON
What Improvement Have You Made Since Starting Your Break?
Identify specific improvements made during the break, such as academic readiness, mental health, or personal development. Reflect on areas where you have grown and how this growth will benefit you moving forward.
Did You Address the Reason You Took a Break?
Evaluate whether the original reason for taking a break has been addressed. Determine if any issues remain and what steps are needed to fully resolve them.
HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED?
Mental Changes
Consider how your mental outlook has shifted, including improvements in stress management, resilience, and overall mental health.
Personal Changes
Reflect on how you have changed personally, including any new hobbies, interests, or lifestyle changes.
Future Application
Think about how these changes will positively impact your academic and professional future.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
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