Sleeping off on the couch after a short lunch break at home. I told myself it is just going to be some minutes. I jolted out of sleep realizing there was something else to do….the meeting! A block on my calendar has been dedicated to that, unfortunately no alarm was attached. I scrolled to find the zoom link and quickly joined. Hi everyone, my name is Olushola….happy to meet you guys. The next question was “What’s your favorite thing about summer?” Stuttering, I knew there was something I really love about summer…Aha! No classes!! The other students giggled as they agreed. Summertime is always anticipated and loved by all students (everyone, who wouldn’t?). As much as it signals some free time, for grad students, it is not immune from lab stuffs, late night lab stops, presentations and all the shenanigans. Nevertheless, having classes out of the picture is so great! Time as we know it must have wings, because it flies fast! The summer break comes to an end and in no time, it is time for school. So, if you haven’t entirely been away from the same environment, how do you prepare for the back-to-school season as grad students?
1. God first.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5-7 (NIV).
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil
Every semester comes with some new experience, and with that may come anxiety about all the unknowns. Aren’t we all glad we have a known God unto whom we could handover our unknown future? Well, I am! Committing our ways to God would be a great place to start as we prepare to get back to school. This resumption is not just another next casual thing to do. Consider it as an assignment and another avenue to walk with God and experience Him in different capacities. Holding unto God’s word and promises would help us get through the semester. When we place God as the Lord of our lives, every detail of our lives becomes his interest. This semester is not just like any other you are used to, why not handle it differently too? Wisdom is a principal thing to pray for and the strength to carry on.
2. Rest.
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.
Psalm 62:1 (NIV).
I know there are still many things to do, and the time just never seem to be enough. We go into summer with expectations of completing what could not be achieved during the semester. We think about finally analyzing that abandoned data, getting more data for your project, or making a headway towards the timeline for your degree progression. Shortly, we realize the lofty goals are limited with time and we may be forced to work through summer into the semester. It’s best to take sometime off just to refresh and get ready for the new semester. Our mental, physical, spiritual and even emotional capacities are of high priority, and they also need some attention. It’s good habits to consistently be in tune with your feeling and check the status of your wellbeing. We are productive when we invest in ourselves. It does not have to be some expensive getaway or breaking the bank to get a vacation. Take some time off to do what you simply enjoy (ditch that research) and would make you relax. Hey, God modeled the act of rest to us right from the days of creation (Genesis 2:2). To avoid getting stressed out too soon or getting trapped in the web of burnout prematurely, rest is a must.
3. Get something new.
When I see parents and their kids at the back to school supplies aisle in Walmart, there’s that nostalgic feeling I get of the good old days. With resumption comes the new textbooks, notebooks, writing supplies and the good stuff. Yes, you are a grad student and probably thinking “I’m an adult do I need that?”. Get something new for yourself as you prepare for school. It gives a feeling of preparedness and sets the tone for resumption. It may be the nice functional tote bag you’ve saved for later on Instagram or the new t-shirt that would be a nice conversation starter. You may get something for your bench in the lab too! Nothing big deal but a way to motivate yourself for the work ahead. Don’t forget to use the back-to-school coupons that you can find!
4. Recap and Goals.
Take some time to reflect on how the status of your summer goals and plan ahead for the new semester. A great way to mark the end of an era and the start of a new, is to take notes of the experience. When we think back on how we spend our days, we are more intentional moving forward. Being responsible with our time and accountable for actions is a way to shine our light as children of God. We see how faithful God is and it opens our eyes to see the prayers that turned to praises and we give God the glory for everything.
5. Declutter your workspace.
Let’s remember to declutter and rearrange our workspace. I’m no psychologist but refreshing our space probably sends some nice signals to the brain for work mode. I get that from moving things around in my home and redecorating also. Let’s move things around and get our pens and notes back to where they should be. This is a reminder to rearrange my desk!
Happy back to school and I pray for good success this semester for everyone! Amen!
Special note: Would you give your life to Jesus Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life. If yes, please pray the prayers below:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection for the salvation of my soul. Please forgive all my sins. I choose you today to follow and to obey. May your love and the holy spirit lead and guide my purpose for your glory. Thank you, my Lord and savior. Amen!
Grace and blessings,
Olushola.
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