but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV).
Hello all, it’s been a minute! Phew! Don’t get me started please, life never stops being spontaneous, but God never stops being good too. I had to take a needed break for some reflection and self-care. The semester is quite underway by now and if given a chance, you can describe how it is going for you succinctly. Reminiscing on my introduction to this life, I thought about those who are just having a feel of their first semester ever. I had my first experience of the “first semester” at the start of my master’s degree program. As an international student, I just arrived from my country, caught in the web of conflicting time zones, culture shock, and before I knew it boom, classes started. Between juggling with topics from unfamiliar territory or grasping new concepts and techniques, warming up to new people and trying to find where to get what, life never stops. Important questions ensue like what is daylight saving? Oh! You mean this is not yet the coldest temperature? Could you convert that to degree celsius to understand the intensity please? Rent, groceries, bills and what-have-you, let’s not talk about intuitively converting whatever you buy to your local currency and screaming inside your head, what! As if that is not enough, your academic responsibilities are saying “please don’t leave us behind”. Despite these, some students are expected to get going with their TA classes, just because that is where the stipends come from while some are research assistants. So, to teach with your nice “crisp” (in my case Nigerian) accent, how on earth will these eager college fresh man students understand. To be fair, you don’t want to discourage them about their decision to get a college degree too, so you need to figure out how to prepare for your student so that everyone grasp the topic and go home happy. Let’s not forget you have your deadlines to meet, tests to prepare for and ongoing projects in your lab to participate in, new or old relationships to tend and HOME SICKNESS. Hmmn, excuse my graphic descriptions it felt like I was back in time.
My heart goes out to every new student experiencing their very first semester, bless your heart.
I need to take a moment to say; “How are you doing?”
It is okay to feel like you are struggling. Truth is, you are not the only one. Few weeks ago, I attended an orientation for new grad students. A particular section had veteran graduate students come up to share their experience navigating school so the new students could pick a thing or two. It was very helpful for me as some points resonated with me from my past experience, even better, I learnt new tricks too!
No, you are not in the wrong place.
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 (KJV)
When things become overwhelming, what comes next is focusing more on your inadequacies and thinking of a thousand and one reasons why you should not be where you are….the imposter syndrome (a topic for a good day). The devil plays tricks with our minds and he keeps suggesting negativity to us to keep us from seeing what God is doing in our lives. Don’t give in to those thoughts. Wake up and be thankful for that, now get dressed and start the day with a resolve to do your best and be diligent. There is a reason your school decided to choose you. You have what it takes to rise above the challenges.
Setting smart goals is a life hack.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philipians 4:13 (NIV)
I learnt about S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals some time ago and it’s everything. My new lab has a tradition where students set goals for the week and by the next you check if it’s done, not done or in progress without being under pressure. I find this very helpful because by the end of a period or the semester you have a good appraisal for your time. It is common for a new grad student to be overly ambitious and just want to deliver. Nothing wrong with that. However, when we take on goals that require time or simply not feasible, it becomes cumbersome, and we get discouraged. Start that assignment as soon as its given, don’t procrastinate. Make short simple slides for your TA classes to engage the class. Grade your students during your office hours to face other things outside of the TA. It’s okay to say “I don’t know the answer, but I am ready to learn or read further on that and get back to you”.
Sweet work-life balance.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV).
Graduate school is not a sprint. You have a lot to offer and with time, you’ll eventually get there. Finding a balance with all that is going on around you is important. Set boundaries with your schedule, not only people. Don’t be a mediocre but know when to slow down. As important as it is for that experiment to keep running in the lab, family is equally important; even much more. Be a part of a community that cares and wants the best for you. Stop, to smell the flowers- literarily or not. Find a healthy happy place outside of school or the lab if you may. Your health is VERY important. Surround yourself with Godly counsel for some fellowship and encouragement.
Be your own competition.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. I Timothy 6:6 (NIV).
Need I say more?
The “First semester” could extend to be the “First year” for some folks, it is different strokes for different folks. Presently, I am in another first semester as a PhD student, and it’s a déjà vu with some situations. The difference is with God’s help, it gets better with time. You will get a hang of it! Keep learning, keep growing with every opportunity. Meekness is a fruit of the holy spirit that a student should earnestly pray for. It makes the navigation very easy. You are doing better than it looks. You got this!
I can’t promise a whole paragraph of sweet words but if you need a word of encouragement, here is a way to contact me. Shoot an email to awoyemiolushola@gmail.com.
One of my all time favorite songs, the prayer led at the end of the song has blessed me more than I could imagine. Oceans become highways when fear is exchanged at the cross with faith (however little or even non-existent).
How did you navigate your first semester?
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.
Nice on SHOLA.
What a way to capture the moment… Reading through this, I ask myself how many people (most especially Christians) that find their way through Grad school or even undergrad in a foreign country that will be trying to navigate the waters, in a land where some lose what kept them all the way the moment they cross the Atlantic.
Guess this is an encouragement to such people that you can have it all.
Maybe Christians need to get more visible. To encourage and strengthen the hands of fellow soldiers.
Nice write up. You’re doing a great job!
Glory to God. Thank you for sharing this Segun. I agree with you. Most times we become distracted and set our eyes to the wrong hills for help.
Let’s keep encouraging each other. Iron sharpens iron!