So now that I’m in my second semester of graduate school, it has become apparent to me just how much a solid support system can become a great ascent.
In college an individual can find multiple means of support through their department, friends, family, professors, faculty, adviser of organizations, etc… However, in graduate school, I soon discovered just how important my established group of undergraduate friends were when, my support from professors, faculty, adviser of organizations, etc lessened due to the amount of people I am exposed to during my educational time at my graduate university. Not only did I learn very quickly that there was a noticeable size difference from undergraduate to graduate school, but that I was starting my schooling journey over with completely new people. With this shocking realization, I started to miss my established support system at my previous institution that seemed to come so easily to me.
This is where one of my very close friends who is miles away in a different state started to play an enormous role. One night when I felt that I could not handle the stress of my graduate assistantship, graduate school, and financial problems all at the same time, I called her. Even though we are in separate programs, we are both putting ourselves through our first year of graduate school and I quickly discovered that she could relate to everything that I was going through and saying. The next week when things were going better for me, I received a call from her; to my surprise she was seeking a similar understanding from me that I found in her the previous week. After the first two phone calls, we both began to realize how much our understanding and ability to listen to the other individual’s similar situation would be able to help us through our various struggles during our graduate school experience.
I feel this story is important to share because too often people think they need a means of support that will stay in a close proximity to them. While this way of thinking is nice, it is not entirely realistic. Often, dream job opportunities appear in not-so-perfect locations and take you away from your support group. This should be seen as a challenge, not a barrier. Even if your support system is another state away, you can still make it work. One of my most valuable means of support is a friend who is in another state, but will instantly call me to listen or give me advice when I am struggling with the different battles the world presents.
Developing a support system can prove to be an essential tool to have when working, going to school, or just being in an environment where there are tons of people. Having a solid support system is important because it allows an individual to feel appreciated and therefore be supportive for members of their current community. Individuals with a solid support system also develop an understanding in why listening to another individuals problems can make all the difference. To have the feeling of support is a joyous feeling that, like a smile, is a gift that keeps on giving.
What can you do if you need to make your support system a solid one:
- Step out of your comfort zone and follow your goals, even if they are in an area where you do not know a lot of people.
- Remember your already established means of support.
- Find a common factor through your goals or struggles with an individual in your support system.
- Set aside time to talk to the individual in your support system who is going through a common life experience.
