We've talked about preventing academic difficulty, but the ugly truth is that as first generation and low income college students are more likely to find themselves in the academic crapper at one time or another. So what do you do if you find yourself in academic difficulty?
1. Be reflective. Think long and hard about why you think you're not meeting your academic goals and plan to address those reasons. Are you procrastinating? Is your study plan not working so well? Are your relationships interfering with school? Whatever is going on in your life, if you can manage it, take control of it. If you can't control the issue, seek out resources to help you rise to the challenge. (Side note: Wow, almost gratuitous back links... almost...)
2. Talk to your professors. Ask for their help and advice. Professors tend to appreciate students that care enough about their education to seek out help. You can also try asking them to make reasonable accommodations, such as extending the deadline of an assignment or offering extra credit. But be prepared to not to have any accommodations made for you. Either way, thank your professors for hearing you out.
3. Talk to someone. Do NOT try to handle it all on your own, you don't have to and you shouldn't for your own well being. Instead, go and talk to a trusted friend, an advisor, a peer advisor, or even a professional counselor. Talking about it will help you deal with it.
4. Deal with your feelings. In addition to talking about it, make sure to address how you are feeling about your situation. You might be scared of disappointing yourself and others, you might feel ashamed, you might feel like a failure. No matter how you are feeling, you have to be aware of it and make a plan to deal with it.
In addition to taking steps to prevent further trouble, taking these 4 steps can help you work your way out of academic difficulty if you find yourself there.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
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