As students make their place on campus, it’s important that they not to wait for good things to come their way. Instead, they can take agency over their lives – or the feeling of control, advocating for their needs – to give themselves the strength, confidence and ability to improve their lives, inviting good things in. Here are some ways they can do so as a strong self-advocate…
Focus on a Growth Mindset. This mindset can help you cultivate good habits, like practice and learning, because you see the possibility that your talents, abilities and intellect will grow in the process. On the flip side, getting stuck in a fixed mindset can make you believe that those things are already set in stone, incapable of change, so you’re less likely to work on developing your positive qualities.
Make Some Mistakes. Making mistakes means that you’re a growing, developing person who is willing to take risks and try new things. Of course, there will be missteps along the way! Yet, if you own up to your mistakes, apologize if you’ve negatively impacted others, and take a good look at cause and effect, those mistakes will become some of your best learning opportunities.
Ask Questions. Go to your instructor’s office hours to gain clarification about an assignment rather than worrying that you’re off track. Ask where you can go for help if you’re feeling anxious, depressed, stressed or are struggling. Learn about peers’ different cultures, holidays, family structures and traditions by showing an interest. Asking questions helps you gain agency over your life, rather than it feeling out of your control.
Read more information like this within our NEW Making Your Place brochure. You can check out a sample here.
