In recent conversations with friends and family, I came to realize that it is important to share our stories of our educational journey. Everyone has their own way of processing things, getting guidance, and finding their way, but in the event that this is helpful, here is a bit about my educational journey. I remember being told that having one person who believes in you makes all the difference in a person’s life. It saddens me to think that some people don’t even have that one person. None of this is anything “new,” but here are a couple of points of advice:
1. There are no shortcuts to success.
This is something that I constantly need to remind myself, ’til this day. I used to think that by some miracle, I could just show up to class and know all that I needed to know for a test. This may work for some people, but it wasn’t the best approach for me. Simply put, do your homework. Study ’til you know it.
Related to this, sure there are some that are just born smart. But for the most part, I have come to believe that even smart people need to work hard in order to achieve success. It wasn’t until law school that I realized that I don’t know how to study. I still second-guess myself when ever it’s time to study for a test. But I think the answer can be simple: put the time in, sit down, and figure out what you need to know and how you are going to learn what you need to know.
In determining the “how” you are going to learn what you need to know, this brings me to my next point. But also, with things like the internet, the resources are at your fingertips. Access them!
2. Learn to ask questions and surround yourself with people that support and push you to be your best.
Sometimes it may feel more within your comfort zone to ask a friend about a particular assignment. That’s cool. But don’t shy away from asking the teacher. In my experience, teachers are MORE than willing to answer questions and welcome it! You do not have to have all of the answers. Sometimes just acknowledging what you don’t know is a huge step within itself.
Also, sometimes this will happen on its own when the universe conspires in your favor, so be ready to receive the sign that the universe is sending you. Other times, you may have to do things that may feel uncomfortable to ensure that you cut the dead weight and only keep those in your life that lift you up.
3. It is ok to modify your goals along the way.
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to become a medical doctor. Along the way, I learned about things that I never knew before…like public health. I never had the intention of going to law school, until I did and then it happened. So I started from wanting to be a medical doctor to now having an educational background in public health and law. These may seem like totally irrelevant fields, but they actually overlap. Although my goals changed along the way, I know that all of my experiences have contributed to where I am today.
Let yourself be free to what drives you, and don’t feel you need to be stuck in a particular major or field because that is where you started when you embarked on this journey.
4. Kūlia i ka Nuʻu! (Strive for the Summit!)
Related to my earlier point about there being no shortcuts to success, the effort that you put into studying will be proportional to your success. If you want to get As, study ’til you know it.
I don’t know where it comes from, but I think it is very natural to try to do as little as possible and to see how far one can get. RESIST! Go all in! Challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are how you will learn, and be sure to not make the same mistakes again.
Through this journey there will be challenges and obstacles. Do not let these challenges define you. Always persevere. I’ve failed a class, and it is not the end of the world. You just keep on keepin’ on.
5. Do YOU!
Simply, do you. Along your journey you may feel people “jocking” and trying to measure their success in comparison to your success. Don’t worry about anyone else’s success but your own. This may seem and feel like a selfish act, but an educational investment in yourself is probably the most valueable investment you will ever make.
Lastly, I had my oldest daughter during my second year of law school. Going to school with young kid(s) is a topic within itself. Long story short, while there are challenges with going to school with kids, I wouldn’t necessarily advise against it. Law school is a unique creature within itself that presents its own unique challenges as opposed to undergrad or another graduate program.
I could probably go a lot more in-depth, but I kept it short in hopes that you wouldn’t lose interest. If you want to talk more of have any questions, I’m open to talking 🙂