Going back to school can be difficult. Restarting school is common, so know you’re not alone. As someone who have been in your shoes, I wish someone had told me these things. Here’s some pointers you should know when you in Round 2 of school:
Don’t be afraid to take initiative.
You probably were the one to tell your program you’re going to restart, so don’t be afraid to ask the school to make additional accomodations. When you restart school, you are a part of a new class – a new system. Email the office administration to add you into the appropriate cohort for department emails. Once, I emailed my professor because my name was not included on the for a lab assignment. Notify your Director of Clinical Education (DCE) about transferring to the new class in the clinical placement software system. I took the first step to reach out the necessary people to get a new ID badge. You’re an adult and able to do express your concerns without someone holding your hand.
Additionally, you are responsible for being up to date with what’s going on with topics outside of class (cohort events, clinical placement, etc.). I usually found out about important updates by constantly checking the class group chat. Then, I would email the class president to forward me any further information I have missed. Don’t expect the system to change for you. They have other important things as is (especially with some working from home and/or dealing with COVID-related matters). While it is frustrating to constantly reach out to people, don’t get too upset about it. Also, give them time to add you in the system. Remember, people are busy.
Making new friends is hard.
I came from a class with cliques to a class with cliques. Cliques are inevitable. As much as would like to be friends with everyone, not everyone vibes with you. Again, you’re gonna have to step out of your comfort zone and talk to new people. Find those people to study with. Search for a new lab partner. In my previous cohort, I had my solid group of friends of a known “clique.” and now I talk to people who aren’t really into cliques. Honestly, even as an extrovert, I’m still trying to figure out where I fit in my new cohort because I’m not on campus all the time. Plus, social distancing becomes a barrier. My mom always said that relationships are a two-way street. People won’t talk to you unless you talk to them. Get active in the group chat, join the same organizations as your classmates, and eat lunch with them. Eventually, you will find your people.
Go into the course with new eyes.
If you are living the same student lifestyle you had when you were taking the courses the first time, you’re not helping yourself. Your old bad habits will lead to no improvements. Prove to your professors that you are new and improved! It really is a do-over, so make it count because you’re not getting a third chance. Learn everything as if you were taking the class for the first time. I’ve mentioned this in other blog posts, but sometimes I have to hear the information 9 more times in 9 different ways to finally understand something. Perhaps second time around, something will click.
Also, eliminate the comparison between the way things were done the first time you took the class and now because you can’t change the past. Getting rid of comparison gives your brain more capacity to retain the information you need to be studying.
You still won’t know everything.
Do you honestly remember all that you learned the first time around? If you did, you wouldn’t be in the position you’re in. Having a do-over in the course doesn’t mean you can slack off in studying. Personally, I feel like I have to back track and reference concepts that my peers can recall more easily. If you are worried about catching up on knowing everything, don’t be. The information will come up again. That’s why you’re in school – to learn. Even when you finish school and start working, you won’t know everything. At least now you’ll know more than what you knew last year, which is better. You have room to grow in your knowledge.
Just because you were given a do-over does not make you special.
First, never forget that your school chose to let you back into the program, so never take it for granted. Next, you may have a one up if you remember the types of exam questions or the topics of the course you’re re-taking. However, you are graded on the same objectives as everyone else in your class. My professors treat me the same way as any other student. Eventually, you will be on the same playing field as your classmates, where you are all in the same courses for the first time. Your journey is special, but the destination is the same as the folks in your class.
I hope this brought some real insight into what it’s like restarting school. I came back in the halfway through the curriculum as opposed to completing restarting Year 1 with the new batch, so some of these tips may not apply to your situation. Restarting school can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. Also, re-doing school doesn’t just happen in PT school. I have nursing friends who were held a semester back, so feel free to share this with them or other students who are restarting their respective programs. If you found this helpful, leave a comment or send me an message as feedback is always appreciated.
As always, you can follow me and my journey #forthedpt on Instagram (@jordaineenriquez).
Until next time,
Jordaine Enriquez, SPT