College Survival Tip #3 Back to School
First, we would like to apologize/acknowledge our absence over summer. Simply put, our summers were full of hospitalizations, appointments, medication changes, vacations, and more. Now, with colleges starting back up again I (Tremors) decided that it was time for another survival tip: how to survive the back to school rush.
Back to school is something that everyone dreads in some way, shape, or form. It means the end of the freedom of summer time, and back to the grind at school. Which is frankly isn't something I look forward to since I really like relaxing over summer. When you go back to school as a spoonie there is a lot that you have to do. You need to make sure you have your housing set, that you have your accommodations in place, you need to talk to your professors, and you have to get your body use to a new schedule. None of this is something that people truly enjoy doing.
To survive back to school as a spoonie:
1.) Do not try to do everything all at once: Don't try to do everything in one night. For example, packing is a multi day ordeal and cannot be done while having a flare, or half asleep. Have family or friends help you move in too--it takes a lot to furnish a dorm or apartment! Don't try to bite off more than you can chew, because it will never end well.
2.) Talk to your roomie (if you have one): If you happen to get a random roomie/someone who doesn't know you well talk to them. You don't have to give them your full medical history, but just give them a heads up. Say something like "I have a medical condition (you don't have to give the name if you don't want them googling) that causes X, Y & Z. I take medications for it, and X, Y, or Z may happen." However, before you go into the medical talk, talk about yourself as a person. You are not your condition. Talk about your favorite movie, favorite color, your pet, your major, just anything not medical. Once you feel more comfortable, tell them what you are comfortable disclosing. You are going to be living with this person in close quarters--it isn't like they aren't going to figure it out at some point.
3.) Get your accommodations set: This could mean having an appointment to go over what you require, or as simple as saying I need the same accommodations and picking up a form.
4.) Talk to your professors: Make sure you talk to them ASAP, and once you have your forms so it is just one conversation. Some professors might want to meet with you more, but remember that you do not have to disclose your condition to them. Tell them that you are on file with disability services (or whatever it is called on your campus) and that they approved what you are asking to receive. If all else fails, go to disability services and tell them your problem.
5.) Try your best to stay on top of your work: You never know when a flare is going to hit, or when you are going to want to do something fun. It sounds impossible to stay on top of everything forever, but it is easier to get on top of things at the start of the year rather than half way through.
6.) Relax and have fun: You can never be all work and no play. Go out to dinner with friends, watch a movie, watch Netflix, etc. You need to be able to relax at times, and not give into the stress. Take an hour or two to have fun.
These things sound simple, but honestly can be very hard to do. Just know that you are not alone and that
Nemo, Tremors and Secret Agent Puppy
Back to school is something that everyone dreads in some way, shape, or form. It means the end of the freedom of summer time, and back to the grind at school. Which is frankly isn't something I look forward to since I really like relaxing over summer. When you go back to school as a spoonie there is a lot that you have to do. You need to make sure you have your housing set, that you have your accommodations in place, you need to talk to your professors, and you have to get your body use to a new schedule. None of this is something that people truly enjoy doing.
To survive back to school as a spoonie:
1.) Do not try to do everything all at once: Don't try to do everything in one night. For example, packing is a multi day ordeal and cannot be done while having a flare, or half asleep. Have family or friends help you move in too--it takes a lot to furnish a dorm or apartment! Don't try to bite off more than you can chew, because it will never end well.
2.) Talk to your roomie (if you have one): If you happen to get a random roomie/someone who doesn't know you well talk to them. You don't have to give them your full medical history, but just give them a heads up. Say something like "I have a medical condition (you don't have to give the name if you don't want them googling) that causes X, Y & Z. I take medications for it, and X, Y, or Z may happen." However, before you go into the medical talk, talk about yourself as a person. You are not your condition. Talk about your favorite movie, favorite color, your pet, your major, just anything not medical. Once you feel more comfortable, tell them what you are comfortable disclosing. You are going to be living with this person in close quarters--it isn't like they aren't going to figure it out at some point.
3.) Get your accommodations set: This could mean having an appointment to go over what you require, or as simple as saying I need the same accommodations and picking up a form.
4.) Talk to your professors: Make sure you talk to them ASAP, and once you have your forms so it is just one conversation. Some professors might want to meet with you more, but remember that you do not have to disclose your condition to them. Tell them that you are on file with disability services (or whatever it is called on your campus) and that they approved what you are asking to receive. If all else fails, go to disability services and tell them your problem.
5.) Try your best to stay on top of your work: You never know when a flare is going to hit, or when you are going to want to do something fun. It sounds impossible to stay on top of everything forever, but it is easier to get on top of things at the start of the year rather than half way through.
6.) Relax and have fun: You can never be all work and no play. Go out to dinner with friends, watch a movie, watch Netflix, etc. You need to be able to relax at times, and not give into the stress. Take an hour or two to have fun.
These things sound simple, but honestly can be very hard to do. Just know that you are not alone and that
WE BELIEVE IN YOU!
Nemo, Tremors and Secret Agent Puppy
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