Rock and Roll Saved My Soul

1. Tap Your Support Network Your support network is made up of the people who are in a position to help you get your degree. Your support network might include your family, friends, significant other, children, and your fellow students. A group of students that enter a program together are called a cohort. Often, these students will follow a similar education track and complete the program around the same time. Your cohort might have a mixture of traditional and adult students, but it’s okay to seek out those who are balancing work and school, just like you. Your family may be able to offer support at home by maybe taking on more domestic tasks, but your cohort at school can offer support in the form of resources and empathy as they’re going through the same experience that you are. Build your support network to include as many people as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help and support when you need it. 2. Manage Your Time Well When you’re looking for bala...

Starting the new school year can be a time of great excitement… and anxiety. Help calm your child’s fears (and your own) with these teacher-approved tips. Meet the new teacher: For kids, one of the biggest back-to-school fears is “Will I like my new teacher?” Breaking the ice early on is one of the best ways to calm everyone’s fears. Take advantage of your school’s open house or back-to-school night. Some teachers welcome phone calls or e-mails — another great opportunity to get to know each other before the year begins. If personal contact with the teacher isn’t possible, try locating the teacher’s picture on a school website or in a yearbook, so your child can put a name with a face. If your child’s teacher sends a welcome letter, be sure to read the letter together. Tour the school: If your school hosts an open house, be sure to go. Familiarizing your child with her environment will help her avoid a nervous stomach on the first day. Together you can meet her te...

Back to School Tips for Parents and Kids: Sandy:  When buying school supplies and clothes for the kids or yourself do it a little bit at a time. It won't feel like you are breaking your bank account, but you are still getting what you need to. Aisling:  1. The week before school starts try getting up a little earlier each morning in increments until you're used to getting up when you need to in order to get ready for school.  2. If lunches are brought to school try to plan out a weekly menu.  3. If it makes your mornings easier, pack lunches the night before.  4. Hang up or lay out clothes the night before so you don't have to rush to figure out an outfit in the morning.  5. Always keep your school supplies in one designated area so everyone knows where to find everything they need.  6. Keep shoes in one designated area instead of kicking them off wherever, only to have to rush around searching for them.  7. Always chec...