Education Success: How To Successfully Graduate
According to a 2024 survey published in Higher Ed Dive, students often don't leave college due to a lack of intelligence or motivation. This research shows that Financial hardship (86%), emotional or mental stress (80%), family or job responsibilities (73%), health issues (66%), misalignment of courses with career goals (65%), lack of belonging or campus engagement (65%), technology challenges (59%), and inconsistent campus support (57%) are among the top factors impacting students' ability to persist in higher education. These factors, combined with emotional burdens like burnout or imposter syndrome, can make it exceedingly difficult for students to persist in their academic journeys.
But here is the thing: the students who do finish often have something powerful in common, they know why they are doing this. As per the research by Tope et al. (2020), students who utilize effective coping strategies, including mindfulness and emotional regulation, tend to develop greater academic resilience, which supports improved academic performance and helps them overcome challenges more successfully.
Not just vaguely. Not just 'to get a better job.' Their why is personal, urgent, and emotionally anchored. It is what keeps them going when motivation runs dry and life throws curveballs.
So before diving into study strategies and time hacks, take a moment to reflect on these three questions:
Write down your answers. Keep them on your phone, post them on your wall, or even turn them into a screensaver. When midterms get rough or you feel like giving up, return to your 'why.' Let it speak louder than your doubts.
Every winning team needs a playbook. Your graduation game plan should include:
Grit is the ability to keep pushing forward when things get tough—and they will. Deadlines, unexpected life events, or a disappointing grade can shake your confidence. What makes the difference? Resilience. To build grit, break down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps, celebrate small wins along the way, and regularly reflect, adjust your approach, and keep moving forward. Angela Duckworth's research on grit shows that perseverance, not talent, is the key predictor of long-term success. She suggests that grit may be even more crucial than intelligence, as students who cultivate grit tend to recover more effectively and come back stronger after facing setbacks.
Seek Resources Before Crisis Hits
Do not wait until you are overwhelmed to seek help. Most colleges provide a variety of support services aimed at helping students succeed, such as tutoring and writing centers, mental health counseling, financial aid advising, and faculty office hours. Accessing these resources early demonstrates proactive commitment to your education and is a smart strategy for graduation—not a sign of weakness. As Gray and Swanston explain in their Forbes article, colleges typically offer a comprehensive range of services, including libraries, tutoring services, writing centers, mental health services and medical care. that support students throughout their academic journey.
Align Your Environment With Your Goal
Your physical and digital surroundings play a crucial role in your success. Create a dedicated study space free from distractions, limit screen time during critical focus periods, and use apps like Forest or Freedom to block distractions. As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, reminds us, quoted in Homayun's Forbes article, 'You do not rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.' In other words, the habits you develop and the environment you create ultimately determine your success.
Graduation Day
getty
Finally, hold a mental picture of your graduation day. Picture the gown, the applause, the sense of achievement. This vision anchors your 'why' and re-energizes you in tough moments.
Graduating is not an accident. It is the result of purpose, planning, perseverance—and people. Whether you are juggling work, raising a family, or simply navigating a challenging curriculum, you can graduate. The key lies in doing it deliberately. With a clear mind, the right habits, and a supportive circle, your path to the finish line is not only possible—it is inevitable.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
26 minutes ago
- CBS News
Denver metro area church works to feed hungry kids in its community
A church in the Denver metro area is making a difference by helping children and families in its community who may not have access to food. On Friday at the Lakewood United Methodist Church, volunteers were packing up care packages from Jeffco Eats. There was an energy that you could feel. "Para ti, para mi. One for me and one for you," said Jeffco Eats Founder Barb Moore. "We're really positive because those kids are going to eat." Moore has made it her mission to make sure no one in her community goes hungry. It started eight years ago when she attended a community meeting. "And this lady from Hunger Free Golden said there were children hungry in Golden, and I said, 'You're kidding!?" said Moore. That's when she started Jeffco Eats. They started small, making deliveries to schools out of cars and rented trucks, but soon the need grew. "(We) started out with four schools and now we have thirty schools and over forty sites," said Moore. That, plus a reduction in funding opportunities, has put a strain on their budget. And as the need for food banks continues to grow, they worry they won't be able to keep up. "We really do need to raise, you know, probably fifty to $100,000 more for some of the food," Moore explained. They are asking the community for help to make that happen. And while they know everyone's budget is tight, they say if everyone pitched in a little bit, they could end hunger in their community. In the meantime, they say they will keep doing their thing, the best they can, with smiles on their faces. "You just have to be creative and positive," said Moore. They also say that they can always use more funding and more volunteers. If you want to donate food, the things they need the most are protein and mac and mid-tier instant cheese cups.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Growing up, I spent nearly every weekend with my grandmother. She made me see that I am smart and powerful.
Growing up, my sisters and I spent most weekends with our grandparents in Brooklyn. The special time with my grandmother allowed me to learn lessons about love and self-worth. My grandmother's influence continues to shape my relationships today, even after her death. From the age of 6 until 12, I spent every weekend with my grandmother at their apartment in Brooklyn. At the time, my dad was living in Mexico and my mom was dealing with personal issues, so Grandma Mary tried to see me and my two younger sisters as much as possible. Looking back, I now know that the lessons I learned during these special weekends have done so much to shape the person I've become. Our weekends were special I fondly remember my grandparents picking us up every Saturday in their yellow Chevrolet Impala, Frank Sinatra singing on the radio, and the sounds of the East River lapping against the shore as we drove from Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge. Our first stop was always the 86th Street Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop, run by my which was run by my uncle at the time. Throughout the weekend I tasted Grandma's love in her homemade blintzes, kosher chicken, and the chocolate pudding that served proudly served in glass, leaf-shaped cups. Whenever anyone asked who this woman was by my side during our walks around the neighborhood, I'd say, "This is my best friend, Mary." And she was. She praised me constantly saying things like, "Leslie, you are such a love, you are my mama shana bubbeleh!" A Yiddish expression meaning beloved, beautiful grandchild. Looking back, I know her adoration helped me develop an enduring sense of self-worth. She also taught me that I was worthy of unconditional love. During the week, I couldn't wait for Saturday morning to come because I knew that for two entire daysI'd get 48 hours of affectionate hugs and hundreds of kisses on my cheeks and forehead. Her 700-square-foot, three-room apartment felt like a palace because I was safe and cherished there, and so were my sisters. She taught me to share my feelings Grandma Mary's lessons about my self-worth have stuck with me into my adulthood. She taught me that I am smart, capable, and powerful. She showed me that if one person loves you unconditionally, it can offset other pains you may be feeing. Finally, she taught me to talk about my feelings, not to keep them locked inside. I credit my grandma for part of why I was able to create a close bond with my husband and two kids. During my first years of marriage and starting a family, I struggled to communicate with my husband. My grandma would ask me, "Do you talk to him? Do you sit down and have coffee, just the two of you, and actually talk?" Even though Mary barely finished the 7th grade, her wisdom was brilliant, and her advice was just what I needed to hear. Grandma Mary is no longer with us, but her influence still guides my family every day. Both of my daughters have deep bonds with their grandparents, aunts, and uncles and I'm seeing how these relationships have solidified their confidence in themselves, just as my grandmother did for me. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
How To Properly Choose A Rug For A Children's Play Room
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Decorating a children's play room goes beyond picking a few stuffed toys, miniature tea sets, and fun wallpaper your kids will love. You need to give them a safe oasis when the floor is lava, a comfortable surface to roll or jump on, a soft area to settle down on with a good book, and a constant companion that'll remain steadfast. A rug can meet all these requirements, but you should choose one after careful consideration. For starters, don't buy the first piece that catches your eye or brings back fond childhood memories. Measure the play room's area first. In case you want to demarcate the areas for specific activities, like crafts and reading, measure each segment carefully. Moreover, finalize its placement, whether it'll be in front of the bookcase, under furniture, or cover the entire length of the room, to select the right-sized rug. You also want the material to be easy to maintain. Spilled milk, rogue glitter glue stains, and deliberate crayon marks will dirty the rug in no time. So, get one that can be spot cleaned, blotted, or vacuumed without issue. Investing in good-quality pieces is also important, or you'll be replacing them every few months due to the constant wear and tear. Most importantly, choose a piece that matches your child's temperament. A bold and vivid rug will fit a kid who constantly embarks on new adventures. On the other hand, a subtle and elegant piece will suit someone who loves reading or hosting tea parties. Finally, ensure it comes with a non-slip backing. Otherwise, add a dedicated pad, like the Veken Gripper Pad, underneath to keep the rug in place. Read more: 8 Stunning Accent Wall Ideas From Joanna Gaines That Will Transform Your Home Measure Your Child's Play Room To Choose The Right Rug The best way to design your child's play room is to measure the space so you can make informed decisions. For instance, if you pick a rug that's too large for the small room, it'll dwarf it and stand out like an eyesore. On the flip side, a small rug in a large area will look odd and might cause your kids to stumble or fall. Measure the length and width of a rectangular play room and account for the furniture in the room. Decide whether you want to place a rug underneath tables and storage units or have it out in the open. When choosing the latter, ensure you cover the spots your kid prefers. But if you want to cover the entire floor, maintain a gap of at least 12 to 18 inches between the rug and the wall for a pleasing finish. Generally, a 5-by-7 or 6-by-6-foot round rug will fit a play room that's under 100 square feet. To create a reading or activity corner, get a 4-by-6-foot rug. Similarly, a 100 to 150 square foot space will benefit from a 6-by-9- or 8-by-8-foot round rug or two 5-by-7-foot activity ones. For play rooms above 150 square feet, a 9-by-12-foot piece will anchor the space, while an 8-by-10-foot piece will create dedicated nooks. You could even use multiple smaller pieces. Other Factors To Consider When Choosing A Rug For Your Child's Play Room When choosing a rug for your child's play room, consider its material. Wool is the frontrunner due to its softness and stain resistance. Plus, it doesn't get dirty easily and is not high-maintenance. It'll also last long, so you stand to make a good return on your invested capital. Alas, it costs more than others. Cotton is the next best option, and the breathable material is perfect for humid or tropical weather. Moreover, you won't have to spend a lot of time or effort cleaning stains off it. If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, check out bamboo and jute rugs. They're both soft underfoot and painless to maintain. However, if you're on a tight budget, consider polyester pieces. They're readily available in a variety of designs and are very low maintenance. Just don't choose too low-quality ones since you don't want to compromise your child's health. To be on the safe side, pick ones that come with non-toxic certifications. Additionally, don't buy high-pile shaggy rugs since they'll hide dirt and debris within and be difficult to clean. Always select low-pile options to lower the workload for your future self. Finally, ensure the rug's style matches the room's interior design. Solid-colored pieces work best if you just want the rug for functional purposes. Patterned ones will spark your kid's creativity and serve as the focal point. Another enviable play room idea is to select themed rugs, like those that are Harry Potter or Avengers-inspired. Picture how it'll look a few years down the line, and let your inner child out to have fun while choosing. Enjoyed this article? Get expert home tips, DIY guides, and design inspiration by signing up to the House Digest newsletter! Read the original article on House Digest.
