No significant journey is ever taken alone. For adult learners returning to education, success is as much about the network surrounding you as it is about your own determination. Imagine having a team of supporters—family, friends, mentors, and coaches—each playing a crucial role in your academic adventure, helping you navigate challenges and celebrate victories.
In this post, we’ll share how to build a strong support system with actionable steps to help you stay motivated and achieve your goals.
1. Family Support: Building a Foundation for Your Support System
Your family might be the foundation of your support system and tapping into their help requires open communication. Share your academic goals with your family, explain why returning to school is important to you, and discuss how they can help you succeed. Family members might be able to help by picking up household responsibilities, managing childcare, or simply providing moral support when you need it most.
Expanding your support system beyond immediate family is also valuable. Extended family, like siblings or cousins, may be able to pitch in, whether it’s helping with errands or cheering you on when things get tough.
Actionable Steps
- Schedule a family meeting to explain your plans and what you’ll need.
- Create a shared calendar or task list so everyone knows their role.
- Set aside time for family bonding to nurture relationships during busy periods.
2. Friends and Peers: Building a Network of Motivation and Accountability
Friends and peers are invaluable in your academic journey. They can serve as a sounding board and a source of motivation and fellow adult learners understand the unique challenges you face, and connecting with them can build a sense of community. Whether it’s through study groups, shared projects, or online forums, these relationships can help you stay accountable and inspired.
Search for communities of adult learners at your school or online. Many institutions have clubs or resources specifically for students who balance education with other responsibilities. And don’t underestimate the value of friends who may not be in school but can provide encouragement and perspective if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Actionable Steps
- Join or start a study group with classmates to stay connected and organized.
- Use online platforms like Reddit, Facebook groups, or Discord to find communities of adult learners.
- Reach out to close friends for encouragement or practical help, like proofreading an essay or brainstorming ideas.
3. Academic Advisors and Mentors: Professional Guidance for Success
Academic advisors and mentors play a pivotal role in your journey back to school. Advisors can help you select the right courses, manage your academic workload, and align your education with your career goals. Mentors, whether professionals in your field, professors, or alumni, offer broader advice, career guidance, networking opportunities, and encouragement.
Reach out to your advisor early in your academic journey, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You might start with questions like: What courses should I prioritize? Are there any academic resources or support services available? How can I align my coursework with my career goals? If your school doesn’t have a formal mentoring program, consider connecting with someone in your professional network who can serve as an informal mentor.
Actionable Steps
- Schedule regular check-ins with your academic advisor to stay on track.
- Attend networking events or alumni panels to connect with potential mentors.
- Use LinkedIn or professional networks to identify mentors and request informational interviews.
4. ReUp’s Success Coaches: Personalized Guidance for Adult Learners
Returning to school as an adult can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. ReUp’s Success Coaches specialize in helping adult learners manage the unique challenges of balancing education, work, and life. Whether you’re figuring out how to prioritize your time, building your confidence, or working through obstacles, a Success Coach provides personalized guidance tailored to your needs.
ReUp’s coaches are more than just advisors—they’re partners in your journey. They’ll help you set realistic goals, create a manageable schedule, and identify solutions for the challenges that inevitably arise. They’re also great at holding you accountable while offering encouragement, ensuring you stay motivated and focused. The best part? ReUp’s coaching services are available to many learners at no cost, thanks to partnerships with colleges and universities.
Actionable Steps
- Consider working with a coach to help set short- and long-term goals.
- Use your coaching sessions to tackle specific challenges, like finding study time or overcoming self-doubt.
- Seek out support systems that can help you stay motivated and on track.
5. Institutional Resources: Take Advantage of Campus Support Services
Your school itself is a powerful support system. Many institutions recognize the unique needs of adult learners and offer tailored resources to help you succeed. These might include tutoring services, career counseling, mental health support, and workshops on essential skills like time management and reducing stress.
Make it a priority to familiarize yourself with the support services available at your school. Most schools provide this information online or during orientation, but if you’re unsure where to start, reach out to your advisor or student services.
Actionable Steps
- Explore your school’s website to find support services specifically for adult learners.
- Attend workshops or webinars that address academic and personal challenges.
- Reach out to campus services, like the career center or writing lab, for additional help.
6. Online Communities: Support Beyond the Classroom
You don’t have to rely solely on in-person support. Online communities are a valuable resource for adult learners who want to share experiences, seek advice, and stay motivated. Platforms like Facebook, Reddit, or specialized forums for nontraditional students offer a wealth of information,encouragement, and emotional support.
Joining these groups can provide a sense of belonging and a reminder that you’re not alone in this journey. They’re also great for troubleshooting challenges, like balancing work and school or finding the best financial aid resources.
Actionable Steps
- Search for Facebook groups or subreddits dedicated to adult learners.
- Participate in discussions to build connections and gain insights.
- Share your own tips or challenges to engage with the community.
Building a Strong Support System for Academic Success
A strong support system is the backbone of success for adult learners. By leveraging family, friends, mentors, coaches, and institutional resources, you’ll not only stay on track but also gain the confidence and encouragement to thrive. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to strengthen an existing network, the key is to actively seek out the support you need—and to recognize that you don’t have to do it alone.
The journey back to school is challenging, but with the right people by your side, it’s more than possible—it’s life-changing.
