He Will Be With You All the Way

By Angela Brumley, M.Div.
Graduate Student Advisor
abrumley@sagu.edu

Surviving the mounds of required reading, never ending papers and paralyzing exams that professors bestow every semester can be overwhelming. The number one concern of every student, whether it is their first or last semester, is their ability to juggle work, family, church and life challenges. Life seems so full that one often wonders how it can be possible to add graduate studies to the mix.

As I look back on my own graduate studies, I often wonder how I survived. How was it possible that I met the demands of every responsibility I had? The only answer to that question is a little bit of organization and a whole lot of God’s grace.

If this is your number one concern, you first need to realize that this fear is normal. Every student faces the sometimes overwhelming question of “Can I do this?” Yet, in the face of many hurdles and challenges, we continue to see a large number of students graduate semester after semester. If you did not experience this fear, we would have to label you as “not normal.” Rejoice in your normality and know that the same grace that has been extended to every graduating student is available to you. God has directed you in this path and His provision will be there to get you to the finish line. You will one day look back and ask, “How did I survive?” These are some tips to help you through the transition.

Grad School Survival Tips:

1. Schedule your study time—studying is never something you can squeeze in.
2. Make a calendar—determine what needs to be accomplished each week.
3. Break your assignments into small goals—take one bite at a time.
4. Communicate with your professors—they will be more likely to extend grace when needed.
5. Don’t forget to take a Sabbath—this will increase your effectiveness in all you do.