Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2010 - (Page 43)

planning ahead for college like it or not, Change Happens! the transition to college is a major life change, and in order to be prepared to succeed as a college student, it is important to consider how well you adapt to change. Whether you tend to embrace change or prefer to avoid it at all costs, one thing is certain: change is inevitable. in college, you are likely to encounter many new opportunities for growth and face critical decisions about your life. although you may receive guidance from your family and friends, ultimately it will be your responsibility to make decisions: about your college major and career path, your social life and the way you spend your leisure time, and your lifestyle and values, just to name a few. such choices inevitably lead to change. even taking the passive route—choosing not to choose—will have consequences, so be aware that change may occur despite your best efforts to avoid it! as Benjamin franklin said, “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” although it is a vital part of the human experience, the process of change seems to evoke strong reactions in people and is sometimes met with resistance, anxiety, and fear. even people who are ready and willing to make changes in their lives experience some resistance. What is so scary about change? to begin with, change takes us out of our comfort zone. even if it has the potential to lead to growth, change may jeopardize our sense of being in control, a basic human need. if you think you need to become more adaptable to change, don’t wait until you are packing your bags to head off to college. there is no time like the present to start becoming more comfortable with change. here are a few ideas borrowed from solutionfocused brief therapy (sfBt), a popular counseling approach, to get you started: by Michelle Muratori, Phd • accept that feeling reluctant or ambivalent about change is normal. • avoid judging yourself harshly for your perceived limitations. tell your inner critic to be quiet because it is not helping you to grow. it is only stifling you and causing you to feel bad about yourself. Who needs that? • if you have identified a change that you want or need to make (e.g., overcoming shyness, improving time management skills, becoming more assertive), envision how your life would be different or how you would feel if you made that change. if there have been times in the past when you achieved the desired behavior, even if it was only fleeting, reflect on what you did differently to make the change happen. do more of that. • remember that small changes can lead to larger changes, so instead of feeling daunted by a major change, mobilize yourself to take smaller steps that will help you to achieve your goal. and celebrate your small victories! admittedly, some of these suggestions may sound simple, but they are not easy to implement. Change can be difficult to navigate for people of all ages, but by accepting that it is a part of life, you are in a better position to adapt to it and see the possibilities that accompany it. so venture out of your comfort zone just a little bit and challenge yourself to take risks for the sake of enhancing your life. Change your routine, make a new friend, join a club, start a club, enter an academic competition, develop a new skill, or address a weakness. rather than resist change, embrace it. By letting go of your fear of change and taking risks, you might actually discover that you feel more selfcontrol, not less. and when it is time for you to start college, you will feel better prepared to handle new challenges. i iStock www.cty.jhu.edu/imagine imagine 43 http://www.cty.jhu.edu/imagine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2010

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2010
Contents
Big Questions
In My Own Words
Inside the Ropes
Get Your Hands Dirty!
The Bone Reader
The Science of Archaeology
A Window to the Past
History and Archaeology in the News
National History Day
Dig This!
Selected Opportunities & Resources
Taking the Leap
Off the Shelf
Word Wise
Exploring Career Options
One Step Ahead
Planning Ahead for College
Students Review
Mark Your Calendar
Knossos Games

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2010