Working through your issues
I remind the students of every step that they have taken to get where they are right now and what they have overcome.The stress level of the first call to the school next the interview then the entrance test. The first day of school I go on and on with each new instructor and class how you overcame each item no the menu.
This reflection allows them to look back and say yes that did happen and this is what I did to stay on track to succeed. I often have seniors or recent grads come back and tell the next group that the fight is worth it.
working through issues is a part of life that is a continious process. The end result is composure and expect the unexpected and just relax as you go through the journey of your life ... you're evolving, life is about who you are to become.
It's more than a good idea, Jose; it's essential. Otherwise how will they know that they are on the right track?
It is a good idea to give the student an overall picture of the goal that they want to achieve. Also, on the other side are the consequences of not being on the right track.
When you say "look at it from my point of view", I assume you are urging the student to step back from the problem and try to look at the issues objectively, without all the emotional baggage.
i think students when they are overwhelmed with life pressures tend to give in and give up easily. i encourage them to look at it from my point of view because although i care and sympathize my viewpoint is different because i am not directly emotionally impacted to the extent that they are and i can sometimes offer a more objective opinion. i encourage them to focus on the MOST important issues that have to be addressed and what can wait in order to sort it all out, so that their crisis seems more managable
I like to remind students of what they overcame to get where they are now. Just applying to school can be a big accomplishment to some. I remind them that when they graduate it will all be worth it and no one will ever be able to take their degree away from them. Having the students envision the end result seems to get them focused again if they begin to slack off.
I also remind them of their vision of why they came here, and also remind them that this situation at this time an place is a temporary problem. They will see the end of it in no time.
