Counseling 10 - College Study Skills
Chapter 9 – Social Impediments to Success in College
Money Problems
- The solution is simple even though we often do everything we can do to make it much more complicated:
- Don’t spend more than you have!
- Increase your income
- Decrease your spending
- Or do both
- The best way to manage debt is to avoid it.
Increase your income
- Focus on your education; creates income for the rest of your life.
- Consider Financial Aid
- Excel as an employee; make yourself indispensable
Spend less money
- Cut expenses
- Pay cash
- Notice when you spend on “Fun”
- By spending less, you will feel the power: the satisfaction of choosing exactly where your money goes and building a secure financial future.
Waking up to diversity
- Learning about diversity is an education itself.
- Diversity refers to differences of any type
- Our own culture is different from, not better than other cultures
- Diversity does not mean that we all become part of an anonymous “Melting Pot.” Instead, we can become more like a tossed salad – a piece of art in which each element both maintains its individuality and blends with others to form a harmonious whole.
Cultural Differences
- Culture touches every aspect of human behavior, ranging from the ways that people greet each other to the ways they resolve conflict.
- Expecting differences up – front helps you keep an open mind.
- Honor the differences among people while remembering what we have in common.
Individualist vs. Collectivist
- Individualist
- Values personal fulfillment
- Rewards when you stand out from the rest of the members
- Emphasizes “I”
- Collectivist
- Group progress is more important than personal success
- Values cooperation over competition
- High value on family and respect the elders
Dealing with conflicts
- Communicate assertively – not aggressively or passively.
Assertive Communication
- Asking directly and confidently for what you want
- Showing respect for others at the same time
- Committed to win-win solutions
Wake up to Health
- School success is directly ties to your health.
- Health is a choice you make every moment, with each behavior and decision.