Coping with Grad School Stress

[proverbs31woman29]

I just started grad school a few weeks ago and I'm really feeling the pressure. I sometimes feel like I don't belong here because I'm not much of a talker; I listen more than I speak. I get the impression that my cohort and professors think that I'm not very intelligent because of this.

The stress makes me also question whether this is truly God's plan for me.

Am I just being overly anxious or is my question legitimate?

If any of you have been through grad school or any environment where you had to prove yourself, what advice would you have for getting through this?

 

[chickwithsticks]

I just started grad school a few weeks ago and I'm really feeling the pressure. I sometimes feel like I don't belong here because I'm not much of a talker; I listen more than I speak. I get the impression that my cohort and professors think that I'm not very intelligent because of this.

The stress makes me also question whether this is truly God's plan for me.

Am I just being overly anxious or is my question legitimate?

If any of you have been through grad school or any environment where you had to prove yourself, what advice would you have for getting through this?

I just saw this post and as no one has responded wanted to try and offer help. Grad school in my experience does have different expectations as far as class participation than under grad. However the professors are more actively engaged with each student as well. They will gauge your capability based on your homework and test results not just your contributions during class. I wouldn't stress about their assessments of your capabilities based on shyness alone.

Stress in my opinion should not be a measure of whether we are on the path God has chosen for us. Faith requires us to live boldly in His service and stress, anxiety, and doubt are human responses. Look to Him throughout the process and ask for His strength to help you combat higher levels of stress.

I think it is easy for all of us to question if we are living in His will when we face challenging situations as it often creates discomfort. Discomfort and stress are not always a bad thing ... End result is always growth.

 

[atwhatcost]

I just started grad school a few weeks ago and I'm really feeling the pressure. I sometimes feel like I don't belong here because I'm not much of a talker; I listen more than I speak. I get the impression that my cohort and professors think that I'm not very intelligent because of this.

The stress makes me also question whether this is truly God's plan for me.

Am I just being overly anxious or is my question legitimate?

If any of you have been through grad school or any environment where you had to prove yourself, what advice would you have for getting through this?

You don't just walk into a grad school class because, hey, it's open. Why not? You have to pass the test. You did. Congrats! You belong.

As far as being anxious goes, I'm impressed you didn't feel the same way when you started college, or high school, or a new job. I always freak out when I do something new. (I lost 7 pounds in one day just signing up for freshman classes at my first semester in college. How's that for stress? lol) Keep going. It has to get better after a while. If you're smart enough to pass those tests, I'd bet on the side that says you'll make it.

You are free to take my motto in life: "Be afraid, but do it anyway."

Hey, I picked up that motto four years ago when I finally started writing "the novel" I'd been talking about writing for 30 years. Terrified most of the way writing it. All the stuff you're facing, I faced. (What if I'm too stupid? I don't know how to write a novel. A climax? Are you kidding me? Who can write that stuff? Oh, look at the crits. Everyone hates it. What am I doing? Am I nuts? I'm no kid!) Guess what. It's ready. Two nights ago, I finally finished it.

So how am I celebrating? Panicking! Now I have to write synopses and a query letter. I don't know how to do that stuff. Am I crazy?

Yeah, we're both crazy. We have dreams most people don't have, and we're going for it. So be afraid, just do it anyway.

 

[Dino246]

Certainly a fair question! I did a Master's degree at a seminary, so I guess I'm writing from experience. I was "that guy" who contributed constantly, to the point of irritating a few fellow students. I figured I was there to learn, and I prefer to learn actively. Some of what I said could have been left unsaid (self-cringe!) but overall I believe my learning was much enhanced by interaction.

My suggestion, take a cue from more-experienced classmates, and ask a few professors for feedback. Take a few risks, as good profs recognize there are truly no stupid questions. Unless of course you're at Oxford or Cambridge, where there still isn't a stupid question, but there is a stupid time/place to ask it (from someone, not me, who studied there).

As for listening more than you speak, that is good. We should use our mouths and ears in the proportions they were given to us. But do speak up some! For all you know, your contribution might help others process their ideas. Ask the Lord for the boldness to speak when appropriate, and the wisdom to know what and when "appropriate" is.