Breakups and the First Day of School by Jennifer

Breakups and the First Day of School by Jennifer - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Jennifer Jolin, and I am currently a graduate student at Concordia University, pursuing a degree in Counseling. Throughout my academic journey, I have faced various challenges, but one experience during my first year of graduate school stands out as particularly formative. It was a time when personal and academic pressures collided, testing my resilience and ultimately strengthening my commitment to my field of study.

At the start of my master's program, I was going through a toxic breakup with my boyfriend of four years. It was an emotionally challenging time, and balancing my personal life with the demands of graduate school felt overwhelming. I found it hard to focus on my studies, and my usual enthusiasm for learning was overshadowed by the emotional turmoil I was experiencing. This was the first time in my academic career that I struggled to maintain my focus and motivation.

The challenge was not just about managing my emotions but also about keeping up with the rigorous coursework and expectations of my program. I remember sitting in class, trying to absorb complex counseling theories and techniques, while my mind was preoccupied with personal thoughts and worries. It felt like I was fighting an uphill battle, and I was concerned about how this would impact my academic performance.

The hardest week of the breakup happened to fall on the week of residency. I was getting to meet my cohorts who I was seeing on zoom for the first time. I wanted to be emotionally available to connect with these amazing people. But it seemed almost impossible.

I got to the school early that day to gather my emotions. As I was making a tea I hear a familiar voice call my name. I turn and it was one of the ladies from my cohort. Seeing her was like seeing an angel. As we hugged I began to cry and brushed it off as excitement. One after the other, all my cohorts soon arrived.

One of the requirements for our residency was completing eight group sessions with a facilitator that was commonly a professor in the program. I was not planning on sharing my struggles with my breakup, but it naturally came out. The feedback I received from the facilitator and the other students in my group made me happy I shared.

This residency not only gave me the strength I needed through this difficult time, but by sharing my emotions, I became much closer with my cohort. As counselors in training, it is important to be in touch with ourselves and express things that may be holding us back from our best.

This experience taught me several valuable lessons. First and foremost, it reinforced the importance of self-care and seeking support when needed. I learned that it is okay to admit when you are struggling and that reaching out for help can make a significant difference. This experience also highlighted the value of community and the power of leaning on others during difficult times.

Moreover, this challenge deepened my passion for counseling. It reminded me why I chose this field in the first place – to help others navigate their own challenges and support them in their personal growth. Overcoming this personal and academic hurdle has made me more empathetic and understanding, qualities that I believe will serve me well in my future career.

In conclusion, the difficulties I faced during that time were a pivotal moment in my academic journey. They tested my resilience and forced me to grow in ways I had not anticipated. By seeking support, practicing self-care, and engaging in community, I was able to overcome the obstacles and emerge stronger and more committed to my studies. I am grateful for this experience, as it has prepared me to handle future challenges with confidence and determination.