Hurt and Healing interviewed our own Madison Anderson about how she overcame doubt while juggling being a full-time student and working full-time. Despite obstacles, Madison stayed focused on her goals, proving that nothing can deter your determination.
Here is Madison’s insight:
My experience throughout graduate school really challenged my perseverance and determination. I began my graduate degree in the Fall of 2019 and completed the degree in Winter of 2021, so outside of the overall stressors that can be expected from working full-time and being a full-time student, the unexpected global pandemic truly tested my ability to remain driven in various ways. I struggled with making sacrifices and prioritizing my own personal needs within the different roles in my life including student, employee, daughter, friend, and partner. My motivation to continue really came from my support system as well as remaining aware of the outcome that I envisioned for myself when I completed my degree. It helped me to remember the purpose of my current sacrifices and to recognize that the struggles I was experiencing would only be temporary.
Based on the changes that were occurring throughout the world from 2019-2021, I had doubts about whether this was the right time for me to focus on my career and education goals. To overcome those doubts and challenge the anxieties that I did have, I had to consistently remind myself that “nothing is permanent” and “there is no better time than now”. It was important for me to understand what I needed for myself in times where the stressors became overwhelming. After prioritizing my responsibilities, I had to schedule time to take care of myself and ensure that I was being ‘productively unproductive’ by watching a movie I was interested in, or spending time on the beach, or hanging out with my friends.
My belief is that the profound sense of accomplishment that I knew I would feel when I received my degree was what kept me going for those 2 years of pure chaos and unpredictability. For anyone struggling to balance role responsibilities among unforeseen circumstances, I would encourage the use of social supports, prioritizing personal time, and frequent use of reminders for why they are working towards a goal in the first place.
We are proud to have Madison as a cherished member of team Hurt and Healing. Her dedication and resilience have brought us to this moment of celebration. We’re overjoyed by your accomplishments and inspired by your Healing Journey.
