Overcoming difficulties
There are many ways to get help to overcome difficulties and to find the best way to achieve what you want. You can go to websites and search for the help you need online, or you can get advice face to face in some of the organisations listed under Useful websites [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] in the Resources section of this course.
Listen to Natalia talking about what has helped her move closer to her goal. As you listen, try to identify two things that helped Natalia to achieve her goal.
Transcript
My parents never pushed me to do something. Geology was not the best choice to do to be honest. My brother picked a much better choice and I tried to follow but it didn’t really work out. I got into geology but they never really pointed that out, that it wasn’t a good choice. Look, you can’t get a job, what was the point. They never really said anything like that.
I’ve got a lot of friends so I think I am quite open and helpful. I am definitely open for new ideas. Just coming here it shows.
I think I got a little bit lucky with the move here and obviously it was not always very nice all the time but I still got quite lucky that I met some people on the way who helped out, who supported me. But still, you really have to do a lot of work yourself. I was trying to encourage my friend to do a similar thing. She is from Scotland but she is still struggling. It won’t be easy and nobody said it would be easy. It wasn’t.
I think that was a really good idea to go back to uni. Really, it’s not strange thing that it counts that you are educated here. It shows, I think. So always try to do that if you can, if you have the time or possibilities. I am sure it works the same back home when people come over. I am sure it’s much easier for them to find a job when they were educated there. That’s something to do with it.
My long-term goal is to stay in Scotland and work in the field, maybe specialise a little bit more. At some point, have a family. I’m not really sure yet. I am happy with what I do. Keep learning, keep studying. It took a while, but sometimes you have to be patient.
Activity 4.4 Help to overcome difficulties
You have seen how Natalia has had support from her parents and her boyfriend, her employers, colleagues and friends, organisations that she has volunteered for and contacts that she has made, as well as relying on her own motivation, attitude and hard work. But she also did some planning and wasn’t afraid to accept help or advice when she needed it.
Now think about your own circumstances. If you think you will need help:
- Find out who can help you.
- Talk about and discuss your ideas and plans with the important people in your life.
- Check the list of websites given in the Resources section of this course, writing down the details of any organisation you are thinking of asking for help.
Fill in this table, listing who you can ask or where you can go for help.
OR
Go to Activity 4.4 of your Reflection Log. Once you have completed the activity, make sure you save the document again.
If you are working in a group context, you can discuss this with your group tutor and with others in your group.
Factors that can help or hinder you