Building Your Support System
Who’s in Your Corner?
Putting together your support system is like putting together a puzzle, and because you are creating this network, it can look exactly the way you want it to. Ideally, the individuals who make up your support system will help you learn to do things, but not do them for you. He or she also offers advice and encouragement along the way.
Your support system can help you with any number of academic or social goals, challenges, or processes. Let's look at a few ways members of your support system are on duty to assist you with, what can only be described as highly significant, essential, and unmistakable, progress toward reaching your goal(s). And just as they are taking notes and tracking your progress, you can make a fast and easy assessment of them, too! Track how diligently they are working for you by taking mental or physical notes (whichever works for you) related to each area of the following:
Let the building begin. Think of as many people that you can who you can invite to be a part of your support system. And remember, this list isn’t final, and you can have as many or as few team members on it as you would like. – It’s your networking system. Make it work for you!
ACADEMIC
Who in your circle can help you with building study skills, getting assistance with writing a research paper, editing your college essay, or supporting you when you didn't do as well as you thought on that test?
PROFESSIONAL/CAREER
Who in your circle can talk with you their career and profession, connect you with internship opportunities, or help you to explore your talents and interests?
PERSONAL
Who in your circle can help you get over your fear of public speaking, to learn to manage your temper, or become team captain of the soccer team?
The list below will help you brainstorm members to add to your support system.
Members of your support system help you to achieve academic, personal, and career goals!
Your support system can help you with any number of academic or social goals, challenges, or processes. Let's look at a few ways members of your support system are on duty to assist you with, what can only be described as highly significant, essential, and unmistakable, progress toward reaching your goal(s). And just as they are taking notes and tracking your progress, you can make a fast and easy assessment of them, too! Track how diligently they are working for you by taking mental or physical notes (whichever works for you) related to each area of the following:
- You receive help to assess your strengths and weaknesses.
- You’re introduced to new perspectives and are corrected when any wrong thinking occurs.
- Your ability to make good decisions, manage your time, and complete assignments on schedule has improved.
- You’re familiarized early on with the necessary strategies and tips needed for your career path.
- You’re introduced to important people, places, and resources.
- The entire support system team happily agrees to be references for you and to write letters of recommendation to any college, career school, and/or service academy you’re interested in.
Let the building begin. Think of as many people that you can who you can invite to be a part of your support system. And remember, this list isn’t final, and you can have as many or as few team members on it as you would like. – It’s your networking system. Make it work for you!
ACADEMIC
Who in your circle can help you with building study skills, getting assistance with writing a research paper, editing your college essay, or supporting you when you didn't do as well as you thought on that test?
PROFESSIONAL/CAREER
Who in your circle can talk with you their career and profession, connect you with internship opportunities, or help you to explore your talents and interests?
PERSONAL
Who in your circle can help you get over your fear of public speaking, to learn to manage your temper, or become team captain of the soccer team?
The list below will help you brainstorm members to add to your support system.
- Family Member/Relative
- Family Friend
- Neighbor
- Employer/Manager
- School Counselor/College Advisor
- Classmate/Peer/Friend
- Youth-Group Leader
- Camp Counselor
- Teacher/School Administrator
- Coach
- Religious Leader
Members of your support system help you to achieve academic, personal, and career goals!
If you are a Baltimore City School student in grade 6-12, you have access to the NAVIANCE college and career readiness platform which enables you to use SMART GOALS. To set your goals, click the NAVIANCE icon, select your school from the list, and log in to Family Connection.
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