In this activity we will learn about the importance of creating a support system.  We all need a support system to succeed.  In fact, since the day we were born, we have all relied on help from the people in our lives at some level.  Maya Angelou once said, “Nobody but nobody can make it out here alone.”  Whenever I talk about creating a support system, I always recommend that we get into the mindset of our inner child.  Children often ask for help without reservation, but somehow we lose some of that ability over time for a variety of reasons.  Maybe help wasn’t readily available, maybe those closest to us didn’t know how to help, maybe it was a negative experience that taught you not to ask for help.  Whatever that reason is, it’s important to not let that become an obstacle to your success. 

College is difficult.  You are here to learn; so remember that you are not expected to know everything.  So at times, you will be required to ask for help in order to reach your goals.  This means your support system in college may look a lot different from previous chapters in your life.  In fact, your college support system may include people you don’t know yet, so being open to new experiences is key.  Let’s explore your thoughts and beliefs on the topic of help.

Assignment:

1. Watch the short 6-minute video, Don’t be Afraid to Ask for HELP (Links to an external site.).
2. Write down the following 6 sentence stems and complete the sentence stems according to your thoughts and feelings:
   1. When someone asks me for help I usually feel…
   2. When asking someone for help I usually feel…
   3. I usually don’t ask for help from others because…
   4. I am comfortable providing help to others when…
   5. I am comfortable asking for help from others when…
   6. One thing I could use help with today is…