I'm having a really hard time adjusting...

[markelmarcel]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am in the 3rd week of my program and I'm having a really hard time adjusting to school. I thought that once I started that I would feel better and get excited all over again and instead I have been completely miserable. I feel like I can't "get" anything.

I am just having the hardest time figuring out whether I am just having a hard time with the adjustment, or if I made a mistake in wanting to go to school again and I'm afraid to talk to anyone about it because I don't want to be pegged as someone who doesn't want to be there (or someone who "stole" a spot from someone else.) I haven't really "clicked" with anyone in my program and group studying usually leaves me feeling like I wasted my time.

My boyfriend thinks I study all the time, but the truth is, when I'm with classmates I'm not learning anything and so I think that I definitely need to do more solo studying.

I just come home every day so defeated and wondering what it is that is going to make this situation better.

I don't even know what I'm really looking for on this post; maybe some guidance/tips on getting adjusted/studying, advice...

Thanks...

 

[ptootles]

I think I know how you feel - in my first few weeks of my first term I felt much the same way: overwhelmed, doubting my ability to "get it" and wondering if I was in the right place. It didn't help any that on our first big exam, I did terrible. I am curious: why has the group studying not worked for you so far? Initially, I did feel the same as you because I wasn't really clicking (as you say) with any of the other students and there did seem to be some natural groups that were forming that I wasn't a part of. However I also knew I couldn't get through this studying alone so I just decided to take advantage of every study group opportunity I could and to make sure, in those groups, that my study needs were covered as well as everyone else's. It also helped that the instructors made themselves available every afternoon for Q&A. Having my fiance around to practice on and to do some non-PT things with was also important (that old "make time for yourself" idea). Eventually, I started to feel better about myself as I started to improve my grades - my confidence started to rise although it's still not where I need it to be. I'm in my second term now and although I'm starting to feel a return of the old doubts, I know now that I can get through it if I just stick with the plan that has worked so far.

My best advice is not to cut yourself off from your classmates - some of them will more advanced than you, others will be behind you but you all really need each other in order to pull through this long grind. I mentioned this once before on this board, some advice my Dad gave me on feeling overwhelmed: How do you eat a whale? One bite at a time. 😉

 

[Fiveoboy11]

Think of how accomplished you will feel after you make it through..I'd recommend studying on your own and spending a lot of time doing it. Focus in the lectures, review them and read as assigned.

 

[noyceguy]

I am sorry you are having a difficult time in school.

Ultimately, the motivation to succeed has to come from inside YOU. Why did you decide to go to PT school in the first place? What kind of future do you see for yourself? The answers to these questions will determine what kind of student you are.

If you are committed to becoming the best PT you can be, then motivation is easy and you just have to buckle down and do the work. If you are not 100 percent committed to that, then nothing that anyone can say will motivate you.

Good luck.

 

[pumpkinpatch]

I understand where you're coming from. Mostly I'm doing ok with school (I also started 3 weeks ago) but there are definitely days where I am just totally exhausted. If you find that you're not 'getting' things, talk to the professors! Every time I've asked a professor a question, I'm so glad I did because it really makes the lights turn on for me. I'm sure they'll be happy to help you out. And although the social adjustment may be difficult, definitely don't isolate yourself. Hang in there! I'm sure after a few more weeks you'll feel more settled in to your new routine and things will start clicking for you.

 

[johncronejr]

Markel, do do not despair darlin. I thought I was the only one in my class that felt that way, but after talking with classmates, I found out that many of them did. I also talked to so second years and they told me the same thing. I was seriously considering whether I should just try to find a job during this first 3 weeks. I found a good study partner that I get along great with and we study at my house for most of the classes. For lab practical stuff, I go to the labs in the evenings/weekends with a group and we have a blast while learning.

We just had 2 tests, so I feel better now having actually had a test and knowing that they aren't going to mean automatic death LOL. I have made a point to do social things with classmates, like going to a sports bar and watching our state college game, or just chilling at a classmates house and talking. I also am involved in flag football with our intramural team.

I am a non-trad at 46 years old, so I know that if I can fit in and make it, you can too. If you want to actually talk, private message me and I will send you my number. I have been through a lot in life and have a good ear.

Best of luck!

 

[myzougrad]

My first semester I felt like the dumb one in class. I'd usually been in the top of my class but I had forgotten all the average students didn't make it into PT school. Now I was with the top of the class and I felt like everyone else seemed to be getting it so much easier than me. The first semester was hard and I worried I couldn't maintain my GPA but I studied hard, found a group of classmates to form a study group with, spent lots of time in the labs and made it through. After 16 months in the program I'm doing great. Now I'm in my second year and I know I have what it takes to graduate. Stick with it for the first semester. Give yourself the opportunity to succeed and see how you feel after that.

 

[jesspt]

I am in the 3rd week of my program and I'm having a really hard time adjusting to school. I thought that once I started that I would feel better and get excited all over again and instead I have been completely miserable. I feel like I can't "get" anything.

I am just having the hardest time figuring out whether I am just having a hard time with the adjustment, or if I made a mistake in wanting to go to school again and I'm afraid to talk to anyone about it because I don't want to be pegged as someone who doesn't want to be there (or someone who "stole" a spot from someone else.) I haven't really "clicked" with anyone in my program and group studying usually leaves me feeling like I wasted my time.

My boyfriend thinks I study all the time, but the truth is, when I'm with classmates I'm not learning anything and so I think that I definitely need to do more solo studying.

I just come home every day so defeated and wondering what it is that is going to make this situation better.

I don't even know what I'm really looking for on this post; maybe some guidance/tips on getting adjusted/studying, advice...

Thanks...

Markel,

You can take this advice or leave it.


I went to school quite a while ago, but had a few life changes occur around the start of my PT program - broke-up with my girlfriend of 2 years and I moved from rural South Dakota to Philadelphia. Some things come to my mind as I read your original post:

• Dont' give up on trying to connect with your classmates. The chair of our department stood in from of our class the first day and said "Don't fall in love while you are here. Don't fall out of love while you are here. And don't expect anyone else outside of these four walls to understand what you will be going through. Welcome to Beaver College." Then, she walked out the door. A bit of a harsh introduction, but in hindsight, it made sense. Many of my classmates had the support of wonderful spouses or significant others, but to a person, they all said that their wife/husband/SO didn't "get it." Your classmates do. And they will continue to do so. You may not need them for academic assistance, but you might need them for emotional support and a sounding board when things aren't going well. Odds are good that many of them are feeling the same way you are right now.
• Organize a group study session. Identify the things you need to study most, develop an itinerary, and try to invite some classmates who have a similar learning style to yours. If you're not getting what you need from your previous group study sessions, try to better define and develop a study session that will work for you.
• Figure out the strengths and weaknesses of your classmates. Some will be better at anatomy and biomechanics, some will understand neuroscience, etc. Figure out who those classmates are and ask them for help.
• Try to do some social things with your class. Speaking from experience, my classmates and I were far more likely to be concerned about a classmate we connected with socaily than one who dissappeared as soon as class was over. In fact, two of the three students who did not graduate our program lived over the river in New Jersey, had a serious boyfriend/girldfirend they lived with, and we never saw them at night or on the weekend. We never even knew they were struggling.

Keep pluggin away. Looking at your undergarduate degree, this is likley the first time who have had so many hard science courses thrown your way in a short period of time. There is an adjustment period there, as you figure out how to assimilate all of that information. It will happen, and I bet in a week or two, you'll have that "lightbulb" moment where it all just clicks.

Best of luck!

 

[markelmarcel]

Hi all,

Just wanted to check in and say thank you so much for all of your responses. Really, thank you. 🙂

I am still trying and today I had a good day where I didn't want to run away from the school (and hopefully get hit by a bus on the street!) so that's a good sign, right?

I am definitely still trying to study with those; today the "wise ones" (aka all us 25+... because we are not "old") stayed after class and we practiced palpation and then we all just sat in the same room and worked on our own thing, but it was nice to have the company while working and it made me feel more refreshed so I can sit down now and study some more myself tonight.

Also, I received a facebook message from a student that is a 2nd year in the program I am in, she reads my blog (that is all about my transition from teacher to PT; the good, bad and ugly [as it may be now]) and said that she got the feeling that I may be having a rough time and has since written me a few emails telling me about how she had a very hard transition and had even went to main campus to seek some counseling (which is free and she recommended that if I thought I needed to talk to "someone" but was afraid to approach a person in our program that the counselors were very helpful and stress-relieving for her). Now, I've yet to meet her in person, but it was really sweet of her to reach out to me, and I definitely appreciate it.

And I also really, really appreciate all the points and thoughts that you have brought up! You know you always vent when you are upset and feel like there's no way out, and although I'm far from ok, at least today I had a good day and hopefully soon I'll make more connections (even if it is through trial and error) and I'll have more good days then bad.

So, Thank you! 🙂 (And feel free to keep the responses coming, they are truly amazing!)

 

[PTisfun]

My advice as a faculty member in a PT program is do not worry so much. Easier said than done, but PT school is not that stressful. The courses are designed (in a CAPTE accredited program) for you to graduate and they are ordered and structured to make sense and flow from foundational sciences to applied, critical appraisal courses. So I tell students all of the time to just trust the process and you will do fine. On the other hand if you do not like it, then quit. One of the ONLY limitations of an entry-level PT degree is you are qualified to do 1 thing when you graduate. So if you do not like it, then stop. Although sounds like you are a 1st year, so in all likelihood it is way too soon to truly decide if you do not like PT. In my experience, we have had 4 students drop out almost immediately (in 6 years) since they decided PT was not for them. But even if after 1 year, you decide you do not like it, then no big deal....you can always find something else to meet your passions.

 

[TheOx777]

Markelmarcel,

I honestly haven't connected with many people in my program either. We have a relatively small program, so there is very little chance to "get away", if you will. I told myself, that I didn't want to make any hasty judgments or have pre-conceived notions dictate the outcomes. Full disclosure(only 3 weeks in so take it with a grain of salt); I find myself so much more into our basic science classes than any of the clinical classes. When I recognized this, it scared the hell out of me. I thought, "am I doing the right thing?" I mean this is a "clinical doctorate". We have Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology/Pharmacology(combination of two classes), and Research I as our basic science class this first semester. Everybody seems to love Anatomy(as do I), but when we are in the other science classes people seem to want to poke their eyes out, and I on the other end of the spectrum. It just alarmed me, because I know that my basic science knowledge will be critical to making EB decisions, yet I just haven't found the zest for our clinical classes, YET!

At the end of the day, you have to do what is right for you. I rarely study with other people for an extended period of time. We all learn differently(to some degree), and if you have to fly solo in study sessions to excel, go right on ahead. If you feel that being back in school is the daunting part, then talk to an academic adviser or prof. It is so difficult to see that light at the end of the tunnel right now. Patience will serve you well!

 

[markelmarcel]

So, I thought that I was starting to make the adjustment to being in school today, until today when my SO told me that he's upset because all I do is study and sleep and that he feels we no longer have a relationship together.

I, too, feel this frustration and am wondering if there is something wrong because I am not understanding the material I need to know... I just am having a hard time remembering it all and have had a headache for the past week (as my first 2 big tests are tomorrow [back to back anatomy and physiology]) because of being on brain overload.

Now, I am plagued with even more doubt, because honestly, I'm scared that if I am studying all the time now, that I'm not going to be able to handle things as they get more complex.

I've never had an issue with studying/time/learning before now, and I'm not sure what to do.

I'll be meeting with my advisor on Thursday, so I am debating on whether I want to bring this up to her or not; I feel like if I say anything negative I will be pegged as someone who is negative instead of getting advice/assistance.

 

[noyceguy]

Um, the advisor is there to help. He or she can't help you with issues you don't talk about. Get it all out on the table and deal with the problems. Then move on.

So, I thought that I was starting to make the adjustment to being in school today, until today when my SO told me that he's upset because all I do is study and sleep and that he feels we no longer have a relationship together.

I, too, feel this frustration and am wondering if there is something wrong because I am not understanding the material I need to know... I just am having a hard time remembering it all and have had a headache for the past week (as my first 2 big tests are tomorrow [back to back anatomy and physiology]) because of being on brain overload.

Now, I am plagued with even more doubt, because honestly, my SO is more important to me than school is and I'm scared that if I am studying all the time now, that I'm not going to be able to handle things as they get more complex.

I've never had an issue with studying/time/learning before now, and I'm not sure what to do.

I'll be meeting with my advisor on Thursday, so I am debating on whether I want to bring this up to her or not; I feel like if I say anything negative I will be pegged as someone who is negative instead of getting advice/assistance.

 

[DancerFutureDPT]

Markel,

Advisors are there to help you. Like Noyce said, they can't help if you don't tell them. They won't judge you, or think of you as being negative. Grad school of any kind is a HUGE adjustment, but especially in the medical field.

Feel free to PM me if you want to rant/discuss/whatever. I went through a similar situation (minus the SO aspect) when it came to PT school, so I definitely understand your feelings.

 

[trichic]

Markel,

You are not being negative at all; just honest. I'm sure the advisor has had many students talk to them about the same problems. I hope you get the assistance you need and things work out for you. It can be difficult with a SO. I am married and throughout undergrad, my husband complained all the time that we couldn't ever go anywhere without me taking my school work with me. It's an adjustment for them too and they will figure out how to deal with it. Let us know how things work out for you. I start my program next fall and am nervous about the work load and fitting in since I am also a nontrad student.

 

[jellybean2020]

It's pretty common for significant others to have a hard time adjusting as you enter graduate school (whether it be for PT/law/med school), ESPECIALLY if your SO is not as academically driven or motivated (ie. never liked school much). I concur with the other comments about seeing a school counselor, and if possible I'd advise you to take your SO with you. Whether he is being clingy or not he probably didn't fully realize what he was signing up for. You have to help him understand this is basically a full-time job for you now. You're paying a ton of $$ for this training, and these next 2.5 years are critical to building your success and ability as a clinician. If he can't understand that you're doing this for your future (which directly benefits his future), then these next few years are going to be pretty rough for the both of you. With all that said, YOU should make sure you budget your time well. Are your study habits and time management skills strong enough that you can still schedule a date or do something fun once in a while? You certainly have a role in that as well.

Sorry for the harsh words. Think of it as tough love 🙂 Hang in there!

 

[markelmarcel]

No one is being harsh, so thank you all! Interestingly enough we had just spent Saturday together out around the city and also working on our house, so I was actually taken aback when he freaked out on me the very next day... Anyway, he did apologize but I def feel this is going to be something that really should be hashed out; I guess since I'm having such a hard time adjusting I didn't even consider that he may be having a hard time as well (especially since we are both adjusting to living together for the first time on top of this haha!)

Anyway, thanks again! I appreciate the cyber support!!

 

[pumpkinpatch]

It seems like it's pretty common for there to be relationship trouble these first few weeks of school. I noticed around three weeks in I kept hearing about my classmates having problems with this. I did too a little bit, even though I still see my SO a few times a week. What helps immensely with this transition in this respect for me is that he is working on his CPA so he has to study just as much as I do, so we're able to study a lot together. I would imagine this would be a lot easier on your SO if had something to keep him occupied to fill that time normally spent with you... maybe suggest some sort of intramural sports or some other activity.

 

[johncronejr]

On orientation day at my school, they told us to tell our SO's that we would be extremely busy at times getting through PT school. It is what it is. Your SO either supports you in achieving your career goals or he doesn't. Yes, there is an adjustment period, but bottom line is that he must support you or you are in for a lot of "fights". In my opinion, moving in together at this time was a bad move because there is an increased expectation of spending more time together, which you cannot give because of studying.

Everything you are saying about studying seems to be common from what I hear from classmates and what I am going through myself. We are either in class, actively studying material, or just talking/thinking about the material. I have been told by the 2nd and 3rd year students that the first year is the hardest and that things basically start going downhill starting with the second year.

 

[Danae00]

I think almost everyone one in my class was in tears at least once in first year. Most of us were in tears multiple times. That said, we only had one person drop out of our program (first month) and the rest of us are having WAY more fun in second year. The course material is not any easier IMO, but the stress is way way down because we know that we'll manage to survive it. 🙂

Thankfully our teachers prepared us for this. They told us flat out we will feel stupid, utterly incompetent, and like we shouldn't be in this program during the first year. But they promised it would get better - and they were right.

Advice? Stop worrying about getting the same grades you did in undergrad. And don't compare with other students! Most people who are in PT are very very smart. Odds are you won't be at the top of the class. And remember, you've already made it to grad school. You don't need that 4.0 anymore.

Find a way to study that works for you. Don't feel pressure to study in a way that doesn't work for you. This might take some trial and error. But don't panic, see my advice above.

Don't make everything about school! Friday and Saturday nights were "no school allowed" time. It was also my way of ensuring I didn't neglect my loved ones too much. I also took part in school activities like volleyball tournaments and ultimate with my classmates. Sure, that meant I didn't study as much and maybe my grades suffered slightly. But it was needed for my sanity, and that is far more important than grades! (see a theme??)

Finally, make use of the school's counselling services. They are there for a reason. It is a huge stress relief to be able to vent and bawl and basically let out all of your emotions to someone who is 100% focused on your emotional well being. Why more people don't make use of them, I'll never know!

Good luck!

 

[PT Dad]

markelmarcel,

I forwarded this thread to my daughter and she asked me to post this reply (she doesn't usually read these forums, too busy I guess)

"After reading several of the posts I completely sympathize with you. When I first started PT school I wondered what I got myself into…I thought I could not do the work and there was so much to learn in very little time. I did not have much of a social life and cried and vented to my parents on a regular basis debating my ability to make it through the classes. With some motivation and a wonderful family, I am almost finished my last year of PT school and I am so happy I stuck it out and I did not quit or give up on myself. I remember once complaining to my dentist about school and how hard it was…he gave me good advice that made me shed new light on the situation, “PT school is 3 years and then you have the rest of your life to do what you want.” I still keep this in mind and know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Many people will not know what you are going through unless they have been through an intense academic program such as a PT program. Your boyfriend may find it hard to understand what you are going through…but you may need to be selfish and focus more on your school work than spending time with him, if he cares enough he will stick around because he cares about you and knows you are doing this to better your future. Also, no one says you have to study with a group. I usually studied independently and would practice things before practicals when it was necessary to demonstrate on another person. But don’t feel you need to study with other people, everyone learns differently.
Hang in there…everyone feels like it is impossible (and if they don’t they are either super super smart or lying). It might seem like school is taking forever while you are in it but as you finish each semester you will think how it flew by. Good luck!"

 

[markelmarcel]

Thanks for the support all! Although I am still struggling with a wide range of things, I am happy to report I aced my first exams, so that's something.

I did talk to my advisor a little, but basically counseled myself; she only told me things that I already knew/recognized. So, one day at a time...