Issue link: http://ncumarketing.uberflip.com/i/816855
REACHING OUT Written by Shirley Shani Ben-Zvi (State Coordinator, Georgia) A significant challenge for NCU students is the fact that we are isolated from each other, and our faculty. We do most of our work alone in front of the computer, and some may find the lack of peer contact to be disconcerting. NCU's model requires that we take the better part of the responsibility for our education. I'd like to suggest a few ways to break that isolation and the feeling of loneliness that may come with it: Reach out to other students through the Commons. Whether they are students in your area or not, we can support each other. Reach out to students in your area through your state coordinator. Virtual meetings and face-to-face meetings are happening in almost every state. We won't see each other every day, but we can support each other. Reach out to your professors. Not just for knowledge, but to discuss doubts you might have, or other issues of interest. Even if it's not about a clear answer to a clear question, but to just get another perspective. They are there to teach us, and it's our job and responsibility to be vocal about our needs. Get connected to your local AAMFT chapter. This one is also true for those who go to a brick-and-mortar school. Some chapters are more active than others, but the sooner you start to attend those meetings, conferences, and trainings, the more you will get acquainted with your future colleagues. These are people with whom we can discuss issues of interest, and who we will be working with after graduation. Attendance will help broaden your education, identify the subject areas that interest you, and you may even meet your future supervisor. Even chapters that are not very active usually have local conferences a few times a year. Become a member of the emerging professional's network of the AAMFT, and connect with students from other universities. 1 2 3 4 5