Our student Ivan: “How can we help students to stay motivated? The ongoing war, shelling, and consistent blackouts in Ukraine is extremely distressing and disruptive for students, particularly for those who are directly affected by these events. It is important for educators, parents, and other supportive adults to be proactive in providing support to students during these difficulties and, despite these challenges, there are still ways that students can find motivation and maintain their focus on their education with help of Concordia University, professors, and people who are socially tied with some student in particular. Speaking from my point of view to back up everything that will be said about our topic, as the conflict raged on, it became increasingly difficult to focus on my studies. The constant fear and uncertainty made it hard to concentrate, and the frequent bombings and blackouts disrupted my daily routine and made it difficult to complete assignments on time. Thankfully for professors and the Dean’s Office, we had a delay in dead-lines and it made students concentrate on more relevant war-related topics more important than, sadly, studying. At times, I felt overwhelmed and helpless, struggling to find a sense of normalcy in such a chaotic and uncertain environment. It was hard to see my friends and loved ones suffer, and the constant threat of danger was always present in the back of my mind. Despite the difficulties, I tried my best to stay focused on my studies. I knew that education was important, and I wanted to make the most of the opportunities available to me. I sought out additional support and resources, such as tutoring and extra time to complete assignments, and I found ways to stay motivated and engaged in my studies with a little help from UACU. I also learned the importance of self-care and seeking support when I needed it. The war was a trying experience, and it was important to take breaks and find ways to cope with the stress and emotions it brought up. I found solace in writing, art, and talking with trusted friends and loved ones. However, one key factor that can help students stay motivated during difficult times is having a clear goal or purpose for their studies. This could be a long-term career goal, a desire to improve their circumstances, or a sense of personal fulfillment. When students have a clear sense of why they are learning and what they hope to achieve, they can use this as a source of motivation to keep going even when things get tough. Another important factor that can help students stay motivated is having support and encouragement from their teachers, parents, and peers. When students feel that they are not alone in their struggles and that there are people who care about their success, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged in their studies. This can include things like regular check-ins with teachers, positive feedback and reinforcement, and opportunities to connect with other students who are facing similar challenges. In addition, it can be helpful for students to find ways to make learning more engaging and enjoyable. This might involve finding ways to apply their studies to real-world situations, incorporating hands-on learning experiences, or using technology to make learning more interactive and engaging. When students find learning to be enjoyable and rewarding, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged in their studies. Also, it is important for students to find ways to manage stress and maintain their well-being during difficult times. This can include things like finding healthy ways to cope with stress, getting enough sleep and exercise, and seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed. When students are able to manage their stress and take care of their physical and mental health, they are more likely to have the energy and focus needed to stay motivated and engaged in their studies. Here are some ways to support students during the war, shelling, and consistent blackouts: 1. Create a safe and supportive environment: It is essential to create a safe and supportive environment for students to feel comfortable and secure in. This may involve setting up a quiet space in the school or home where students can retreat to when they are feeling overwhelmed or distressed. It may also involve establishing clear rules and boundaries to ensure that students feel protected and respected. 2. Encourage students to express their feelings: It is important to encourage students to express their feelings and emotions about the war, shelling, and blackouts. This can be done through writing, art, or other creative outlets. Providing a safe space for students to share their thoughts and feelings can help them cope with their emotions and better understand what they are going through. 3. Provide access to resources and support: Students may benefit from access to resources and support such as counseling, therapy, or peer support groups. These resources can help students process their emotions and provide a sense of community and support. 4. Support academic success: Despite the challenges and distractions caused by the war, shelling, and blackouts, it is important to continue to prioritize academic success. This may involve providing additional support and resources for students, such as tutoring or extended deadlines for assignments. It may also involve adjusting the academic schedule or curriculum to accommodate disruptions caused by the war and blackouts. 5. Foster a sense of hope and resilience: It is important to foster a sense of hope and resilience in students during times of war and turmoil. This can be done through positive reinforcement, setting achievable goals, and highlighting examples of resilience and perseverance in others. Encouraging students to find meaning and purpose in their lives can also help them develop a sense of hope and resilience. 6. Stay informed and stay connected: It is important to stay informed about the situation in the community and how it is affecting students. This may involve staying in contact with school officials, community leaders, and other resources for updates and information. Staying connected with students and other supportive adults can also provide a sense of connection and support during difficult times. To the students as I am, there are several strategies that can help you keep yourself motivated during times of war: 1. Set achievable goals: Setting achievable goals can help individuals stay focused and motivated, even in times of conflict. Setting small, attainable goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and help individuals stay motivated to keep working towards larger goals. 2. Find meaning and purpose: Finding meaning and purpose in one’s work or studies can provide motivation and a sense of direction, even in difficult times. Reflecting on the larger purpose or impact of one’s work can help individuals stay motivated and engaged. 3. Seek support: Seeking support from friends, family, or trusted advisors can provide motivation and encouragement, as well as a sense of community and connection. Sharing goals and progress with others can also help individuals stay accountable and motivated to achieve their goals. 4. Practice self-care: Practicing self-care is essential for maintaining motivation, as it helps individuals manage stress and maintain their physical and mental well-being. Taking breaks, getting enough rest, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation can all help individuals stay motivated and focused. 5. Stay positive: Maintaining a positive attitude can also be helpful in staying motivated during times of war. Focusing on the things that are going well, practicing gratitude, and finding ways to stay hopeful and optimistic can all help individuals stay motivated and engaged. In conclusion, the war, shelling, and consistent blackouts in mix with fear of death or loss of beloved ones is extremely distressing and disruptive for students, but by creating a safe and supportive environment, encouraging students to express their feelings, providing access to resources and support, supporting academic success, fostering a sense of hope and resilience, and staying informed and connected, educators, parents, and other supportive adults can help students cope with these challenges and find resilience in the face of adversity.”
