Life Skills Archives - Global School Access

Overcoming Writer’s Block: Proven Strategies from an Experienced Author

Global School Access — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:43:12 +0000

You’re familiar with the frustration. The moment you sit down to write, your mind goes blank. Days, months, or even years might pass, and yet, the words refuse to flow. This is the bane of every writer: the notorious Writer’s Block. It lurks in the shadows of your creative process, holding your stories and messages hostage, gathering dust in the forgotten corners of your mind.

If you don’t address this soon, the fear is real that you might abandon your writing aspirations, leaving your stories untold and your potential unmet.

Fortunately, I bring good news. After decades in the writing industry and publishing numerous books, some of which have graced the prestigious lists of bestsellers, I’ve developed a foolproof method to eradicate Writer’s Block from my life. It’s a method tested through time and experience, and I’m here to share it with you.

So, what’s the secret? It’s simple yet revolutionary: I treat Writer’s Block not as an insurmountable barrier but as a manageable challenge.

Yes, you might protest, claiming, “But I’m stuck right now!” I understand completely. I’ve been there, on days when I’d rather do anything than write. However, I’ve discovered the keys to unlocking continuous creativity, ensuring I’m never hindered by a lack of words.

How is it possible to dismiss Writer’s Block as a myth while so many suffer from it daily? Let’s delve deeper and examine this together. By understanding the underlying issues and rethinking our approach, we can transform this dreaded block into a stepping stone for success.

Now that the introduction is set, how would you like to proceed with the next section on defining Writer’s Block?

What Exactly Is Writer’s Block? Insights Every Writer Should Know

Writer’s Block often feels like an unbreakable barrier to creativity, but what exactly is it? It’s commonly perceived as a relentless force that keeps writers from producing content, yet it’s often a mask for deeper, more intricate issues.

It’s about the factors that invisibly weigh down on a writer’s psyche. Whether it’s fear, self-doubt, or external pressures, these elements converge to create a blockade against creative expression.

Identifying and addressing these underlying issues is the first step towards reclaiming your creativity and productivity. By understanding what Writer’s Block really represents, you are better equipped to tackle it head-on and emerge victorious, ready to write again.

This segment sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the real causes behind Writer’s Block, preparing us to dive into the specific challenges that writers face. Shall we move on to the next section, where we discuss these causes in detail?

Tackling the Root Causes of Writer’s Block

Let’s explore the four predominant causes and the actionable strategies to overcome them.

Cause #1: Fear Fear is perhaps the most paralyzing emotion for writers. Fear of inadequacy, fear of failure, fear of judgment—these are just a few of the daunting feelings that can prevent a writer from even starting. But here’s the thing: it’s okay to be scared. I’ve felt it with every book I’ve started, no matter how many I’ve written before. The key is not to let fear dictate your actions.

Solution: Embrace your fears. Accept them as a sign that you care deeply about your work. Then, use that energy to fuel your writing. Let fear drive you to research more, practice more, and ultimately, improve. Turn fear into a motivator rather than a barrier.

Cause #2: Procrastination Procrastination is often seen as the writer’s worst enemy, yet it can also be a misunderstood ally. It’s not just about being lazy or distracted; sometimes, it’s your brain’s way of telling you it needs more time to process or create.

Solution: Integrate procrastination into your writing process. Schedule it as you would any other part of your work. Allow yourself time to step away, knowing that sometimes, the best ideas come when you’re not actively trying to force them. This managed approach can transform procrastination from a foe to a friend. When I feel procrastination creeping in, I start generating a bunch of papers on the PaperTyper website. This allows me to have a fun brainstorming session because you never know what AI might write on a given topic. Sometimes, I even start arguing with ChatGPT to kickstart critical thinking processes in my mind.

Cause #3: Perfectionism Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it drives you to produce high-quality work. On the other, it can stop you from writing altogether because the fear of not achieving perfection can be overwhelming.

Solution: Practice separating the writing and editing phases. Allow yourself to write freely, without judgment, in your initial drafts. Remind yourself that editing is where you refine and perfect, not during the creative flow of initial writing.

Cause #4: Distractions In our connected world, distractions are more prevalent than ever. From social media notifications to household chores, countless interruptions can break your writing flow.

Solution: Create a dedicated writing space and time where distractions are minimized. Inform family and friends of your writing schedule to reduce interruptions, and use tools like website blockers to keep online distractions at bay.

By understanding and addressing these four causes, you can create a personalized toolkit to combat Writer’s Block effectively. Ready to explore additional strategies that can further enhance your writing productivity?

Further Techniques to Defeat Writer’s Block

Here are several effective techniques to keep the words flowing:

Set Manageable Goals: Begin with small, achievable writing targets. This could mean writing a certain number of words daily or setting aside a specific time each day dedicated solely to writing. This habit not only builds momentum but also reinforces a routine that can help bypass periods of blockage.
Lower Your Expectations: Understand that not every writing session will yield your best work, and that’s perfectly fine. The key is consistency. Keep writing regularly, and refine your drafts later. This approach reduces the pressure that can lead to blockages.
Familiarize Yourself with Your Characters and Setting: Spend time developing your story’s characters and exploring your setting in depth. This familiarity can spark new ideas and make the writing process smoother and more engaging.
Read Widely and Often: Good writers are voracious readers. Immerse yourself in a diverse range of texts. This not only improves your understanding of different writing styles but can also inspire new ideas and approaches in your own work.
Take Scheduled Breaks: Sometimes, stepping away from your work is exactly what you need. Breaks can prevent burnout and refresh your mind. Engage in activities that relax you and return to your writing with a new perspective.
Begin at the End: Knowing the ending of your story can provide a clear direction for your writing, making it easier to plot the course and fill in the details as you go.
Brainstorm Without Barriers: Set a timer and jot down any and all ideas without worrying about grammar, structure, or feasibility. This unfiltered creativity can often lead to viable paths through your narrative blocks.
Change Your Environment: A new writing environment can stimulate creativity. Whether it’s a quiet park, a bustling coffee shop, or a different room in your house, a change of scenery might be just what you need to rekindle your enthusiasm for writing.
End Your Writing Sessions Mid-Idea: Like Ernest Hemingway, stop when you know what comes next. This technique keeps your mind engaged and makes it easier to begin during your next writing session.
Utilize Tools: Consider using apps and software designed to block distractions and keep you focused. Tools like Cold Turkey can help manage your digital environment to support sustained writing periods.

With the detailed exploration of techniques to combat writer’s block, you’re well-equipped to revive your writing journey and make substantial progress on your projects. Each strategy offers a unique approach to overcoming the common obstacles that all writers face at some point. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced author, these methods can be tailored to your individual needs and writing style.

Remember, the key to conquering writer’s block is a combination of self-awareness, strategic planning, and a willingness to adapt. By understanding the root causes and applying practical solutions, you can enhance your writing productivity and maintain a steady flow of creativity.

The post Overcoming Writer’s Block: Proven Strategies from an Experienced Author appeared first on Global School Access.

Host Families – Helping Your Student Adjust

Global School Access — Fri, 20 May 2022 16:59:45 +0000

“It takes a village”
International students may sometimes feel alone or that no one understands them or can help them. Often is the case that they are unsure how to ask for help or express exactly what it is that they need. They may feel unsettled or lonely, or embarrassed about issues they may not know how to address or process. All of us together (host family, school, GSA staff, and the students’ parents) serve as the “village” for our students. Students needs to know who to go to in their network and trust that they will be cared for and that their needs will be met.

Each student is assigned a Student Manager who speaks their native language. That representative serves as a support and liaison to the student, the student’s parents, GSA, host family, and school when necessary. The Student Manager visits the student at his/her host family home or boarding school each month and prepares a report for the student’s parents which encompasses the student’s academics and overall welfare.

Clear Instructions
You may not think it’s necessary or that perhaps certain elements of life in the U.S. are obvious to others, but never assume that. For example, sometimes students don’t have cleaning or cooking responsibilities and are not accustomed to warming food in a microwave or preparing food for themselves. You might need to show your student how to prepare food, to use a microwave or dishwasher, set a table, take out the trash, clean a bathroom or bedroom, make a bed, use the washer and dryer, etc. It is possible that in their home country they do not use dryers at all. They may need to be reminded that your home is NOT a hotel and that they are a fully participating member of the household, and with that comes certain responsibilities.

Give them a tour of your home and discuss each area. Are there areas that are off limits? Are their times for certain activities, meals, family time, quiet time, homework? Where should they study? What time is light out? Keep in mind that our evening may be morning for their family outside of the U.S. and they will need time to connect with their family. It doesn’t mean they should be up until 1:00 in the morning, but it is something that should be discussed.

Do you have children? Your student may come from a single child household and have no idea how to interact with your children. They are accustomed to focusing on their studies and most likely have very little downtime or playtime for themselves or with classmates or children that are younger than them. If your student shows no interest in family activities, it is most likely because they feel uncomfortable or aren’t sure what to do. Create some structured family time with board games or other opportunities for everyone in the family to get to know each other without feeling pressured.

Do you have pets? Students may be uncomfortable or unaccustomed to having pets in a home and may not be aware of how to handle or care for an animal. Show them and let them know about your pet’s meals, privileges, care, etc. Discuss what your pet can and can’t eat, if they can go outside for play, and what to do in an emergency situation.

At school, the student will need to be shown his/her schedule and where his/her classes are, how to purchase school lunch, use a combination lock, how to address a teacher or ask for help, etc.

Open and Honest Communication
Just like any other relationship, it takes time to cultivate the relationship and get to know each other. Now, add a new country, family structure and dynamic, expectations, possibly a new language, etc. It will take some time and challenges will arise. Communicate often and remember to speak slowly in case your student’s English isn’t at a high level of fluency. They may be self-conscious of their English and struggle to articulate how they are feeling. Allow them the time to say what they need the best way they can. Ask questions to check comprehension. Paraphrase what the student said. Use visual aids if necessary and if you use idioms or expressions, explain what they mean.

As you well know, each country has different customs and social norms. Be sensitive to different forms of communication, gestures, and body language. For example, it’s not appropriate to hug someone from China when you meet them unless they extend that affection first. It may take time before a student feels comfortable with affection at all. They may be more reserved than you are accustomed to as an American, but this does not mean they are uninterested in talking with you and your family.

Day-to-day Life and Getting Settled
Hygiene is different around the world. It’s important to communicate what is expected in the U.S. in terms of showers, using the restroom, deodorant, perfumes, and clothing. Some students may not know that in America we don’t wear the same clothes each day. They will also need help purchasing personal care products. It can be overwhelming staring at an aisle of toothpaste at the store! You may also find a student trying to stand and squat on a toilet once in a while as they may be accustomed to squat toilets in their home country. They may also put the toilet paper in the waste bin instead of flushing it. Or flush things down the toilet that should not be.

Students will need assistance setting up a bank account and cell phone plan. Most other banks require a guardian and it is advised not to take on that liability as a host parent. A student that is 18 years of age or older can have a regular account with full access.

You Are Not Alone!
If you are struggling with a situation, please remember that you have people around you to support you. If you have a Host Family Manager or school representative that is overseeing the host family program, reach out to that person. Speak with the student’s Student Manager about how to communicate with the student or address a cross-cultural issue. Talk to other host families who have experience hosting international students.

If the student is struggling academically, it’s critical that the school be informed and that teachers be contacted to ensure the student is getting the support that he or she needs. If a student is seemingly unmotivated or is demonstrating behavioral issues at school or in the home, chances are that is a cry for help, and help is available. It can be a sign of culture shock, being overwhelmed academically, feeling homesick or lonely. It can be hard for some international students to make friends with American students.

Enjoy the journey and take time to learn about your student’s family, culture, and language. Ask them to share a favorite dish, or teach you key expressions in their native language. Make an effort to invest in their culture as they are ours.

The post Host Families – Helping Your Student Adjust appeared first on Global School Access.

GSA Interview with Returned International Student Johanna Lam

Global School Access — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 16:20:29 +0000

Above: Johanna Lam (far right) with her host family at her U.S. high school graduation in 2019.

International student returnee Johanna Lam from Andhra Pradesh, India, took some time from her busy schedule to talk with Global School Access (GSA) and share about her unique and life-changing study abroad experience. Johanna spoke frankly about challenges she faced and how she coped with being far away from family. But her message to students and parents who may still be on the fence about study abroad was clear: “Just go, enjoy, experience everything!”

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GSA: Johanna, take me back to when you were first contemplating study abroad, when you were talking with your parents about your education and your future. What reasons did you and your parents have for you going to the U.S. for your high school education?

Johanna: Because my mom and my dad wanted me to have a good environment and a better quality of education. And we know a U.S. education provides this. Where I live, they do have a really good quality of education. But it’s very strenuous and students have to work very hard, and it’s very stressful with the amount of homework we get. Typically, in Asian countries, you just push the children with lots and lots of homework. Even though I did well in my classes, it was hard for me because there was a lot of stress to meet deadlines, do all the work, and so on. And I was fine doing that. But my parents wanted me to be in a place where I don’t have to stress as much. They wanted me to have a refreshing experience. So we did some research and groundwork on which place would suit me, and then they came to the conclusion that the U.S. is a good place to have exposure and to study.

GSA: What were some of the challenges you faced when you started school in the U.S.?

Johanna: Well, the way we learn in the U.S. is completely different from how we learn in India. Our study system in India is entirely different. The grading system, everything, was different than us. So, when I first went to the U.S., I didn’t know what to do. I was clueless. I was like, “What do I do?!” Because the way it works in India is you get loads of homework. And then you’re supposed to write it out, write everything out. It’s like 20 pages, or let’s say 30 pages a day. It was similar to the amount of work that you get in one U.S. AP course, but this was for every course we take, so we are used to completing a lot of work for every class. The way subjects are taught, shuffling from one class to another class, that is also different. And I don’t know how to put it into words but adjusting to the new atmosphere was very hard in the initial days. But by the end of the first semester, I got the gist of it.

GSA: And did you have support while you were going through that process, did you have support from students of staff? Did they help you navigate this new system?

Johanna: Yes, the school’s international program director, she was really lovely and helpful, and my school counselor. They were both super supportive, and also the teachers. They purposely matched me with an Indian teacher, who was my homeroom teacher. She helped me get used to the atmosphere and daily life. And all the teachers were very understanding about my joining classes a bit late in the fall. They all listened to me and helped me to stay calm when I felt out of sorts.

GSA: I’m really glad to hear that you found yourself in a very welcoming environment. Once you finally got settled, and you had time to reflect, what really surprised you about your high school experience?

Johanna: What really surprised me is how understanding people are. And, at first, I thought I was so different from them, coming from a different country. But then when I started to, like, be with them, and get to know them and spend time together with the teachers and the students, we found we had a lot in common. I realized they’re normal human beings that you would meet on any given day, so kind, and they’re so nice, so good. That really surprised me because I didn’t expect any sort of kind treatment or anything, because I thought I would experience racism. Because I had been hearing things like that a lot when I was at home and when I first arrived – people told me to expect this, and I was prepared to deal with that. But when I was actually there with the teachers, and everyone, I never had a single negative experience like that. And all my experience were very smooth, very positive.

GSA: Did you experience homesickness while you were here?

Johanna: In the beginning, yes. But then as time passed by, I was fine. Because I am someone who is very close with my family. Until I went abroad, we had never lived apart. So, it really took a major toll on me in the beginning, it was very hard. I used to FaceTime my mom every day and used to cry, and my mother used to cry we – we cried together. It was hard. But then as time passed by, I got involved in campus activities, such as campus ministry and Justice League. I love service and all the activities that were going on in the school, so I used to get involved and I used to spend my time there outside of school. Once I got more involved in school, the time passed by quickly and I made good friends.

GSA: How do you think your study abroad experience helped you to grow as a person overall?

Johanna: It gave me more exposure to different kinds of culture and different kinds of people and also experiences. I’d say I learned a lot, I don’t know how to put it, but, overall, it was a positive experience. It was a good thing that I went […] it gave me insight on life. I learned that, even if things don’t happen your way all the time, it’s okay.

GSA: How about living with a host family? How was that experience for you?

Johanna: My host mom was amazing. I love her. I love her so much. She is such a kind person. And we got connected on so many things. She used to help me with little things, she is a very sweet person.

GSA: Yes, I’ve met her, and I agree, she is delightful. And she continues to host and support international students today. What would you say you are most proud of about your study abroad experience?

Johanna: What I’m most proud of? Well, again, I’d like to say how much exposure I gained and like how much I’ve evolved as a person and how much it opened my eyes to see things in different ways. The learning in the U.S. required active learning, instead of passive learning; here we just sit in the classroom all day and stare at the board, and just read, read, read. But in the U.S., there are so many activities, so many clubs that students can join to explore new interests. And the way of teaching is also so different, and so much more fun and engaging. That is such a contrast to the stress I felt in India while learning.

GSA: Do you feel like you learned more because you were having fun? Because you were enjoying what you learned?

Johanna: Yes. Because when you’re having fun with what you’re learning, it stays in your brain, you’ll never forget it. And that is really helping me in college, too. I had this one sociology class with Mrs. Martin. She was an amazing teacher. And that subject, I’m now taking a similar course now at my college. But what I learned in the U.S. comes up in my college course, and it feels good knowing that I already know a lot about this subject and can answer questions very competently.

GSA: What advice would you give a student who’s considering coming to the U.S. for either middle or high school?

Johanna: For middle or high school, just go, enjoy, experience everything. There will be good and bad days, no matter what. So it’s best to embrace it, rather than shut down and struggle with figuring out why something happened a certain way. Don’t spend too much time grieving about what happened, but it’s okay to feel sad and cry when you have a bad day. Just know it will be okay, and when you look back, you will feel so proud of yourself for not giving up. Because it’s all worth it.

GSA: If, let’s say, a student’s parent came to you and said, “Oh, Johanna, tell me about your experience. What do you think? Should we do this? Is this something you would recommend?” What would you tell a parent?

Johanna: Totally, totally, you should definitely do it! Number one, distance makes relationships stronger. So, when you’re far from your parents, you will only grow fonder of them – and what you learn, how you’ll change, the experience will just strengthen your relationships with your parents. Number two, your child is going to get so much experience and they’re going to have so much fun as long as they have a good attitude about it and they love what they’re doing. I totally recommend it. Just go for it. Support your child.

GSA: You mentioned having fun with learning. Some parents may worry about their children working hard enough and being able to stay competitive.

Johanna: Okay. There are different types of fun. But the fun I had was different from the one that usually people think of. As long as you believe in your child, as long as you know your child and your child knows what he or she wants from the school, that plays a major role. They will be successful as long as they are focused and can envision their future.

GSA: Was it easy to make friends in the US? Did you make both American and international student friends?

Johanna: I had few international friends. Most of my friends were local [Americans], and my friends were amazing. It wasn’t hard to make friends because people were welcoming. In the beginning, I was quiet. It was me who was more closed off and more of an introvert. But then, as I got used to the new environment, I started to open up and become more outgoing. So that really helped me to make friends. Yeah, the first six months, I didn’t really have any good friends, besides my roommate. She was a really good friend. But then, as time passed by, I made friends in my classes, and then campus ministry, and then Justice League and the clubs that we attended. Yeah, it was good.

GSA: You talked a little bit about your transition from going from one system to the next. What do you think are the main advantages of a U.S. high school education over an Indian education?

Johanna: In India, they assign too much homework and it’s very stressful trying to keep up with everything, and it’s very competitive. The quality of education in India is very high, but the way they teach is very different. For example, in the U.S., when you learn something, it will just imprint in your mind, you will just remember it, because so many methods are used for teaching.

GSA: How about food? Was American food a challenge for you?

Johanna: No, because since my childhood, I’ve been a foodie – I love to eat all kinds of foods. I did miss my home food, but I was totally fine with the food in the U.S.

GSA: I’m glad to hear that. Food can be a challenge for some international students.

Johanna: Yes, some of my international friends really had like a tough time adjusting to the food and all that sort of stuff. But growing up we used to eat American foods, so that was not a major adjustment for me.

GSA: You attended a private Catholic high school in the U.S. Had you a religious school or a Catholic school in India?

Johanna: I was born in a Catholic hospital, and I attended a Catholic school since Pre-Kindergarten. So, that was not an issue.

GSA: After you graduated, you headed back to India. What have you been doing since you returned home?

Johanna: I’m attending college here in India. I’m completing a degree in business administration and taking courses in a lot of subjects.

GSA: How is that going?

Johanna: Well, it’s stressful, but it’s okay. I’m having fun, so it’s okay. Because even though it’s super stressful, it’s worth it because like what I’m doing. So, I’m going to graduate this year, this coming fall.

GSA: And then what comes next?

Johanna: I may work toward my MBA. Maybe I’ll do an internship for a year or so to gain experience.

GSA: And are you thinking of staying in India to complete your graduate studies? Or maybe going abroad again? What are what are your thoughts at this point?

Johanna: I’ll probably go back to the U.S. or to some other place that meets my educational needs.

GSA: Is there anything else you want to add about your experience or any other advice or suggestions you have for students and families?

Johanna: Again, it’s a really good chance for your children to learn a lot of new things about life at a very young age. So, when you send your child abroad even though you’re scared, just go ahead, take that step. Just go for it because your child will love it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The post GSA Interview with Returned International Student Johanna Lam appeared first on Global School Access.