One important skill which we need to develop as young adults is self-advocacy. We have to be our own lawyer. We should understand what we are capable of doing, how much we can achieve and how we need to protect ourselves in any vulnerable situation.
In college, we have so many levels of transactions, with the peer group, with the faculty, with the management. At home, parents have a different set of expectations.
You can overcome these challenges by understanding your potential, knowing your capabilities and speaking for yourself, where required. Your teachers are not going to be with you always, neither are your parents, your old friends may be replaced by new ones. Whom will you turn to? You have to defend yourself using your own interpersonal and negotiation skills.
You should not hesitate to ask for help. Many of us believe that if we ask for help our friends may ridicule us. Please understand that your friends are also in the same situation.
You can take efforts to speak with new people, meet the faculty and express your concerns; be friendly with the administration. All of them will be willing to help. If you do not ask for help, it will not come by itself.
You have to talk for yourself, explain yourself to people around you. We have to learn different skills in order to deal with difficult situations, but over a period of time we will be able to take control and manage on our own.
— kalpana@acl-india.in