Article

Identiy Anchors

5 minute exercise

Stick figure standing next to a box of anchors.

Connect with the parts of yourself that stay steady, strong, and capable, especially when you are navigating challenge or self-doubt.

These are the strengths that help you keep going, even when the path feels uncertain.

How to Use This Activity

Create a three-column table with these headers:
My Identity | Why It Matters | How It Supports

Think about roles you hold, values you live by, or traits you are proud of. Add each one to the table and reflect on how that part of you helps you stay grounded, focused, or resilient.

Identity Examples

My Identity	Why It Matters	How It Supports
I am a parent	My kids motivate me to push forward and model perseverance	I stay organized and committed even when things are tough
I am creative	I enjoy solving problems in new ways	I find flexible solutions when school or life feels complicated
I am determined	I take pride in not giving up	I keep moving forward even when progress feels slow
I value honesty	Being truthful helps me stay aligned with my goals	I ask for help and regroup when I need to

Think through your own examples. Add new identity anchors anytime you notice a strength that deserves recognition.

Reflection Questions

What is one part of you that has helped you get through a hard time?
How do your values show up when you are learning?
How might you lean into these identity anchors this week?

You carry strengths that have been with you for a long time, even if you do not always see them in the moment. Each identity you name is a reminder of what already supports you. Let these parts of yourself guide your next steps. You have what you need to move forward with purpose.

Help Topics > Motivation

Deciding when—or whether—to go back to college as a working adult can be tough. Here are some questions to help you make the right choice for you.

Why do you want to earn your degree?
How will you juggle coursework with work and family?
Can you learn and grow without returning to college?
Can you afford it?

Consider your responses to the above questions about your motivation, time, energy, flexibility at work, finances, and learning preferences. Are you in a place with those resources that make school realistic for you right now? Think also about whether you have your ducks in a row at school, such as unblocking any holds on your student account and a clear sense of which requirements you’d need to meet to graduate. Then, ask yourself whether you have what you need to succeed or whether you still have work to do. This can help you determine your timeline on returning.

Reach out to a ReUp Coach via the sidebar on your dashboard if you ever need help deciding when a return to school would be best for you.

This depends on how many credits you have remaining and whether or not you'd like to return part-time or full-time. Reaching out to your school to discuss this with an admissions counselor or your academic advisor will provide you with the most accurate timeline that works best for you.

This depends on your previous major and the progress you've made during your previous attendance. This would also be a great question to ask your admissions counselor or your academic advisor.