Students blog

Just like plants, humans go through seasons of life. With each passing season, it's important to nurture the new growth and make space by removing the old. This sounds simple in poetic terms – but reality is often never as simple. Life gets busy and overwhelming. People, places, and events are constantly changing within the world. In the midst of all the chaos on the outside, sometimes we forget to give attention to our most important responsibility: ourselves. How can we attend to other responsibilities, relationships, and tasks in a productive and efficient manner if we have not yet taken the time to ensure we are in the state to put our best foot forward? When life begins to throw too much my way, the best method I have found to recenter myself is by making time to nurture my inner child. 

What is an inner child? 


The term “inner child” has gained increasing popularity due to social media trends within the last couple of years. Despite its recent rise in use, the term has been floating around in the psychology realm since 1969 after analytical psychologist Carl Jung popularized the phenomenon. In short, the inner child refers to all the childhood experiences that impact how an adult acts later in life. “Wounds” on the inner child are characterized as unattended parts of the psyche that may lead to antisocial behaviors or anxieties (i.e., a longing to be listened to and understood in a conversation). Meanwhile, a healthy inner child has been connected to reduced mental stress and increased creativity.  
 
While a trained cognitive behavioral therapist can help provide professional guidance on methods to fully resolve anxieties stemming from the inner child, inspiration can be taken from some of these methods for short-term resolutions for stress. Here are some of the methods I use to attend to my inner child in stressful situations. 

Tip #1: Get messy and get creative. 


One of my favorite ways to connect with my inner child is through art, specifically finger painting and coloring with crayons. Allowing myself to express my emotions in a messy, unpredictable art form is often a big relief during the times I feel like perfectionism is required. 

Tip #2: Reconnect with family and childhood friends.

Sometimes all we need during a stressful time is a hug or reassurance from a loved one. If you feel like you are running thin, turn to someone you can trust to help refill your cup! 

Tip #3: Take a nap! 


Nap time shouldn’t end at kindergarten. Sometimes a power nap, ideally between 10-30 minutes, is enough to give yourself a short break and unwind from a stressful situation. 

Tip #4: Revisiting a childhood favorite (i.e., show, game, snack, location, etc.). 


This is where you can get creative! If the prior two tips do not seem appealing, think of one thing that you loved from your childhood, but haven’t revisited in years. Now may be the time to do so! 

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For Mother's Day, I wanted to show my appreciation in a more authentic way than a greeting card from the drug store by my house. So, I found my favorite risotto recipe online (a dish I had only made twice before). This would be a challenge, as the extent of my kitchen innovation in the last year was cracking an egg into ramen noodles. But my mom was worth it, and I was up to the challenge.

Gathering the Ingredients

Instead of driving to Walgreens for a card, I went to the grocery store, leisurely browsing the aisles to procure only the finest of ingredients: arborio rice, Parmigiano Reggiano (the real thing), baby bella mushrooms, parsley, thyme, garlic, shallots, and chicken stock. Yes, the total was expensive, but this was a special occasion.

Ingredient Prep (Mise en Place)

Back home, I started on the real work: ingredient prep, known in France as mise en place (though I'm not an experienced cook, I like using fancy words and channeling my inner Masterchef). The French were onto something—having ingredients ready before cooking definitely helps.

With the Wicked soundtrack playing, I grated the parmesan into a fine, white powder that felt like snow and peeled the thyme leaves off the stems. I chopped my shallots and prepped the rest of my ingredients, having each ready to go at a moment's notice.

Cooking the Perfect Risotto

Finally, I was ready to cook. I heated some oil in the pan and gently wilted the shallots (sautéed until translucent). Then, it was time to mix in the mushrooms: cooking until soft and brown, then throwing in the garlic, thyme, and a little butter.

Once the seasonings were fully incorporated, I threw in the arborio rice, toasting it for one to two minutes (this opens up the rice and allows it to absorb the stock better). I poured in a splash of white wine for acidity, and then started adding the stock, one ladle at a time.

Non-Stop Stirring

And so commenced the stirring. I stirred my risotto to the tune of "Non-Stop" from Hamilton as my mom grew hungry. After 25 minutes of stirring and adding stock, I had the rice right where I wanted it: creamy, al dente, and perfectly flavored.

I took it off the heat, whipped in a tablespoon of butter (the Italians call this mantecare), and added the parmesan. At long last, my creation was finished, taking about ninety minutes after prep, recipe referencing, cooking, and endless stirring.

The Secret Ingredient

I've so verbosely articulated this process to paint the picture of the theme of this dish, and perhaps the most essential ingredient: patience. Risotto is often considered difficult to make, but if a ramen-eating amateur like myself can pull this off, anyone can. Risotto is a labor of love; every step should be embraced and enjoyed, right up to the moment of consumption.

I felt a satisfying pride as I ate my risotto with my mom that night, even though it would never be enough to repay her for everything she's done for me. However, it seemed to be the best way I could show her my appreciation. Watching my mom enjoy each bite that evening, I understood that genuine appreciation isn't measured in dollars. It's measured in the minutes given to create something meaningful, even if it's just a (delicious) bowl of risotto.

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You’ve done the work having submitted countless applications, gone through multiple rounds of interviews, and even played the dreaded waiting game as you wait to hear from your dream internship role in DC! As exciting as it may seem, you will need to hit the ground running to set yourself up for the best summer possible! 

Easily the greatest hurdle in having an awesome time working in DC is finding housing for the summer. Major cities are notorious for having expensive and costly housing, and DC is no different. The capital is extremely small, and everyone feels it when it comes to finding a place to stay. You may even be unsure of how to find a place to stay for just three months of the year. Because of the massive influx of student interns every summer many places offer flexible summer leases, allowing you to pay rent for just three months of the year.  
 
Another great option is to search online forums for colleges and universities in the area. Some universities offer reduced rate housing in the summer and many students who sign year-long leases sublease their apartments from June to August—months that they go home. I found great success in making anonymous postings on forums for each university of the area, and had an excess of options! Because of how small DC is, and the major commuter culture, you can also look to rent in Virginia and Maryland, as these properties are often cheaper. Just be sure to look up your commute on your GPS before you close a deal! 
 

Another major challenge for many students comes as they look to their wardrobes. DC is a hub of working professionals in both government and industry, so finding a business professional wardrobe for ten weeks can become quite expensive. I recommend assessing what you have first. You likely already have a pair of slacks and khakis; many students may have a nice sweater or two. Learn to be creative and mix and match! I leaned into a lot of solid colors, and a lot of neutrals. Think navy blue, black, white, and maybe a pop of one or two other colors. This really makes your closet stretch and saves you tons. For anything you may want to add to your wardrobe, consider hitting a thrift shop or even look at secondhand apps online. There are lots of good deals and great quality to be found. 

Looking beyond housing and wardrobe, one of the most important things you can do during your time in DC is network, network, network! DC is unique in the sheer number of working professionals, present and future leaders, and policy makers alike, all bringing unique experiences and perspectives. Hardly any city compares to this wealth and breadth of opportunity. You must shoot your shot! Keep an ear to the street for professional meet ups and networking events, especially ones aimed at young and early career professionals. Don’t shy away from introducing yourself to colleagues in your workplace and don’t be afraid to set up a quick coffee chat, which is a great way to hear from people who’ve been in your shoes and have seen it through! Many are more than willing to share great advice! And be sure to make ample use of DC during and after your time in LinkedIn—this is how you stay in touch! These connections can be useful in answering future career questions or even serving as a reference or recommendation if you do the job well! 

A summer interning in DC is an incredible opportunity for professional exposure and experience and the opportunity to see what life is like in such a fast-paced and unique city. By looking at (and securing) housing early, curating your professional, yet affordable wardrobe, and making a splash at networking events, you can set yourself up for a successful and memorable three months!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

In high school, everyone talks about how challenging college academics can be, but no one really prepares us for the transition into adulthood that comes with it. I grew up in Venezuela until I was 15, when my family decided to move to the U.S. It was a drastic change, new country, new life, new education system and I had to adapt quickly to keep up. I researched everything about college life, academics, and tips for success, but nothing could fully prepare me for the reality. Because life isn’t just about academics; it also includes family, friends, work, and personal growth. At this age, we’re transitioning from young adults to fully independent adults, and learning to balance everything is key. 

I got my first job as a freshman in college. Even though I was a multitasker in high school—playing volleyball and cross-country college was an entirely new level. My first semester went great; I finished with a 4.0 GPA and made the Dean’s List. Then, spring semester hit, and it wasn’t as easy. I failed my first class ever. I was shocked. I had never failed a class before. But instead of letting it get to me; I took it as a lesson. I reflected on what worked for me in the Fall semester and what I did differently in the Spring semester that led to my struggles. By the Summer semester, I had figured out a balance that allowed me to succeed academically while keeping up with work and personal life. Now, as I near graduation, I want to share the lessons I learned along the way and things I wish I had known when I first started: 

1. Make a Schedule That Works for You 


Everyone is different, and what works for your friends may not work for you. At first, I tried to go to class in the morning and work immediately afterward. But by the time I got home at night, I was too exhausted to study or even eat properly, for the next day to do the same and my academics suffered. I realized that I needed to change my approach. I rearranged my schedule so that I focused on school from Monday to Wednesday and worked from Wednesday afternoon to Friday. This way, I still had weekends off and could dedicate my first three days of the week solely to schoolwork. Find what works best for you and adjust accordingly. 

2. Make a Priority List 


What matters most to you? Family? School? Work? Once you identify your priorities, it becomes easier to create a schedule that allows you to enjoy those things. If spending time with family is important, then structure your week so that you can dedicate a day to them. Knowing your priorities helps you avoid burning out and ensures that you’re investing your time wisely. 

3. It’s Okay to Say No 


This was a hard lesson for me. My family was struggling financially, so I always took extra shifts at work. Before I knew it, I was covering for everyone, but my grades were slipping, and I was neglecting my health. I was just surviving, not living. Eventually, I realized I needed boundaries. It’s okay to say no to extra work, to a hangout, or to anything that drains you beyond your ability. 

Protect yourself. 


4. Speak Up for Yourself 


There are doors that won’t open unless you push them yourself. Stay on top of your academic progress—regularly check in with your professors, meet with your counselor, and advocate for yourself. If you need help, ask for it. No one will fight for your success more than you. The dream is yours. 

5. Use Tools That Will Help You Succeed 


We live in time where technology is everywhere, take advantage. Many students have already gone through your major or university, and there are online resources that can save you time. For me, Pearson+ was a game changer, it allowed me to upload my syllabus, and it created a personalized study plan for me. Tools like YouTube tutorials, study apps, and tutoring can also be incredibly helpful. Use whatever resources you need to succeed. 
 

I hope these tips help you navigate the balancing act of college and work. It’s not easy, but with the right approach, you can thrive in both areas. Remember, you’re not just getting a degree, you’re also learning how to manage life as an adult. Make the most of it and enjoy the process.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Spring Break can be a highlight of every college student’s Spring semester. This year, I traveled home to Miami! Here are some of my favorite culinary experiences in my hometown.

Travel glitches

My vacation started off chaotically. Leaving Tallahassee late meant I had no one to drive home with, so I bit the bullet and bought a plane ticket to West Palm Beach.

On my departure date I headed to the airport, where I ran into a friend from back home. We decided to travel together. Boarding the plane was already chaotic—we had to exit the airport just to board. The cramped plane ride only got worse due to bad weather. We had a few flight delays but once we arrived home, we stopped at Wawa for a quick late-night snack—a combo meal and a sweet treat.

Shop, Beach, Eat, Repeat

The whole week home featured shopping, great food, and of course, the beach! I joined some friends at Brickell City Centre for some shopping, then stopped by Nordstrom to grab a quick bite of their famous crab soup and gnocchi—10/10, would recommend!

No visit to Miami is complete without a day at South Beach and it is exactly how it looks in the movies. With a UV index of 9, we spent nearly an entire day there, only stepping away for the occasional slice of pizza. After soaking up the sun, we enjoyed a delicious dinner from Pollo Tropical.

On day 3, our first stop was Sexy Fish, an upscale restaurant known for its exotic flavors and pricey dishes. The bathroom was stunning, featuring a $2 million mural—we spent most of our time there taking photos! Later, we grabbed a sweet treat downtown.

A highlight of day 4, besides hanging out with my two baby brothers and the parents I had missed so dearly, was going to Crazy Buffet. It’s a family tradition to visit Crazy Buffet and eat to our heart’s content!

Finally, it was time to return to my college home at Florida State University. This Spring Break trip was one of the most fun experiences of my life. The spontaneity, the adventures, and most importantly, spending it with my family and my best friends made it unforgettable.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

My mother has a photo album on her phone titled “Reading while...” The album contains photos of me reading a book during different activities: when I was sitting in the driver’s seat waiting for my mom to lock the door, when I was putting on my shoes, while I was brushing my teeth. My favorite is when a photo of me lying face down in a book I was reading because I fell asleep. These photos offer an insight into who I was as a child, a vivacious reader who refused to put a book down, no matter the situation.

However, that all changed as I got into high school. As I started to take harder classes, my study time started to eat into my leisure reading time. And while at every icebreaker fun fact conversation, I would always say I loved to read, I slowly realized that I had not picked up a book in months. And while I tried to remedy this, I constantly found myself unable to find the time. And so, as I finished out high school, something that used to define me as a child disappeared from my life.

This continued into my college career as well. And it was not just the reading time that took a hit, it was any hobby or activity. I became consumed with studying for my classes and doing well. And while I told myself that throwing myself into studying was worth it and I was doing better, I slowly realized I was not. I became extremely sleep deprived, anxious, and a whole lot of other things that did not help me succeed in my classes.

To calm my nerves during an especially anxious episode, I started to read an orientation magazine I had gotten in the beginning of the year. After reading just a few pages, I felt much better. It felt so good to turn those pages and read the story out in front of me. That’s when I realized how important it is to find that work-life balance. Constantly working was not helping me at all.

That’s when I decided to go to the library and check out a book I had wanted to read in high school. That weekend, I read the entire book and felt a part of my brain re-emerge. I felt at peace and truly happy for the first time in months. The next weekend, I checked out another book, but instead of finishing it all that weekend, I paced it throughout the week, reading a few chapters at a time.

I saw a change in my studies. I started to stress less and started to sleep on time more often. It also was not just reading that made the difference. I started to pursue other hobbies and activities as well. I have picnics with my friends. I got good at pool and foosball. Now every Friday, my friends and I watch a movie. Every Sunday morning, we get brunch. I’ve learned how to crochet. Activities like these help me find peace it what is otherwise an extremely stressful major. Finding the balance is important.

I try to read a book every two weeks or so. And every now and then, I send my mom a new photo for her to add to her photo “Reading while…” album.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Being in college can be one of the busiest times in a young adult's life. Balancing school, work, and a social life, along with all the other obligations that come with university life, can put a strain on your mental health. As a busy college student myself, I have had my fair share of mental health struggles, and one way I have learned to cope with stress and anxiety is through mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of the present moment, acknowledging any thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Mindfulness is a practice that college students can implement into their daily routine to reap its benefits. 

Various research studies have been conducted over the years looking at the connection between mindfulness and mental health. According to the American Psychological Association, “researchers reviewed more than 200 studies of mindfulness among healthy people and found mindfulness-based therapy was especially effective for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Mindfulness can also help treat people with specific problems, including depression, pain, smoking, and addiction.” Practicing mindfulness consistently can also help improve focus, memory, and even emotional regulation. The American Psychological Association also cites, “a study of people who had anywhere from one month to 29 years of mindfulness meditation practice, researchers found that mindfulness meditation practice helped people disengage from emotionally upsetting pictures and enabled them to focus better on a cognitive task as compared with people who saw the pictures but did not meditate (Ortner et al., 2007).” Practicing mindfulness meditation before bed can also help those who struggle with insomnia or difficulty sleeping at night. 

Some people might feel overwhelmed by the idea of practicing mindfulness, but there are various ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life. One of the best ways to start practicing mindfulness is by using guided meditations. I personally like to use YouTube to find guided meditations, but there are also various apps now, such as Headspace and Calm, that have beginner-friendly meditations as well. 

Another way to incorporate mindfulness into your routine is by turning daily tasks into mindful practices. One of my favorite ways to do this is by going on a mindful walk. In the morning on my walk to class, I put away my phone, and as I am walking, I try to stay fully aware of each step I am taking, along with my breathing. I use this time to observe my feelings and thoughts without judgment, and it is a great way to start the day. Another way to implement mindfulness into your daily routine is to practice it in the shower. This may sound strange, but being in the shower is one of the few moments in a day where we are free of distractions. When showering, I like to use that time to pay attention to my breathing, and I visualize the water washing away the negative thoughts that come to my mind. 

While college can be one of the most exciting times of a young adult's life, it also comes with a ton of stress. The pressures of school, work, and staying social can take a toll on students' mental health, leading so many to struggle with anxiety and depression. Mindfulness can be an incredible tool for students to use to help cope with the stress of college life.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Hello all my fellow pre-meds! If you’re applying this cycle, you know how close the applications are, and I just wanted to give some words of encouragement since I am also going through the same thing!

First things first, you must take your MCAT before June to get the most you can out of your application!

My best advice for the MCAT is do not overthink during the exam. I took a course on how to take the MCAT, and I realized that the exam is not there to trick you. Most of the questions are straightforward, and I learned that I should always go with my first pick. The more you overthink, the more likely you are to change your answer and end up getting it incorrect!

I strongly recommend taking practice exams! This is a great way to see what approach is best for you in high stress situations. On days that you do take the practice exam, make sure you set up an area that is as close as possible to the actual exam room. Plan out your meals and breaks as well! This ensures that you won’t get blindsided on test day with how fast paced and lengthy the exam is.

Okay, so you've taken your exam. What happens now?

Research various medical schools and see which ones are the best fit for you. You can go on the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website and research different programs. Then, make sure you get your letters of recommendation. These letters are CRUCIAL for your application, since they can make or break it. Every school requires a different amount, so make sure you see how many your med school of choice wants.

Focus on your application as soon as it opens. Applications are available a month before they need to be turned in. Make sure you start early, so you don't lag then feel stressed by any deadlines. The application may take you a while to complete, but don’t feel discouraged! Take the time to perfect it and make it truly unique. Remember, you are showcasing yourself to a very competitive field, and it is easy to feel imposter syndrome when doing so. Don’t allow your self-doubt to pull you down. Believe in yourself, you got this far, right?

When you're finally done with the most stressful part, the application, relax! You've done the best you could have done up until now. Congratulate yourself, feel accomplished, you are amazing. Do not find yourself waiting around for emails regarding interviews or acceptances, live your life to its fullest. Don’t feel tied down by the burden you let go the minute you pressed submit.

To everyone applying, whether it be this cycle, or the next – good luck and congratulations!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Recording professional-sounding music on a college budget may first seem impossible, however it is not only feasible, but an opportunity to input your creativity into every process. You don’t need a high-end studio to produce great tracks. Instead, focus on technique, affordable tools, and optimizing your recording environment. Here are a few tips on how to put together high-quality songs without draining your bank account.

Optimize Your Recording Space 

If you’re recording in a dorm or small apartment, you can use thick blankets or moving pads to dampen reflections. Isolating areas with the most unwanted room noise is the key, focusing on creating smaller spaces within larger ones. For vocals, try recording in a closet, as the fabric is great at absorbing unwanted reverberations. If you’re micing an amp or acoustic instrument, a similar closet technique can work wonders if you have the space. Rugs and carpet can also be useful for containing sound in rooms with harder floors. 

Choose Affordable (or Free) Gear 

Start with a solid, budget-friendly microphone like the Shure SM57 or SM7B or any cheap large diaphragm condenser such as the Audio-Technica AT2020 or the AKG P220. Pair it with an affordable audio interface, such as a Scarlett Solo or anything that doesn’t have DI quality loss and that can provide clean preamps. For monitoring, opt for flat-response headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x or something from Sennheiser’s HD series, which will help you mix accurately without need for studio monitors. Most production can be tackled in the box these days, so focus on getting the best signal into your computer first and foremost. 

Use Free or Low-Cost DAWs & Plugins 

Professional DAWs can cost hundreds, but there are many free and low-cost alternatives. If you’re on Mac, GarageBand is a powerful starting point with built-in instruments and effects. Windows users can take advantage of Cakewalk by BandLab, another fully featured DAW that’s completely free. Reaper offers a 60-day free trial and only costs $60 afterward, making it a steal for its capabilities. For plugins, lookout for free options like iZotope’s Vinyl (for lo-fi effects), Spitfire LABS (for high-quality virtual instruments), and Valhalla Supermassive (for lush reverbs and delays). Tools like these will elevate your production and save a penny at the same time.

Learn Basic Mixing Techniques 

Even the best recordings fall flat without proper mixing principles. Learn to use EQ, compression, and different plugins like saturation and modulation effects to play with tone color while also creating a cohesive mix. When using reverb and delay, apply them subtly to avoid washing out. Panning left or right can also help to create a more immersive soundstage. Most importantly, reference mixes on multiple playback systems (headphones, car stereo, etc.) and use professional references to ensure they translate well to wherever your music is distributed. 

Collaborate & Share Knowledge 

The final tip, and the best way to improve while staying budget-conscious is collaboration with other musicians. Join music groups, swap feedback, or even share gear! You might find someone with better microphones or a different DAW who can enhance your recordings. Plus, learning from others accelerates your own growth and can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs. 

Final Thoughts 

Great music isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about how you use what you have. By optimizing your space, choosing smart gear, leveraging free software, and honing your creative skills, you can produce tracks that rival professional recordings. The key is to keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep creating. Your passion and resourcefulness will always matter more than the price tag of your equipment. 

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!