Students blog

Volunteering has always had a special place in my heart ever since I spent time at a domestic violence shelter. At my high school, we were required a minimum of 100 service hours to graduate and a required senior service project. When my senior year approached, I realized I had to find somewhere meaningful to volunteer to complete my service project. I wanted to find a place where I could truly make an impact. Through the random service opportunities that I did through my high school years, I didn’t feel like I was making a direct impact, even though I was “volunteering” and I enjoyed participating in these short-term opportunities. This all changed when I came across the local domestic violence shelter. I chose this location for my senior project because of my drive to make an impact, however little did I know, this opportunity would make an even greater impact on me.

After completing eight hours of training, I was placed in the children’s room (which is a part of the Domestic Violence shelter). Some of the children were living there, while some were there on short visits. The endless love these children had – despite it being a difficult time for their families – made my heart smile each time I visited. I looked forward each week to my time spent in the children’s room. We did a variety of activities together, including arts, crafts, video games or anything the children wanted to do.

Volunteering to me is such a special thing to do. It’s not only making an impact on the individual you give back to, but also making an impact on yourself. You learn a lot about yourself when you volunteer your time towards a cause. I learned a world of patience, compassion, love and kindness from these children. I remember on my last day volunteering at the children’s room, I sat there and thought to myself how grateful I was to be able to experience this love I got from volunteering. I wish people knew just how much of an impact volunteering brings to not only others’ lives, but also your own life. I hope everyone who volunteers, regardless of where they choose to volunteer, will find the happiness that I received from my time at the children’s place.

Have you ever been in a slump looking for a job, internship or a new connection with someone in your field? Finding an internship can be stressful, competitive and extremely time-consuming. Here’s how I’ve used networking to land jobs and internships.

Look nearby

I always tell people that they shouldn’t be afraid to ask their family and friends for help. People love helping others and you never know who someone may know in the industry you want to work in. I landed my previous internship from one of my brother’s friends, all because I asked him if he knew anyone in public relations.

Get social

LinkedIn is key for so many reasons. I always try to stay on top of my LinkedIn profile and my resume so my information is up to date. Include that you are seeking an internship or job in your LinkedIn profile. You would be surprised by the number of recruiters and users who utilize this tool to find employees or interns. It is okay to search someone in the field you want to work in and connect with them on LinkedIn. You have nothing to lose by messaging someone and asking them for their time and knowledge.

Ask professors

Asking professors for help or advice is a great place to start. I have had many professors recommend my school’s career center. After completing a mock interview there, I ended up gaining key knowledge on improvements I could make, plus I made a connection with the instructor who interviewed me.

The best advice I ever received when looking for internships was to be persistent. If a job or internship doesn’t work out, that’s okay because something better will usually come your way if you have an optimistic view! Don’t be afraid to ask friends, family, and professors for help! Use social media, such as LinkedIn to help amp your leverage, and you will be set for success in internships!

Pearson Students: Do you have an internship? What have you learned from it? Share by commenting below!

Math101. I’d still be trying to pass this class – even four tries later – if I hadn’t discovered one digital tool. Yes, that’s right, I had a hard time passing the most basic math class my campus has to offer. You can find this amusing, because even I am trying to laugh off the amount of tuition dollars and time lost from my 3 attempts. Even though it was quite the hike to finally pass, I found useful tools along the way that will hopefully help another struggling math student!

Look beyond your homework assignments.

If your class utilizes a digital learning tool, like most classes do, use the extra study tools.  Before discovering these extras, I spent hours doing MyLab Math problems and still felt like something was missing. My professor recommended using the extra tools that accompanied the access code – and this advice was priceless! I thought that MyLab Math was just a portal to submit your homework, but it also contains a lot of other neat features! I started reading the e-text and using the additional help MyLab Math had to offer, such as the practice tests and dynamic study modules.

Practice leads to progress.

I would highly recommend completing ALL of the practice tests before every exam! It was the reason why I passed the class (and didn’t have to make my fourth attempt)! Additional practice is what is required to do well on math exams, and not only does MyLab Math provide that opportunity, but it even tracks your progress! Discovering and using the extra tools in MyLab Math was all it took for me to finally achieve success in Math 101.

If you are struggling in a class, whether it be math, biology, or accounting, check out the additional features that come with the access code you purchased. It might surprise you how helpful they truly are!

Pearson Students, what Pearson digital tool allowed you to succeed in one of your classes? Share by commenting below!

There is nothing worse than forgetting to do something because you were not organized. Whether it be a homework assignment or a test you didn’t study for – being unorganized causes stress! But establishing just a few simple organization tips will ensure you don’t neglect essential parts of your academic career.

During my first year in college, I was not organized at all. I would complete a homework assignment but forget to turn it in. Or once I forgot a lunch I promised I would have with my grandma. I knew I had to make a change. Here are a few things I use and do every day to stay properly organized. Now I feel so much better about meeting my obligations.

Use an agenda!

Find one with both a weekly and monthly view. There are electronic versions but I prefer a physical one. I currently use the Filofax inserts for my agenda. I always try to buy inserts that are both clean and enough space for me to write out all the things I need to remember. I emphasize this because some agendas don’t come with a weekly and monthly view.

Make your dates quickly accessible.  

I use paper clips on my agenda so I can quickly see my month and day. It is no fun to be constantly flipping through your agenda. That is why you need paper clips!

Make a “To Do” list.

If my week is very busy, I have note cards that I will paper clip to the front of my agenda. That’s where I write extra reminders of tasks I need to do that week. I love having these in my possession if I ever need to write a quick note.

Keep a record.

I have a college-ruled notebook where I write out everything from all areas of my life – personal, professional and academic. Writing it out gives my brain an extra reminder. I usually try to buy a bright colored college-ruled notebook from TJ Maxx because it’s a good deal and great quality.  I highly recommend college-ruled since it’s more narrow and you can write more!

The key to staying organized is writing things down. Whether that be an agenda, notebook or paper, write it all down! I strongly believe having both an agenda and college-ruled notebook will help YOU stay organized this semester! Read more organization tips from another Pearson Student Insider here.

Pearson Students: How do YOU stay organized? Please share by commenting below!