Students blog

Starting college can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a freshman, you find yourself in a new location, surrounded by new people, and immersed in a completely different environment. The transition to university life can be challenging, especially when it comes to navigating financial responsibilities, time management, and understanding the people surrounding you, all independently. Suddenly, we are expected to be adults, figuring out our way through this uncharted territory.

My college journey began during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the shift to online learning posed its own set of obstacles. While it helped me pass my classes, it hindered the opportunity to make genuine connections with fellow students. Zoom University became a barrier to the vibrant college experience I had envisioned.

However, after a whole year, I finally got a taste of the college experience I had longed for. Stepping onto campus, I was uncertain where to start. In elementary and high school, I had a consistent group of friends, but now I found myself surrounded by new faces from diverse backgrounds. One valuable lesson I learned early on was the importance of joining clubs and organizations. They became the gateway to finding like-minded individuals and forming meaningful connections. These groups provided me with a platform to network and expand my horizons. Organizations such as Touch-n-Go, Latino Pilot Association, Theta Phi Alpha, and Pearson played pivotal roles in shaping the person I am today.

Touch-N-Go, a branch of my school’s student government association, provided me with an avenue to pursue my passion for community service while connecting me with like-minded peers who shared the same drive to make a difference. Within this organization, I had the pleasure of meeting some of the craziest, funniest, and most interesting individuals. Each person's story served as a valuable life lesson, reminding me that whatever challenges I faced, I was not alone. The sense of camaraderie and shared experiences within Touch-N-Go fostered a supportive environment where we could uplift and inspire one another. Being part of this organization taught me the power of unity and the profound impact we can have when we come together with a common purpose.

I have gained so much from two additional student organizations as well. Joining the Latino Pilot Association not only allowed me to celebrate different diverse heritage but also connected me with mentors who guided me through my academic journey. And Theta Phi Alpha, a sorority dedicated to empowering women, provided me with a sisterhood that became my support system for everything. It offered opportunities for personal and professional growth, fostering leadership skills and lifelong friendships.

Working at both Pearson and the Print Shop (campus job) since freshman year provided me with invaluable real-world work experience. These opportunities allowed me to develop essential skills, while also networking with mentors, students, and influential individuals. Through these connections, I gained enrichment and a stronger sense of belonging within my field of interest. These workplaces became more than just jobs; they became second homes that shaped me personally and professionally.

To every freshman navigating the daunting world of college, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and explore the multitude of clubs and organizations available to you. Embrace the diversity and unique perspectives that your fellow students bring. Find your tribe, your support system, and your platform for growth. Remember, college is not just about textbooks and exams; it's about the connections you make, the experiences you have, and the person you become. Embrace the journey, seize opportunities, and let the college experience mold you into the best version of yourself.

While the beginning of college may seem overwhelming, joining clubs and organizations can be the key to finding connection, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. Embrace the diverse community that surrounds you, and let it enrich your college experience. Step out of your comfort zone, take risks, and allow yourself to be transformed. Your college years will become the foundation of a lifelong journey filled with knowledge, friendships, and personal achievements.

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! 

There are pivotal moments in life that have the power to shape our destinies. For me, one such moment came unexpectedly, altering the course of my life in ways I could have never imagined. It was a mistake, a seemingly small misstep, but its consequences were profound.

The event took place during my final year of high school. The air was filled with anticipation as students hurriedly signed up for the academies that would define their educational paths for the next four years. Marketing had always intrigued me, and I felt confident that it was the right fit. My friends were also opting for this academy, reinforcing my belief in its suitability for me. Little did I know that fate had something else in store.

When the results were finally posted, my heart sank as I discovered that a mix-up had occurred. Instead of being placed in the marketing academy, I found myself enrolled in the engineering academy. Confusion and frustration consumed me, and I immediately contacted the office to rectify the mistake. However, to my dismay, I was informed that the error could not be reversed, and I would have to wait until the next quarter to request a transfer.

In that moment, I felt a whirlwind of emotions—anger, disappointment, and a sense of helplessness. The path I had envisioned for myself had been unexpectedly altered, and I was left adrift in uncharted territory. The first day of class arrived, and I stepped into the engineering academy with a mix of trepidation and resignation. Little did I know that this seemingly catastrophic event would become the catalyst for a transformative journey.

The overwhelming nature of my engineering courses initially filled me with doubt. The upper-level math classes and the daunting task of learning how to code and work with those already proficient in these technical skills felt like insurmountable challenges. However, amidst the uncertainty, I discovered a resilience and determination within myself that I hadn't known existed.

One project stands out in my memory, forever etching itself in the story of my life. We were tasked with building a bridge using only chopsticks, tape, wood glue, and a stapler. The limitations of the materials and the complexity of the project tested my problem-solving abilities and pushed me to the edge of my comfort zone. While our bridge may not have been the most durable or impressive, it served a greater purpose.

During the bridge-building project, I formed an unexpected bond with a fellow student who would become my engineering partner for the next four years. Together, we weathered the challenges, celebrated the victories, and supported each other through the rigorous curriculum. This partnership not only solidified my understanding of the importance of teamwork but also helped me realize that engineering held untapped potential within me.

“Everything happens for a reason.” Oh, how many times have I heard this phrase after getting rejected by fifteen companies for an internship? It is a stressful feeling when you were the smartest kid in high school but suddenly when you transition to college you are no longer the smart one. You start competing with people that are on the same level as you and now you have imposter syndrome. Rejection is something I did not encounter until I started college. I did not quite understand this concept of ‘everything happens for a reason’ until something good finally came along.

As a responsible college student, I felt heartbroken and insecure with each rejection on an internship application, especially since I felt I had tried my best, stayed active in school, and had a better than average academic performance. Was there something wrong with my accent, my style? Was I somehow not smart enough for these jobs? There are many times I wanted to give up and never try again for an internship, job, or even a leadership position. That is when I encountered mental health problems.

It is not fun to be depressed and sad and stressed all the time. It affected my academic progress. I could not concentrate in school because I felt like it was pointless. However, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Coming from a South Asian household, I have seen my immigrant parents who came to this unknown land, having the same feeling where they are lost and stressed. No idea where they might get their next meal. I used their hardship as my inspiration to never give up and to keep moving forward. I utilized three techniques to overcome my rejection by continuing to: move forward, keep trying, and networking.

Moving forward

When it comes to rejection, it is best to move forward because taking things personally will not help you move forward in life. You can be sad and depressed all day, but that won’t help you get the job that you desperately want. Yes, rejection may be the worst feeling, but opportunities are always within our reach. Learning to trust the process is the biggest confidence boost anyone can ever have.

Imagine you wake up in the morning and realize you missed a deadline at 11:59 pm because you simply forgot about it. Sadly, this is a common occurrence for many college students. I was no different. My freshman year was scary. Everything was new to me and I had no idea how to manage all my classes. The grades did not look pretty. I was missing social time. The saddest part of all, I wanted to quit college because of how overwhelming it felt.

It is easy to get overwhelmed when you don’t have everything in order but fear not! Here are three tips that helped me learn to manage both my academics and my social life.

Write it Down.

An important step in staying organized is to have one place to log all your plans and homework. This can be a digital or paper planner. As college students, our minds can wonder in several directions. When I started college, I had 7 classes, 2 clubs, and a job. Projects and homework assignments were coming from all directions. I went to the bookstore and got myself a planner. I wrote down all my homework and the due dates. This allowed me to gain a better perspective on when things were due and how long I needed to prepare. It also helped me pinpoint when I had free time to step away from schoolwork.

Utilize Technology.

Even with a planner, it can sometimes be hard to remember to check it. I found a great solution is to use apps on my phone for assignments that need to be done in the next couple of days. I am constantly checking my phone, so I turned that habit into a time management tool. My favorite app for this is Microsoft To Do. This helps to remind me when I have homework due tomorrow or a test to study for. One trick I use often is to set my due date a day early because as a college student, I procrastinate. This motivates me to do the work early.

Take a Break.

Finally, college classes can be overwhelming. Most students spend a lot of time studying without a break. When a computer is used for a long time without a break, it overheats. Our brain is similar. When we look at a computer screen or a book for too long, it becomes harder to see or retain any of our work. Having an estimated study time can be very helpful. For example, during long study sessions, set an alarm or timer to remind you to take a 15-minute break after each hour. This trick will let your brain relax and refresh.

These three tips have helped me survive my freshman year. As a sophomore, I can easily manage 6 classes, 4 clubs, and 2 jobs. I still feel overwhelmed sometimes, but by planning ahead, I am able to take time for a break without adding to my stress levels. It also allows me time to maintain my social life. College is about meeting new people, experiencing new things, and discovering who you are. Having better time management skills allows you to really take advantage of all college has to offer.

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!