Students blog

At age seven, my life changed after reading a poem called "The Voice" by Shel Silverstein [1]. That moment was transformative because I realized I had autonomy. I discovered something within myself that no one else could take away: my voice.

Poetry became an outlet to express myself, turning my thoughts into words. Words became my first love. Though there was never an official wedding, I vowed to use them for good, through better and worse.

Emotional Empowerment Through Poetry

Through good times and bad, poetry empowers me. It provides a safe place to go when my emotions feel too big to hold. It brings me peace when I feel so happy that I want to shout my feelings at the sky. And it grounds me when my mind becomes tangled with too many thoughts to sort through.

Emotions aren't always as straightforward as our language implies; sometimes, they're more like a weather report. You might say you feel happy, but "mostly sunny" might be a more accurate description. Or maybe you don't exactly feel sad, so "foggy" would capture it better. On days when my emotions feel like this, I turn to poetry.

The Sparks of Creativity

When I'm particularly overwhelmed, I search online for a poetry prompt that resonates with me. Then, I do my best to release any negativity I'm experiencing. In moments like these, poetry gives me the power to transform my internal atmosphere. A few stanzas can turn an emotional storm into a lightning show: something electric and captivating.

There are also days when I feel so happy it's like I'm carrying a tiny (but intense) ball of sunshine. I might want to set it down somewhere, but I need to find a safe place to put it. This is where poetry grants me the power of peace, knowing that my happiness is preserved on paper.

What excites me even more than this peace of mind is the opportunity to share that happiness with someone else. I feel powerful knowing my big feelings can bring light to someone who needs the positivity.

Power through Purpose and Expression

Of course, we've all had days when we felt like we were carrying a ball of sunshine while a storm raged inside our heads. For me, this feels like my mind is knotted, and I'm not sure how to untangle it. Although this can leave me feeling powerless, I pick up my pen and let the words do the rest.

One word at a time, one sentence at a time, I untangle my thoughts like strings in a ball of yarn. And my poetry is the sweater I knit from those strings. I create something useful, something meaningful. That creation makes me feel powerful and purposeful.

Find Your Creative Outlet

Whether it's poetry, music, acting, or sports, I believe it's essential for everyone to have a creative outlet that makes them feel powerful. There's a common misconception that you must be "good" at something to enjoy it. In reality, the practice of self-expression is more important than the final product.

I hope this blog inspires you to find your voice through a creative outlet. Everyone deserves the power of autonomy and self-expression, especially in moments when we would otherwise feel powerless.

[1] Silverstein, Shel. Where the Sidewalk Ends. New York: Harper & Row, 1974.

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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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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.

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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.

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As college students entangled in an ever-evolving web of classes, studying, extracurricular activities, job searching, and a plethora of other pressing issues, it can be hard to kick back for a moment and allow oneself to have fun. It can seem like everything we do needs to be part of some bigger plan to advance ourselves in society--but it's okay to do things for your own enjoyment, and for no other reason. Here’s how I learned to snowboard and why I enjoy it – despite my not being naturally good at it. 

My snowboarding journey began in the winter of my sophomore year of high school. At that point in my life, I was knee-deep in studying for classes, swimming year-round, and practicing my bass, so extreme leg-breaking sports were the last thing on my mind. On a cool Thursday evening, I got a text from my best friends asking me if I wanted to go snowboarding with them over the weekend – and my initial response was absolutely not. 

On any given weekend, you could find me reading, playing poker, having a movie night, maybe playing some spike ball or pickleball, but snowboarding wasn't ever on the list. In addition to having a crippling fear of heights, I'm not exactly the most coordinated person. Some people are built for comfort, not speed – I would classify myself within that group. 

After some nagging, negotiating, and a healthy dose of peer pressure, I finally caved in and said I would go. We drove up to a small ski hill in Sapphire Valley, North Carolina – not the grandest by any means, but a perfect place for me to learn. My friends taught me all the basics – including how to strap myself to the board, how to get onto the lift, and how to fall in the least painful way (thank the lord for that one) – but most of the technical stuff I needed to figure out on my own. 

I pretty much spent the entire day falling in every way imaginable – learning how to distribute my weight properly was a huge obstacle, as leaning too far in the wrong direction at the wrong time causes a very sudden fall (this is referred to as "catching an edge"). It was extremely frustrating not being able to go for more than 15 seconds at a time without falling – I'll admit I got pretty heated in some moments. However, by the end of the day, I was able to gently glide down the entire slope without falling – although I wasn't very quick, I was in control. 

Since that day, snowboarding has become something I regularly return to and endeavor to improve upon. By no means am I naturally good at this sport – after 4 years of snowboarding two/three times per season, I still fall regularly and still don't go as fast as I'd like to, but to look back upon the improvement and growth I've had since then is immensely satisfying. The feeling of the wind rushing against your face while gliding down a slope is exhilarating and immensely freeing – especially knowing that I've conquered so many obstacles to get to that point. 

Snowboarding has taught me that sometimes the most rewarding experiences come not from the activities we naturally excel at, but from embracing the struggle, celebrating small victories, and finding joy in the journey – a lesson that extends far beyond the slopes into every aspect of life.

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College students balance academics, social life, and personal growth. Unfortunately, staying active can get pushed to the backburner. Between the long study sessions and endless to-do lists, it can feel like there’s no time to stay active. However, staying active is one of the best ways to combat stress, stay healthy, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. For those of us who want to continue a sport we love without the intense time commitment, club sports provide an excellent solution.

Club sports offer an ideal balance of staying active while not overloading your schedule. Club sports are typically less rigorous but still provide the opportunity to compete, train, and bond with a team. I’ve experienced this firsthand as a member of Virginia Tech’s club competitive cheerleading team. When I came to college, I knew I wanted to continue cheerleading, but I was worried about the time commitment. The flexibility of the club cheerleading team allowed me to practice a few times a week while still having time to focus on my studies.

Staying active through club sports has had significant benefits for both my physical and mental health. On the physical side, cheerleading helps me maintain my strength, flexibility, and endurance – important components for staying fit in college. Mentally, staying active is just as important. College can be a stressful experience, with deadlines and the pressure of figuring out your future hanging over you. Engaging in physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and even improve mood. When I’m at practice, I’m able to disconnect from academic pressures and focus purely on the team and our routine.

Beyond the physical and mental benefits, club sports offer leadership opportunities that can be incredibly rewarding. After years of being part of the cheerleading team, I now serve on the executive board as the Treasurer. This leadership role has taught me the important skills of problem-solving, teamwork, and time management, all of which have proven useful in both my personal life and future career aspirations.

Being a part of a club sport also creates a strong sense of community. You’re surrounded by teammates who share your interests and passion for the sport, which fosters a supportive environment. It’s not just about the practices and competitions – it’s about building friendships and connections that make your college experience richer.

In conclusion, club sports offer a perfect solution for staying active, building leadership skills, and reducing stress while in college. They provide a healthy way to stay involved in the activities you love while still maintaining a manageable schedule. Whether you’re continuing a sport you’ve always enjoyed or trying something new, club sports are a great way to stay physically and mentally healthy during your college years.

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When it comes to our well-being and health, we were encouraged with vague statements such as “Get a good night's rest!”, “Eat healthy”, or “Make sure to exercise”. Often these conversations can be too generic, as they fail to encapsulate problems such as why someone may not exercise or why someone cannot sleep.

Studies show that nearly 50% of people abandon their gym membership within the first six months. Why? Because getting started can be intimidating. Here are some tips for overcoming common obstacles found in individuals who want to exercise. Before I begin, I want to clarify that every individual is subject to their own impediment. As much as you think the gym influencer on Instagram is perfect, they are not. There is a high chance they have had their own exercise block before.

A frequent problem I notice with people who want to start going to the gym is anxiety or “gymtimidation.” People fear what other gym-goers might think and are scared to be seen doing what others might perceive as “low-weight” or “low-intensity” workouts. I assure you that most gym enthusiasts are happy to see you taking time to better your life; others are just tunnel visioned on their workout. Nobody is going to degrade you for trying. Not to mention, that the whole concept of a gym routine is not an overnight process. It may be easier to take it slow by starting with things you are familiar with such as walking on a treadmill or a stair master. After a week or two you may progress onto running or weightlifting. All in all, the gym is individualized/tailored to your needs, take your time getting accustomed to it.

Another issue is conflicting schedules and a sense of laziness. Sometimes we just want to “take today off and rest”, which becomes multiple days. One way to combat this is finding a gym partner. Having a gym partner is one of the best drivers for the gym because you both can hold each other accountable, comfort, and compete with one another safely. This can also help with the previous issue of being anxious. Another way to combat laziness is the 3-2-1 method. This method just consists of counting down to the number one. Once you reach it, it is time to jump to action and prepare yourself for the task at hand! The more consistent you are with going to the gym the sooner it becomes a regular routine. Regarding schedule conflict, it is important to remember the gym does not have to be a 2-hour session. All it takes is 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, five days a week to meet the cardiovascular exercise recommendation. During that time, you can listen to music, watch shows, or talk to friends, and before you know it 30 minutes have flown by.

One of the biggest concerns of those beginning to exercise is the “how to”. The answer to this question starts with the question “What is your goal?” If you are like me and want to build muscle mass, then you should try out progressive overload. In short terms, progressive overload involves high-intensity weightlifting, with fewer reps and more weight to emphasize reaching hypertrophy. On the other hand, individuals who seek to lose weight must make sure that they are on a calorie deficit, a process in which you consume fewer calories than the amount required to fuel your body's essential functions and daily activities. If you maintain this deficit, you will lose weight. To attain extremely healthy weight loss, make sure you are getting adequate amounts of carbs, proteins, and fats (determined based on your demographics). Finally, if you are seeking to just stay healthy you should follow ACSM’s guidelines on frequency, intensity, time, and the type of exercise you should do weekly.

Overall, the best way to get into the gym is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Everything about the gym is going to be different from what you are used to. Your body will hurt from soreness, your heart will race to provide oxygen and blood throughout your body, you will sweat to cool off, and you will be in an environment that is new to you. All it takes is for you to dedicate yourself to the process of adaptation. Do not forget to do your research and practice proper form. Good luck with your exercise endeavors!

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Entering my final semester of senior year fills me with a lot of different emotions. I'm excited about all the possibilities the future holds after graduation, nervous about whether I’m truly ready to take that next step, and deeply nostalgic for my journey so far. The most important promise I’ve made to myself this year is to savor every moment and create an unforgettable senior year. Back in August, my friends and I came up with the idea of making a senior year bucket list. This became our way of making sure we embraced every experience we wanted to have before this chapter of our lives ends.

The most daunting part of doing this is getting started making a bucket list. My friends and I found ourselves asking, how are we going to fit a whole year worth of experiences into a single list? We wanted to include every tradition, every event, and all the little moments that make senior year special. So, we decided to first make a brainstorm document that our whole friend group had access to. Everyone put in ideas that they thought we needed to include on our list. Once we had a solid idea of what could go on the list, we got a big poster board with some markers. This was the fun part, we made it a night-long activity and it quickly became more than just making a list—it was a fun, memorable night that was a great way to kick off our senior year.

Some of the things we included were classic campus traditions, like attending our school's tailgates and football games. We had spots we wanted to revisit on campus one last time, places that had shaped our college experience. For example, we decided to go back and try every dining hall one last time. Beyond campus, we added adventures in the surrounding towns—new restaurants we had always talked about trying, hikes we wanted to explore, and local events we didn’t want to miss. Finally, we added experiences that our group wanted to do before we graduated. For example, we all planned one last movie night, a Friendsgiving dinner, and a letter writing night to our future selves. We also tried to make it a goal to take pictures at these different events so we could have something to look back on at the end of our year.

Our big list was then put on the side of our fridge, and we checked it off every time we did something on the list. Some moments were big and exciting, while others were simple but just as meaningful. Looking back, creating this bucket list was one of the best decisions we made for our senior year. It has been such a fun way to ensure that we are making the most of our senior year with the friends who have made our college experience what it was. If you're heading into your final year, I can’t recommend it enough—make your own list, embrace the time you have left, and make it a year you’ll never forget.

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! 

College life is a whirlwind of academic challenges, social events, and newfound independence. It’s an exciting time, but it also comes with its fair share of stress, especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For many students, the pressures of tight budgets, busy schedules, and late-night study sessions can make it difficult to eat well and stay energized. The good news? You don’t have to compromise your health just because you're juggling classes, clubs, and work. With a little planning and a few smart strategies, you can maintain a balanced diet that supports both your academic success and personal well-being. Here are six tips to help:

1. Meal Planning on a Budget

Eating healthy in college doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With a little planning, you can create nutritious meals that won’t break the bank. The key is buying versatile, affordable ingredients that you can use in multiple dishes.

Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas:

• Rice and Beans: A classic combination that’s both cheap and nutritious. Rice provides carbs for energy, while beans are packed with protein and fiber. You can season them with spices to keep things interesting.
• Stir-Fries: Buy a frozen bag of mixed vegetables, some chicken or tofu, and a bottle of soy sauce. This is a quick, customizable meal that’s full of vitamins and protein.
• Oats: Don’t underestimate the power of a good bowl of oatmeal. It’s inexpensive, filling, and can be flavored with fruit, nuts, or yogurt for extra nutrition.
• Eggs: Eggs are a college student’s best friend. They’re a great source of protein and can be cooked in so many ways—scrambled, boiled, or made into omelets or frittatas with leftover veggies.

Shopping Tips:

• Buy in bulk when possible — things like rice, pasta, and canned goods can last a long time.
• Stick to a grocery list and avoid impulse buys.
• Shop for seasonal produce. Fresh fruits and veggies can be more affordable when they’re in season.

2. Healthy Snacking Tips

When you're running between classes or studying late into the night, it’s easy to reach for unhealthy snacks like chips or candy. However, with a little prep, you can have nutritious options on hand that keep you fueled without the sugar crash.

Nutritious snack ideas:

• Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit is portable and packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Just be mindful of portions, as it’s calorie-dense.
• Greek Yogurt with Fruit: Greek yogurt is high in protein, and when paired with fresh or frozen fruit, it’s a delicious, nutrient-packed snack.
• Apple with Peanut Butter: A classic combo of fiber and protein that’s satisfying and easy to prepare.
• Hummus and Veggies: Pre-slice carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers, and pair them with store-bought or homemade hummus for a crunchy, satisfying snack.

Snacking Tips:

• Keep snacks in your backpack or dorm room for when hunger strikes between classes.
• Opt for whole foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts) rather than processed snacks.
• Stay mindful of portion sizes, especially with calorie-dense snacks like nuts or cheese.

3. Time-Saving Hacks: Meal Prep for Busy Schedules

We all know that college students are busy, and finding time to cook can feel impossible. But with a little effort upfront, you can save time during the week and ensure you’re eating healthy meals even when you’re short on time.

Meal Prep Ideas:

• Batch Cook Grains: Cook a big pot of quinoa, rice, or pasta at the start of the week. These can be used in a variety of dishes, like salads, stir-fries, or bowls.
• Prep Veggies: Wash, peel, and chop vegetables ahead of time so they’re ready to be tossed into stir-fries, salads, or roasts.
• Make Overnight Oats: Prepare individual servings of overnight oats in mason jars. These can be customized with fruits, nuts, and yogurt, and are ready to grab and go in the morning.
• Cook Protein in Bulk: Grill or bake a batch of chicken, tofu, or beans to use in wraps, salads, or bowls throughout the week.

Meal Prep Tips:

• Set aside a few hours on the weekend to prep meals and snacks.
• Invest in good-quality containers to store your prepped meals and snacks.
• Make meals that can be easily reheated or eaten cold, like salads or grain bowls.

4. Dining Hall Survival Guide

Many colleges offer dining halls that can make eating on campus more convenient—but with so many options, it can also be hard to make healthy choices. Here’s how to navigate the dining hall and make nutritious decisions.

Dining Hall Tips:

• Fill up on veggies: Look for salad bars or dishes with plenty of vegetables. Fill half your plate with veggies to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need.
• Go for lean proteins: Choose grilled chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins like beans or tofu over fried options.
• Mind the sauces: Sauces and dressings can be loaded with hidden calories and sugars. Ask for them on the side so you can control how much you use.
• Opt for whole grains: Choose brown rice, quinoa, or whole-wheat bread when possible. These options have more fiber and nutrients than their refined counterparts.

5. The Importance of Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining energy levels, focus, and overall health, especially during long study sessions or after a workout. But it's easy to forget about hydration when you're caught up in the demands of college life.

Hydration Tips:

• Carry a reusable water bottle: Having water on hand at all times can remind you to drink throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 cups of water daily, more if you’re physically active.
• Flavored Water: If plain water feels too boring, try adding slices of fruit like lemon, lime, or cucumber for natural flavor.
• Avoid sugary drinks: While soda, energy drinks, and sweetened coffee drinks are tempting, they can lead to energy crashes and don’t offer much nutritional value.

Other Hydrating Beverages:

• Herbal teas can be a good option for hydration, and they come in a variety of flavors.
• Coconut water is another hydrating option with electrolytes to keep you balanced.
  

Small Changes, Big Impact

Maintaining a balanced diet in college doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By planning your meals, making healthy snack choices, and utilizing time-saving hacks, you can stay nourished and energized through even the busiest of semesters. Whether you’re cooking in your dorm kitchen or navigating the dining hall, a little preparation and mindful eating can go a long way in supporting your academic success and overall well-being. By prioritizing your health, you’ll have the energy to not only tackle your assignments but also fully enjoy everything that college life 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!