Students blog

This past summer I worked as an intern in New York City, and it was a whirlwind of fun and chaos all at once. Moving to a big and hustling city like this was extremely exciting but was also very unsettling to be in a new place without any familiarity. I was fortunate enough to have a lot of friends from home and from college also living in NYC for the summer, so I was able to explore, try different restaurants, and walk around new areas as much as have time outside of work. For anyone that is moving to a new city for the summer or even for full-time, here are three tips to help you adjust to an exciting and fast lifestyle.

Get to know your coworkers.

While this might go unsaid, it is really important to make an effort at work both tangibly and socially. You may not think that your fellow interns or even supervisors would ever be the same people you see on the weekends – but you would be surprised. It is always nice to have a familiar face in the office, and around a big city. One of the most routine events on a Thursday afternoon is office happy hour, and you want to be a part of it! Becoming close with your coworkers can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your time in and out of the office, especially if you do not know many people.

Sign up for classes.

I am sure everyone has some kind of hobby or activity they have wanted to pick up and the amazing thing about cities, is that they have pretty much any kind of class you can think of. Since being here this summer, I have gone to cycling, boxing, Pilates, and barre classes around NYC. While exercise is undoubtedly great for your health and lifestyle, attending classes is a great way to make new friends or even bond with a friend you are looking to spend more time with. If you happen to hate workout classes, look for group-style classes in cooking, pottery, yoga, minigolf and even jewelry-making. Even if you only try one a month, you never know what you might learn to love or who you might meet!

Walk around, especially without a destination.

I know this sounds cliché, but the best adventures around a city usually come as a surprise. The great thing about a place like New York City, is it is walkable and full of different stores, restaurants, and events in every nook and cranny. When I had a free day or a free afternoon, I always tried to grab a friend and go for a walk around a new area of the city. We could catch up and do some sightseeing. Often, this ended up with us walking into small and unique thrift stores or trying a new restaurant with the most delicious sounding appetizers. It turned out to be a great way to get familiar with a new place, spend quality time with my friends, and discover new types of foods and experiences.

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! 

During your time in college, you’ll be faced with times where you must give a speech or presentation. Whether it be for an organization that you are in, a class project, or even a school event, if you’re anything like me, public speaking is a scary thing. It may make you apprehensive, but here are things that you can do to make it a little easier!

1. Figure out your purpose.

What is your purpose for this opportunity? Who is your audience? It can be a position for an organization that you are in, or it can be a presentation for a class project that you have been working on. Are you trying to persuade them, inform them, or entertain? Figuring out your purpose can help you easily tailor what you say to the people you stand in front of!

2. How do you write your speech?

First impressions are very important in most settings. The same goes for a speech. Your opening must be strong to set yourself up for the rest of the speech, otherwise people will lose interest before you’ve started. Make sure you have a powerful opening and closing. Structure the content in between to define the message you are trying to get across clearly. As always, have a friend or two proofread for grammar and flow.

3. Practice makes perfect.

Unless you naturally have amazing public speaking skills, chances are your nerves are going to get you during your speech. Make sure to spend some time practicing a run through of what you are going to say. Minimize the use of notecards by practicing in front of a mirror and maintaining eye contact with yourself. Make sure you dress up in what you are going to wear so you feel comfortable in it.

4. Dress for the occasion.

Having the right attire on shows your audience that you are prepared. If it is a professional speech make sure you are in full business attire. If it is semi-casual, then business-casual is needed. I personally would not wear anything less, but if you’ll be speaking in front of family and friends for a more casual occasion, then casual attire is totally fine! No matter the occasion, your appearance plays a huge role in getting your point across.

5. Prepare the day of the speech.

By now you should have been practicing your speech for a couple days. On the day of the speech, make sure not to stress yourself out. Have a moderate breakfast, practice a couple times through, and do something relaxing prior to the speech such as some calming music. Go into the speech confident and with your head high and give it your best! Confidence is key!

Lastly, once you have given your speech, reward yourself. All the practice and preparation deserve a reward! These steps will ensure that you are setup for success for the big speech you were stressing about. Do your best, and good luck!

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! 

Are you finding it challenging to juggle your assignments, deadlines, and extracurricular activities in college? Don't worry, you're not alone! In this blog post, I'm thrilled to introduce you to a curated list of apps that are designed to streamline your life and boost your productivity. Whether you're a freshman just starting out or a seasoned senior, these tools will help you stay organized and focused throughout the semester.

Task Management Apps

1. Todoist: This intuitive task manager allows you to create to-do lists, set deadlines, and prioritize tasks. With features like recurring tasks and productivity tracking, Todoist helps you stay on top of your assignments and projects effortlessly.

2. Asana: Ideal for group projects and collaborative work, Asana lets you assign tasks, set due dates, and communicate with team members seamlessly. Its project timelines and progress tracking features are perfect for managing complex assignments.

Note-Taking and Organization

3. Notion: A versatile workspace app that allows you to create customized databases, Kanban boards, and note pages. Notion adapts to your workflow, making it ideal for both personal organization and collaborative projects.

4. GoodNotes: For those who prefer digital handwriting, GoodNotes allows you to take handwritten notes, annotate PDFs, and organize your notebooks digitally. It's perfect for keeping your lecture notes and study materials in one place.

Study Schedulers

5. Google Calendar: Keep track of your classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities with Google Calendar. Sync across devices and set reminders to ensure you never miss a deadline or important event.

6. Trello: Organize your study schedule and track your progress with Trello's boards, lists, and cards. It's perfect for visual learners who want to see their tasks and goals at a glance.

Maintaining Work-Life Balance

7. Headspace: Take care of your mental well-being with Headspace, a meditation and mindfulness app. Quick guided sessions can help you unwind after a long study session and improve your focus for the next task.

These apps are not just tools; they will help you navigate the challenges of college life more effectively. Whether you need to manage your assignments, organize your notes, create study schedules, or maintain a healthy work-life balance, there's an app here to suit your needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Transform your college experience with these powerful productivity tools and pave the way for academic success and personal growth. Embrace technology to streamline your life and make the most out of every moment in college!

Here's to a productive and successful semester ahead!

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! 

Networking is an essential skill that can significantly impact your college experience and future career. As a college student, developing a strong network can open doors to internships, job opportunities, mentorships, and valuable advice. Here’s how you can effectively network during your college years.

1. Start with Your Peers

Your classmates are your first network. They can offer support, study partners and eventually professional connections. Engage actively in group projects and join study groups. Building strong relationships with your peers can create a supportive community that lasts beyond graduation.

2. Get Involved on Campus

Joining clubs, organizations, and societies is a great way to meet like-minded individuals and expand your network. Whether it’s a professional society related to your major, a cultural club, or a hobby group, these organizations provide opportunities to develop leadership skills and meet people with diverse interests.

3. Attend Networking Events

Most colleges host career fairs, guest lectures, and networking events. Attend these events regularly to meet professionals from your field of interest. Prepare by researching the attendees and having questions ready. Remember to bring a resume and practice your elevator pitch to make a strong impression.

4. Utilize Social Media

Platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for building a professional network. Create a compelling profile, connect with classmates, professors, and industry professionals, and join groups related to your career interests. Share relevant content and engage with others’ posts to increase your visibility.

5. Build Relationships with Professors

Your professors are more than just educators; they are valuable connections to the industry. Attend office hours, participate in class discussions, and seek advice on your academic and career goals. A strong relationship with a professor can lead to research opportunities, recommendations, and introductions to industry professionals.

6. Seek Out Alumni

Alumni can offer insights and connections that are incredibly beneficial. Many colleges have alumni networks or events. Reach out to alumni in your field, ask for informational interviews, and attend alumni gatherings to expand your network.

7. Volunteer and Intern

Volunteering and internships provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities. They allow you to meet professionals in your field and demonstrate your skills and work ethic. These experiences can lead to job offers and strong professional references.

8. Follow Up

After meeting someone new, always follow up with a thank-you email or message. Express your appreciation for their time and mention something specific you discussed to reinforce the connection. Regular follow-ups help maintain and strengthen relationships over time.

Networking as a college student requires initiative and persistence, but the rewards are immense. By actively building and nurturing your network, you pave the way for a successful career filled with opportunities and support. Start early, be genuine, and stay engaged, and you’ll find that networking becomes a natural and beneficial part of your college journey.

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! 

We all have rituals that we embrace as sacred additions to our days. They can be as simple as a comforting cup of tea to help you wind down at the end of a busy day to a full-blown skin and hair care routine that takes nearly an hour. Routines can help one manage stress and anxiety, aid with productivity, encourage you to know yourself more deeply, build self-confidence, and forge healthy habits you can be proud of. With a solid routine, we find peace of mind and a sense of calm in our otherwise chaotic lives. It is my sincere hope that this blog helps you find space in your day for serenity – student and educator alike.

When I am overwhelmed, I feel there's no space to breathe or do things that make me happy. It's easy to feel like doing something for yourself will take away from the time you could be doing something else 'more productive.' There's always more work to do, right? With a routine, you set a non-negotiable time to do the things that help you find calm and take care of yourself. By making space to do the things that make you feel relaxed, you cut down on stress. Such things can be included in your custom-made routine tailored for you, by you.

There's always some goal we want to accomplish occupied in our minds. I had a few - taking supplements, caring for my skin, and journaling every evening. They're small things, but these tasks I wanted to accomplish were things that I thought the best version of myself would do. As you add goals to your routine and follow through on completing them, they become habits. The things that people do that you look up to can become something of your own. It's rewarding to reflect on your progress and realize that the qualities you hold in high regard are integrated into your own life. Making things like that a part of your daily routine, it's easy to feel a well-deserved sense of pride.

When you have a set routine, you can truly focus on the demanding tasks you need to get done. Routines create space for you to do difficult, needed tasks while also making space to take care of yourself. I have a routine for when I come home after a day of attending lectures. I make mock-tails and sit down to watch a movie. It's simple, but it gives me something to look forward to and helps me push through the day. Creating a routine can provide something to look forward to and feel like a reward. Routines can be a much-needed respite to nudge you through tough days.

A routine should generally be a consistent practice, but it doesn't have to be completely inflexible and set in stone. A routine can change as you do. If a goal or ritual no longer serves you, replace it with one that makes you feel more like yourself. Adding and taking away from your routine encourages you to learn more about yourself. Through assessing different routines, you try things you thought you'd like but realize you don't. Through consistent diligence and holding yourself accountable for your routine, you trust in yourself more. You believe deeply in yourself and your ability to follow through on your goals. You know you can become the person you want to be.

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! 

Everyone says to ‘push the boundaries’ and to ‘go big’ if you want to be successful, but what does that even mean? Your definition of what those mean is often completely different from someone else’s. How can you start to push your own boundaries and figuring out what works for you? Why even force yourself into something you don’t want to do to begin with? Who decides to go jump off a cliff if they’ve never even jumped off the diving board first?

The short answer is no one. I’m sure there are a lot of extremists out there, but for the average person it doesn’t happen. So, what if you want to get to the point where you can be the person jumping off the cliff?

Find your own cliff. When I say this, I don’t mean literally go find a cliff, but that you should find your own version of the hypothetical cliff. Start with the small things that might scare you or make you uncomfortable.

For me, the start was going out to do things by myself. For the longest time I have had this preconceived notion that if I want to go out and enjoy something, that I needed someone else to be with me. That it somehow didn’t count if I was by myself, or I had the voice in the back of my head telling me that I was strange or that everyone was looking at me for being alone even though I knew that it really didn’t matter.

So, I started small. I decided to go to the movies by myself. Easy enough? Then I went to a concert. Then hiking. Eventually I joined a sports team all by myself and traveled for competitions. After all that, I had the courage to move across the country by myself. Now I can’t wait for what I will do next, since I am no longer afraid of doing things alone, but none of that would’ve happened if I had stayed in my comfort zone.

How do you decide what your personal cliff is? I think it should follow two important rules:

1) It should make you nervous but not freaked out.

2) It should be something that you genuinely want to do.

Don’t go to the beach to push your boundaries if you hate the ocean, and don’t go hike a mountain if you’re deathly afraid of heights. Start with the small things that you feel uncertain about doing, like calling to place your dinner order instead of ordering online when you hate talking on the phone or asking your server for the extra sauce that they might not give you. By doing these smaller tasks, even if you stumble through it, you reinforce the idea that at the end, everything was okay, and then eventually you can start working towards bigger and bigger cliffs.

While this will vary person to person, I think in the end it’s about figuring out who you are and wanting to be a stronger, more confident version of yourself – and who doesn’t want that?

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! 

Throughout my high school experience, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted for my future. Eventually, I chose to attend a university based on these preferences. I started as a first-year student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) as a Cybersecurity Engineering major (which was not a common major). As time went on, I started falling behind in my classes because everyone else had been exposed to the major-related content in high school, but I hadn’t. In other words, they came into college having the foundational knowledge that I wasn’t exposed to. At the same time, I was taking psychology courses and eventually picked up a minor. I fell in love with this program at UAH, so I decided to switch to majoring in psychology. I was hesitant at first but have never regretted my decision. If you are having trouble deciding whether to change majors, here are some of the things I learned from my experience that might help!

Stress and anxiety are common in college students because they have so much to balance. From work to school to friends and family, there is so much going on. In the end, however, no one knows what you are feeling or going through better than yourself. When changing majors there is one more thing added to one’s plate. What really helped me is weighing the pros and cons of what would happen if I changed my major. In the end, the pros outweighed the cons, which was the biggest reason I decided to switch majors. However, I recognize this might not be the case for everyone. My suggestion is that before you officially switch majors, take a minute to weigh the pros and cons of the situation.

My first year at UAH, I took an intro level psychology class to fulfill one of my general course requirements. I did well in the class and liked the topics and material. This course was my first step to changing my major, even though I did not realize it at the time. From this experience, I can confidently say that if you are thinking about changing your major, taking a class in the major is a terrific way to see if it is really something you are interested in. One probably should not change their major without knowing much about what the major is like. In addition to learning more about what the major is about, this also gives you a connection to a professor within the major.

A big question when it comes to choosing a major is what you can do in the future with it. Here is my advice: start by doing some research online. Look for what other people in the major have gone on to do for a career to see if there is anything you might be interested in. If you still have more questions or concerns, set up an appointment with a professor in that field at your school. They will most likely be able to give you more information and possibly good advice! From my experience, most professors are happy to discuss these kinds of things! Finally, not only will these actions help alleviate stress and anxiety about changing majors, but it will also give you more information and a good connection if you do decide to change majors.

Picking a major is a large part of the college experience, and there is a lot of pressure to “pick the right one.” If you find yourself in a situation where you are thinking about changing majors, I hope these tips from my experience help!

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! 

What do you want to be when you grow up is a common question that children are asked in their youth. I feel very lucky that I always knew my answer. I want to be a teacher. Maybe it was because of the “superhero” teachers I met during my grade school years or maybe it was my love for learning, but I’ve always known exactly where I belonged: in the classroom.

This led to me to my dream school Rutgers University for their undergraduate Mathematics program and Graduate School of Education where I could earn my teaching certificate. As part of my undergraduate journey, I took a class called Undergraduate Supervised Tutoring in Mathematics for aspiring high school math teachers. Through this class, I had the opportunity to work with real high school math students one day a week for a whole semester. I was able to dip my toe into what my future could look like and became a teacher... come along my journey with me!

The First Day

As a student teacher, you step onto a path paved with lessons and experiences both in and out of the classroom, shaping the learning experience for your students while foraging your own personal identity. I was both excited and nervous stepping into J.P. Stevens High School in Edison, New Jersey on my first day of student teaching. I knew my role was to help the teacher in any way they needed and aid student learning in three different math classes – Geometry, Algebra I and Algebra II – but I wondered what the students and staff would be like and wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. I walked through the familiar high school-esque concrete walls, metal lockers, and colorful bulletin boards. My shoes squeaked on the floor tiles as I finally made my way to room 217, period 1 Geometry where I was met with 17 pairs of curious eyes. Even though I was a stranger in their classroom, the teacher gave me a welcoming smile and introduced me to the students who I could tell were intrigued, albeit confused, at the new face in their room.

Building Relationships

I went into student teaching knowing it would take some time for the students to become comfortable with me. I was a new personality coming into their classroom halfway through the school year, altering their classroom dynamic and everyday habits. Some of the students were intrigued, asking me where I went to college, what I was studying, and how long I would be in their classroom, while others were more hesitant to approach me. However, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching in general for me is having the opportunity to form meaningful connections with students and establish a safe relationship, so I spent much of my first day introducing myself to every student and getting to know them. For the next couple of weeks, I continued this practice and engaged with every student during the period, asking how they were doing or if they needed help on a problem. Eventually, walls crumbled and shells opened up to the point where the students came up to me as they entered the room before class started to tell me about their weekend or the test they just took. Externally, I was as cool as a cucumber, but inside I was jumping with joy at the progress I had made!

Embracing Growth

There were definitely moments of doubt and uncertainty during my student teaching when I questioned my abilities as an educator. Especially in the beginning, I often second guessed myself and overthought every single action I made. Did I explain that clearly enough? Maybe I should have said ___ instead? That was definitely confusing for that student, I’m an idiot! And sometimes, I didn’t even have an answer to a student’s question which just left me thinking wasn’t I supposed to be the one with all the answers?

This is where my mentor teachers really helped me. They shared stories from their days of student teaching and how they felt the exact same way at first. Phew! At least I wasn’t alone. Even though I was in a “teacher” role, it was easy for me to forget that I was still a student at the same time, and this was meant to be a learning experience. I tried to adopt a growth mindset and learn as much from my students as I hoped they were learning from me. As the weeks passed, I witnessed a profound transformation within myself. Each interaction contributed to my growth as an educator, a student, and a person. I searched for feedback from the students and mentor teachers and applied it to future lessons, recognizing this as a catalyst for improvement. Through reflective practice and continuous self-assessment, I learned to spend more energy on trying to improve rather than putting myself down for mistakes or missteps. By the end of my student teaching experience, I felt I had honed my teaching skills and gained infinitely more confidence in my abilities.

So what is one piece of advice that I would I give to future student teachers? The best piece of advice that comes to mind is to be fearless. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, don’t be afraid to accept criticism and use it to better yourself, don’t be afraid to get to know the students, and don’t be afraid to be yourself!

Looking Towards the Future

The end of my first student teaching journey was bittersweet. I was sad to bid farewell to my students, but I was proud of what I had accomplished and my personal growth. Amidst challenges or lack of confidence, there were so many moments of triumph – seeing the spark in a student’s eyes as they grasped a difficult concept or watching a student have an “ah-ha” moment while working on a problem. These small victories served as reminders of the profound impact that teachers have on the lives of their students, reaffirming my passion for education.

I also knew that my student teaching journey was just getting started! Next year, I will begin my clinical phases and expand to full time student teaching! I’m so excited to embark on the next chapter of my teaching journey and learn more about what it means to be not just a good teacher, but a great one, before I have my own classroom!

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! 

Have you ever stalled out on blogging because of your schedule, writer's block, or lack of direction? Blogging is trickier than it seems. Curating topics that interest your audience and delivering consistent quality content requires more than just literary or marketing skills. Generative AI can help you brainstorm relevant and engaging topics to have ready for when inspiration strikes (or your schedule allows). 

Blogs often go unnoticed for their value in academic and career development, but they hold immense potential. Blogs can significantly enrich your portfolio by showcasing your passions and interests. Blogging also allows you to delve deeper into subjects, explore intriguing topics from your classes, and establish your unique voice in your industry. 
 

How Generative AI Can Help 
 

Generative AI like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot can help define your blog's theme and discover related topics. Currently, these tools are best for ideation and brainstorming, rather than full-fledged copywriting. 
 

These tools generate content based on patterns from vast training data. However, it's important to note that generative AI has limitations and requires regular auditing. While AI provides the foundation, your creativity and direction turn those ideas into compelling content. Think of AI as your brainstorming partner, not a replacement. 
 

Here's a simple guide to get you started! 

Identify Your Blog's Subject 

Your subject could be as broad as environmentalism but works best with a narrower subject like sustainable fashion. Understanding your audience and their interests early in planning ensures you create content they care about. For example, prompt the AI: "List the different people interested in sustainable fashion with a summary of their perspectives and motivations." 
 


Brainstorm Topics Related to Your Subject 

While you can certainly ask the AI directly for article ideas, the real power of generative AI lies in its collaborative potential. Use multiple prompts to brainstorm diverse and creative topics, such as unexpected ideas, different perspectives, ideas for new studies, and a summary of academic thinking about your subject. For example, continue with the prompt: "You are a consumer interested in sustainable fashion. What questions would you have?" 
 

Organize and Expand on Your Topics 

Collaborating with generative AI is a non-linear process, and you are encouraged to circle back to prompts from a different writing "phase" whenever you need to ideate and elaborate on a previous idea. Still, a great prompt to use at this stage is to ask the AI to generate a mind map of your subject to visualize how topics connect. For instance, prompt: "Create an organized mind map about sustainable fashion."  
 

Bringing it All Together 

After this collaboration with generative AI, you should have a clear vision for your blog with topics and sub-topics to expand on during future writing sessions. Use this tool to streamline your blogging process and spark creativity. No more endless brainstorming sessions that exhaust you before you even start writing.  
 
Blogging isn't just about posting; it's about sharing your unique perspective, building expertise, and connecting with a broader audience. The benefits are substantial enhancing your portfolio, deepening your knowledge, and establishing your voice in your field. AI can assist you in creating a structured plan that allows you to focus on what truly matters—writing compelling content that resonates with your readers. 

Note: Generative AI is developing rapidly, and these prompts may need tweaking to adapt to updated models. 

Credit (and thanks) to Dave Birss for inspiration on these prompts! 

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!