Students blog

Growing up, I always thought that confidence and success were tied to how much you spoke. The louder, the better… or so I thought.

Leaning toward the quieter side, I was often met with comments like, “You don’t talk very much, huh?” Over time, those comments felt more like criticisms and less like simple observations.

This led me to believe that I needed to change something about myself to keep up. Nevertheless, somewhere along the way, I started to question that assumption.

A Professor's Simple Note

At the end of my first semester in college, I received a note from my World of Rhetoric professor that really hit home. It read: “Cameron, you are a person of few words, but when you do speak, you are extremely thoughtful and insightful. I appreciated your contributions to this class during the semester…”

It was such a simple note, but it hit differently. It wasn’t because someone was complimenting me, but because it confirmed something I had been slowly learning about myself. I was realizing that choosing your words carefully is not a sign of weakness, but its own kind of strength.

Lessons from Listening

That realization became even clearer during a two-week study abroad trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. While many of my classmates jumped into conversations, I often found myself doing what I had always done best: observing.

I listened to the tour guides speak for hours about the history of Buenos Aires and watched the daily life of native Argentines during my trips to the cafes. I captured small cultural differences that might have gone unnoticed if I had been focused on being heard.

At first, I worried that I wasn’t participating enough or that the chaperones would think I was not enjoying the trip. It is common for society to equate participation with speaking. But as the trip continued, I realized that my most meaningful experiences came from listening.

Through conversations with local students at the National University of Tres de Febrero (UNTREF), classroom discussions with our traveling group, and all the fun excursions we participated in, I gained a deeper understanding of Argentine culture than I would have by worrying about what to say next.

Redefining Confidence

Being quiet did not prevent me from connecting with people. It helped me connect more intentionally by listening to multiple stories and perspectives.

When I did contribute to discussions, I found that my thoughts were often shaped by reflection and observation. I was not speaking less because I had nothing to say; rather, I spoke when I had something meaningful to add.

For a very long time, I viewed quietness as a barrier between me and success. Now, I understand that it is one of my strengths.

Being a listener has always helped me learn from others and build stronger relationships. Now, I know it as a skill to approach new experiences with curiosity, rather than with pressure to perform outside of my character.

The Strengths of Silence

In a world where the loudest voices are often celebrated, it is easy to assume that success is only for those people. But confidence does not look the same in everyone. For some, confidence means being the center of attention; other times, it is trusting that your voice has value even if you do not use it at every opportunity.

Being quiet does not mean that you have less to contribute. The people who say the least may be the ones who are paying attention the most.

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Graduation is a strange milestone. Everyone celebrates it like you have "made it," but many graduates may quietly feel like they have been dropped into the middle of a game without instructions.

One day you are turning in assignments and checking Canvas. The next, you are supposed to know what career you want, where you want to live, and how taxes work.

The truth is, post-grad life often doesn’t look the way people imagine. And honestly, that is normal. Here are some of the biggest myths about life after college—and the realities that almost everyone experiences.

Myth #1: You Should Have a Job Straight Out of College

Reality: A delayed start is more common than people admit. Social media makes it seem like everyone graduates on Friday and starts their “dream job” on Monday. In reality, hiring timelines are slow, competitive, and unpredictable.

Some people secure jobs months before graduation. Others spend the summer applying or take temporary jobs while figuring things out. Not having a job immediately after graduation does not mean you failed.

A first job also does not have to be permanent. Your twenties are often more about exploration than perfection.

Myth #2: You Are Supposed to Love Your First Job

Reality: Your first job may mostly teach you what you do not want. There is a lot of pressure to find “the perfect fit” immediately, but first jobs are often learning experiences more than dream opportunities.

You may discover you hate corporate life, remote work is not for you, or your favorite part of work has nothing to do with your degree. That is still progress. Your early twenties are often less about finding the perfect path and more about collecting information about yourself.

Myth #3: Moving Home Means You Are Falling Behind

Reality: It is financially smart for many people. Let’s face it, this economy is tough for many. Moving home has become incredibly common because rent is expensive, wages can be inconsistent, and many graduates are trying to save money or pay off loans.

There is unnecessary shame around it because people associate independence with physical distance, but financial stability is independence too. Living at home for a few months or even a few years is a strategy, not a failure.

Myth #4: You Will Stay Close With All Your College Friends

Reality: Friendships change after graduation, even good ones. This might be one of the hardest adjustments. Most college friendships are built around proximity. After graduation, people move away, start jobs with different schedules, or enter relationships.

That does not always mean the friendship mattered less. Post-grad friendships often require more intentionality: planning instead of spontaneity, scheduling meet-ups, and accepting different life stages. Your friendships simply have to be flexible to accommodate everyone’s new lifestyle.

Final Reality: Nobody Really Knows What They Are Doing

Adulthood is less about “having everything figured out” and more about adapting in real time. The people who seem most put together are often just those who have become comfortable not having all the answers.

Post-grad life can be awkward, exciting, unstable, emotional, and full of unexpected detours. That does not mean you are doing it wrong. It just means you are in the middle of becoming who you will eventually 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! 

From Scared Senior to Seminole

Four years ago, as a high school senior, I thought those would be the best years of my life. I believed nothing could surpass the memories built during my teenage years.

Choosing Florida State University was a challenge. My dad is a Gator, and FSU was seven hours from home, farther than I had ever been from my family.

Nothing can fully prepare you for the transition to college. Living in a dorm, so far from everything familiar, felt overwhelming. It seemed like everyone already had their friend groups, while I was left alone.

A Change in Mindset

For a while, I was at a standstill. Although many people see me as a social butterfly, I was also self-conscious. However, I believe your life is determined by your mindset, and your mindset becomes your life. If nothing changes, nothing changes.

It took me a while to internalize that concept, but everything slowly started shifting once I did. I began joining communities that welcomed me with open arms.

Little by little, I became involved at Florida State. I joined organizations like Student Government, Student Foundation, and my sorority, became a Resident Assistant, and started saying yes to opportunities that once intimidated me. Each experience shaped me into the woman I am today.

My Advice to You

Somewhere between late-night fountain throws, Tuesday nights out, Vice Philly cheesesteaks, second-floor study sessions at Strozier, Saturday football games, and meals at Pi Beta Phi, I discovered myself. In life, there are no “good” or “bad” experiences, only experiences.

My advice for anyone nervous about college or not yet enjoying their time on campus is simple: don’t be embarrassed to try. Embarrassment is not real unless you allow yourself to feel it. Go to karaoke, raise your hand in that big lecture class, or walk up to the person you always see at the gym.

Another thing college taught me is the importance of saying yes. Let “yes” become part of your vocabulary so “regret” does not. You will regret saying “no” far more than you will the times you took a leap of faith.

The time is now. Most of my mistakes came from convincing myself I would do something later. Procrastination is the thief of time and joy in everything from studying for exams to texting someone “happy birthday.”

There is no perfect place or perfect time. The right moments are the ones you create in the present. Life moves quickly, so grab the moment like it is a present wrapped just for you.

More Than a Degree

Success is not measured only by grades, internships, or achievements. It is also measured by the memories you create, the people you impact, and the person you become. I leave Florida State not only with a degree but with a version of myself that I spent four years building.

If my high school senior self could see me now, she would know this was the best decision I ever made. I came, I saw, and I left unconquered. Thank you, Florida State University, for the best four years of my 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! 

In college, it can be easy to become overwhelmed with all the campus activities available. With so many clubs, jobs, classes, and opportunities, it’s easy to overcommit and fill your calendar with things you’re only somewhat interested in. But maybe being busy isn’t the problem; how you’re busy can make all the difference.

What if, instead of doing a little of everything, you could build more meaningful experiences with fewer memberships? Taking on leadership roles, showing up consistently, and engaging in smaller events within a few organizations can be far more valuable than being loosely involved in many.

The "Spread Too Thin" Trap

When I first got to the University of Illinois, there were a lot of organizations I wanted to be a part of, and at first, I was. I tried them out, connected with people, and saw how they fit into my schedule.

However, I wasn’t feeling a strong connection with any of them. I made small talk with members but wasn’t building genuine relationships. I saw those around me becoming close and wondered why.

After some reflection, I realized they were showing up to everything and putting one hundred percent into the organizations they cared about. I wanted to do that too, but I was spread too thin.

Finding Your Focus

Eventually, I found the organizations that meant the most to me. I realized I was naturally gravitating toward the Student Alumni Ambassadors and my social fraternity, so I decided to prioritize them.

Instead of trying to do a little of everything, I committed myself more fully to the organizations I was truly passionate about. I showed up to the smaller events, took on leadership opportunities, and made an effort to be consistently involved.

The Rewards of Deeper Involvement

With this change, I found much more than activities to fill my schedule. I made best friends, discovered new homes on campus, and developed a real sense of belonging. The other organizations slowly phased out, but I remained just as busy, if not busier.

The difference was that my time now had greater purpose. Because I was more intentional with my involvement, I was able to make a stronger impact and serve in executive positions. This created more meaningful experiences than I ever could have by spreading myself too thin.

The Return on Investment

College involvement is not about doing as many things as possible. It is about finding the places where your passion naturally pulls you and investing your energy there. Staying intentional with how you spend your time can lead to deeper relationships, stronger leadership opportunities, and a much more fulfilling college experience.

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! 

I don’t know about you, but my first-year experience didn’t look like what orientation presented. Sure, I made a few friends here and there, but we never stuck together. And I get it; people say I ought to be more outgoing and reach out, but for me, nothing compared to the amalgamation of judgments I was convinced everyone held about me.

At the end of my first year, I was socially and academically burned out. I was yearning for a space to belong and a group of friends to just talk with. However, making that happen felt uncertain, risky, and scary.

But I knew I had to find this place for myself. To do so, I had to overcome one of my biggest fears: talking to people.

Knowing When to Reach Out

At first, I tried to reach out to classmates. However, the idea of doing so made me very nervous, and I would imagine our future interactions before the first one even happened. I became excessively nervous about my words and body language, which led to social isolation during my first year.

At this point, I realized my anxiety was largely affecting my social life, so I sought help at my university’s counseling center. Everyone’s reasons for pursuing counseling are different; in my case, they greatly influenced the way I made friends. I strongly wanted a place to belong on campus and was willing to go to counseling to do so.

Exploring My Counseling Center's Options

My counseling center at the University of Nevada, Reno, had two buildings: an annex and the main office. The annex offered quick drop-in sessions titled “Let’s Talk,” where a student could come in at any time to discuss anything they wished. This annex provided a safe listening space for students and helped me significantly with social distress on difficult days.

I also took advantage of the main office to treat my social anxiety. I actively participated in group therapy, including an interpersonal therapy group. These sessions helped me challenge the cognitive distortions I had related to social anxiety.

I was able not only to come out of it more socially confident but also to make more friends who experienced the same struggles as I did. Group therapy can foster a sense of community and belonging, helping students feel less isolated.

The Life-Changing Impact

My journey with my university’s counseling services was transformative. It provided a dedicated space to unpack common college struggles, which made me feel less alone. More importantly, I grew confident in my ability to reach out to people without my old habit of overthinking the outcome.

Beyond simply treating social anxiety, counseling taught me invaluable life lessons in self-compassion and communication. My college experience today looks nothing like that isolating first year. I learned that seeking help is not a weakness but a courageous first step toward building the life you want.

I will always be the number one advocate for taking advantage of campus counseling centers, especially if they are included in your tuition. If you feel like you're on the outside looking in, it might just be the key to finding the community you’ve been searching for.

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’s a difference between walking to class in silence and walking with the right song playing. Same campus, same routine, but everything feels different. The walk feels lighter, and even my movements feel more intentional.

At some point in college, music stopped being background noise. It became a tool I used to shape my mood and make everyday moments feel bigger than they were.

When Everything Felt Heavy

My first year didn’t go as expected. I came in as a biology major, got overwhelmed quickly, and ended the semester sick and drained. I was stressed all the time.

Looking back, I wasn’t really listening to music then. When I did, I would just pick songs that matched how I already felt: slow, sad, and melancholic. I wasn’t trying to change my mood; I was just sitting in it.

A Gift That Changed Everything

At the end of that year, my best friend, CJ, got me a pair of headphones for my birthday. It felt like a small gift, but it changed more than I expected.

I moved off campus for my sophomore year, so my walk to class went from ten to thirty minutes. Without really thinking about it, I started doing something different. I stopped choosing music that matched my mood and started choosing music to change it.

From Campus Walks to L.A. Flights

It started small. On my walks, I’d play my “hot girl walk” playlist, full of upbeat songs by Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Katy Perry that made me feel more confident. My walks began setting the tone for my day, and I noticed I was in a better mood.

Soon, I started making playlists for the mindset I wanted. I wanted to create social media content but was overthinking and worried about being judged. Knowing I had to change my mindset, I made a playlist: “cool girl content creator.”

I built it around the confident person I wanted to become, with songs like “Applause” by Lady Gaga and “Money” by Cardi B. I listened while getting ready, filming, or even just thinking about creating. It made that version of my life feel real.

A few months later, my content took off. I grew to more than 100,000 followers on TikTok, worked with brands, and was invited to YouTube headquarters. Listening to that playlist on the flight to Los Angeles, I felt it all come full circle.

Set the Tone with a Soundtrack

Music went from passive to powerful, helping me move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control.

Start small. Make one playlist based on how you want to feel, not how you feel now. Play it while you’re getting ready or walking to class, and notice the difference.

Next time you put your headphones on, don’t just press play. Think about how you want to feel for that moment, that day, or that week, and choose your soundtrack from there.

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! 

For some college students, sports are a quintessential part of their college experience. The lights, the action, and the warm feeling of unity within the crowd create an unforgettable atmosphere. For those students that want to go behind the scenes, here’s what it takes to contribute to the college athletics experience.

Taking the First Step

In high school, I played volleyball and managed my school’s first men’s volleyball team. I have always had a knack for working behind the scenes in sports and wanted to continue that in college as a first-year student.

I was not sure how to get involved with college athletics, but I knew it was a passion of mine. This was especially true since I was pursuing a sports management certificate.

One day, I saw an email about getting involved in athletics at the University of Pittsburgh. The opportunity that caught my eye most was the ticketing office assistant role. As a finance major, I wanted to learn about the financial side of athletics, as my goal is to work in a corporate setting for athlete entertainment.

From Fan to Insider

Once I got the job and the school year started, I immediately gained hands-on experience. In this role, I worked in ticket sales, customer service, and ticket scanning at a variety of sports games. This gave me direct experience interacting with fans on game day.

I also helped handle customer ticket issues during games, which taught me how to problem-solve quickly in a fast-paced environment. I held weekly office hours where I assisted customers over the phone with ticket purchases, questions, and concerns.

While working at different sporting events, I met other students with various roles in the athletics department. This showed me the many opportunities in the sports industry, such as marketing, game-day operations, media, broadcasting, and team management. The list goes on; if you’re interested in sports, there is a niche for you.

Opening Doors Through Athletics

Working in college athletics has opened many doors for me. It has allowed me to do cool things I would not have been able to do otherwise.

For example, our Division I women’s volleyball team was one of the top teams in the NCAA this past season. Through my job, I had the honor of working at the Sweet 16 tournament hosted in Pittsburgh, an opportunity my younger self would have dreamed of.

If you’re interested in sports, just reach out. Email the athletic department or send a direct message to a team’s social media page. You never know the amazing opportunities you’ll get to experience.

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! 

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is one of the most important tests a pre-med student will take during their undergraduate career. It is a standardized, seven-and-a-half-hour exam required for admission to nearly every medical school in the United States.

The test is divided into four sections: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills; Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior.

As a very Type B student, I lacked the foresight to prepare months in advance. Here is what I did (and what I wish I had done differently) to get my desired MCAT score.

My Study Foundation

As someone who knew I wanted to go into science, I did my best to take good notes in my prerequisite classes. I focused on understanding as much as possible in courses like Biology and General Chemistry. This foundation helped immensely since studying felt mostly like review.

I purchased a study course that created a schedule for me based on my first practice exam results. It also kept me accountable for the material I was supposed to cover each day. I locked myself in my room for one and a half months to study.

Creating a Study Zone

Next, I ensured that I had as few distractions as possible. I bought a cage for my phone and time-restricting apps on my computer. I also bought books and an origami kit for my study breaks.

The MCAT is a computerized test, so most of my studying was done on a computer. This made “no-screen” activities helpful to avoid eye strain.

My Daily Schedule

I studied ten hours a day, with a short break every two hours and one hour for lunch. As test day neared, breaks sometimes felt like a waste of time, but they had a noticeable impact on my brain function and mental health. At the end of each day, I either went to the gym or took a long walk to let go of stress.

Practice Exam Strategy

For the first month, I took an exam every sixth day. For the last two weeks, I took an exam every three days. I spent more time reviewing each test than it took me to take it.

I wrote down my answer and my rationale for it. If it was correct, I stopped there. If it was incorrect, I wrote down the correct answer, the rationale behind it, and why my original answer was incorrect.

What I’d Do Differently

If I were to do it over again, I would extend my study time to a minimum of three months. This would allow me to study fewer hours each day and have more time for spaced repetition. Ten hours a day was honestly too much.

The Final 48 Hours

I took the two days right before my MCAT completely off because my brain was overloaded with information. I spent those days with friends and family, reminding myself that a test score does not define my worth.

The night before the exam, I wrote down a “cheat sheet” of high-yield information such as formulas and diagrams for each topic. I reviewed it before heading out the next morning. My most important note to remember during test-taking is not to second-guess my answers; at that point, I trust that I know more than I might think in the moment.

Final Thoughts

Studying for the MCAT can be a grueling process, but it is manageable. With structure, patience, and self-compassion, you can navigate this challenge. Remember that this test is just one part of your story; the persistence and resilience you build along the way can say more about the physician you will become than any single test score. 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! 

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the college experience, sparking a mix of opinions. Some faculty members view AI skeptically due to the high risk of academic integrity violations. While this concern is understandable, there are also many ethical ways to use AI to expedite research and writing, develop unique practice materials, and support studying.

Level Up Your Research and Writing

One common misuse of AI is writing entire essays; instead, it can serve as a powerful academic aid. For instance, I use AI to locate peer-reviewed articles for my essays, which has saved a significant amount of time compared to my previous research process.

Before I begin writing, AI helps me structure my essay. I provide the topic, claim, and reasons, and it suggests an outline. This generates a starting point for the organization of my argument while leaving the actual writing and critical thinking to me.

Ace Your Exams with AI-Generated Practice

Another effective use of AI lies in exam preparation. Before midterms or finals, I upload a practice test to give the AI a sense of the exam format. Then I provide my class notes to ensure the generated questions are relevant to the current unit of study.

From there, the AI creates new practice questions for me. When working through these questions, I challenge myself to explain why my answer is correct. This promotes retention rather than passive memorization.

Practice Real-World Scenarios

A unique function of AI is its ability to generate applied learning scenarios. As an Exercise Science major, I work through case studies in which we determine possible diagnoses.

To prepare, I simulate similar scenarios using voice conversations with AI. This improves my ability to think critically under pressure. It also helps me develop communication skills relevant to clinician–patient interactions that have carried over into my internship.

Conquer Difficult Textbooks

AI can also support learning when tackling difficult textbook chapters. When I face a chapter that isn’t clicking, I turn to AI because it excels at explaining difficult topics.

If your school uses Pearson products, you may have a textbook with AI integrated into the e-text. This feature has allowed me to stay engaged with the material instead of getting discouraged if I get confused.

Partnering with AI

Ultimately, artificial intelligence is an evolving technology that has the potential to impact us in our education and careers. When used correctly, AI does not replace critical thinking; it enhances it. By integrating AI as a tool rather than a shortcut, students can improve their efficiency and deepen their understanding.

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!