Students blog

Kindergarten was where I first developed the idea of becoming a teacher. Other kids imagined themselves as astronauts or doctors or firefighters, but I found joy in the classroom with chalkboards and colored pencils. I’m sure my parents thought it was just a phase, but for the next 14 years I did not budge!

I’m very grateful for the educators in my past who supported my career choice and gave me the confidence to pursue it. An extra special thank you is dedicated to all the teachers and professors around the world who remain devoted to helping and guiding their students year after year, even during the challenges of pandemic learning.

Personally, my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Emanuelle, (pictured with me in the thumbnail image) has remained one of my biggest inspirations throughout my academic life. Walking into her classroom on the first day of school, I didn’t know how much more she would teach me beyond vocabulary and spelling. She was enthusiastic, tenderhearted, and creative, forming a relationship with each student so that they felt comfortable and safe in her classroom. For us, well, we both loved dogs! And maybe a love for man’s best friend wasn’t going to help prepare me for 4th grade or standardized testing, but my 8-year-old self was so excited to have something in common with a “grown up” that I was eager to learn from her.

Now as a college student, I often think back to my time as her student and how she, among many of my other teachers, served as a role model for what a good educator should be. Patient, understanding, adaptable, caring, and inspiring.

I’m sure almost every student has a special teacher in their past who motivated them to pursue their dreams and never give up. Take some time this week or any time of the year to show your appreciation for your favorite educators!

“True teachers use themselves as bridges over which their students to cross. Then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to make bridges of their own.” – Nikos Kazantzakis

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Just before writing this, I was slouching comfortably on my couch. I had a sparkling water, orange flavored, of course, and a bowl of extra buttery popcorn beside me. The TV was on max volume and my eyes were peeled as I watched the intense final moments of Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi.

At the start of every summer break, I dedicate a few days to rewatching the entire Star Wars saga in order of release date. (For my fellow fans out there, I felt this was important to note.) I have done this for the past 5 years, and each time I ask myself why I only do it once a year.

From the first film released in 1977 and onward, Star Wars has become an integral part of pop culture. It is the culmination of iconic costumes, characters, fight scenes, background stories, and jaw-dropping family drama that fans like myself adore so much. What better way to honor the franchise than for it to have its own day?

A long time ago…

For those who do not know, “May the 4th be with you” is a play on the phrase “May the Force be with you.” After being said twice in the first film, the movie version of the phrase immediately became an iconic salutation, and the pun version soon followed.

According to a blog by Lucas Seastrom on none other than starwars.com, newspapers began using the phrase as a way to celebrate the Fourth of July in their headlines. But it attached itself to May 4th when The London Evening News displayed “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!” on the day Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s prime minister– which took place on May 4th, 1979.

Randy Thom, who was a location sound recordist on the Star Wars movie crew, is also credited with launching Star Wars Day. It was on May 4th, 1982 that the pun came to him. He then shared it with the crew and would continue to celebrate it every year going forward.

Planet Tattoo[ine]

Once I turned 18, I started planning to get a tattoo. After telling my big brother and cousin this, we decided we would all get one together. I was already on board, but the idea really won me over once they told me they would pay for it.

We threw around ideas for about 10 minutes. I said jokingly, “let’s just get lightsabers.” Next thing I knew, I was in the chair going on hour number two with a needle to my calf.

I have a green lightsaber, my brother has purple, and my cousin has blue. (I’ll let the Star Wars fans decide for themselves which they prefer, though I think we all know purple is the best one.)

So why get this fictional weapon tattooed on me?

Aside from the fact that the tattoo looks cool, it is a reminder to me of how much we love the franchise and why fans still celebrate it every year on May 4th.

Enjoy, We Must [in Yoda voice]

Star Wars fans are truly like no other. We are a global community with a shared love of stories that have withstood the test of time. We find entertainment, adventure, inspiration, and solace in them. And we love finding a fellow fan in a crowded room.

Whether you are a diehard fan or new to the fan club, this may just be your sign to watch them all as we celebrate Star Wars Day today!

Thank you for reading, and May the 4th be with you.

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! 

Remember when we used to play Among Us in 2020 because we could not really go anywhere? Remember that feeling when you were the imposter, but you had to pretend that you belonged, and you didn't act "sus" or suspicious? Have you ever felt like you were something like the imposter in real life? I certainly have. But somehow, being the imposter in real life is a lot harder than it is in the game Among Us.

Am I The Only One?

Being a college student can be intimidating; it’s hard not to compare yourself to your peers. Even in my campus job as a Pearson Campus Ambassador, I am the only one on my campus in this role and that sometimes makes me feel as though I am the imposter. I feel like I am definitely going to get caught and be ejected from the spaceship and left drifting in space! Seriously though, imposter syndrome is real, and many college students experience it in one way or another in their undergrad career.

Imposter Syndrome

If you have ever experienced imposter syndrome, you are far from alone: one in five college students experience this, but what is it? Imposter syndrome is “the feeling of being a fraud.” The best example of this that you might have a feeling in the back of your mind that you do not deserve your success or good grades. The best way to overcome imposter syndrome is to essentially change your outlook on yourself. This is easier said than done, but it is the most important thing you can do to overcome imposter syndrome.

Change Your Outlook

Find ways to encourage yourself. Practice positive self-talk. You deserve your good grades and your successes! It was not due to luck! So, before you start ducking into the vents of the spaceship like in Among Us, face the rest of the space crew and realize you do belong in that difficult class, you earned that selective internship, and you have a high GPA because you put in the work.

If nobody has told you they are proud of you today, I am! So, I invite you to: walk into that class you think is too hard with your head held high, apply for that internship you think is too selective, and do not let rejection deter you! Remember, you are on the space crew, you are NOT the imposter.

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! 

After decades of segregated education at institutions of higher learning, the very first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) was founded on February 25, 1837 by Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, creating a safe academic, intellectual, and social space for Black students. On December 1, 1865, Shaw University in North Carolina became the first HBCU in the South, initiating a cascade of HBCU charterings in the United States. These spaces of both comfort and challenge for HBCU students proved to be special, affirming students of their rightful place in society. Today, HBCUs are the #1 producers of Black physicians, lawyers, educators, politicians, engineers, and so many other professional paths by setting high-achieving standards for Black students.

I am currently a junior Biochemistry major on the pre-med track at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. Before my sophomore year of high school, I had never heard of Spelman. But after one brief conversation with my mother who encouraged me to look into it, I started researching, toured the campus, and found it to be the greatest place at which I could continue my education. Spelman has been the #1 HBCU for 16 consecutive years as the premier college for Black women, and that is what greatly contributed to my decision. The academic atmosphere is intense, but the community is full of people who love and care for Spelman students, and the sisterhood I have experienced during my matriculation is unforgettable. Let’s hear from some other HBCU students on why they chose their HBCUs.

Jesse Uloghobui currently attends Norfolk State University in Virginia and is a sophomore Computer Science major on the cybersecurity track. His mother attended Norfolk State, and that is one of the main reasons he chose to enroll.

Washing your hands is one of the basics of hygiene that we often do without thinking. It was heavily emphasized during the pandemic and continues to be a major prevention of contamination. Handwashing is critical in healthcare careers since many personnel come into direct contact with the patient. The personnel must be trained in handwashing technique to ensure that all areas of the hand are cleaned. This makes learning the skill an important step in a person’s career. That is why Pearson has taken extraordinary measures to make an excellent handwashing simulation.

Handwashing Education

During the Fall of 2021, still in the height of the pandemic, I was taking Microbiology I and training to be a certified nursing assistant. Every day I learned about ten new diseases that could be on my hands at any given moment. Simultaneously, my nursing instructor would stand over my shoulder timing me while I washed my hands. The ticking of the watch made me so nervous that I was shaking all over trying to take a deep breath. I tried to remember every area of my hands and make sure I was scrubbing for just enough time.   

Handwashing is a simple skill, but this semester it was taken to an extreme level. I was taught to first turn on the faucet with a paper towel. I then squirt antibacterial soap on my hands and scrub for at least 20 seconds. It is important to scrub the palms, back of the hands, in between the fingers, and all fingertips. Observe fingernails and make certain that there is no grime stuck under the nails, as this is a common site for bacterial growth. Ensure that all surfaces have been scrubbed with soap. Don’t forget the wrists! Rinse the hands off completely without touching the sink and do not shake hands to dry. Grab a paper towel to dry hand. Turn the faucet off with a paper towel.   

The Cause for Cleanliness

He emphasized over and over again how important it was to have excellent hand hygiene. The examiners who preside over my state exams would observe my handwashing technique just as meticulously. If I did not wash my hands well enough or long enough, I could not continue with the exam. I would have had to still pay for another exam, come another day, and test once again. It would go on my records that I did not pass the exam the first time and the reason would be noted too. There was a lot to lose if I did not wash my hands correctly.

Anti-Protist Protocols

This rigorous routine would continue in my Microbiology labs. Weeks of experimentation would go in the garbage if a slide got contaminated with my skin in the Microbiology lab. If I did not wash my hands after the experiment, I might take home fragments of whatever that bacteria, fungi, or worm was to my family. Microbiology forced me to think like a germaphobe. Clean the counter, clean the slides, clean the microscope, sterile procedures, inoculate the loop, wear gloves, don’t breathe on your specimens, and many, many, MANY more hygienic precautions would loop through my brain.

Handwashing Never Goes Away

That was my fall of 2021. I knew that all of this was important as I was taking my first steps to becoming a nurse on the field. In nursing school and in the hospitals for my clinical rotations, hand hygiene is still meticulous. I continue to be tested on it in my exam questions and in my skills labs. Handwashing never goes away. I have must wash my hands 100% so that there is 0% chance of anything spreading.

Handwashing is always relevant. Repetition is key which is why it shows up at the beginning of the virtual labs. This is why Pearson devoted lots of time and technology to making a proper simulation for handwashing for each lab. Professors, clinicians, students, and designers all worked together to make this product a reality. Having this handwashing simulation on the virtual labs is crucial to maintaining excellence, accuracy, and relevance. There is a proper order to wash hands that needs to be maintained. The entire hand to be cleaned well with soap and water. Sticks for removing grime from under the fingernails are a notable task in the routine. Many other actions must be performed in the specific order to complete the whole routine. This is a skill that a person carries with them their whole life, but especially when they are in the medical field and have direct contact with patients. No matter the major, all are responsible for keeping their hands clean and decreasing the spread of diseases. Whether one is at home, in the office, at the hospital, or labs, everyone needs handwashing to be a regular hygiene habit to maintain cleanliness and health throughout society.

Driving around my neighborhood recently, I noticed the painted hearts on business windows and heart-shaped wreaths on doors and realized Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Although many deem the holiday as a way for businesses to bank on the idea of "love" by selling the masses sappy chocolate shaped hearts and $2 roses that die the next day, it doesn't take away the meaning that you were thought of enough to be given any of those things. But if you're single, that might be another story. Don't worry, I have six amazing ideas that you can do on your own or with friends that will make the idea of Valentine's mean so much more than that sad lumpy teddy bear in the back of your closet that you got from that one friend.

Pack a Picnic

First up on the list is a park picnic! This idea is so cute and is definitely one of my favorites. Gather your friends and let everyone bring their own dish from home (or store bought, we don’t judge). Spread out a nice blanket, play music in the background, and you have an easy way to bring your friends together for a nice day out in the park.

Create a Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are often the highlight of many gatherings! You can go with the theme of the holiday or go completely off script, it's really up to you! Everyone can bring their own charcuterie board imagination extravaganza and enjoy the night with each other.

Take Time for Self-Care

This can be a solo event or coordinated with a group of friends! Take some time to take care of yourself however you see fit whether that be eating out, journaling, putting on a face mask, whatever you want! Checking up on yourself physically and mentally is probably the best kind of love that you can give yourself this Valentine’s Day! You deserve it!

Express Yourself Through Art

Consider taking an art or pottery class. As with the self-care option, this can be done solo or with a friend. It will be nice to find local classes, and it is a fun way to get your creative juices flowing! You can take something home from the experience and learn something new! If you have not tried taking an art class or pottery class, it’s a great way to put yourself out there and to meet new people.

Settle in for Movie Night

Host your own movie marathon this Valentine’s Day! Grab some popcorn and some friends and host a romantic or rom-com movie night! Make everyone choose a movie to watch or make your own curated list of movies for the night. It’s a fun way to spend time with your friends and to indulge in some of that chocolate!

Explore a Bookstore or Museum

Find a local bookstore or museum and spend the day there. After browsing some shelves, splurging on some books, or viewing some paintings and sculptures you can dine at a restaurant and enjoy the rest of your day. I really love this idea of exploring your local area a bit more, because you never know what you can find!

I hope this post has given you a rekindled spirit when it comes to Valentine’s Day as well as some new things to try this year. Whether you go solo or with a group of friends, have a safe and Happy Valentine’s Day!

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 many, starting college can be a daunting experience. Leaving the comfort of your friends and family is never easy and you will be forced to face obstacles you have never encountered. You may even struggle to create meaningful friendships. However, there is beauty in the unknown and true growth can only come from a place of discomfort.

Manage Your Mindset

As a first-generation college student moving from New York to California to attend the University of Southern California, I was terrified of the new life that was awaiting me. After an entire summer of existential dread, figuring out my career path, and uncertainty about my future, I came to the realization that I am in complete control of my future. The friends I make, the person I become, and the opportunities I seize are all a result of my own agency. I quickly turned my fear into genuine excitement.

Work As If I Could Never Fail

I wrote down a list of my goals and envisioned a different version of myself. A version of myself that could not fear, could not budge, and could not fail. I committed myself to dream big and work as if I could never fail. Each day, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone where I quickly discovered my passions for self-improvement and the human experience. The purpose of this blog is to urge students like yourself to find discomfort and find love and beauty in the people around you. I began valuing meaningful conversation and committing myself to understand and learning the experiences of others. I made amazing and inspiring friends along the way and opened doors to opportunities I could never imagine. At USC, I found a community and a home.

Outside of academics, the friendships you create at college will last you for the rest of your life and teach you things about yourself and the world you wouldn’t learn otherwise. Do not be afraid to chase diverse and unique perspectives and truly experience everything the world has to offer. Surround yourself with inspiring people and soon enough there will be nothing keeping you from becoming incredible. I believe every conversation, every failure, and every opportunity is a learning experience and I implore all of you to open your ears and your hearts to those around you.

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! 

Black History Month is a designated month-long U.S. holiday held every February since 1976. It serves as a time to recognize the contributions and achievements made by African Americans throughout U.S. History. During the month there are hosts of events such as student plays, television specials and marches commemorating trailblazers. Many know about the month but don’t understand the history behind Black History month.

It begins with Carter G. Woodson, who was an American historian, author, and professor of history, earning a Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1912. In 1926, Woodson established and celebrated Negro History Week. Rumors say Woodson chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Fredrick Douglass, two pivotal men in Black History. Woodson wanted the week to demonstrate what Negro students learned throughout the school year. A theme was set each year for the celebration and Woodson, along with the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now known as the Association for the Study of African American History – ASALH), provided study materials.

In the 1940’s, the Black community slowly began to expand the study and celebration of Black History in public and curriculum. Within the schools, teachers would hide the books but replace United States History lessons with the Black History books. It wasn’t until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s that there was a more aggressive stance. Due to the racist climate of America at the time, many young African Americans on college campuses became more conscious and resilient against the oppression.

Finally, in 1976, fifty years after Woodson’s first efforts to celebrate, the ASALH officially expanded the annual event to Black History Month. Since then, every United States President has recognized February as Black History Month. They have even issued proclamations endorsing the annual theme.

The theme for 2023 is Black Resistance considering the recent acts of racial terrorism, ongoing oppression, and police violence. This year try to learn more about Black History aside from the Civil Rights Activists and Slave abolitionists such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman and Malcolm X. For more details and information about this year's celebration, you can visit ASALH.org.

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! 

Coming to the University of Utah from a smaller high school with a less diverse student population was a shocking experience. There were not many people out as gay or LGBTQ+ at my high school and being gay felt very isolating. At the University of Utah, I was pleasantly surprised to find not only peers but also faculty who are out and proud. Gay students face unique hurdles when acclimating to college life. Here is how I’ve navigated this process.

Finding Support Networks

First, it is very important to have support on campus not only through individual connections but also organizations. The LGBT Resource Center is one such organization on my campus. They organize Pride Week events as well as other functions throughout the school year. This makes it feel less lonely. From the Center’s website: “The LGBT Resource Center empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) students to grow as leaders and learners by supporting students in navigating university systems, exploring their identities, finding community, and developing as leaders with a social justice lens.“

Another group I have personally found a home with is the campus chapter of oSTEM (out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). oSTEM (www.ostem.org/) is a professional association for LGBTQ+ people in the STEM community with over 100 student chapters at colleges across the country. As oSTEM states on its website, their “mission is to create a diverse, inclusive, and supportive community that brings LGBTQ+ students and allies in STEM fields together.”

Facing Challenges

Even with strong support networks in place, being out as LGBTQ+ comes with a lot of challenges. There are those in the community who still hold prejudices against us, and it affects us all on a day-to-day basis. There have been times when I have been promoting groups like oSTEM, and I have received mean glances, comments, and have even been outright laughed at. This has been difficult on my mental health and sometimes leads the campus I love to feel like a hostile environment. I believe, however, that we all are responsible to talk about these difficult moments. We need to discuss what needs to change in order to see change.

I am so incredibly lucky to have so many supportive organizations on campus. I hope through this blog I can convey how important these resources are and to encourage other students to seek support networks on their own campuses. It’s important to start a conversation about how these critical issues impact the overall success of students in this community.

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!