Students blog

Completing a college degree is a huge achievement. Completing two can feel like enduring hurricane season each semester.

The ‘model semester’ may be a perfect fit for one major. But creating a flawless combination for two can become a whirlwind of conflicting deadlines and priorities.

However, you can weather this storm. Organization becomes a shutter against the chaos, and putting in extra effort from the beginning will provide a margin for error when you face the strongest winds.

Charting Your Course

Before starting a dual degree, think about why you want to pursue it. Will this benefit you in the job market? Do you have the time and headspace to take on two degrees in four years?

Will your degrees overlap? Or will this path cause complete exhaustion and burnout, and leave you stranded after graduation? Will you have the opportunity to showcase both degrees, or will you just have two plaques on the wall?

Finding the Silver Lining

The forecast for a dual degree includes plenty of challenges. However, it also promises an abundance of opportunities. A dual degree can showcase hidden talents that might not otherwise have the chance to shine through.

I came in as a political science major, a degree full of analysis and lengthy readings. Adding a major in marketing, however, allows me to showcase my creative side and problem-solving skills.

I initially thought I wouldn’t want to hone these skills, especially since marketing stems from a business degree. Business degrees originally seemed boring to me, but this new path has been inspiring and allows me to see the full expanse of possibilities I could pursue.

Both degrees combined create a clearer path to what I want to accomplish. I am on track to attend law school and study business law. These two degrees combine to give me the greatest opportunity to achieve my future goals.

Expanding Your Horizons

Dual degrees also increase opportunities for real-world experience, which is a major distinction in a pile of résumés. One degree provides a narrow channel for internships. Having two opens up multiple currents, or a potential crossover.

Is a dual degree a challenge? Absolutely. But the reward is more than just two diplomas to hang on a wall. It’s the discovery of what you’re capable of when you connect different parts of yourself. You learn to synthesize ideas, manage complexity, and ultimately, build a more versatile and confident 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! 

Going into college, I thought I had my life planned out. I planned to major in marketing and eventually work in the fashion industry. I am now in my junior year of college and have a completely different idea of what I want my life to look like.

The First Detour

The summer after my first year of college, I had an opportunity to work in the field I believed was my future. As much as I enjoyed my time there, it was not something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I knew that I wanted a job where I could help people.

When I thought about giving back and helping others, the medical field came to mind, so I changed my major to biological sciences. Input from people around me also influenced my choice, and at the time, it felt right.

A Change of Heart

I am someone who enjoys learning about many different things, including chemistry and biology. I spent a lot of time thinking about my future career but forgot to factor in what I wanted my life to look like.

I wanted to get into dermatology. However, medical school and the rigorous schedule that comes with the profession were not what I wanted for my future. After a lot of research, I concluded that this simply was not the path for me.

Finding the Right Fit

Once I realized this, I took some time to really think about what I wanted to do and what I wanted my life to look like. Looking back, this was an awfully big decision for an eighteen-year-old to make.

I had no idea what I wanted. The thought that I could take my life in one hundred different directions was beyond overwhelming. After taking time by myself to figure out my interests, I spoke with my advisor and changed my major for the final time.

I chose to major in criminal justice because of the diverse opportunities within the legal field. To account for my indecisiveness and varied interests, I knew I needed to pick something that would allow for career versatility.

It's Okay Not to Know

I realized that not knowing what you want is okay. Every chaotic and stressful moment along the way helped me figure out what I wanted in the end. Even now, I do not know exactly what I want to do. Still, if there is anything I have learned, it is that finding the path is part of the 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! 

For as long as I can remember, I believed that being a “good student” meant being a perfect one. Straight A's weren’t just a goal but a rigid expectation I set for myself. Anything below an A felt like failure, no matter how much effort I put in.

I felt pressure to be involved in everything from clubs to leadership roles—anything that would “look good” on my résumé. From the outside, it looked like I had everything together. In reality, I was overwhelmed and constantly afraid of falling short.

My biggest fear wasn't something rational, like heights or spiders; it was failure.

When Perfection Becomes Pressure

Looking back, no one ever told me I had to be perfect. I put that pressure on myself. As an only child and a lifelong overachiever, I felt I had to keep that standard going no matter what. I thought I had to be the example for my family and for the future I was trying to build.

That mindset stuck with me through high school and into my first year of college. It started to take a toll on me. I struggled with anxiety and depression because I tied so much of my worth to my grades.

If I wasn’t doing well at everything, it felt like I wasn’t doing well at all.

From Perfect to Purposeful

The pursuit of perfection is never-ending. I found myself saying yes to every opportunity, not because I genuinely wanted to participate, but because I thought I had to. I believed that the more I did, regardless of my interests, the more successful I'd be.

Instead, I spread myself too thin. I was involved in so many things that I couldn't fully dedicate my time to any of them.

Over time, I realized that doing everything is not the same as doing everything well. Being part of one or two organizations you truly care about is more fulfilling. It’s far better than being part of ten organizations you don’t have time for.

Success isn't about filling your calendar; it’s about how deeply you engage with what matters to you.

Choosing Growth Over Perfection

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that growth matters more than perfection ever will. Perfection leaves absolutely no room for mistakes, and without mistakes (and failure), there is no wisdom gained. When I started altering my mindset toward something more realistic, I allowed myself to see challenges differently.

A grade below ninety did not mean I failed; it meant I had an opportunity to improve. Not being involved in everything did not mean I was falling behind, but rather that I was being more intentional with my time.

A high school counselor once told me: “Everything will be okay in the end, and if it is not okay yet, then it is not the end.” That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put effort into what you do, but it does mean that you should take a step back and breathe. It reminded me that my journey does not have to be perfect to be meaningful.

Progress is not always linear, and that’s okay.

Success Comes from Growth, Not Perfection

Being the “perfect student” isn’t what leads to success. Growth and self-understanding do. It is okay to set high standards for yourself, but it is just as important to give yourself grace.

You are allowed to make mistakes and to rest. In the long run, those who thrive are not the ones who chase perfection; they are the ones who learn to grow.

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! 

Your early adulthood is often described as a time for exploration. College is one of the best environments to experiment with new ideas, especially when it comes to technology. For many students, technology is something they use every day for assignments, communication, and entertainment.

College is also a space where students can move beyond the basics of technology. They can begin exploring how it works, how it shapes industries, and how it can be used creatively.

Access to New Tools

With tools for coding, AI, music production, and digital design, students can create in days what used to take months. A student might start by using technology only for homework. Along the way, they could discover a new interest in web design, data analysis, or digital media production.

Low-Risk Exploration

This experimentation is important because early adulthood is one of the few times in life when trying new things comes with relatively low risk. In college, students are encouraged to explore ideas, take courses outside of their comfort zones, and work on projects that help them discover what they enjoy.

A business student might develop an interest in technology through data analytics. Meanwhile, a music student could experiment with production software or digital marketing.

From Project to Portfolio

Another interesting aspect of technology in college is how it allows students to build things that reflect their personal interests. Instead of just studying theories in class, students can create real projects. This might include launching a blog, building a website, starting a YouTube channel, producing music, or developing a small app.

These projects often start as experiments but can grow into portfolios that show employers a student's capabilities.

Connect and Collaborate

Technology also allows students to connect with communities that share their interests. Online forums, social platforms, and digital communities make it easier to collaborate, ask questions, and learn from others. A student interested in programming can learn from developers worldwide.

Likewise, someone passionate about digital media can connect with creators who share tips and ideas. These connections can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and even career opportunities.

Discover Your Passion

What makes this stage of life unique is that students are still figuring out who they are and what they want to do. Technology is a tool that helps them explore those possibilities. Instead of waiting until after graduation to try new things, college students can start experimenting now, learning through trial and error.

Your time in college is not just about preparing for a career; it is about discovering what excites you. By experimenting with technology during college, students can uncover new passions, develop valuable skills, and create opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise. Sometimes the most meaningful career paths start with simple curiosity and the willingness to try something new.

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! 

Starting college is overwhelming. You’re surrounded by new people, clubs, and endless academic possibilities. It’s exciting, but it’s a lot.

At eighteen, you’re expected to have your life figured out, which is terrifying. Most students I know have questioned their major at least once, if not five times.

That’s normal. Changing your major or exploring a new field doesn’t mean you’re lost; it means you’re figuring out who you are.

If you had told my first-year self I’d graduate with a Spanish degree, I would have been shocked. But learning a second language was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Finding My Path

When I first got to Marquette, I was majoring in Criminology and Law Studies. After my first semester, I became passionate about Social Welfare and Justice, so I switched majors. Shortly after, I realized my career options were limited, so I made it a minor instead and brought back my Criminology major.

Fast-forward to sophomore year, and I found myself drawn to Psychology, so I decided to add it as a minor. When I needed one more class, I saw “Spanish 1003” and thought, “Why not?”

That decision changed my academic path. By junior year, I was a Criminology and Psychology double major, but I kept the Spanish minor simply because I loved it.

Language programs are often small, which made my experience special. My professors know me by name and genuinely care about my well-being.

Every class felt personal, and I formed relationships with each professor. That connection gave me a community on a large campus that I didn’t realize I was missing.

Spanish Tutoring for Service Learning

Learning Spanish opened unexpected doors. A junior-year class offered Service Learning, so I chose to tutor Spanish at St. Joseph’s K-12 School in Milwaukee.

I tutored two sixth-grade boys who had just moved from Mexico. They spoke little English and were in all-English classrooms. The school’s students were from predominantly Latinx households, but with only one bilingual aide, the need for support was huge.

Each week, I spent two hours with them, practicing English and working on homework. Helping bridge that language gap for those kids was my most rewarding college experience.

That experience taught me that learning a language isn’t just about speaking it. It’s about understanding people, their culture, and their struggles. It’s a window into another’s world.

Self-Development and Community

If you’ve ever considered learning another language, do it. Talk to your advisor or just sign up for an intro class. You never know where it might take you.

The number of college students taking foreign language classes has dropped significantly in the past decade.[1] This is a trend I hope will change.

Learning Spanish didn’t just shape my academics; it shaped who I am. It gave me new friends and a new way to connect with people. If you want a class to change your college experience, there’s no time like the present.

[1] Natalia Lusin, Terri Peterson, Christine Sulewski, and Rizwana Zafer. “Enrollments in Languages Other Than English in US Institutions of Higher Education, Fall 2021.” Modern Language Association. 2023. https://www.mla.org/content/download/191324/file/Enrollments-in-Languages-Other-Than-English-in-US-Institutions-of-Higher-Education-Fall-2021.pdf.

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! 

A Shift in Perspective

Three weeks into the semester, I told myself, “Wow, I am not good at this class.” I had never stopped to think about how I learn best, so I was doing what I had always done. I read the textbook, rewrote my notes, highlighted key terms, and stayed up late.

I convinced myself that the more time I spent studying, the better my chances of getting a decent grade. When my exam grades came back, my heart sank. My grades did not match the effort I had put in. It was frustrating and a bit discouraging.

Marketing is not a class where memorizing definitions will get you far. You can know every term and still struggle to apply those ideas to real situations. That disconnect made me realize that the issue was not my ability but how I was approaching the class.

Learning by Doing

Everything changed when the course shifted from memorizing definitions to working through problems. Tools like MyLab Marketing and Mini Sims forced me to engage with the material rather than just read it. Instead of recognizing concepts, I had to use them, which made a bigger difference than I expected.

Mini Sims were the most helpful because they felt realistic. I was placed in scenarios where I had to make real-life decisions and see the impact of those choices. At first, I second-guessed myself, but being able to test my reasoning without the pressure of receiving a grade made me feel more confident.

It helped me understand why the thought process behind choosing a strategy is so important. I was no longer just memorizing the terms. I started thinking like someone making effective marketing decisions.

A Lesson in Learning

Marketing ended up being one of the classes that taught me the most about how I learn. It showed me the value of interactive tools, especially in courses where real-world situations matter. I stopped dreading assignments and started to see them as opportunities to test my understanding.

If there is one thing I could tell other students, it is this: If a class feels impossible, take a moment to reflect before blaming yourself. Sometimes the problem is not you, even when it feels like there’s no one else to blame.

Sometimes you just need a different approach. Once I figured that out, classes that had seemed impossible stopped feeling overwhelming and started feeling achievable.

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! 

Learning is lifelong and constantly evolving. When you think of learning, do you think of textbooks and quizzes, or digital tools and online courses?

In the past decade, learning has adopted a digital identity. These tools now shape how principles are taught.

As digitally trained students join a traditionally trained workforce, conversations emerge. This is clear in the relationship between Courtney and Allie. Both have backgrounds in speech-language pathology and a passion for science.

Courtney works in product marketing, and Allie interns under her guidance through the Pearson Campus Ambassador program. Although their college experiences differed, curiosity and empathy were foundational to the work of both.

Different Tools, Shared Curiosity

When Courtney majored in speech-language pathology, digital tools were just emerging.

Courtney reflects, "When I was in school, digital tools were only beginning to appear. Most of our learning came from hands-on practice, group discussion, and in-person collaboration. There were many times when I had to work harder to truly connect with a concept.

If tools like Practice Anatomy Lab or Pearson Interactive Labs had existed then, I know they would have helped me visualize and understand material so much more quickly. Those early experiences really shape how I think about supporting learners today."

Courtney’s experience with learning centered on collaboration and communication, both cornerstones of speech-language pathology. These still guide her approach to marketing and teamwork today.

In contrast, Allie’s learning relies on digital content and interactive tools. "I use AI to summarize articles and explore case studies. In class, we compare traditional treatment plans to AI-curated plans. We also have virtual labs and can earn ASHA-accredited observation hours, all accessible at any time."

Both experiences share the goal of helping people grow through science, though the tools differ.

Applying Shared Skills to Marketing

Now, Courtney and Allie work together at Pearson. They are discovering how their learning journeys complement each other.

Courtney observes, "Working with Allie reminds me how much learning has evolved. It highlights how important it is that we evolve with it. Her experience helps me see digital learning through the eyes of today’s students. Together, we bring that story to instructors and students through our marketing efforts.

It’s also been incredibly cool to see my speech-language pathology background re-emerge. Allie and I apply our shared roots in anatomy and physiology to science education and technology."

Allie shares the sentiment. "Working with Courtney has shown me that my skills can go beyond healthcare. They help me connect ideas, tell stories, and communicate the value of learning.

Working with her has shown me the benefits of intergenerational collaboration and evolving digital tools. Our weekly collaboration brings new ideas, projects, and ways of learning."

Bridging Gaps with Technology

One of the most rewarding parts of their collaboration is learning from each other.

Courtney notes, “Every conversation with Allie gives me a fresh perspective. I bring experience from industry and years of working with educators. She brings the perspective of a current student navigating digital learning firsthand. That combination pushes our work forward in ways neither of us could accomplish alone."

Allie agrees. "It’s the perfect example of lifelong learning. Digital tools like Practice Anatomy Lab and Pearson Interactive Labs let me study any time. I can practice skills with accurate models and experiments, and feel confident in graded labs. I work with Courtney to highlight these tools and the benefits I’ve gained."

At Pearson, learning never stops, and neither does collaboration. Courtney and Allie’s story highlights the power of evolving technology and mentorship. Combining different experiences unlocks the true potential of learning.

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! 

Summer break is often seen as a time to relax, travel, or work, but for many college students, it also raises the question: Should I take summer classes? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Deciding whether to enroll in summer courses depends on your academic goals and personal priorities. Here’s a guide to help you make the best decision for your situation.

Pros of Taking Summer Classes

1. Stay on track or graduate early: Summer classes can help you catch up on credits or get ahead in your program. This could allow you to graduate a semester—or even a full year—early, which could offer a financial advantage!
2. Lighter course load during the year: Spreading out your credits over the summer might reduce your fall or spring workload, giving you more flexibility during the regular school year.
3. Smaller class sizes: Summer courses often have fewer students, which can mean more personalized attention and better access to professors.
4. Fewer distractions: With less activity on campus, you might find it easier to focus on your coursework without the usual hustle of a full semester.
5. More focused learning: With fewer classes to juggle compared to the regular semester, you can concentrate more deeply on one subject.

Potential Cons to Consider

1. Condensed pace: Summer classes move quickly. An entire semester’s worth of material is often compressed into just a few weeks, making the coursework more intense and demanding.
2. Burnout risk: After two full semesters, it can be difficult to find the stamina for a summer session, which could lead to mental fatigue or a lack of motivation.
3. Limited course offerings: Not all classes are available during the summer, especially electives, labs, or upper-level major requirements.
4. Missed break opportunities: Taking summer classes could mean giving up time spent with friends and family, internships, travel, or earning income from a summer job.
5. Reduced financial aid options: Some schools offer limited or no financial aid for summer courses. Extra summer fees might offset any savings from cheaper classes, so be sure to check carefully before enrolling.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Do I need these credits to stay on track or graduate early?
2. Will I be able to manage the fast pace of a summer course?
3. Are the classes I need even offered this summer?
4. How will this impact my summer plans: work, internships, family time, or rest?
5. Am I doing this because it supports my goals, or just because I feel like I "should"?

Taking summer classes can be a smart move, but only if it aligns with your academic goals, financial realities, and personal needs. Take time to weigh the pros and cons, and don’t be afraid to ask your academic advisor for input. After all, summer is what you make of it!

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! 

Many college students know the struggle of heading to an 8:00 a.m. lecture, half-asleep after a long night of studying. Years of waking up before sunrise in high school taught me that my best days don’t start with rushing to class.

I’ve found that taking classes at night has improved my sleep, boosted my productivity, and promoted a healthier learning environment. In this blog, I’ll share my success with evening courses, from improving my sleep and flexibility to enhancing my academic success.

Scheduling Freedom with Late Classes

Sleep is a word I had nearly forgotten as a college student. But what if there were a way to make it familiar again?

College has been a transformative time for me, and the scenery isn't the only thing that has changed. My entire schedule shifted as I learned to juggle lectures, studying, work, clubs, and a social life. With so much to balance while finding my footing in adulthood, prioritizing my sleep has been a challenge.

For me, night classes have offered a solution to this struggle. When my class starts at 7 p.m. instead of 7 a.m., I can recharge before loading my brain with new knowledge. I’ve found that going to class groggy isn’t ideal for my learning style, so I prefer going at night when I’m more alert.

During the day, I can eat an energy-packed, nutritious meal, work on homework, attend clubs, and complete my to-do list. By evening, I can focus completely on class, knowing I’ve already accomplished my other daily tasks. Afterward, all that’s left is to get a good night’s sleep, ensuring I’m refreshed for the next day.

Academic Benefits from Evening Classes

Not only have night courses improved my sleep, but they have also improved my academic performance. When I’m tired, it’s harder for me to absorb new information or recall what I’ve already learned.

Instead of cramming for an exam until 3 a.m., I can use my free time during the day to study under optimal conditions. I've found this leads to better overall academic confidence and even performance. Additionally, having time during the day to review assignments has helped prevent me from missing important deadlines that I might otherwise have missed.

Ultimately, attending night classes has helped me regulate my sleep schedule and boost my academic performance. Getting better rest has helped me use my free time more effectively, creating a healthier and more productive learning environment. When course registration rolls around, you might consider if night classes are the right choice for you, too.

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!