Students blog

I grew up in a low-income community primarily made up of Hispanic residents. When I first moved into college, I felt like a stranger in a new world. I attend the University of California, Irvine, which has a diverse student body, with 27% of students identifying as Latinx. Despite this, I often felt out of place, as though I didn’t fully belong here, as I wasn't surrounded by that Latinx community I was so used to.

The unfamiliarity of my surroundings and the limited representation of my culture initially left me questioning if this was the right place for me. But as I navigated the challenges of being a freshman, I slowly discovered that these feelings of exclusion were actually opportunities for growth. The experience of standing out in a predominantly non-Latinx environment made me more aware of my cultural roots and pushed me to embrace my identity even more fiercely.

To make my freshman self feel more “at home” I joined school clubs that had backgrounds with Hispanic students. A club I joined my freshmen year that changed my perspective was “Hermanas Unidas de UCI” which was a club that was a club for Hispanic women to connect with each other and help each other academically. This club helped me find a more Hispanic community at school and made me feel more at home all the while being academic.

Being part of this club helped me recognize I'm not alone in this academic journey and it made me all the prouder knowing I made it out of my community and became part of the 27%. Recognizing myself as part of this percentage of Latinos made me realize I should be proud of my background and where I come from because not everyone is Hispanic and has the same history as me; something I used to be ashamed of I became proud of.

Now in my junior year, I can confidently say that I not only love my school, but I feel like I truly belong here. The journey has allowed me to build a deeper connection to my heritage and taught me to celebrate the uniqueness that I bring to the community. I’m writing this blog to help those who might be feeling the same way I did two years ago—overwhelmed, out of place, and unsure if they belong. I hope to show that it’s possible to embrace who you are, reconnect with your roots, and find a sense of belonging, even in spaces where you feel different.

If you're struggling to find your place, know that you’re not alone. Your culture is a strength, not a barrier, and college can be an incredible opportunity to grow closer to your heritage and share it with others.

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In this world, you are given the opportunity to excel in your personal growth. Soaring among the rest may seem like a challenge, but college is a good opportunity for you to become your own Superhero.

Your first step in becoming this “Superhero” is to decide on a “name”: what you are interested in. Every college has many different organizations you can join. Usually, you can even create a club if one doesn’t fit into your personal interests. In this part of your Superhero journey, you are not only picking out your name, but you are picking out what you believe in and what you want to be known for, so think hard.

With your newly found name and passion, it will not be so hard to find the right group of friends that fit your needs. My college has a day at the beginning of each semester called “Get on Board Day,” where every organization is given the opportunity to showcase their group. During this day, you can talk to people who have interests like yours, similar mindsets, and the same passion for growing. You are also able to make new friends in your specific major and join group chats to ask about the classwork and plan events together. This gives you an opportunity to make friends you will see for the remainder of your college career.

Being a Superhero also means that you need to take time for yourself to recuperate and catch up on necessary schoolwork. You can fight crime in the daytime by being an academic weapon and going to classes, and then in the nighttime, you can conquer going to your organization’s meetings, but will you get tired? Of course, you will; this means you have to manage your time adequately. By doing this, you can choose when you want to designate time to study, go to meetings, and take self-care time. This can be accomplished by using a physical or digital calendar to track everything.

In college, sometimes we may forget that we are also human, and that Superheroes have rest days as well. Do you think that Batman fights crime every night? No, he still manages to go to meetings or do other fun things when he is free. If you can manage everything and give yourself grace, then you have successfully become a college Superhero.

Embark on your new journey through college by attacking your academics and making meaningful memories with friends, and at the end of your college journey, you have ultimately saved the world!

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How people perceive me as a person had always been very important to me. So naturally, when I found out I was expecting my first child my mind immediately jumped to what would the public think of me. It bothered me that from first glance no one would know my significant other and I had been together for five years. They had no idea that I was studying computer science with a 3.8 GPA or had been awarded close to $100,000 in scholarships since my first semester of school. To them I was only a young, unwed mother.

At first, these assumptions were not only overwhelming, but also discouraging. I found myself wearing oversized clothing on campus to mask my pregnancy. I often skipped grabbing lunch to avoid the eyes that seemed to gravitate towards my growing belly. It felt as if my identity had been watered down to a stereotype. But I began to question why I was allowing the opinions of strangers to dictate how I carried myself. Hiding wasn’t fair to me or the life I was creating. Slowly, I began to embrace this chapter, understanding that neither my strength nor identity wasn’t diminished by these challenges – it was amplified.

Despite the challenges, and even the fear, I persevered. I needed to prove I was capable of being great now more than ever. Throughout the duration of my pregnancy, I have accomplished many things that I thought would not be possible under the circumstances. I was awarded a $15,000 scholarship after bravely submitting my story, turning what some might see as setback into a story of resilience. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters––both while carrying my child. I was honored with the “Top Jags Star” award, a recognition from a prestigious organization that acknowledged my academic excellence, leadership, and dedication. Beyond academics, I traveled to Arkansas to participate in the HBCU ACES case competition, where I led my team to a 1st-place victory. And most recently, I have secured an internship for the upcoming semester as a configuration engineer, further proving my ability to thrive in my field. These accomplishments reminded me that my pregnancy wasn’t a limitation it was just another layer of my story, one that strengthened my resolve and showcased my ability to persevere.

As I write this, I am preparing for both finals and to enter motherhood. It’s a time filled with anticipation, determination, and gratitude. While this path has not been easy, it has shaped me into a stronger, more resilient version of myself. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished and excited for what lies ahead, knowing that my hard work has laid a foundation for a brighter future—not just for me, but for my child as well. This journey has taught me that with perseverance and faith in my abilities, I will always thrive, no matter the circumstances.

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 started college during COVID – when everything was on lockdown and school was completely virtual. Because of that, I never stepped foot on campus for my entire freshman year. Now, as a senior, I have one big piece of advice for students at any stage of their college career: take advantage of all your school’s resources!!

As a student, you’re paying for way more than just your classes. College is the perfect time to explore your career options and get a head start on building your resume! I wish I had known all of the services that my school offered earlier on, which is why I’m here now to encourage you to get involved on campus and guide you on where to start.

Get Published!

No matter your major, getting your work published is a major achievement that will make your resume stand out. Luckily, your college has tons of different avenues to facilitate getting your voice out into the world! Most colleges run undergraduate journals and student media organizations specifically to publish students. Depending on your interests, you could: get your research peer-reviewed and published, join the school newspaper and continuously publish articles, get your poetry/short stories published and read by hundreds, and even more! For most people, this is the easiest path to getting that first publishing credit, so don’t let it pass you by!

The Writing Center

But, before you get published, you’ll actually have to get writing! The Writing Center is a great resource for free feedback on all your work. Writing is a skill that will be important in any future endeavor, so don’t miss out on the chance to strengthen it right now! The Writing Center is there to help refine any piece of writing, from essays to poetry. This is the perfect way to learn how to make your writing more effective and to get feedback on anything you’re working on. Need help on coming up with an essay topic? Struggling on a major assignment? Want tips on how to improve your writing overall? Give the Writing Center a visit!

Travel Opportunities

Traveling during your studies is one of the best ways to make lasting memories and friendships. Studying abroad is alluring but can often be too expensive or daunting to students. Luckily, many colleges offer other opportunities to explore. One common opportunity is an Alternative Break! These are trips that run during school breaks, are typically held domestically, and center around a social cause, thus providing students with an experience that adds meaning to their studies and can enhance a resume. It’s also the perfect way to meet like-minded people, learn about important issues and new places, and give back to your community.

The Career Center

Last, but definitely not least, is the Career Center! This is possibly the most bountiful resource that your college has to help you build your career. Need help making a resume? Want to improve your interviewing skills? Looking to meet and network with new people? Want to learn from alumni? Searching for a job or internship? The Career Center can help you with all of this and more!

College is the optimal platform to build a career from, but it doesn’t start once you get your degree. It starts now! Your college is there to help you get started while you’re in school– all the resources are there for you to use, so dive in now and get familiar with what your school offers 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! 

College freshmen often struggle during their first few weeks on campus because it may be their first time being away from home. It can be an even bigger challenge for students who are shy or introverted. Most of us want to go back home every chance we get or stay in our dorms until we have to go to class. We feel as if we don’t know who we are yet, so we keep going back to the places where we feel ourselves. Whether attending a college near home or eight hours away, we all go through a phase of being afraid to make a friend. But there is no such thing as being too shy to make a long-lasting friendship. Even though it may be awkward at first, I found these three ways to be helpful in making new friends and connections.

Join a Student Organization

The first thing I did was try to get more involved on campus. My university has an app that lets you see some of the organizations on campus, and we have a day when the majority of our organizations come out to recruit new members. Attending this event allowed me to explore groups that sparked my interest and to talk to some of the members. I was able to really get to know the people and to see if I could see myself being friends with them or if we had similar interests outside of the organization. By joining one organization I connected with the members and met upperclassmen who gave me advice on how to navigate college.

Be True to Yourself

My newfound friends helped me see that I should be unapologetically myself. Everyone likes an authentic person, no matter if they are “quirky.” I didn’t need to change myself to fit in. I began to look for ways to grow and not stagnate while everyone else around me was growing. If I wanted to see growth that is exceptional, I realized I should join organizations that directly impacted students and that directly impacted my community. This was one of the reasons why I knew I would find my home and why I would make more friends.

Go to Class

It sounds like basic advice, but the last step is to go to class. Talk to your classmates. Go to professor office hours. Who knows, the study group you join may turn out to be your forever friends.

These are some tips that I followed in order to become a more “outgoing” person, and a person who is not so shy. This showed me that being shy does not hinder you from making friends. I could make friends and could influence other shy people to get out of their comfort zones and gain a better first-year 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! 

College is a milestone in many people's lives. Most people will say college is where you'll struggle the most academically as you are faced with the responsibility of time management, money management, and a newfound independence when it comes to decision making. However, for me personally I would say college is where we struggle the most with our identities. Students are challenged to confront and define who they truly are during their academic years at a university. The pressure to fit into social groups or meet academic expectations can clash with the desire for individuality and authenticity. For some, this struggle manifests in the form of changing majors, exploring new passions, or reevaluating long-held beliefs. College is the ultimate battleground where personal values and aspirations are tested.

Choices, Choices

One of the most primary struggles of managing college while discovering yourself is the array of choices and responsibilities that you may not have had to face before. All at once you are faced with determining your future and what organizations or friend groups you may choose that most benefits you. The social aspect of college adds another layer to this struggle.

Fitting In

The diverse array of individuals on campus provides an opportunity for students to meet people from various backgrounds and cultures, broadening their perspectives. However, navigating these social landscapes while staying true to oneself can be a daunting task. The desire to fit in and find a sense of belonging often conflicts with the need to stay authentic to personal values and beliefs. This tug-of-war between social expectations and individual identity can lead to a sense of isolation or the fear of being misunderstood.

Fear of the Future

Furthermore, the pressure to plan for the future adds to the complexity of managing college life while discovering oneself. The looming question of career paths and life goals can create anxiety and stress. Students are expected to make decisions about their majors, internships, and future careers, all while trying to understand who they are and what truly drives them. This pressure to have a clear direction can sometimes overshadow the journey of self-exploration, leading students to prioritize practicality over passion.

Building A Sense of Self

Amidst these challenges lies the transformative power of the college experience. Each obstacle and moment of introspection contributes to personal growth and self-awareness. Through the late-night study sessions, the heart-to-heart conversations with friends, and the moments of solitude, students gradually piece together the puzzle of their identities. The struggles of managing college life while discovering oneself ultimately become the building blocks of resilience and character.

The college experience is a multifaceted journey filled with challenges and triumphs. It is a time of exploration, growth, and self-reflection. While the pressures of academics, social dynamics, and future planning can be overwhelming, they also provide the fertile ground for personal development. The key lies in embracing the journey, staying true to oneself, and finding a balance between the demands of college life and the quest for self-discovery. Through this process, students emerge not only with a degree but also with a deeper understanding of who they are and who they aspire to become.

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! 

As the semester begins, you're navigating your new campus, finding classrooms, study spots, and where to grab a bite. But for transfer students, there's a distinction between you and some classmates. Having already spent a year or more in college, perhaps even earning your associate degree elsewhere, you're adapting while others seem fully integrated.

But don't fret, fellow transfer student, there are numerous ways to connect and seize opportunities. Reflecting on my time at Cal State Fullerton, I dived into opportunities, pursuing interests and prepping for post-grad life. Here are a few strategies to explore your passions and maximize campus resources for life beyond graduation.

Join a student organization

At the beginning of each school year, or sometimes even every semester, universities host a pivotal event where campus organizations, departments, and clubs gather to connect with students. At CSUF, ours is called Discoverfest, but be sure to find out what your school calls it and mark your calendar for this event.

During my first or second week at Cal State Fullerton, I stumbled upon Discoverfest almost by accident. Tents dotted the campus, and as I wandered through, certain clubs caught my eye. I ended up exploring every section of the event, grabbing flyers about club meetings and ways to get involved, not to mention some cool freebies! This was my primary entry point into the CSUF community, and it's a crucial opportunity for you to discover the wealth of resources and opportunities available at your school.

Visit your transfer department

Many college campuses feature a dedicated department specifically tailored to support transfer students, along with various unique student groups. At CSUF, ours is known as the TAPP Center – Transfer Adult Re-entry Parenting & Pregnant Student. This department aims to offer professional and academic support to these distinct student populations. Their services range from providing study spaces and workshops to offering free snacks and coffee, student resource groups, as well as volunteer and career opportunities. Be sure to see if your school offers a similar resource and make the most of the facilities and resources they provide!

Talk to your professors and peers

Your professors and peers can often serve as valuable resources right on campus. For instance, my sales professor heads the Sales Leadership Center, which hosts numerous events, offers involvement opportunities, and boasts connections with over 30 companies for internships and jobs. Additionally, I've encountered peers deeply involved in various clubs or even working within departments I was interested in.

Don't hesitate to reach out and ask questions. You never know, your next career opportunity could arise from a conversation with a professor or peer. Seize the opportunity and go for it!

Get involved!

All that to say – get involved. It’s never too late to leverage your resources and connections as a college student! Now that I have graduated, I can reminisce on all of the ways I got involved on campus. I was the Marketing Coordinator for Entertainment and Tourism Club, I was on the street team for Associated Students Inc (ASI), I went to various College of Business events and events hosted by ASI, and served as the VP of Programs Assistant for American Marketing Association (AMA).

These experiences have shaped me in ways I couldn't have imagined and have enriched my college experience beyond measure. So, as you navigate your own path through university life, remember it's never too late to dive in, get involved, and craft a college experience that's uniquely yours.

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! 

One of the first things I think about when reflecting on my college experience is my roommates who have been with me the whole time. I have three roommates and somehow, we have managed to live together since the first year. We get stressed at times and do not always get along perfectly, but we have a rhythm that works for us.

Finding good roommates is not always easy, especially when you do not know anyone else going to your college. Relax, though, it will be ok. Here are some tips I have learned on how to have a good relationship with roommates!

Most, if not all, universities, and colleges with on campus living have a survey for residents to fill out to find roommates their first year. Personally, I was very skeptical about how this survey would work, but looking back, I should have trusted the system more. Here’s why! Before move-in day, I had only briefly met one of my three roommates, and I was anxious about not getting along with them. There was one roommate I knew, so we met up to talk and get to know each other better, and I discovered that she was not worried in the least about the other two roommates neither of us knew. So, I decided to take a page out of her book and stop worrying so much about it. In the end, my worries were unfounded because this school year is my fourth year with the same roommates. Everything worked out better than I could have imagined, and it would have been a lot easier on me if I had just trusted it would be ok and relaxed.

When my roommates and I first started living together, we each were trying to figure out how to live with people besides our families. It was a gradual process, but we learned two key points that helped us live together:

• First, communication is key! If you need help with the chores or do not like the way someone does something, talk to your roommate(s) about it. They might not know it is bothering you and will try to compromise with you once it is brought to their attention.
• Second, do your part. If everyone in the room is contributing one way or another there is likely to be less frustration and arguments.
  

In the end, every roommate group is different and has a different “system” that must be used and followed so everyone gets along. You do not have to be best friends with your roommates, but you also want to live peacefully with one another. That said, the biggest and most helpful advice I can give is to find the system that works for everyone in the room and follow it. After living with my roommates for about 4 years, this is what has helped me the most. I hope this helps 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! 

Getting involved in college is essential for a well-rounded and enriching experience. It allows students to make friends, explore new interests, and build valuable skills that will benefit them in their future careers. Here are some ways to get involved.

One of the key ways to get involved in college is to go out of your comfort zone! College is a time to meet new people, form connections, and build a support system that will last a lifetime. Forming new connections can be as simple as joining clubs and organizations, attending social events, or even just striking up a conversation with someone in class. Building a strong network of friends can provide emotional support, help with academic success, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Greek life is another popular way for students to get involved in college. Sororities and fraternities offer opportunities for leadership, community service, and social activities that can enhance the college experience. Joining a Greek organization can provide a sense of belonging that is valuable for many students. I have gained so many important skills from my chapter that I will carry with me post-graduation and have made so many lasting friendships and memories!

In addition to forming connections and participating in Greek life, getting involved in college can also include joining student organizations, volunteering in the community, or taking on leadership roles such as Student Government. These activities can help students build valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. Involvement in extracurricular activities can also enhance a student's resume and make them more competitive in the job market post-graduation!

Another great way to get involved is intramural sports! Most universities have a list of intramural sports right on their website. Participating in intramural sports can greatly enhance your college experience by providing a sense of community and fun! It allows you to meet other students with similar interests. There are also so many great benefits, such as physical fitness, stress relief, teamwork, and social connections!

Overall, getting involved in college is a key component of a fulfilling and successful educational experience, and it is so important for students take advantage of the opportunities available to them to make the most of their time on campus.

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!