Students blog

Explore the latest trends, tips, and experiences in college life in this blog written by fellow students.

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  • The Iowa State women’s club soccer team stands together outside on a soccer field.

    The Challenging Adventure of being a Student Athlete

    Lauren Blair

    I came into college searching for a way to feel connected to my university. One way I did that was by joining the women's club soccer team. Being involved in a club sport through my college career has been a crucial part of my story. It has challenged me in a multitude of ways while also bringing me immense joy and strong friendships. Early on, I faced a few difficulties as a student athlete. Here’s how I learned to better approach the challenges and find the community and fulfillment that comes from being a part of a sports team or any other club on your campus.

    One of the most challenging aspects of being a student athlete is finding enough time in the day. During the soccer season I constantly am battling to find that balance between caring for my body by getting enough rest and food while completing all my work and activities. After four years of struggling with this my conclusion is there is no perfect balance. However, there is a great time management tool I found extremely helpful to get me closer to a balance in some way. The Pomodoro technique has helped me be productive during the time I do have and to eliminate wasted breaks. This technique is centered around creating time segments of extreme focus with frequent short breaks which promotes high concentration levels and minimizes mental fatigue. The technique is used by setting a 25-minute timer, for that time you are 100% laser focused allowing nothing to pull you from your work, then take a 5-minute break doing anything you’d like, now repeat this pattern until you have completed your tasks.

    Another battle student-athletes face is over committing and spreading themselves too thin. As a student athlete I am aware that a lot of athletes seek a challenge and hold themselves to a high standard in all aspects of their lives. From my personal experience I also understand that this can lead to extreme burn out and lead to a downhill slide. As I progressed through my college career, I learned a crucial lesson that all athletes should value. Burnout is the result of taking on a ton of commitments and work that you do not truly believe in or have a passion for. When deciding to say yes or no to opportunities, pause, and check if this option is truly something you believe in and would get joy out of doing. Make sure you narrow down your commitment to focus on passions and activities you believe will help you grow. Do not say yes solely for another person.

    Although being a student-athlete can be exhausting and challenging to balance with the chaos of college life it can be an incredible way to keep yourself accountable to rest your mind and body from studying, help you to meet students outside of your major, and provide you with lifelong memories with your sport and team.

    In summary, being a highly involved college student, specifically through a sport, comes with a lot of challenges however is an amazing way to truly make the best of your college years and to look back with little regrets.

    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 Marquette University women’s club volleyball team photo in a gym.

    Connecting on Campus: The Benefits of Club Sports

    Madeline Ognacevic

    As college students, we are busy with academics, jobs, and maintaining a social life. In the mix of all the hurry, it’s important to give ourselves a break. There are many opportunities within each university to find these escapes, whether that be Greek life or joining a club. Club sports are a wonderful way to get active, find an escape from academics and have some fun, while still loving sports without being a full-time athlete. Over the past two years I’ve played club volleyball at Marquette University. Finding something to provide an escape from vigorous academics has been one of my favorite parts about college, and it can be yours too!

    Why Club Sports?

    Playing club sports can offer many benefits. First, it gives you a community of people who share the same passion for a sport. If you are a freshman, the transition may be difficult and joining a club sport can help you meet so many new friends. Club sports are a great way to stay active and help your mental well-being, offering a great outlet for the stress of being a college student. Club sports are a great way to continue competing in the sports you love, but not needing to commit as many hours as a college team. The time commitment will vary between different sports teams and different schools, but they seem to be very flexible and understanding of school and other aspects of life that take up your time. Most club teams will travel to nearby states and compete against so many different schools, fostering many new experiences and opportunities! 

    My Experience 

    When I was in high school, I was certain I wanted to play a sport in college. However, after meeting with different coaches and talking to my brother (who plays a college sport), I decided I was not passionate about my sports enough to commit to this level. My first couple weeks in college were a difficult transition, so when I saw there was a club volleyball team at my university, I decided to try it out. Fast forward two years, and now I am a junior going into my third year playing with my club volleyball team. I have met my best friends and made so many 
memories.

    Our club team has practices two days a week and three tournaments a semester. I found that this club team offered me an outlet during the week and gave me a break from my homework and my jobs. I have met so many amazing women from other teams and have only had great experiences. 

    If you played a sport in high school or just enjoy playing sports and are looking for a way to continue playing, join your university's sports club! Not only will you be playing the sport you enjoy, but you will be making long-lasting friendships, traveling to nearby states and schools, and more. Participating in club sports will give you the opportunity to be involved with your university and represent your school across the country. Club sports offer lots of competition but are also extremely fun teams to be on. Check out your university’s campus recreation pages and see if there are any teams that interest 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! 

     

  • A sunset view from a boat on lake in Tennessee.

    Adapting to Recovery Post Injury

    Saige O’Rourke

    Since moving away to college, I have been taking advantage of my new freedom with a full schedule of outdoor activities, clubs, social interactions, and professional development. Being constantly on the go, accidents are bound to happen. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of completely tearing my ACL days before I was scheduled to start my summer internship and move across states. In this situation, adaptation is key. Here are the things that have helped me adapt to a recovery lifestyle and continue to participate in the life I love to live.

    Slowing down and living through patience

    Pre and post-op, I have had to learn how to slow down my speed instead of racing through all of my activities. After surgery, I couldn’t move out of bed without assistance let alone stand on my own while using crutches. Each day there were improvements that were meant to be celebrated; whether it was getting out of bed on my own, my first shower without assistance, or bending my leg 10 degrees, everything was and still is an accomplishment. As much as I’d love to be back after it like before, I have had to consistently remind myself that healing is a slow and controlled process that cannot be rushed! Patience is crucial here. Believe it or not, the slower I have taken my recovery, the more I have been able to do.

    Asking for help

    Going from capable to incapable from one jump and one surgery is a humbling experience. Realistically, I could not and still cannot go through my recovery without additional help around the house, in physical therapy, or even in the grocery store. I am an extremely independent individual and asking for help felt almost impossible, but post-operation I didn’t have a choice. In this process, I have learned that my village is willing to help in any way possible as long as I just say the word and ask. It has made my life one million times easier after I set my pride aside and asked someone to carry a bag or grab me a new ice pack.

    Finding new ways to continue to be involved

    Athletically, I cannot participate in my sports for at least 4 months with an 8-10 month timeline. As heartbreaking as that sounds, there is more to sports than playing them. I have been promoted to designated boat driver and photographer for my waterbug friends. This way, I can still be out on the water and involved in all of their progress without risking reinjury. Additionally, although I may not be able to compete this year, I’ll still be attending every competition to cheer on those who are able!

    Injury, surgery, and recovery is never easy for anyone regardless of what their previous day-to day looked like. The reality of all injuries is that you do not have to go through this alone! Whether it’s family, physical therapists, or friends, there are people that will surround you through this process and remind you what the purpose of kindness and selflessness is. If you find yourself in my same shoes, just remember to take it slow, ask for help, and don’t isolate yourself!

    There are still things out there for you to be involved in with the things you love while you recover. Get creative and continue to get after 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! 

     

  • Members of Florida A&M’s marching band gather for a group photo on a football field. They are wearing matching baseball caps, orange t-shirts and green pants.

    How to Manage Being a Student as a Student-Athlete

    Natalie Jacobs

    Almost everyone gets the same speech when they are preparing to enter college: make friends, go out, and have fun – but never too much fun! As important as it is for college students to discover new things about themselves and jump at fun opportunities, maintaining their GPA, attending class, and forming a good relationship with their professors should come first. The general college idea is that while it is important to nurse a social life and make meaningful memories, achievement in academics should always be prioritized and a good work-life balance needs to be implemented if they want to be successful.

    The Challenge of Being a Student Athlete

    However, every student’s experience is not the same, and student athletes are faced with an entirely different beast when they enter college. When a student is already working to manage a healthy academic and social life, sports become a large time and energy commitment on top of schoolwork when they are already taxing activities on their own. As a member of the Florida A&M Marching 100, I’ve struggled with finding my pacing as a student when the most consistent thing in my college schedule is 2½ hour practices once a day and long games on the weekend. As a student athlete, it becomes easy for a sport to control your athletic schedule, dictate your social life, and completely overtake your academic pursuits when classes and your social schedule don’t demand the same consistency and planning factor. So, how do you avoid neglecting other parts of your college life while still maintaining the healthy amount of dedication it takes to thrive as an athlete?

    Make Other Things a Priority Too

    You must learn to apply the same amount of devotion you have for your sport towards your academic and social life. Just as you take extra time and implement more self-discipline to become better at your sport, as a student athlete it is your responsibility to also go the extra mile in your academics and life outside sports. When you learn to acknowledge your priorities and create a structured social, academic, and athletic schedule, you can succeed.

    Acknowledge Your Priorities

    The first step, acknowledging your priorities, comes with self-reflection. Ask yourself why you’re in college in the first place, and what weight your sport should have in your life. Of course, some students are in college pursuing their sport and/or being paid to participate in it while others are doing it because a hobby they love, but no situation changes the fact that attending college is for your education. Sports cannot fully provide what you’ll find in a classroom and the skills you’ll need to apply in your life, and that mindset can help you avoid becoming too fixated on them.

    Keep a Schedule

    Secondly, creating a schedule is very important. Whether it be a new assignment that wasn't mentioned in the syllabus, a random hangout scheduled with your friends, or another practice scheduled in preparation for a big game, academic, social, and athletic college life can be collectively erratic. With a physical schedule like a planner or calendar, it is much easier to be prepared and proactive with assignments and events so that unplanned activities won’t throw you off too much.

    When I took time to reflect on my purpose in college and began to act with proactivity towards planning against the erratic nature of student-athlete, I learned to flourish on and off the field; you can do the same. It takes practice and precision to truly find a balance, but as an athlete those are qualities you have had to display plenty of times before. So, enjoy college, but most importantly, take control so that you can succeed!

    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 collegiate hockey player on the ice at the University of North Texas. He is wearing green hockey pants and a black jersey with the number 33.

    Balancing Life as a Student Athlete

    Blake Enloe

    Balancing life as a college student-athlete is a challenging endeavor that demands exceptional time management, discipline, and resilience. This unique experience combines the demands of academic pursuits with the rigorous demands of athletic competition, creating a delicate balance that requires careful attention and planning.

    At the heart of this balancing act is time management. Student-athletes must navigate a complex schedule that often includes early morning practices, classes throughout the day, team meetings, and travel for games. Effectively managing these commitments requires a lot of planning and prioritization. It’s important to allocate time wisely through prioritizing your classes, designating time for studying, and completing assignments. Developing a detailed schedule that incorporates both academic and athletic obligations is essential for maintaining balance and staying on track.

    Discipline is another crucial component of balancing life as a student-athlete. The demanding training regime and competition/game schedules requires focus and self-control. This means maintaining strict fitness routines, eating a well-balanced diet, and consistently striving for academic excellence. To maintain discipline beyond athletics but also inside the classroom, student-athletes must show the same level of dedication and commitment to their studies as
    they do to their sport.

    Resilience is the most important trait for navigating the challenges of life as a collegiate student-athlete. There will undoubtedly be setbacks, whether it’s a disappointing loss or a challenging academic load. Resilience allows student-athletes to bounce back from defeat, both in their sport and in their academics, giving the chance to learn from these failures and to make changes to prevent these things from happening in the future.

    Furthermore, having a strong support system is also important when it comes to balancing life as a student-athlete. Having understanding instructors, coaches, teammates, and academic advisors is an invaluable source of guidance and support. These people can offer encouragement during busy/difficult times, help guide you through conflicting schedules, and provide academic assistance when needed. Joining study groups, going to tutoring services, and attending office hours are more ways to excel academically and achieve success while maintaining balance.

    In conclusion, balancing life as a college student-athlete is demanding but very rewarding. It requires exceptional time management, self-control, resilience, and a strong support system. By mastering these skills and seeking help when needed, student-athletes can successfully navigate the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, achieving excellence in both.

    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 group of college women basketball players in black uniforms crowded around a coach speaking into a microphone.

    Balance in D1 Sports

    Tatum Settelmyer

    On October 18th my whole life changed – aside from turning 20 years old the day before. I already had a lot going on in my collegiate life. I was in the Honors College, a candidate for Beta Alpha Psi, applying for internships, and working as Pearson Campus Ambassador. I was also vice president of the club tennis team and an intramural basketball champion. With all that, I also carved out time to hang out with friends.

    Then I spontaneously decided to try out for my school’s Women’s D1 Basketball team, and I made the team! Little did I know what kind of challenge that was going to be, not only competing at this high level after taking a year off of basketball, but also how to balance this new endeavor with everything else going on in my life.

    First thoughts were all excitement about making the team, until I became super overwhelmed. Basketball alone was stressful enough with trying to play catch-up while everyone else had already been practicing together for months. It took me a while to even think about how it was affecting the rest of my life, especially my classes. It is way too easy to forget about everything besides the D1 sport you play.

    With this new addition to my life, sacrifices had to be made. No more intramurals, no more club tennis, less time with friends, and a change on schedule for internships. But, looking from a larger perspective, I’ve still made many memories and friends that I can keep forever who are very supportive. I’ve had to substitute virtual learning for a few in-person classes that conflicted with practices, but thankfully with technology I can watch lectures online for the most part. Classes have definitely been the hardest part to keep up with but, I was able to make friends in classes and the Honors College who help keep me accountable during this very busy time. The most important thing is to create and maintain a consistent schedule and to truly focus on the “student” part of the athlete, too.

    It is easy to get carried away with trying to do more than you can handle. My parents always warned me about doing too much because it can take a toll physically and mentally. You always have to be aware of what you are feeling and realize that you can’t please everyone in everything. Sometimes you just have to take a step back and do something to relax and give yourself a break. Odds are you are way ahead of the game already and can definitely afford a few hours to yourself or with your friends.

    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! 

  • Three college students are playing ultimate frisbee on a football field.

    College Students: Develop Healthy Exercise Habits Now for Increased Longevity

    Dominic Sequeira

    College students are in a unique position to build healthy exercise habits during their collegiate years. We’ve all heard about the benefits of exercising: a healthier body, a better chance at living a longer life, and so many more benefits that one could list off. However, do we truly understand what exactly we are getting by exercising?

    Increased Self-Esteem

    For starters, by exercising one tends to feel much better about themselves overall. Many times, for me personally either going to the gym or to practice has just overall lifted my mood up. Exercising can be a form to release stress. At the same time, exercising allows you to have time to yourself and forget about any other responsibilities for a while.

    Decreased Risk for Injury

    Regular exercise can greatly decrease your chances of being injured. For example, when someone starts to go to the gym and lift weights, they are automatically strengthening their muscles and bone structures. This not only leads to better longevity in those muscles and bones, but also helps you build a strong foundation. Whether you are playing sports or even in partaking in everyday activities, you have a reduced chance of developing an injury of any kind. It is important to take care of your body by properly lifting so that you build in these fundamentals from the very beginning.

    Develop Good Habits Now

    College is a perfect time to work on developing the habit of getting regular exercise. Most students have access to a wide variety of gyms, weight rooms, classes, and recreational spaces through their schools. Building time for regular workouts into your everyday schedule will help solidify excellent exercise habits that you can carry with you through your whole life.

    Maintaining your overall health is extremely important. If you start taking care of your body at a young age by exercising and having a routine that you stick by, you are setting yourself up to have a much better sense of longevity the older you get.

    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 Ohio State Marching Band spells out O-H-I-O on the football field.

    Mascot Madness: The Ohio State Buckeyes

    Sidney Li

    Being a student within a Big Ten school has its perks. From the wildly supportive student body to alumni that travel from out of town to attend football games, being a part of The Ohio State University “Buckeyes” is a privilege. While traditionally colleges tend to utilize animals as their mascots, my school used Ohio’s state tree.

     

    History

    Contrary to popular belief, Brutus the Buckeye is the mascot of the Ohio State due to the prevalence of the buckeye trees found throughout the state. It wasn’t made up to be just cute and quirky. According to Ohio History Central, Native Americans in Ohio called this nut “hetuck” or “buck’s eye” and would utilize the acid from this actually poisonous nut for leather making.

     

    In reality, the buckeye tree is considerably impractical with its smelly bark and wood that doesn’t burn well. Yet, it is a stubborn tree. The buckeye tree can grow in places where a multitude of other trees can’t be found. This has served as inspiration to many Ohio natives.

     

    According to Ohio State’s student journalism paper, The Lantern, locals within the state referred to themselves publicly as the Buckeyes during the presidential election in 1840 when former Ohio presidential candidate William Henry Harrison won. Harrison also utilized the buckeye nut, a shiny dark brown nut with a beige tan patch in the middle resembling a deer’s eye, as his campaign symbol by wearing one around his neck. His supporters wore buttons featuring buckeyes.

     

    Buckeyes Today

    Due to the history and pride surrounding buckeye trees, Ohio State adapted this as the university’s nickname in 1950. Since then, Buckeyes have become famous beyond the state of Ohio. Today, there is a popular dessert of the same name made from rolled peanut butter dipped in chocolate, creating the similar dark brown exterior with a beige tan patch in the middle.

     

    Despite how this strange it may sound to have a tree nut as a mascot, Ohio has great pride in the buckeye - especially that carrying one brings good luck to the person. Overall, you can’t deny how unique Ohio State is with the buckeyes when it comes to marketing and familiarity as a plethora of people across the country know of this special nut.

    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! 

     

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    Participating in collegiate sports: 3 ways to stay active and competitive

    Bethany Robinson

    To many, senior year of high school seems as if it’s the last opportunity to play sports at a competitive level. I am here to tell you that going to college without a scholarship doesn’t mean you have to stop participating in sports. Colleges provide many opportunities to stay active and be competitive. There are multiple ways you can continue sports in college through intramural leagues, club teams, and varsity college teams. With endless possibilities of sports, there are plenty of opportunities for athletes at any level to participate in college sports.