Students blog

A Commuter’s Perspective

When I first started college, I never imagined how challenging it would be to get involved on campus as a commuter student. I often left campus in the late afternoon and headed straight home. By the time most events happened, I was already settled in for the night. On top of that, I’m naturally introverted, so the thought of showing up to large gatherings felt intimidating.

For a while, I convinced myself that campus life just wasn’t for me. However, joining the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) showed me the true value of campus involvement and transformed my college experience.

How Joining a Club Changed My Experience

During my first year, I took a chance and went to a LASO meeting even though I didn’t feel ready. I didn’t know anyone, and it felt easier to stick to my usual routine of going to class and driving home.

As a commuter, it’s easy to feel like campus is temporary, like you’re just passing through instead of belonging somewhere. I had no idea how much that one step would end up shaping my experience.

Over time, LASO became more than just a student organization to me. It turned into a place where I met people who understood my culture, shared my values, and helped me feel seen. I began staying on campus longer, attending socials, and saying yes to events I would have skipped before.

Eventually, I stepped into a leadership role as Marketing Chair on the executive board. In this role, I helped plan events, run social media, and collaborate with other organizations. Taking on that role challenged me in the best ways and helped me grow beyond the limits I had set for myself.

Leadership brought experiences I never expected. I’ve tabled at events, met students I wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise, and gained confidence in talking to new people.

As someone who’s always been introverted, I realized that being a leader isn’t about being loud. It’s about being intentional, creating space for others, and representing a community you care about.

Finding My Place(s) on Campus

Getting involved in LASO also made it easier to explore other organizations. I recently joined Women in Business (WIB) and participated in events like Coffee with WIB, recruiter panels, and even a season finale watch party for The Summer I Turned Pretty. I’ve attended other campus events like waffle night, and even small moments like those have helped me feel more connected.

Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t let commuting or being introverted keep me from getting involved. It wasn’t always easy to stay on campus longer or walk into a room alone, but the friendships, opportunities, and confidence I’ve gained have made it worth it.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that involvement doesn’t look the same for everyone. You don’t have to live on campus or be outgoing to find your place.

Sometimes all it takes is showing up once and giving yourself a chance to explore something new. For me, that one step changed everything. It can do the same for other students who feel like campus isn’t built for them.

You don’t have to be everywhere or do everything to be involved. You just have to start somewhere.

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 fall semester comes to an end and finals begin, college students face endless readings, problem sets, and late-night study sessions. But once the work is finally done, exams are submitted, and essays are written, nothing feels better than sinking into the couch, grabbing a snack, and launching a good old-fashioned, TV marathon. Here are four shows worth lining up to pass the time during winter break... so go relax, you've earned it!

1. Yellowjackets

If you haven’t been pulled into the chaos yet, now is the time. Yellowjackets is the perfect mix of psychological thriller, survival horror, and messy coming-of-age drama. The show follows a high school girls’ soccer team stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. The story bounces between their terrifying fight to survive in the ’90s and the dark fallout in their adult lives. It’s got cult vibes, mystery boxes, and the kind of “I need to know what happens next” cliffhangers that will absolutely ruin your sleep schedule—in the best way possible.

2. We Were Liars

Based on the wildly popular YA novel by E. Lockhart, We Were Liars is gearing up to be an experience when it hits Prime Video. Set on a private island off Massachusetts, the story follows a wealthy family hiding dangerous secrets. It’s told through the eyes of Cadence Sinclair, who is struggling to piece together the events of a previous and pivotal summer. Think Pretty Little Liars energy but with more psychological twists and a beach-goth atmosphere. Perfect for curling up and losing track of time.

3. Timeless

This recommendation is a personal favorite of mine! It’s not a new show, but it has a timeless plot (no pun intended). This time-travel adventure follows a historian, a soldier, and a scientist as they chase a rogue operative through America’s past, from the Hindenburg disaster to Watergate. Each episode blends action, clever storytelling, and real historical events while weaving in deeper questions about identity, morality, and the power of rewriting history. Suspenseful yet heartfelt, Timeless is perfect for anyone who craves high-stakes drama, fascinating “what ifs,” and a touch of history.

4. Stranger Things, Season 5

The long-awaited final chapter of the Hawkins story will arrive in three volumes. The first drops on November 26, with later releases on December 25 and December 31. Expect Eleven, Mike, and the gang to face their darkest, most harrowing threat yet, with all the supernatural scares and nostalgic charm we’ve come to love in the previous seasons.

Bonus Watch: The Bear

And if you’re hungry too, check out The Bear. This award-winning dramedy follows “Carmy,” a young chef who takes over his family’s sandwich shop in Chicago. He tries to transform it into something great while barely holding his own life together. It’s chaotic, funny, and unexpectedly heartfelt, with dialogue that moves as fast as the kitchen itself. Just be warned: you’ll probably find yourself craving Italian beef by the second episode.

Whether you’re in the mood for survival horror, family drama, or supernatural throwdowns, these shows are tailor-made for late-night marathons after long days of school and life. Stock up on snacks, silence the notifications, and let mind wander around new worlds for a while!

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 Gen-Z Movement in Nepal

September 8, 2025, marked the beginning of what would soon be known as the “Gen-Z Movement” in Nepal. Thousands, if not millions, of Nepali youth filled the streets of Kathmandu and other cities. They were united under one cause: to reclaim justice, equality, and freedom for Nepali citizens.

While the protest proved to be successful in igniting change, the victory came at a heartbreaking cost. Many young Nepalis lost their lives fighting for their country’s future during public demonstrations; the exact number is not consistently reported. Their bravery became a symbol of hope, but their loss left a deep scar across the nation.

Far From Home

For those of us living abroad, particularly in the U.S., the crisis hit in a completely different way. We all felt the weight of being so far from home while our friends and families were suffering.

The government's restriction on communication apps like Messenger and WhatsApp made it nearly impossible to reach our loved ones. The silence was deafening, and every minute spent waiting for updates felt like years.

However, in that silence, something unexpectedly beautiful happened here at the University of North Texas. UNT has one of the largest diasporas of international Nepali students, making the Nepali Student Association a vital organization during this time.

The Nepali Student Association organized a candlelight vigil to honor the lives lost. Standing there with the soft glow of candles lighting the night, we held a moment of silence that spoke louder than words ever could.

Surrounded by friends and strangers alike, I felt both grief and strength. Afterward, many of us gathered in the Union. We shared updates, comforted one another, and explained to non-Nepalis what was happening back home.

More Than a University

In those moments, UNT became more than just a university; it became a second family. The strength, compassion, and support from students across campus showed me the true meaning of unity in times of crisis. The UNT community gave international Nepali students a sense of belonging and amplified their voices, ensuring the sacrifices made in Nepal weren’t forgotten.

The “Gen-Z Movement” in Nepal is about courage and hope. Here at UNT, it also became a story of community, showing how we stood together as one, even thousands of miles away.

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! 

Gift giving is tough! It’s so difficult to find that perfect gift every year around the holidays for those that are important in your life. Personally, I love receiving handmade gifts, and why not add a personalized touch for those that are most important in your life?

Not only is crafting your own glassware super easy, but it allows you to create a thoughtful one-of-a-kind gift that can be used all year round! Get ready to raise a toast to craftsmanship and creativity this holiday season!

Materials:

• Glassware of your choice (ex. mug, cup, wine glass, etc.)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Glass paint (non-toxic and oven safe, there are so many options on Amazon or in stores!)
• Paintbrushes
• Oven

Step 1: Clean the Glassware

• Wash the glasses thoroughly with soap and water, and then dry completely
• Rub the surface you will be painting with rubbing alcohol to remove any fingerprints or remaining residue

Step 2: Pick Your Design and Start Painting

• Tip: Research and sketch out the design you want to make! Try to think of something meaningful to the person you are gifting your glasses to!
• Tip: Try to leave about 1 inch of empty space around the rim of your glass for more comfortable drinking!

Step 3: Let It Dry

• Allow the paint to dry completely! I recommend allowing 24-48 hours for the paint to dry and cure.
• Tip: Check out the box that your paint came in to see if there are any special instructions!

Step 4: Cure the Paint in the Oven

• Place the glasses in a cold oven
• Then set the oven temperature according to the paint’s instructions (usually around 350°- 400°F)
• Leave your glasses in the oven for about 30 minutes and then let the glasses cool inside of the oven

Step 5: Gift Away!

• Your glasses are now ready for use!
• Tip: Wrap up your glass set in a cute gift box and add a note that they are handmade and personalized! And don’t forget to remind the recipient that if they want them to last, don’t put them in the dishwasher!
  

Happy crafting and Happy Holidays!

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! 

When I joined my college’s music production club, I thought I was simply pursuing a personal passion. I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with beats, layering sounds, and figuring out how different pieces of music come together. I did it purely for fun, as a creative break from classes and assignments.

But over time, I noticed something surprising: the same skills I was honing in the studio were showing up in my classes, group projects, and even internships.

At first, the club felt like a totally separate world. We’d meet in a small room filled with cables, keyboards, and speakers. There, we would bounce ideas off each other, working to turn rough ideas into polished tracks.

I thought I was just learning how to make music. I didn’t realize I was also learning how to collaborate.

The Rhythm of Collaboration

Producing music with a group teaches you timing, both musically and in how you interact with others. You learn how to listen, when to speak up, and when to step back. You learn that great tracks stem from collaboration, not from one person controlling the sound.

That exact mindset helped me become a better teammate in academic group work. I began communicating more clearly and offering more constructive feedback. I also became more open to letting go of my own ideas if another approach worked better.

Patience in Production

Another unexpected takeaway from music production was patience. When you’re mixing a track, it never sounds perfect on the first attempt. You adjust one sound, then another, and often go back to revise something you already “finished.”

This trial-and-error process made me more comfortable with revising my work in school. Whether it was an essay, a presentation, or a project, I stopped striving for perfection on the first try. Instead, I learned to trust the process, just as I do in the studio.

Confidence in Communication

Even public speaking felt less intimidating. I used to get nervous presenting in class, but explaining beats and sound design choices to my club members helped me find confidence in my voice.

When you talk about something you’re passionate about, you naturally become a better communicator. That skill started spilling over into all areas of my life.

Transferable Skills in Hobbies

I joined the music production club because I liked making beats. I stayed because it helped me grow in ways I never anticipated.

I learned how to collaborate, how to be patient with my work, and how to express my ideas with confidence. What started as a fun, creative outlet became a transformation in the way I approach school, group settings, and even my professional life.

If you have something you love doing outside of class, don’t underestimate its value. You might think it’s just a hobby, but it could teach you more than you realize.

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! 

Recording professional-sounding music on a college budget may first seem impossible, however it is not only feasible, but an opportunity to input your creativity into every process. You don’t need a high-end studio to produce great tracks. Instead, focus on technique, affordable tools, and optimizing your recording environment. Here are a few tips on how to put together high-quality songs without draining your bank account.

Optimize Your Recording Space 

If you’re recording in a dorm or small apartment, you can use thick blankets or moving pads to dampen reflections. Isolating areas with the most unwanted room noise is the key, focusing on creating smaller spaces within larger ones. For vocals, try recording in a closet, as the fabric is great at absorbing unwanted reverberations. If you’re micing an amp or acoustic instrument, a similar closet technique can work wonders if you have the space. Rugs and carpet can also be useful for containing sound in rooms with harder floors. 

Choose Affordable (or Free) Gear 

Start with a solid, budget-friendly microphone like the Shure SM57 or SM7B or any cheap large diaphragm condenser such as the Audio-Technica AT2020 or the AKG P220. Pair it with an affordable audio interface, such as a Scarlett Solo or anything that doesn’t have DI quality loss and that can provide clean preamps. For monitoring, opt for flat-response headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x or something from Sennheiser’s HD series, which will help you mix accurately without need for studio monitors. Most production can be tackled in the box these days, so focus on getting the best signal into your computer first and foremost. 

Use Free or Low-Cost DAWs & Plugins 

Professional DAWs can cost hundreds, but there are many free and low-cost alternatives. If you’re on Mac, GarageBand is a powerful starting point with built-in instruments and effects. Windows users can take advantage of Cakewalk by BandLab, another fully featured DAW that’s completely free. Reaper offers a 60-day free trial and only costs $60 afterward, making it a steal for its capabilities. For plugins, lookout for free options like iZotope’s Vinyl (for lo-fi effects), Spitfire LABS (for high-quality virtual instruments), and Valhalla Supermassive (for lush reverbs and delays). Tools like these will elevate your production and save a penny at the same time.

Learn Basic Mixing Techniques 

Even the best recordings fall flat without proper mixing principles. Learn to use EQ, compression, and different plugins like saturation and modulation effects to play with tone color while also creating a cohesive mix. When using reverb and delay, apply them subtly to avoid washing out. Panning left or right can also help to create a more immersive soundstage. Most importantly, reference mixes on multiple playback systems (headphones, car stereo, etc.) and use professional references to ensure they translate well to wherever your music is distributed. 

Collaborate & Share Knowledge 

The final tip, and the best way to improve while staying budget-conscious is collaboration with other musicians. Join music groups, swap feedback, or even share gear! You might find someone with better microphones or a different DAW who can enhance your recordings. Plus, learning from others accelerates your own growth and can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs. 

Final Thoughts 

Great music isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about how you use what you have. By optimizing your space, choosing smart gear, leveraging free software, and honing your creative skills, you can produce tracks that rival professional recordings. The key is to keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep creating. Your passion and resourcefulness will always matter more than the price tag of your equipment. 

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 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! 

When arriving at West Chester University for my first semester in August of 2021, I was nervous about making friends. Even though I would be rooming with a friend from high school, I was still worried about making new additional friends. I moved into the dorm with my high school friend plus two other roommates we did not know. It was awesome that we all got along from the start and found fun things to do while hanging out, like practicing our golf putting with cups. We ended up making a bunch of friends on our floor by other residents asking if they could try and put the ball into the cup.

Meeting new people is such an awesome thing we can do as humans. We come together to help each other or play different types of activities like sports. A great way to connect with new friends on campus is to participate in intramural sports. The first available Fall sport was flag football. We were able to make a co-rec and guys’ flag football team from the friends we made on our floor.

Another way I was able to meet friends was by going to the rec gym and playing basketball. I met some of my best friends at college through playing basketball at the gym. This also led to playing basketball intramurals as well as baseball intramurals. It made me realize that having a good group of friends to play sports or activities throughout college is key to having a positive college experience. Being able to play sports can help lower the stress that can come from too much schoolwork or if you get a bad grade on an exam. Having physical activity allows you to be in the moment with your friends and it allows you to take all your mind off your troubles.

College is not just about academics; it is also about building connections and creating memories that last a lifetime. The camaraderie you find through sports and activities not only help you unwind from the pressure of school but also enrich your overall college experience. Indeed, the ability to meet new people and engage in shared activities is a fundamental aspect of the human 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! 

Step into the vibrant world of collegiate Bollywood dance competitions, embarking on a thrilling journey of rhythm and culture. From intense rehearsals to intricate choreography, every practice is a step to the competition season. Dedication and teamwork pay off as the competition season unfolds, teams travel across states and compete across the East and West coasts. Interactions with fellow dancers from other colleges foster unity and mutual admiration for dance, and backstage buzzes with excitement as teams prepare to showcase their fusion of tradition and innovation, leaving audiences and judges to determine who will make it to the national championship: Legends. Desi Dance Network is a circuit that combines colleges across the nation, so join me as I take you through a journey of what it's like to be a dancer at these competitions. 

Through a rigorous selection process, almost 100 teams compete for a spot in the competition season, consisting of around 20 competitions. However, only the top 8 teams get chosen per competition based on audition videos submitted. Nazaare, North Carolina State University’s premiere Bollywood competition team, gets accepted into at least four competitions every year. In Spring 2024, we participated in two competitions in Georgia, one in Pennsylvania, and one in our very own Chapel Hill.  
 
To start a competition, teams travel to different places where all the hospitality is provided (hotels, food, transportation, etc.) by the competition board. To start the competition, Friday is designated for a “mixer”, where teams mix with other teams through different games and activities set up by the competition. This is a time for dancers to mingle and meet other dancers from like-minded backgrounds before the competition starts. More importantly, the games played determine the show's order. After the mixer is post-mixer practice, where all the last-minute practice and preparations take place (this can go till 3 am sometimes). From here comes room reveal, where teams go back to their hotel rooms that have been decorated by the liaisons who are managing your team. Here, you get merch, snacks, and beverages (for the afterparty ;) ). Following this, at the early hours of what could be 4 am, teams go to sleep. 

Saturday morning comes fast, as teams have to hustle to the venue for their “tech time”. This consists of 20 minutes for each team on stage to do formation run-throughs with props and a chance to get a recorded full out run-through, to get a feel for the stage. The order of tech time is based on the show order, so if you are first, you may have to reach the venue as early as 8 am. Following this comes a viewing room, where teams are given 20-40 minutes (depending on the competition), to watch the full-out run-throughs on stage and see how the set looks from an audience perspective. From here, comes post-tech time practice, where teams are given their final 20 minutes to fix anything that may have looked off on stage. 

Following this busy morning comes the fun part: getting ready and getting team pictures taken. However, when it comes to 10 girls in one hotel room and one mirror, this can get hectic at times (there are almost 30 people on our team and only 3 hotel rooms). Once hair, makeup, and costumes are done, the team heads over to the venue to take team photos and of course, perform the set!