Students blog

Adjusting to back-to-school is something many students struggle with. When you go back to school after any break, it can still feel like the return from summer; you think time is unlimited, and there is no set schedule. Then reality hits: classes, homework, and, for some, work. These responsibilities can hit you all at once.

For me, the hardest part was waking up for early morning lectures and turning in assignments on time. It was a shock, but it pushed me to find a way to stay on track and succeed.

Reset Your Mindset

I noticed that it’s not just your body that must adjust to the new routine; your mind does, too. Over a semester break, we tend to have a more relaxed mindset and do not place the same importance on our usual priorities. It is easy to carry this mindset back to school, and you forget how fast deadlines approach.

I had to remind myself that I could not carry that relaxed mentality all the time. I began to plan and write down my tasks and timelines to stay on track. This made an enormous difference. It helped me get into a rhythm, and my work now seems less stressful.

Move Your Body

Focusing on my physical well-being also helped me adjust. Working out during the school week helps me feel active and not just feel drained from schoolwork. When I cannot work out, I feel a little more overwhelmed.

Working out helps me release tension and keep my head clear. I also focus on what I eat, avoiding junk food and sugar, so I do not feel drained in the middle of the day.

Remember Your Why

Finally, it helped to remember why I’m in school in the first place. My purpose is not only to complete assignments until I’m exhausted; it is about working toward my future.

Keeping my goals in mind helps me stay motivated. I remind myself of the future I am chasing and that helps me focus. Returning back to school can be hard, but having a plan to adjust makes everything easier.

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 Pearson Campus Ambassador (PCA) program has been an incredible journey. It shaped my college experience and professional development in ways I never could have imagined.

Through this program, I gained invaluable opportunities for networking, hands-on sales experience, internships, and personal growth. These have all set the foundation for my future.

I write this reflection with a heavy heart, as this is my final semester as a PCA. At the same time, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This program has been transformative, and I want to commemorate my journey by sharing how much it has meant to me.

First Steps and First Impressions

My experience began in the spring of 2023, when I first started onboarding before officially joining in the fall. From my very first All-Call, I was struck by the energy of being surrounded by college students from across the country. That sense of community immediately made me feel like I was part of something much larger than myself.

Early on, I also met my Regional Coordinator, Ryan Celestine, who quickly became a mentor. His guidance and support during that first semester made my transition into the program smooth and encouraging.

During that semester, I recorded and edited a day-in-the-life vlog of a PCA for the Pearson Instagram. It was a fun content-creation opportunity!

Opportunities, Collaboration, and Mentorship

By the end of fall 2023, I was eager to pursue new opportunities, which led me to discover Pearson’s Micro-Internships. These short-term roles provided direct exposure to managers within Pearson and helped me explore my career interests.

In spring 2024, I earned a Data Analyst Micro-Internship with the Higher Education Data Reporting team. There, I conducted data quality audits and supported a product data migration project. This experience led to a full-time summer internship with the same team.

During my time with Pearson, I completed five internships with Pearson through the PCA program—an achievement I never would have imagined when I first started.

Additionally, I also had the privilege of working closely with Sales Representative Rachel Calcote during the 2024-2025 school year. Her clear communication and strong leadership made the back-to-school season one of my best experiences in the program. These opportunities not only strengthened my skills but also showed me the value of mentorship, teamwork, and perseverance.

A Launching Pad for the Future

Looking back, the PCA program has been far more than a student role. It has been a launching pad for my career, a network of lasting connections, and a source of personal growth.

It is bittersweet to say goodbye. However, I carry forward the lessons, relationships, and experiences that will continue to shape my professional journey.

I am proud to have been part of this community and am excited for the next chapter of my life. I know the PCA program has prepared me to 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! 

Balancing academic work, leadership, and friendship can be tough. But when you’re with the right people, you find the motivation to become a better version of yourself each day. One of the most impactful things I did in my first year of college was join an on-campus organization.

Balance and a Place to Grow

Early on, I learned the importance of balance. I was constantly surrounded by driven individuals who prioritized their education and leadership positions. That helped me realize I was exactly where I needed to be.

I was in good hands, and I could really see myself growing there. Throughout the year, I participated in many service events both within my organization and across the Bryan-College Station area.

Service and Friendship

While giving back to a community that had given me so much, I realized what a positive effect it had on my mindset. Every hour spent doing what many may consider “work” left me with the biggest smile. Much of that was because of the people I volunteered with.

In just a few months, my peers became my best friends. We learned so much about each other in such a short time. We still consider ourselves bonded like family today.

A Home Away from Home

As a first-year student, it was a huge relief to know I had people by my side supporting me. On days when I felt far from home, the people I met through my organization helped me build a new home.

I'm often asked for my number one tip for navigating college. My answer is always the same: join an organization as soon as you can. It’s so important to find a group of like-minded individuals who will push you to grow.

Not only will it make your experience in college unforgettable, but it will also give you friendships and memories to hold on to for the rest of your life.

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! 

Graduation: Incoming

As I get closer to crossing the stage and entering uncharted territory, one question gets louder: “What’s next?”

For my fellow seniors, thoughts about what’s next might be hitting a little harder as our collegiate chapter ends. Sometimes it feels like a million thoughts run through your head, ranging from hopeful and excited to nervous and doubtful.

If you’ve felt that pressure, here’s a reminder to pause and be present as we figure it out.

Football to Filmmaking

I came to campus as an eager, hot-blooded teenager who couldn’t wait to get my fill of the “college experience.” I joined the football team, made friends, and went to events. But I didn’t expect my feelings toward football to change, and that led to my first real identity crisis.

My passion for the sport was dwindling, and I was scared. Without football, I didn’t know what else I’d do.

I tried to straddle the fence for a while, but a serious concussion made the choice for me. That was the first time I truly asked myself, “What’s next?” I was lost.

Over time, uncertainty weighed on me, and my outlook grew darker. I questioned everything: Who am I? Who do I want to become? Did I make the wrong decision to quit? Should I even stay in college?

Those thoughts ran heavy, but eventually I decided to take things one day at a time. After months of going through the motions without direction, I thought, “Why not give video a try?” I had no idea how to shoot, edit, or craft a story, yet I had always loved stories.

That small step opened the door to what’s now my passion. Storytelling and filmmaking have become my lane. For me, picking up a camera became my way of learning to see the world in front of me.

Senior Reflections

Looking back, I realize I was so in my own head that I didn’t allow myself to enjoy the process. Even in moments of joy and triumph, I was focused on “what’s next.”

My college experience forced me to confront something I’ve always known: I’m a chronic overthinker. That’s why I’m shifting my perspective this year.

I’m in awe that I’m really here, still standing. My journey through college has prepared me and shaped me into who I am today.

I am ready to take on what’s ahead, even if I have no idea what the future will look like. As I prepare to close one chapter and begin another, I like to remind myself that we’re still in the middle of writing our life story.

Sure, sometimes I wish I could look into a crystal ball and make a list of all my future mistakes, so I can try to create a safe, smooth ride. But truthfully, what fun is that?

Every experience, every rose, matters. Our mistakes, detours, and challenges—our stories—make us who we are. Even when you’re looking straight ahead, ready to take on what’s next, it’s always good to stop and smell the roses.

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, Emma Watson has been one of my favorite celebrities. It isn’t often that we see strong, well-read, and educated women in popular media who are passionate about promoting empowerment. Watson embodies all of that.

Every time I hear her speak or watch her on a red carpet, I get chills. She’s poised and calm, yet somehow captures both raw emotion and intelligence in nearly every response. Because I admire her so much, I was thrilled when I saw she would be a guest on an upcoming podcast. The day the episode was released, I put on my coziest clothes, settled in, and pressed play.

Content vs. Comments

The conversation touched on many topics, from navigating public life to love, marriage, and continued self-discovery. But when I scrolled through the comments, I noticed something striking: no one was talking about what Watson had said. Instead, nearly all the attention was on her appearance. The top comment read: “Wow, so nice to see a natural face in Hollywood! What beautiful wrinkles.”

For context, Watson has maintained her aversion to fillers and Botox despite the pressures of a Hollywood career. Personally, I think this makes her even more stunning. However, the flood of comments revealed something extremely troubling: people were shocked that a woman Watson’s age looked… natural.

Lived Experience

We live in an era of hyper-feminization and youth obsession, where it seems there’s a med spa on every corner. Even at my dentist’s office, I was casually offered to start the “baby Botox” routine at my next cleaning to get ahead of the wrinkles. At the ripe age of 20, society is already concerned I might look like I’ve aged.

The message is everywhere: aging is a problem to be solved, not a natural process to be lived. This can create an endless cycle of treatments. The initial goal of preserving youth gives way to an ongoing chase to ‘fix’ the latest result.

And it's an experience that often affects women in a unique way. Though aging affects everyone, women bear the brunt of society’s panic about it. Men are often celebrated as they age; “silver fox” is a compliment. Women? No such term exists.

Truthfully, I don’t understand our obsession with erasing the signs of a life well-lived. Our bodies are more than ornaments; they’re vessels of deep experience. They show signs of joy, love, and labor. Our wrinkles highlight the joy we expressed, and our stretch marks and scars highlight the beauty of reproduction.

Reverence for Aging

I urge you: let your body exist as it is. I want my face to look lived in—because I have lived in it. What an honor to have laughed so much that I carry creases near my smile. What an honor to have smiled so hard that crow’s feet etched themselves near my eyes. What an honor to have lived a life so full that my face shows it.

It isn’t easy to resist the constant pressure to look forever young, but maybe real beauty is found not in denying time, but in embracing it. Your natural face, in all its glory, deserves to exist without shame, without guilt, and without apology.

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 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! 

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! 

Let’s be honest… student teaching is exciting, challenging, and a little nerve-wracking all at once! You’re now stepping into the classroom not just to observe, but to actually teach, inspire, and learn alongside your students.

As someone who has completed two semesters of student teaching, I’m here to pass along what I’ve learned. These five essential tips will help you make the most of your journey with stability, preparation, and confidence.

1. Build Strong Relationships Early

From day one, invest time in learning your students’ names, interests, and personalities. Show genuine curiosity and care, and don’t be afraid to have some fun! This is one of the fastest ways to earn your students' trust. It will also help you design tailored lesson plans and determine which classroom management techniques will work best.

Building rapport with your mentor teacher and other school staff is equally important—they are your greatest allies and support system!

2. Keep a “Lesson Journal”

After each lesson, jot down what worked, what didn’t, and what you might tweak next time. Include any ideas you have for future lessons, planning, or student feedback. Don’t just focus on your mistakes (because you will make them, and they are valuable lessons to learn); remember to celebrate all the little victories too!

This reflective habit will accelerate your growth and provide a record of ideas and strategies to carry into your first teaching job.

3. Prepare… But Stay Flexible

Detailed planning is important, but classrooms are living, breathing spaces. A fire drill, a tech glitch, or an unexpected student question can take you in a new direction: embrace it! Flexibility doesn’t mean losing control; it means adapting to the moment while keeping your learning goals in sight.

4. Develop Your “Teacher Voice” (Literally and Figuratively)

You don’t need to shout to command respect, but you do need presence. As a student teacher, you’re in a unique spot. You’re not the main authority, but you’re still a key leader in the classroom.

Practice speaking clearly and calmly, and use pauses for emphasis. Finding your voice takes time, so don’t be afraid to experiment and reflect on what works best for you.

5. Take Care of You!

Teaching is exhausting! It’s easy to burn out when you’re pouring so much energy into lesson planning, grading, and managing a classroom.

Prioritize rest, nutrition, and downtime (yes, you’re allowed to have a life outside of teaching!). Lean on your mentor teacher for support, both academically and emotionally. A rested teacher is a better teacher.

Student teaching isn’t just about proving yourself; it’s about learning, growing, and discovering who you are as an educator. Keep your survival kit close, be a sponge, and remember: you’ve got this!

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 first started college, I thought I could get by doing what I had always done in high school: waiting until the last minute and cramming the night before. That approach worked for a while, until I found myself juggling multiple classes, extracurriculars, a part-time job, and what felt like endless deadlines. I was constantly exhausted and falling behind. I knew something had to change.

The turning point came when I missed a major project deadline that significantly impacted my grade. I realized I wasn’t just jeopardizing my academic success, but I was also burning out. That’s when I decided to overhaul how I managed my time. I wasn’t trying to become perfect overnight; I just needed better systems.

Calendar Blocking: Map Your Week

First, I started using calendar blocking. Every Sunday, I’d sit down and map out the upcoming week in my calendar. This included class times, study sessions, meals, and even breaks. This practice helped me see where my time was really going and allowed me to plan ahead for big assignments.

Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritize Tasks

I also learned about the Eisenhower Matrix, a method for prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. This tool helped me avoid the trap of “urgent but unimportant” tasks (like constantly checking emails). Instead, I could focus on meaningful activities, such as studying for an exam or finishing a paper early.

Digital Boundaries: Avoid Distractions

Another game-changer was setting digital boundaries. I turned off most notifications on my phone and used website blockers to keep me off distracting sites while studying. It wasn’t easy at first, especially when all my friends were texting about weekend plans. However, I found that even short, focused study sessions became more productive.

Patience Over Perfection: Give Yourself Grace

Most importantly, I gave myself grace. Some weeks I stuck to my schedule perfectly; other times, life happened. But instead of giving up, I treated every week as a fresh start.

Now, I still get busy, but I don’t feel overwhelmed. I sleep more, stress less, and even have time to do things I enjoy, like reading and spending time with friends. Managing your time in college isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being intentional. And trust me, once you take control of your schedule, everything else starts to feel more manageable.

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!