Students blog

My hobbies “live” in my living room. When life gets hectic, I find myself walking sullenly past my two guitars and piano every day. The strings waiting patiently to be tuned, and the piano keys missing the gentle pressure of my fingers.

This used to be a normal day after classes for me. I didn’t realize I had forgotten the passions that put me on this track until summer break, when my ears were blessed by live instruments and vocals.

Soon, I became determined to let my hobbies, which had decayed over time, live again. I just had one problem: the millions of assignments on my to-do list.

Reignite Your Passion

With time, we often forget how much our hobbies mattered when they topped our lists, instead of the next fifteen-page essay due at 11:59 p.m. It took a live jazz band performing in a courtyard for me to realize how much music truly meant to me. Seeing the musicians’ chemistry with each other reminded me of how much I loved playing with others.

It’s easy to say that time management is necessary for balancing hobbies and assignments, but it’s a lot harder to commit to it. It becomes a thousand times easier to practice when you remember why you’re making time for everything.

I implore you: take a moment to remember what once mattered to you. Why did you like to draw? What about swimming makes you feel good?

Make the Commitment

Realizing I had to get my hands on my guitar strings again, I sought out a club on campus. I chose the Musical Therapy Club as a lover of both music and therapy. We didn’t just jam together; we volunteered at nursing homes and cafes to increase the community’s quality of life.

This also aligned with my hobbies and future healthcare career, though my impact differed from that of a nurse. Still, I got to do something I love in tandem with my goals.

Joining this club also meant commitment. To ensure quality performances, I had to practice every Thursday evening. I couldn’t spontaneously skip out on it, as I often did with my assignments.

I committed to a mission with other people, and it was my goal to stick with it. Joining a club ties you to your hobby. When you work and socialize with others, your passions feel more fulfilling with that support system around you.

Turn Hobbies into Rewards

I used to pity myself for “abandoning” my hobbies for college assignments. Even after studying, I didn’t find picking up my guitar rewarding because I felt ashamed for leaving it alone. Eventually, I changed my mindset.

Rather than feeling ashamed, I understood that academics were a vital priority. I was only trying to take care of my future.

I began to see my hobbies as a reward after a good study session. I became more motivated to finish assignments so I could switch from “study sesh” to “jam sesh.”

If there is one thing to take away, it’s that growing out of hobbies over time is natural. It’s incredibly easy to get lost in jobs, assignments, and daily struggles.

However, there’s no shame in trying to balance it all. I once pitied those untuned strings, but now I see things more positively. My guitar strings aren’t abandoned; they’re just waiting for my magic touch!

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Class at 8 a.m., E-board meeting at 3 p.m., volunteering at 5 p.m., meeting with members at 7 p.m., study session at 9 p.m., and homework due at 11 p.m. Does this schedule sound familiar?

As students, it's easy to get caught up in trying to “make the most” of the college experience. Your college years offer the chance to explore new things and discover who you are.

While this is a great opportunity to discover the many clubs and activities college has to offer, it can become overwhelming. In this article, I reflect on my decisions about getting involved on campus. I’ll help you discover ways to maintain balance and be intentional with your time.

During my sophomore year, I was heavily involved in organizations at school. When I began to feel overwhelmed, I realized I had to sit back, assess my situation, and ask myself the following three questions.

1. Is This Helping or Harming Me?

While representing my school was important, I had to understand that my mental health was just as important. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, signs that you might be overwhelmed include tension, uneasiness, and lack of sleep. [1]

As you participate in clubs and organizations, consider if they are benefiting you. Are you choosing organizations that can help your future career or develop valuable, long-term skills?

2. Am I Choosing Quality Over Quantity?

It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of busywork. When I was in more than six organizations, I realized I couldn't give one hundred percent to each one. I couldn't make time for myself or provide quality service to those around me.

I realized that doing this meant I wasn’t properly serving my community, friends, classmates, and associates. This meant I had to re-evaluate which organizations I was putting the most time into and commit to them.

3. What Can I Realistically Do?

After asking myself the first two questions, I realized I was overwhelmed and not giving my all to my organizations. I knew something had to be done.

I started by determining which organizations best aligned with my passions and future aspirations. When I narrowed those down, I was able to participate in four organizations on campus!

I took it a step further by prioritizing my time in those organizations. I created daily schedules for my work, schoolwork, and organizational duties. I found that participating in the things I enjoyed made me less likely to get overwhelmed.

Feeling overwhelmed by extracurriculars is common, but it doesn’t have to be your reality. Ask yourself if your commitments are helping, focus on quality, and create a plan. This way, you can make the most of your college experience without burning out.

[1] National Institute of Mental Health. I’m So Stressed Out! Infographic. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-infographic.

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! 

Running a one-person organization

If there’s one thing college has taught me, it’s that I’m basically running a small organization. Between classes, work, volunteering, and trying to maintain a social life, my schedule looks like a Google Calendar that needs therapy.

People ask, “How do you balance everything?” Honestly… I don’t. I stay prayed up, do my best, and hope for the best like everyone else.

What I’m balancing

I’m majoring in Accounting and Management Information Systems and minoring in Senior Living Management. I’m working, volunteering at senior homes, and serving on the BSU cabinet. Somehow, I’m still a supportive friend, daughter, and human being.

On top of that, my Gambian grandma raised me to believe, “You must work twice as hard.” Quitting is not an option. Neither is resting, apparently.

So yes, I’m busy, but it’s the kind of busy that builds your future, so you keep pushing.

The system that saves me

To survive, I rely on my checklists like they’re emotional support animals. If it’s not written down, it will not happen. I’ve learned that college isn’t about who’s the smartest; it’s about who can stay organized enough not to drown.

My notes app is full of to-do lists, reminders, and random thoughts I’m too scared to lose, like “Buy rice” or “Send that email before they think I ghosted.” Crossing things off a list is my version of self-care.

Community work that grounds me

Being involved on campus comes with its own chaos. Between BSU meetings, volunteer shifts, and the friend who texts, “Are you free?”, the real answer is always no. But I show up anyway.

I’m a people person, so I genuinely love the community work I do, especially with seniors. It reminds me why I want to own a senior living community one day. Helping people gives me purpose, even when I’m tired enough to fall asleep standing up.

Choosing peace in the social circus

Then there’s the social side of college: a circus of friendships, misunderstandings, and situationships that start and end faster than my break between classes. I’ve had to learn to choose peace over drama, even when drama tries to choose me.

Sometimes the most mature thing you can do in college is say, “You know what? I’m going home,” and mean it.

Tired, with a purpose

For all the chaos, I wouldn’t trade the experience. Being this busy has made me resilient, disciplined, and more patient than I ever planned to be. I’ve grown into someone who can handle pressure, adapt quickly, and still laugh at the madness of it all.

At the end of the day, I’m proud of the life I’m building. I may be tired, but I’m tired with a purpose.

So no, I don’t have it all together. I’m a full-time student, part-time chaos manager, doing my best to get through each week without losing my mind. Honestly, that’s enough.

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! 

At some point, all college students find their focus shifting from their studies to the job search. This is true whether you are a fourth-year student looking for a full-time role or a second-year student seeking a summer internship.

I completed three summer internships in finance and returned to my junior summer internship for a full-time role after graduation. Based on these experiences, I have some guidance and tips to help you land your dream job.

Create Your Story

To stand out in applications and interviews, you must tell a fluid, authentic story about yourself, your experiences, and your motivations. The easiest way for interviewers to move on from you is if they do not believe you want the job.

Your resume is the first step. It should outline all relevant past experiences, professional and otherwise, that build your credibility for the role.

Then, you need to have a two- to three-minute “Tell me about yourself” answer prepared that tells your story. Where are you from? How did your experiences lead you here, and why are you interviewing for this job specifically? It should be concise, fluid, and transparent. Let them know who you are!

Research and Networking

The next step in standing out is doing thorough research and networking with professionals. I will admit that there are some jobs you can get by just submitting a resume and a cover letter. However, with the ease of online applications today, recruiters often want to put a face and persona to the resume as well.

For every job you apply for, research the company and what it does. This knowledge will demonstrate your effort and preparation before you even set foot in the interview room.

The next step is networking. After researching the role and the company, go to LinkedIn. Look at who works at the company, see if there are any alumni from your school or other connections, and send cold emails.

It’s daunting but effective. Ask to grab coffee or hop on the phone to learn more about their role and their experience. One connection may be all it takes to get that first interview.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The final step to conquering your job search is practice, practice, and then practice some more. No matter how good we think we are at interviewing or talking to professionals, we can always get better.

Practice your elevator pitch, practice your resume walkthrough, and even practice questions that you can ask them. Bonus points if you can practice with a friend who will be honest with you about your language, etiquette, and professionalism. Not only will this improve your interviewing skills, but it will also make you less nervous when the time comes.

No matter what kind of job you’re applying for, following these steps and being thorough in your search and preparation can help you conquer your job search and set yourself up for career success. Know yourself, connect with others, and practice your interviewing skills to land that perfect role.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

A Shift in Perspective

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

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

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

Learning by Doing

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

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

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

A Lesson in Learning

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

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

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

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Plenty of college students have experienced the panic of realizing they forgot to submit an assignment before the deadline. Staying organized between classes, work, and social commitments can feel overwhelming.

For a long time, I felt like I was constantly trying to catch up. I eventually concluded that the problem wasn't a lack of motivation. I simply hadn't found the study habits that worked for me.

1. Consider Your Environment

One habit that helped me stay focused was being intentional about where I studied. I found that studying at home made me too comfortable. It often led to procrastination since I associated home with relaxation.

For busy work or easier assignments, I liked going to cafés instead. The relaxed atmosphere made studying feel less overwhelming, especially on days when I wasn’t yet in full panic mode.

Then, when midterms and finals hit, I switched to the library. The quiet environment made it easier to concentrate and lock in for longer periods of time.

Being surrounded by other people working also helped me stay accountable and focused. This worked even without interacting with anyone.

2. Study with Friends

One of my favorite study habits was studying with friends. We would go café-hopping or do a study crawl, which is similar to a bar crawl but for studying.

We planned out an entire day dedicated to getting work done, choosing different locations ahead of time. After a couple of hours, we switched spots and tried somewhere new. This made studying feel more enjoyable while also giving us new experiences.

3. Create an Assignment Tracker

One of the most effective changes I made was creating an assignment tracker. Instead of relying on memory, I kept all my assignments in one place. I organized them by class, assignment, and due date.

I like to use Google Sheets for my assignment trackers, but I know people who use other programs like Excel or Notion. Seeing real-time progress made me feel productive and relieved, especially during weeks when I was super busy.

Dividing larger assignments into smaller steps also made a big difference. Tasks became more manageable, and I stopped putting them off since I knew exactly what to work on next. Plus, every time I checked off a part of a bigger assignment, it felt like a small accomplishment.

That feeling of control helped reduce stress. It made staying organized feel rewarding instead of exhausting.

Build Your Own System

It takes trial and error to find your ideal study habits. What works one semester might not work the next, and that's okay. Once I focused on making consistent progress and giving myself flexibility, my routine felt much more sustainable.

You don't have to completely change how you do things to stay organized in college. Taking small steps, like using assignment trackers and knowing where to study, can make a big difference.

College felt less stressful and more manageable once I found systems that worked for me. Finding your own study rhythm can help you keep up with assignments while truly enjoying the college 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! 

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

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

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

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

Different Tools, Shared Curiosity

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

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

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

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

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

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

Applying Shared Skills to Marketing

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

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

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

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

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

Bridging Gaps with Technology

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

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

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

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

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

When Charles Dickens said, “It was the best and worst of times,” he could easily have been talking about college. And he would be one hundred percent correct. College is an experience like no other.

It’s where you start to figure out who you are when no one is watching over your shoulder. Some values shift; others become more firmly rooted. You get a taste of real adult problems.

Some days, you feel whimsical, like you’re skipping down the sidewalk and singing with the birds. Other days, everything seems to be closing in and falling apart. You want to shut the world off until your laundry timer rings and reality pulls you back in.

Going into college, I thought I knew what to expect. Classes, exams, parties, weird roommates, communal bathrooms. The basics.

What I didn’t know was how much of college is made up of small moments that quietly shape you. As an eighteen-year-old, I packed two suitcases and moved 1,700 miles away from home in August 2023. I crossed three time zones for a fresh start.

It felt like stepping into a completely new chapter. It was equal parts terrifying and exciting, and I had no real idea of how the story would unfold.

The Best of Times

My biggest fear was not finding my people. I’ve always been introverted, and the idea of constantly meeting new people was overwhelming. But somehow, without trying too hard, I found them.

They were the ones sitting next to me in class, bonding over confusing lectures and shared stress. They turned post-exam boba runs into a tradition. We convinced ourselves we deserved a sweet reward after surviving another test.

Those friendships didn’t happen all at once. They grew slowly and naturally. One day, I realized these were the people I couldn’t imagine college without.

There are also the traditions you never expect to love. You wait in a long line every weekend to get into the football stadium. You’re fully aware that your team is probably going to lose.

You stand there anyway, cheering just as loudly. You convince yourself that maybe this time will be different. Even when it isn’t, you leave laughing, knowing you’ll be back next week.

And then there’s fall on campus. It brings cool air, changing leaves, and the feeling that everything is exactly where it should be.

And the Worst of Times

College also teaches you that nothing is ever just one thing. Laundry is not just laundry. It’s finding a three-hour window when you’ll actually be in your dorm.

You check the basement for open machines and run back upstairs to grab your clothes and detergent. Then, you race back down before someone else takes your spot.

You set a timer, come back right on time, and somehow there are still fifteen minutes left. The dryer lies every single time.

Living on your own for the first time is also harder than anyone prepares you for. You’re suddenly responsible for managing your time, your money, your sleep, and your emotions—often all at once.

You learn how to navigate life through trial and error. You miss deadlines, overcommit yourself, and realize that no one is going to remind you to take care of yourself except you.

It can feel overwhelming. It’s like you’re constantly figuring things out as you go, hoping you’re doing it right.

Yes, the dining hall food is worse than you imagine. It’s impossible to find space in the library during finals week. Some days feel overwhelming.

But in between all of that, you grow. College is messy, exhausting, and unforgettable. One day, you’ll look back and realize the hard parts were shaping you into who you’re meant 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! 

The first week of classes has its own extensive list of pros and cons. The dread of a potential icebreaker activity is definitely near the top of the cons list. I would argue that this dread is rather universal among college students.

Who wants to tell a stranger where they would go if they could time travel? It is easy to view this as a cheesy way to spend the first ten minutes of class. But with a little perspective, these random activities can become opportunities.

A Surprise Connection

On my very first day of college, I arrived early for my Psychology 101 class. I was nervous about where to sit and what to expect. I was anxious about starting my journey as a college student.

Then my professor asked us to share our favorite part of summer break with a neighbor. An awkward silence fell over the classroom, and then the girl next to me introduced herself.

We exchanged names and summer highlights. Before I knew it, we were discussing my interest in human development and family studies. That happened to be the same major as my new classmate, Kathy.

For the rest of the semester, we made small talk before class. We also participated in class discussions together.

Building a Support System

Little did I know that for the next four semesters I would see Kathy in my other classes, too. Now, I know her answers to countless icebreakers.

I also have an amazing class friend to sit with, share notes with, and study with. Kathy has supported me through difficult exams and assignments. She is a familiar face around campus and another reason to get up for class.

Embrace the Awkwardness

I encourage you to reconsider the dread associated with icebreakers. While they can be uncomfortable, they are a direct gateway to connection. Plus, everyone in the room is likely just as nervous as you are.

You do not need to find a best friend in every class. However, simply finding a familiar face can make a large lecture hall feel smaller. It makes the college experience less isolating.

So, next time a professor asks you to turn to your neighbor, take a second. Push past the hesitation and say hello. You might be about to meet a great class friend.

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!