Students blog

In college, it can be easy to become overwhelmed with all the campus activities available. With so many clubs, jobs, classes, and opportunities, it’s easy to overcommit and fill your calendar with things you’re only somewhat interested in. But maybe being busy isn’t the problem; how you’re busy can make all the difference.

What if, instead of doing a little of everything, you could build more meaningful experiences with fewer memberships? Taking on leadership roles, showing up consistently, and engaging in smaller events within a few organizations can be far more valuable than being loosely involved in many.

The "Spread Too Thin" Trap

When I first got to the University of Illinois, there were a lot of organizations I wanted to be a part of, and at first, I was. I tried them out, connected with people, and saw how they fit into my schedule.

However, I wasn’t feeling a strong connection with any of them. I made small talk with members but wasn’t building genuine relationships. I saw those around me becoming close and wondered why.

After some reflection, I realized they were showing up to everything and putting one hundred percent into the organizations they cared about. I wanted to do that too, but I was spread too thin.

Finding Your Focus

Eventually, I found the organizations that meant the most to me. I realized I was naturally gravitating toward the Student Alumni Ambassadors and my social fraternity, so I decided to prioritize them.

Instead of trying to do a little of everything, I committed myself more fully to the organizations I was truly passionate about. I showed up to the smaller events, took on leadership opportunities, and made an effort to be consistently involved.

The Rewards of Deeper Involvement

With this change, I found much more than activities to fill my schedule. I made best friends, discovered new homes on campus, and developed a real sense of belonging. The other organizations slowly phased out, but I remained just as busy, if not busier.

The difference was that my time now had greater purpose. Because I was more intentional with my involvement, I was able to make a stronger impact and serve in executive positions. This created more meaningful experiences than I ever could have by spreading myself too thin.

The Return on Investment

College involvement is not about doing as many things as possible. It is about finding the places where your passion naturally pulls you and investing your energy there. Staying intentional with how you spend your time can lead to deeper relationships, stronger leadership opportunities, and a much more fulfilling 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! 

I don’t know about you, but my first-year experience didn’t look like what orientation presented. Sure, I made a few friends here and there, but we never stuck together. And I get it; people say I ought to be more outgoing and reach out, but for me, nothing compared to the amalgamation of judgments I was convinced everyone held about me.

At the end of my first year, I was socially and academically burned out. I was yearning for a space to belong and a group of friends to just talk with. However, making that happen felt uncertain, risky, and scary.

But I knew I had to find this place for myself. To do so, I had to overcome one of my biggest fears: talking to people.

Knowing When to Reach Out

At first, I tried to reach out to classmates. However, the idea of doing so made me very nervous, and I would imagine our future interactions before the first one even happened. I became excessively nervous about my words and body language, which led to social isolation during my first year.

At this point, I realized my anxiety was largely affecting my social life, so I sought help at my university’s counseling center. Everyone’s reasons for pursuing counseling are different; in my case, they greatly influenced the way I made friends. I strongly wanted a place to belong on campus and was willing to go to counseling to do so.

Exploring My Counseling Center's Options

My counseling center at the University of Nevada, Reno, had two buildings: an annex and the main office. The annex offered quick drop-in sessions titled “Let’s Talk,” where a student could come in at any time to discuss anything they wished. This annex provided a safe listening space for students and helped me significantly with social distress on difficult days.

I also took advantage of the main office to treat my social anxiety. I actively participated in group therapy, including an interpersonal therapy group. These sessions helped me challenge the cognitive distortions I had related to social anxiety.

I was able not only to come out of it more socially confident but also to make more friends who experienced the same struggles as I did. Group therapy can foster a sense of community and belonging, helping students feel less isolated.

The Life-Changing Impact

My journey with my university’s counseling services was transformative. It provided a dedicated space to unpack common college struggles, which made me feel less alone. More importantly, I grew confident in my ability to reach out to people without my old habit of overthinking the outcome.

Beyond simply treating social anxiety, counseling taught me invaluable life lessons in self-compassion and communication. My college experience today looks nothing like that isolating first year. I learned that seeking help is not a weakness but a courageous first step toward building the life you want.

I will always be the number one advocate for taking advantage of campus counseling centers, especially if they are included in your tuition. If you feel like you're on the outside looking in, it might just be the key to finding the community you’ve been searching for.

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There’s a difference between walking to class in silence and walking with the right song playing. Same campus, same routine, but everything feels different. The walk feels lighter, and even my movements feel more intentional.

At some point in college, music stopped being background noise. It became a tool I used to shape my mood and make everyday moments feel bigger than they were.

When Everything Felt Heavy

My first year didn’t go as expected. I came in as a biology major, got overwhelmed quickly, and ended the semester sick and drained. I was stressed all the time.

Looking back, I wasn’t really listening to music then. When I did, I would just pick songs that matched how I already felt: slow, sad, and melancholic. I wasn’t trying to change my mood; I was just sitting in it.

A Gift That Changed Everything

At the end of that year, my best friend, CJ, got me a pair of headphones for my birthday. It felt like a small gift, but it changed more than I expected.

I moved off campus for my sophomore year, so my walk to class went from ten to thirty minutes. Without really thinking about it, I started doing something different. I stopped choosing music that matched my mood and started choosing music to change it.

From Campus Walks to L.A. Flights

It started small. On my walks, I’d play my “hot girl walk” playlist, full of upbeat songs by Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Katy Perry that made me feel more confident. My walks began setting the tone for my day, and I noticed I was in a better mood.

Soon, I started making playlists for the mindset I wanted. I wanted to create social media content but was overthinking and worried about being judged. Knowing I had to change my mindset, I made a playlist: “cool girl content creator.”

I built it around the confident person I wanted to become, with songs like “Applause” by Lady Gaga and “Money” by Cardi B. I listened while getting ready, filming, or even just thinking about creating. It made that version of my life feel real.

A few months later, my content took off. I grew to more than 100,000 followers on TikTok, worked with brands, and was invited to YouTube headquarters. Listening to that playlist on the flight to Los Angeles, I felt it all come full circle.

Set the Tone with a Soundtrack

Music went from passive to powerful, helping me move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control.

Start small. Make one playlist based on how you want to feel, not how you feel now. Play it while you’re getting ready or walking to class, and notice the difference.

Next time you put your headphones on, don’t just press play. Think about how you want to feel for that moment, that day, or that week, and choose your soundtrack from there.

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 some college students, sports are a quintessential part of their college experience. The lights, the action, and the warm feeling of unity within the crowd create an unforgettable atmosphere. For those students that want to go behind the scenes, here’s what it takes to contribute to the college athletics experience.

Taking the First Step

In high school, I played volleyball and managed my school’s first men’s volleyball team. I have always had a knack for working behind the scenes in sports and wanted to continue that in college as a first-year student.

I was not sure how to get involved with college athletics, but I knew it was a passion of mine. This was especially true since I was pursuing a sports management certificate.

One day, I saw an email about getting involved in athletics at the University of Pittsburgh. The opportunity that caught my eye most was the ticketing office assistant role. As a finance major, I wanted to learn about the financial side of athletics, as my goal is to work in a corporate setting for athlete entertainment.

From Fan to Insider

Once I got the job and the school year started, I immediately gained hands-on experience. In this role, I worked in ticket sales, customer service, and ticket scanning at a variety of sports games. This gave me direct experience interacting with fans on game day.

I also helped handle customer ticket issues during games, which taught me how to problem-solve quickly in a fast-paced environment. I held weekly office hours where I assisted customers over the phone with ticket purchases, questions, and concerns.

While working at different sporting events, I met other students with various roles in the athletics department. This showed me the many opportunities in the sports industry, such as marketing, game-day operations, media, broadcasting, and team management. The list goes on; if you’re interested in sports, there is a niche for you.

Opening Doors Through Athletics

Working in college athletics has opened many doors for me. It has allowed me to do cool things I would not have been able to do otherwise.

For example, our Division I women’s volleyball team was one of the top teams in the NCAA this past season. Through my job, I had the honor of working at the Sweet 16 tournament hosted in Pittsburgh, an opportunity my younger self would have dreamed of.

If you’re interested in sports, just reach out. Email the athletic department or send a direct message to a team’s social media page. You never know the amazing opportunities you’ll get to 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! 

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is one of the most important tests a pre-med student will take during their undergraduate career. It is a standardized, seven-and-a-half-hour exam required for admission to nearly every medical school in the United States.

The test is divided into four sections: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills; Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior.

As a very Type B student, I lacked the foresight to prepare months in advance. Here is what I did (and what I wish I had done differently) to get my desired MCAT score.

My Study Foundation

As someone who knew I wanted to go into science, I did my best to take good notes in my prerequisite classes. I focused on understanding as much as possible in courses like Biology and General Chemistry. This foundation helped immensely since studying felt mostly like review.

I purchased a study course that created a schedule for me based on my first practice exam results. It also kept me accountable for the material I was supposed to cover each day. I locked myself in my room for one and a half months to study.

Creating a Study Zone

Next, I ensured that I had as few distractions as possible. I bought a cage for my phone and time-restricting apps on my computer. I also bought books and an origami kit for my study breaks.

The MCAT is a computerized test, so most of my studying was done on a computer. This made “no-screen” activities helpful to avoid eye strain.

My Daily Schedule

I studied ten hours a day, with a short break every two hours and one hour for lunch. As test day neared, breaks sometimes felt like a waste of time, but they had a noticeable impact on my brain function and mental health. At the end of each day, I either went to the gym or took a long walk to let go of stress.

Practice Exam Strategy

For the first month, I took an exam every sixth day. For the last two weeks, I took an exam every three days. I spent more time reviewing each test than it took me to take it.

I wrote down my answer and my rationale for it. If it was correct, I stopped there. If it was incorrect, I wrote down the correct answer, the rationale behind it, and why my original answer was incorrect.

What I’d Do Differently

If I were to do it over again, I would extend my study time to a minimum of three months. This would allow me to study fewer hours each day and have more time for spaced repetition. Ten hours a day was honestly too much.

The Final 48 Hours

I took the two days right before my MCAT completely off because my brain was overloaded with information. I spent those days with friends and family, reminding myself that a test score does not define my worth.

The night before the exam, I wrote down a “cheat sheet” of high-yield information such as formulas and diagrams for each topic. I reviewed it before heading out the next morning. My most important note to remember during test-taking is not to second-guess my answers; at that point, I trust that I know more than I might think in the moment.

Final Thoughts

Studying for the MCAT can be a grueling process, but it is manageable. With structure, patience, and self-compassion, you can navigate this challenge. Remember that this test is just one part of your story; the persistence and resilience you build along the way can say more about the physician you will become than any single test score. Good luck!

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! 

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the college experience, sparking a mix of opinions. Some faculty members view AI skeptically due to the high risk of academic integrity violations. While this concern is understandable, there are also many ethical ways to use AI to expedite research and writing, develop unique practice materials, and support studying.

Level Up Your Research and Writing

One common misuse of AI is writing entire essays; instead, it can serve as a powerful academic aid. For instance, I use AI to locate peer-reviewed articles for my essays, which has saved a significant amount of time compared to my previous research process.

Before I begin writing, AI helps me structure my essay. I provide the topic, claim, and reasons, and it suggests an outline. This generates a starting point for the organization of my argument while leaving the actual writing and critical thinking to me.

Ace Your Exams with AI-Generated Practice

Another effective use of AI lies in exam preparation. Before midterms or finals, I upload a practice test to give the AI a sense of the exam format. Then I provide my class notes to ensure the generated questions are relevant to the current unit of study.

From there, the AI creates new practice questions for me. When working through these questions, I challenge myself to explain why my answer is correct. This promotes retention rather than passive memorization.

Practice Real-World Scenarios

A unique function of AI is its ability to generate applied learning scenarios. As an Exercise Science major, I work through case studies in which we determine possible diagnoses.

To prepare, I simulate similar scenarios using voice conversations with AI. This improves my ability to think critically under pressure. It also helps me develop communication skills relevant to clinician–patient interactions that have carried over into my internship.

Conquer Difficult Textbooks

AI can also support learning when tackling difficult textbook chapters. When I face a chapter that isn’t clicking, I turn to AI because it excels at explaining difficult topics.

If your school uses Pearson products, you may have a textbook with AI integrated into the e-text. This feature has allowed me to stay engaged with the material instead of getting discouraged if I get confused.

Partnering with AI

Ultimately, artificial intelligence is an evolving technology that has the potential to impact us in our education and careers. When used correctly, AI does not replace critical thinking; it enhances it. By integrating AI as a tool rather than a shortcut, students can improve their efficiency and deepen their understanding.

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! 

Choosing to become a mother while in graduate school was a decision that added a profound layer of complexity to my life. While I knew pregnancy brought physical, emotional, and mental demands, I found that layering on the discipline and commitment of my graduate program intensified the experience.

There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and discouraged, especially as my due date approached. I discovered, however, that this unique combination of graduate school and early motherhood could also be a source of motivation and personal growth. Rather than hindering my success, this journey has become a source of strength, purpose, and transformation.

The Challenges I Faced

One of the most immediate challenges was the physical toll that pregnancy and a busy schedule were taking. I experienced fatigue, back pain, and fluctuating energy levels that made reading-intensive assignments and late-night study sessions a new kind of challenge.

As my due date approached, my symptoms intensified, and I found it harder to maintain the pace my coursework demanded. Tasks that were once easy required more time and patience than I could have imagined. Emotionally, I felt the combined pressure just as heavily.

My pregnancy brought waves of anxiety and self-doubt. Balancing doctor’s appointments, preparing for labor, and managing all the changes in my life while trying to meet academic deadlines felt like a demanding juggling act. I constantly worried about falling behind, disappointing my professors, or not meeting my own standards.

I also wasn’t prepared for the unsolicited opinions and assumptions of others. I often felt an unspoken pressure to choose one priority over the other. This forced me to rethink my entire approach to time management; I had to start assignments earlier, recognize breaks as essential, and make multitasking a daily reality.

Finding Strength in the Struggle

Despite these challenges, I found the experience of being pregnant while in my graduate program to be incredibly empowering. I believe the reality of becoming a mother strengthened my own qualities of patience, resilience, and determination—traits that served me well in my academic work. I felt newly motivated to succeed, knowing I was building a future for my child, not just working for myself.

This new sense of purpose fueled a discipline and ambition I hadn’t tapped into before. My pregnancy forced me to develop stronger planning, communication, and problem-solving skills. In my own life, my priorities became clearer, and distractions became less appealing.

I learned to work smarter, focusing on effective strategies instead of last-minute stress. Navigating this path strengthened my sense of identity by showing me that I could achieve my personal, academic, and professional goals all at once.

Completing my degree under these circumstances became my own testament to resilience and commitment. This balancing act taught me grace and showed me that it was okay to rest, ask for help, and progress at a pace that honored both the mother and the student within me.

A Defining Chapter

My experience of being pregnant while finishing grad school was undeniably challenging. It brought physical strain, emotional hurdles, and constant adjustments.

Yet, it also became one of the most rewarding and transformative chapters of my life. I found that instead of hindering my academic success, my pregnancy was a powerful motivator that drove me toward a greater sense of purpose and focus. It strengthened my skills and reinforced my resilience.

I share my story as an example of how motherhood and higher education can coexist. For me, this journey was not only possible but became a defining chapter of courage, dedication, and triumph.

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! 

Artificial intelligence isn’t sci-fi anymore. It’s reality. And it’s already showing up in the jobs students are preparing for right now. Whatever your field, AI is changing what your future day-to-day work might look like.

A Shifting Focus in Education

Take education, for example. Teachers can use AI tools to help create lesson plans, generate quizzes, and even give feedback on assignments. This doesn’t mean teachers won’t exist in a few years (it would be pretty strange to have a robot as a teacher); their roles are simply shifting.

Instead of spending hours on grading or organizing, teachers can focus on connecting with students, supporting different learning needs, and making lessons more engaging. In other words, the human side of teaching is in the spotlight.

A New Assistant for Business

In the business and finance world, AI is basically a new personal assistant through tools like Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT Enterprise. It can analyze huge amounts of data, predict trends, and even help companies make decisions faster. Tasks that used to take hours can now happen in seconds.

These roles are becoming less about repetitive tasks and more about understanding the bigger picture. New skills for future professionals include thinking critically about what AI is telling them and asking good questions.

A Creative Tool for the Arts

The arts are where things get interesting. AI can now do everything from creating images to composing music (some of which is surprisingly good). But is that still “creativity”? Is it replacing artists? The answer isn’t simple.

While AI can generate content, it still relies on human direction and ideas. Many artists are using AI as a tool to experiment and push their creativity further. Instead of art dying out, its creation process is evolving and its possibilities are expanding.

Navigating Career Uncertainty

So what jobs are actually “safe”? That’s the question many students are asking, and honestly, there’s no clear answer.

You could argue that repetitive, predictable tasks are the easiest for machines to replicate. Careers that involve creativity, problem-solving, communication, and human connection might be more insulated from AI advancements.

It’s completely normal to feel a little anxious about this. The idea that the job you’re working so hard toward could change, or even disappear, is stressful. But remember, that’s only one side of the story.

New Opportunities and Skills

There are careers now that didn’t exist a few years ago, such as AI engineers, data scientists, and roles focused on ensuring AI is used ethically. More are being created as technology evolves.

Even in traditional fields, people who know how to use AI effectively will have a huge advantage. Today’s world requires students and professionals to keep learning and adapting to new technology.

The Future Is Human + AI

The bottom line? The future isn’t about humans versus AI; it’s about humans working with AI.

As a student, the best thing you can do is stay curious, learn new tools, and build skills that machines can’t copy. Workplace dynamics are changing, but that also means there are more opportunities than ever before to find your place.

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

I love my school: the town, the weather, and the people. It all feels like a home away from home. However, that hasn’t always been the case.

A Big Leap to a Big School

As an incoming first-year student, I was aware of what a huge leap it was in my life, and the town I can now see myself living in forever felt far less comfortable back then. I came to Auburn from out of state without a single friend to a school larger than thirty of my high schools combined.

Ultimately, a big, competitive school was the right choice for me. That’s not to say a small school isn’t the right option for others—that was my original choice until I made a last-minute leap to a big one. This post is about my experience getting involved at a big school where getting involved is competitive.

Facing My First Rejection

As a competitive high school snare drummer, it was my dream to bring my love for drumming to an awesome band like Auburn’s. I worked day in and day out to learn the music and technique. But I simply wasn’t ready for the line, and I got cut toward the end of auditions. In that moment, I realized I wouldn’t have the type of musical support system that had gotten me through high school to ease my transition to college.

I checked Auburn’s involvement website. I bookmarked everything that interested me and, for the most part, put it out of my mind until after orientation.

The Search for Connection

Attending orientation did little to calm my nerves. What if I didn’t make friends, connections, or lifelong memories? Those thoughts ran through my head, and they didn’t ease up in the first few months of school.

That’s when I decided to go all in on finding what I loved to do on campus. I tried everything from mock trial to jazz band.

To my chagrin, I kept getting rejected by the places where I thought I had a guaranteed spot. The only organization that extended me an offer was student media, and I had no idea what being a news anchor entailed.

The Turning Point

Even with no background in media, I went all in on what I could do. I anchored and worked hard at reporting. By the end of the semester, I had real work to show for it.

Additionally, I stayed involved with my church and tried to meet as many people as I could. Still, I didn’t quite feel at home yet.

Christmas break arrived, and I couldn’t wait to go home. But when I returned to school, it suddenly felt different. I had come to love it more than I realized by unknowingly investing in all that I could.

Love Your School, and It Will Love You Back

If you love your school, your work, and your life, they will love you back. And that’s all up to you. Thankfully, you’re at a time in your life when you can choose what that looks like for the first time.

Pursue what you love, and don’t get discouraged when you fall. You don’t have to give up something you love just because you fall once. I never gave up drumming, and now I’m in two bands just for fun.

That love pays off.

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!