Students blog

As a college student it can be difficult to stay organized, especially with the amount of classes you are taking on top of extracurricular activities and work. With everything going on, it is of the utmost importance to find a way to organize your time. There are many different ways – you just have to find the one that works best for you!

Personally, I like to utilize Google Calendar. This virtual tool provides a calendar along with a to-do list. This is the perfect combination for me because I can view my weekly schedule and the assignments I need to complete side-by-side.

In my weekly calendar, I add the events I have every week. This helps me be on time and prevents me from missing anything important. The calendar aspect also allows me to enter in events for the whole month, but I tend to get overwhelmed when I see everything at once. One of my main tips, if you’re like me, is to take it day-by-day. This will keep you from getting overwhelmed with the amount of work you have.

Another tool that Google Calendar has is a to-do list. I input all the assignments I have for the week with the dates they are due. This is one of my favorite tools to use because I can check each task off my list. When I get things done it’s very rewarding to check each one off!

I have made it a habit to check my calendar daily, and this helped me achieve all A’s in my first year of college. I found it very important to stay organized because as college students we have so much on our plates. On top of school and the three jobs I work, I am also the president of an organization at my school. Being organized and sticking to a routine has allowed me to have balance. I still have time to go to the gym every day, hang out with friends, and do things that I love!

Whether you use a virtual tool or a traditional planner, take the time to find the organization tool that works best for you. I believe that being organized will significantly improve the trajectory of your life.

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While growing up, I was always involved in sports in various aspects. Whether I was playing on the field, supporting my siblings, or watching games on television, sports was a part of nearly everything I did. This happened quickly from a young age. At the time it didn’t occur to me that sports could be an area where I’d find my future career.

First There Was Football

My favorite sport to watch has always been football. Football has always been a big thing in my family, from Friday night lights to NFL Sundays. I have always enjoyed the lively and social atmosphere on game days. This led me to wanting to pursue a football game day staff position at my local university during my senior year of high school. I enjoyed every minute of my experience there.

Campus Job

As soon as I started college, I reached out to acquire a similar position and was hired by my university’s athletic department as an Event Services and Facilities Operations Student Assistant. In my role, I get to work and connect with so many staff members across the various different athletic departments, as well as external visitors who use our facilities on campus.

Taking It to the Next Level

This past semester, I recently started a position as a football equipment manager. This has been one of my favorite positions, since in this role I get to be more involved with what happens on the field and not just the stadium. Although both of my roles include many long and busy days and nights, I believe that getting involved in the sports industry has been one of the best experiences so far.

Over the last three years, I have gained and developed numerous skills, such as communication and time management, that have been beneficial outside of work. I have had the best experience working in the sports industry so far, which is why I have decided to pursue a career within the industry after graduation. My goal is to someday work in event operations at a professional sports stadium or arena.

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College is a stressful time for many freshmen as establishing a new group of friends can be a difficult thing to achieve. Expression and discovery are two things that every college student will look at when arriving at school. These things can be very hard to come by and it can be difficult to even start to think about how to put yourself out there. Here are four ideas to help you find your niche in this new environment.

Have Some Variety

Build some variety into your course schedule. This will encourage you to meet many types of people throughout all your classes and can lead to different types of connections.

Join Some Clubs

Club involvement is crucial to getting connected to a new school. At Michigan State, we have something called Sparticipation in both the fall and spring semesters. This is a giant club fair for all the clubs on campus. Your school most likely has something similar. Attend the event and talk to the people representing different groups. You can also see if they have an information QR code or a signup list to sign up for emails from that club! In connection with this, look at any school-related social media accounts and posts to discover clubs you are interested in. Reach out to them through their direct messages or see if there is an information link in their account.

Speak to Your Advisor

Have discussions with your advisor. Advisors can often open your mind to your options and give you advice on good clubs and organizations to join to make the most of your college experience. Getting to know your advisors can improve your college experience and enhance job opportunities for the future.

Be Yourself

My final tip is something that may appear to be basic but be yourself. While going around campus just be true to yourself and be open to new opportunities. Just do what makes you happy and positive experiences will come your way.

There will definitely be challenging times during college, but many very fulfilling times as well. Try everything you can, have a good time and enjoy some of the best years 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! 

When I was a freshman in college, I had no idea what an internship was, how to obtain one, or the astonishing benefits that can be attained after completing one. If you are anything like I was that first year, being initially nervous about giving up your summer for an internship may seem daunting. Now I can say that having an internship during my freshman year was the best decision for my professional career and has helped me develop qualities and skills that will lead to the trajectory of my success. Here are five things that you can learn during your internship that will set you ahead!

Career Exploration

Internships are a fantastic method for students to familiarize themselves with the field they are interested in, and exploring is a crucial component of the college experience. Freshmen may choose a major while having no real idea what an actual career in that area will look like. Obtaining an internship during your freshman year will allow you to gain experience in your intended field and can help you determine if it's the correct field for you. Or you may learn that this could be the right field, but not the exact job you want to pursue anymore. Students who interned early are more likely to feel assured that they made the proper degree choice by the time they graduate.

Network Establishment

Internships are a useful method to widen your professional network. Professional contacts you meet could be the most important link to your future employment, so having genuine and authentic relationships with your employer and co-workers is essential. Put simply, performing your best work will speak for itself and will make it easy for others to advocate for you in the future. Also, your intern supervisors can be useful in the future for recommendations and referrals, so making a good impression can be beneficial.

Real-World Experience

One of the most significant advantages of internships is the invaluable hands-on job experience that is provided, which cannot be achieved in a classroom setting. Interns have the chance to put their newly gained knowledge to use in real work situations while also getting a firsthand look at the typical tasks associated with their chosen sector. The opportunity to work on actual projects that benefit the company is not only surreal but insightful. Interns gain skills including communication and teamwork, in addition to the specialized knowledge of a certain industry, which helps prepare them for the workforce after graduation.

Skills Training

An internship is a great way to discover your talents and limitations. Internships provide unique learning experiences and allow for feedback from supervisors and others who are established in the industry. You may not have that type of opportunity once you’re in a full-time role. Get the most out of your internship training experience by asking questions, paying attention, and taking chances. Also developing those hard skills specifically catered to your major can help with future employment and opportunities.

Financial Compensation

Lastly, having an internship during your freshman year could potentially lead to financial compensation. Some students have unpaid internships which can still offer great opportunities to learn and develop. But more and more companies realize the value in offering paid internships. Being paid for performing tasks and projects for a job that you enjoy gives you a preview of what your future career can entail. Having money to pay for school and to save for the following school year is also a bonus.

Overall, having an internship early has so many positive factors that will benefit you professionally and personally. Taking that first step will not only help you build your confidence but will also assist you in piloting a triumphant career!

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! 

It’s a Saturday in the fall, the weather is a crisp fall breeze in the air. Melrose Avenue is crowded with tailgates, food trucks, fan shops, and the colors black and gold flood the sidewalk and streets. This is the scene of an Iowa Hawkeye Football game day. As a student coming to the University of Iowa, this was the experience I could not wait to have. I could barely wait to start attending the tailgates, spending time with my friends, and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes play on Saturdays.

Inside the stadium, a tradition takes place every game after the first quarter – the tradition that is greater than football – the Hawkeye Wave. This is the moment in the game where the team, fans, and opponents wave to the patients in the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, which sits adjacent to the Hawkeye’s Kinnick Stadium. This is the moment in the game where the teams come together and support the children and families who are receiving care.

As a student that has experienced this chilling moment, it has taught me that there are greater things in life than going to football games. No matter how many times I have had this experience, I have chills rush down my body. I’ve taken three inspirations from the Hawkeye Wave: to be thankful for what I have, to give back to the community, and finally, to smile and wave.

Be Grateful

One way I show gratitude is by writing down three things I am thankful for in a journal before bed. This has allowed me to reflect on my day and be thankful for what I have and not dwell on what I do not have. Other ways I show gratitude is by reaching out to friends or family who I haven’t talked to in a while and letting them know I am thinking about them and hope they are well. If you are reading this, it is your reminder to reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while, share how much you appreciate them!

Give Back

As a college student, I have many opportunities to give back to those in need. A few ways I have done this is by creating cards for cancer patients, volunteering at a local elementary school, and participating in blood drives. I am fortunate to be on a campus that offers and advertises so many ways to give back to the community. Even though I may not be recognized for my efforts, I appreciate the feeling of knowing I have helped individuals in my community. I am working to encourage others to seek out opportunities to give back to the community because I believe no matter who you are, you have a gift to share with this world.

Smile and Wave

From a young age, my mom always told me to treat others with kindness. One small way to show kindness is through simply smiling and waving. If you know the person, greet them with their name and tell them how great it is to see them. If it is a stranger, just take a second to smile and wave. At the end of the day, you never know who may need the extra positivity and kindness.

I find these three actions – keeping a gratitude journal, volunteering, and greeting others – help make me feel a little more fulfilled. Every small act of kindness can make a difference.

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! 

Podcasts have become a valuable tool in higher education, offering numerous benefits to students and educators. For students, podcasts offer a more conversational and engaging approach to learning. They can be accessed anytime and anywhere, allowing students to engage with educational content at their own pace. A study conducted by researchers at Kent State University found that students felt weekly podcast summaries enhanced their comprehension and helped with test preparation, resulting in higher mean test scores (Francom et al., 2011). For educators, podcasts offer a medium to extend their reach and share their expertise with a wider audience. Podcasts can also supplement in-person lectures by providing additional explanations, examples, and real-world applications. 

In my experience, having access to a podcast that was hosted by one of my professors, who also wrote the textbook for the course, provided a credible resource that enhanced my knowledge of the subject. What made it particularly valuable was that all the information was seamlessly synced across various learning platforms, including online lectures, podcast episodes, and eText. As a student who appreciates multitasking, I found the availability of a podcast format to be a game-changer. It allowed me to engage with the course material without being glued to my screen or textbook. I could listen to the podcast while going for a walk, cooking, or commuting, which helped me make the most of my time. Moreover, one of the standout benefits of podcasts is the conversational tone they provide compared to traditional in-person lectures. The podcast format made learning feel more interactive and engaging, as if I were conversing with the professor. Additionally, I had the flexibility to pause, rewind, and replay sections, which allowed me to reinforce key concepts at my own pace and ensure a solid understanding. Overall, the availability and convenience of the podcast format, along with its conversational nature and self-paced learning opportunities, enriched my education.

I am a fan of the Pearson Body Unboxed podcast episodes because they provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the concepts discussed in the textbooks, all while maintaining relevance and covering trending topics. What I truly appreciate about the episodes co-hosted by Dr. Joan Salge Blake is that every episode features real-world issues from some of the top nutrition scientists, writers, and researchers. This is especially important to me because I want to know that the information that I am listening to is current and accurate. Moreover, the podcasts have the perfect duration. As a student, I often struggle with extended periods of listening to a single person discussing a topic. Thankfully, the podcast episodes are around 30 minutes in length, allowing them to cover the key concepts effectively. This concise format also proves beneficial when it comes to note-taking for studying purposes. The Pearson Body Unboxed podcast episodes are invaluable resources that encourage students to focus on the essential concepts and provide a refreshing break from in-person lectures and textbook reading.

Podcasts have revolutionized higher education by offering a wide range of benefits for both students and educators. The availability of podcasts from reputable sources provides students with additional resources and insights to enhance their understanding of course materials. Incorporating podcasts into higher education can enrich the learning experience and support student's academic success.

Source:

Francom, J., Ryan, T., & Kariuki, M. (2011). The Effects of Podcasting on College Student Achievement and Attitude. Journal of the Research Center for Educational Technology, 7(1). Retrieved July 12, 2023, from https://rcetj.org/index.php/rcetj/article/view/117/236

When I started college in 2021, I was very self-conscious about the direction my life was heading in. While other freshmen had grand plans about what they wanted to major in, I had no clue about what major would be best for me. I talked to so many of my classmates and was amazed at the career paths I heard. Pre-nursing, computer science, engineering – their confident declarations only highlighted my own indecisiveness. How did they come to these conclusions at the ripe age of 18, and how could I find a major that sparked the same passion within me?

Assess the Journey

At the start of this journey, not knowing my major made me feel inadequate and lost. I knew that a major I was happy with was not going to fall into my lap, I was going to have to work for it. So, the first step was narrowing down my options. I scrutinized the curriculum of the majors I was interested in, considering which classes might pose challenges and whether I was willing to invest the effort required to overcome them. Additionally, I assessed the job prospects available in each field post-graduation. These self-reflection exercises helped me streamline my choices, bringing me one step closer to a decision.

Apply, Apply, Apply

While this whittled down my choices for a major, I still did not have a clear idea about what I wanted to pursue. My fear was that if I chose a major without getting involved in the subject first, I’d realize that I didn’t like it. Therefore, my next step was to experience my options firsthand. My advice is: if you’re struggling to choose a major, go out there and apply for opportunities that get you immersed into your prospective major(s)! If you can take introductory courses for the major, take them. If you can get involved in volunteer opportunities, do it.

Develop Your Passion

For me, because I was deciding between a marketing degree or an information systems degree, I joined my university’s honors college marketing team. Then, to learn more about a field in a similar ballpark to marketing, I did a PR externship where I got to network with a local PR professional. Outside of professional opportunities, I took lots of classes pertaining to information systems and marketing. These experiences enhanced my resume and developed my skills as a young professional, which is paramount during college. Not only that, but it also served as a compass that guided me towards a major I knew I would love. In the end, I confidently declared as a marketing major halfway through my sophomore year.

Trust the Process

I thought not knowing what I wanted to major in was a major burden, but I was surprised to learn that it is an immense gift. It’s so empowering to say to yourself, “I don’t know where I’m going, but I will figure it out in due time.” It is so empowering to put in the work and trust the process. Don’t shy away from the indecisiveness – lean into it and grow from it.

Seek the Best Version of Yourself

To any fellow students struggling with choosing a major, I implore you not to be too hard on yourselves. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and trust that the right path will reveal itself in due time. Seek guidance from academic advisors, attend career fairs, and engage in internships or volunteer work. Make connections with professionals in the fields you're considering, and don't hesitate to ask for their insights.

Remember, college is not solely about obtaining a degree; it's about nurturing your passions, developing new skills, and evolving into the best version of yourself.

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! 

College is an exciting time for many young adults. For most, it’s their first time away from home and they have an opportunity to explore the world on their own. However, with this newfound freedom comes a lot of stress. This stress is something that I had a hard time handling properly. It took a toll not only on my mental health, but my physical health as well.

During my freshman year I found myself locked in my room and doing homework all the time. I struggled to allow myself to do anything besides homework and felt a level of stress when I did. I never went to the gym, wasn’t staying active, and most importantly I wasn’t eating the best. I would often catch myself getting stuck in a “buffet mentality” at the dining hall and constantly never felt full. This led to me eating pizza and drinking soda with nearly every meal.

Coming into college I was a little underweight for my height, and all I wanted was to put on some muscle. Instead, I put on fat, and quite a bit of it. Although eating was my main issue, never going to the gym didn’t help. By the time Christmas break came around I could tell I had put on some pounds, and not in the way I wanted. I knew I had to make a change. Instead of letting stress control my life, I used it to fuel my motivation to find interests that helped me escape, whether it was going to the gym or doing some other physical activity.

Don’t let the stress of college control your life like it controlled mine. Physical health is one of the most important things that lead to a long life. You also need to watch what you put in your body as fatty and unhealthy foods can lead to you feeling worse about yourself and increase the stress you already feel.

There is more to college than just the school portion. Remember that and always try to take care of your body both physically and mentally.

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Everyone tells you that getting involved within your school is so important, and I am living proof that this is true! I transferred to Texas A&M my sophomore year of college, and I felt like the smallest fish in the biggest pond. Texas A&M has a strong community of valuing involvement and finding your place, but it can be hard to find how you belong, especially as a transfer student. I decided to dive in headfirst to find ways to get involved and from that moment, my collegiate life changed. Through joining various student organizations, I found my calling to serve other people within my university and to build a massive community of friends and supporters in this brand-new place that I’ve learned to call home.

Greek Life and Community Service

My sorority has given me the chance to meet some of my best friends while serving in a philanthropic setting. I have also participated in a women's organization that benefited the youth in my area. We went to local elementary schools and read to the students to help improve their literacy rates by the time they were in third grade. Being a part of my university’s student government association has given me a completely different facet to be able to serve my peers and my university. I get to be a part of bringing our traditions to life through the events that we host, connecting the new generations of Aggies with the former students of Texas A&M.

Fish Camp

The most impactful organization that I have had the honor of being a part of is Texas A&M’s extended freshman orientation experience called Fish Camp. This is an Aggie’s first tradition in which incoming freshmen spend 2 nights and 3 days learning all that A&M has to offer. Students begin their college experience meeting new friends and getting to know what it is like to come together as an Aggie family and build lifelong relationships and connections to their peers and to their university.

Now let’s talk about how you can get involved on your campus! Getting involved is a critical part of making the most out of these 4 short years that we get in college. It gives you the opportunity to find out who you truly are, and to better yourself through the skills you’ll learn and connections you’ll make. You’ll build a community of life-long friends as you find ways to give back to your school and your community. Find a way to get involved today!

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!