Students blog

Going to the University of Tennessee, I am constantly reminded of how beautiful my campus is and why it’s called “Rocky Top,” but we all tend to forget the natural beauty of the world. As college students, we are subject to submerging our heads into our laptops to meet deadlines and study for important tests; however, college students agree to set the electronics down and go outside for Earth Day every year. With many opportunities at my disposal, I tend to go outside very often. There are 3 places that have made it to the top of my list, but every day outside reminds me why this act is important.

Ozone Falls in Rockwood, Tennessee

Last year for Earth Day, my roommate & I visited Ozone Falls in Rockwood, Tennessee. This destination has a large waterfall accompanied by a large swimming hole at the bottom. When we arrived, we were expecting a long hike, but to our surprise this gem was easily accessible. The sight itself was breathtaking, but the freezing water of the swimming hole continued that feeling.

Yonah Mountain, Georgia

In the fall, I traveled down to the Georgia area and hiked Yonah Mountain with a friend. The hike itself was taxing, but the view at the top was so rewarding. It reminded me that the hard things don’t come easy, and there are so many hidden gems that people are unaware of because of the demanding work it takes.

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

More recently, I made my way across the country to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. My family & I visited the Wolf Creek Ski Resort which happened to be a hidden snow gem with some of the most snow in the state. We were all able to enjoy awesome powder every day, and I was able to fall without worrying about breaking my arm.

I have not stopped thinking about these three spots since I visited them, and I will probably be a returning customer. I found myself present in the moment without digging into my phone, and I was able to fully enjoy the views in front of me. Most importantly, these areas have influenced me to explore and find similar places.

Our Earth is beautiful, and we forget that way too often as we distract ourselves with electronics. There are many separate places to visit in every state and escape from the stressful world we live in. This is your sign to start going outside every day, not just Earth Day!

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Being a Pearson Campus Ambassador (PCA) has truly been an amazing journey, and when I started as a PCA I had no idea all the amazing things that would be in store for me. I am excited to get the opportunity to share some of that journey as I conclude my time at Pearson as I graduate.

Opportunities and Experience

One of the best things about the PCA Program is that you get out what you put in. If you are willing to put in the work, the opportunities will find you. As you get more opportunities in the program, you will gain some great experience that will help set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs and other external opportunities. In addition to summer internships, Pearson also offers micro-internships which allow you to complete short-term internship experiences during the school year. In my 2.5 years with Pearson, I worked two summer internships and one micro-internship in addition to my job as a Pearson Campus Ambassador and Regional Coordinator. These opportunities helped strengthen my resume and gave me a wealth of experience to pull from when interviewing and working different jobs. These opportunities also allowed me to get a better understanding of what I wanted to do for work following graduation.

Traveling

Being a part of the PCA Program also allowed me to travel to different parts of the country. In my time as a PCA, I was able to travel to Dallas, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, and Austin. Whether I was traveling for a special project, an internship, or a leadership summit, each trip was special, and I had a great time. Pearson takes great care of its employees, and that was made evident on these trips. During these trips, I got to visit different Pearson offices, including our corporate U.S. headquarters. I also got to meet many Pearson professionals as well as some of my fellow PCAs whom I had only met virtually up until that point.

Connections and Camaraderie

The connections I’ve made and the camaraderie that exists at Pearson and within the PCA Program are something that I will never forget. I had the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest students across the country. I had the chance to lead and mentor some of the most amazing students across Texas and Louisiana as the Regional Coordinator of the Central Region. I got to see so many friendships and people blossom and grow because of the PCA Program. It allows you have a connection in almost every state and city in this program. Our managers, sales reps, and various Pearson employees helped promote this camaraderie and sense of community. Everyone, from the CEO and the Presidents to our respective managers, were easily accessible. In my time at Pearson, I had multiple sit-downs with the CEO, as well as meetings with the former President of Higher Ed and the Chief Human Resources Officer.

As you can see, I had a great experience as a Pearson Campus Ambassador. I’ve had the opportunity to do some things that most other 22-year-old college graduates can’t say they have done. I have learned so many transferable skills that I will take with me into my next role. Pearson was one of the best things that could have happened to me in my college career, and it is the best job you can have as a college student.

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Spring is here! Many students have returned from spring break and are now headed full-speed to the end of the term. With the stress of impending exams and project due dates it’s easy to not take time to prioritize yourself first and pause to take in Spring. Here are some of my favorite things to do to make the most of this season!

Outdoor study sessions

This perfect in-between weather allows for the opportunity to sit out in the sun and study. Finding a great, quiet place to study on campus such as a park or courtyard will enhance your focus with the fresh air. Invite your friends to come with you and step out of your apartment or dorm.

Stay active

Take your workout outside! Whether it's going for a run, playing sports, or taking a walk, physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels. An after class walk around your campus with your friends is one of the best mood boosters for the semester.

Spring cleaning

Take time and declutter and organize the space around you. Having a clean and tidy space will motivate you to get through your midterms and finals which are around the corner. Every day try to make your bed and clean your desk to start and end your day.

Plan a trip

After those midterms you deserve a break from studying and the campus. Book a trip home or to one of your favorite places. Take the time to unwind and relax from the school setting and let your mind focus on yourself to take a breath. Having something to look forward to besides the summer will allow you to take some stress off your mind.

Practice self-care

It is important to prioritize yourself during the academic year. Whether it is going on that walk, eating healthy, enjoying your favorite hobby, practicing mindfulness, make sure to do something for yourself.

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With the steadily rising cost of tuition, it is becoming increasingly vital to understand the financial implications of pursuing a degree after high school. From the year 2000 to 2021, the average cost of tuition for four-year schools was driven up by 69% due to a variety of economic factors. But what does this mean for those currently enrolled in, or applying to pursue, a four-year degree? The bottom line is that when it comes to considering going to college, education is an investment and must be tackled as such – especially if you intend on taking out loans.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. Before making any financial decisions, you should consult with a qualified financial advisor who can assess your situation.

The process of funding your college degree will vary drastically depending on your situation. Moving to a university to study will generally be expensive for many; however, scholarships and grants are given based on high school academic performance (GPA, standardized tests), extracurriculars (sports, clubs), and financial need. Beyond these, there are many other ways to support your expenses before relying on debt.

Applying for a job sounds obvious, but many students shy away from the idea. I have spoken to many college students who are under the impression that working on campus is a threat to their education, consuming time and adding more tension to the already burdensome schedule of a college student. While this may be true in some cases, there are plenty of opportunities out there that offer a flexible work environment while supporting a student in their education.

“Work Study”, or FWS, is a need-based federal program that aims to support students financially while allowing them to gain valuable work experience. In my experience, I’ve seen work-study students employed in administrative departments, gyms, and other facilities. The program is based on the idea that eligible students are on a full-time schedule which is reflected in the flexibility of scheduling. More information can be found on studentaid.gov.

Alternative sources of employment can also include remote work or part-time shifts at surrounding campus businesses. It is possible to find remote work through LinkedIn and other career platforms that can support a flexible work schedule. Personally, working as a Campus Ambassador for Pearson gives me a chance to support my college life while working on campus. To explore opportunities that you may be eligible for, it is worth a visit to your university career center for advice on how to apply and prepare for recruitment. Additionally, businesses on or near your campus may be looking for help. It is worth stopping at local companies you are interested in working for or have prior experience with to see if they are looking for part-time employees. Moreover, if you work a summer job, saving most of your income will benefit you during the year as well.

Another way to look at covering the cost is if you can’t increase your income, decrease your spending. There are many ways to do this, but I would recommend:

• Tracking your monthly expenses
• Prioritizing essentials
• Limiting dining out, entertainment, and shopping
• Cooking at home

These are four habits that have allowed me to fund a significant portion of my college experience myself. However, it is also important to create a healthy balance to make the most out of your college experience. Understand that violating your budget in college occasionally is often negligible and sometimes inevitable – it is the habits that stick. Ultimately, that idea goes for both sides of the coin. As I learned in my finance classes, compounding has drastic effects in the long run. Therefore, making consistently wise financial decisions is a key step in obtaining a college degree.

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Looking for something fulfilling to do in your free time? Service is a great way to get involved on your campus and serve those who are less fortunate. It also helps you meet new people, make connections, and have experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. As college students, we spend most of our time on our campus, so my goal is to provide you with ways to find service opportunities and get involved at your school.

My Experience

I am a sophomore at the University of Dayton, and I have already been fortunate enough to participate in multiple service activities. Most recently I helped with Dayton’s Christmas on Campus, which is a night of fun activities on campus that young children in the Dayton area can enjoy. I rode on one of the buses that went to pick up second grade students from a local school, and I was able to interact and hang out with them on the ride back to campus, where they were paired with a buddy and were free to roam around and enjoy the experience. Many of the schools that attend are in poorer areas, so it gives the kids there a fun thing to do around the holidays. It was a very rewarding experience, and I’m glad I took part.

Ways to Get Involved at Your School

Oftentimes, the reason that people don’t participate in service is because they are unaware of the opportunities around them. I quickly found Dayton’s service website by looking up “University of Dayton Service.” I was introduced to many different service options and learned that we have 40+ clubs dedicated to service. I encourage you to try the same search with your school and the results will probably surprise you. I tried this search with various other schools across the country and every school had at least one page detailing service opportunities that they offer.

Another great pathway to service is Greek Life. I know that Greek Life is not for everyone, but you don’t always have to actually be a member of a fraternity or sorority to take part in their various service activities. Following various Greek organizations on social media will keep you up to date with service opportunities they are hosting, and often it is as simple as donating money for a good cause. A few fun ones I have taken part in were people donating a few dollars to pie me in the face, and playing in a basketball tournament for women’s health. There are great opportunities everywhere, you just have to know where to find them!

To wrap things up, service is a fulfilling way to spend your time, and it is something you should always approach with an open mind. I have been hesitant to commit to service opportunities in the past, but every time I said yes, I have been so pleased with my experience. I encourage you to take action at your school and bring along some of your friends. You won’t regret it.

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Stress and burnout are something we all face, and as college students, it is only a matter of time before we experience one of these common issues. How can both stress and burnout be better managed? Here are some tips and tricks that tremendously helped me:

Switch up your routine

If you’re like me, then a routine is crucial to help you stay organized and efficient when going through your daily responsibilities. However, the same routine over an extended period can become monotonous. To help keep things fresh, re-arrange your routine every few months to trick your brain into thinking it’s doing something new.

Have a designated work area

With remote work/school becoming more prevalent in the last few years, the line between both work and play has become blurred. As a result, your home which used to be a place of relaxation has become a second office. Not being able to take a step back from academic and professional responsibilities can exacerbate stress levels and make it feel as if you have no breaks. One way to help mitigate these feelings is to have specified areas of work. Some of these places could be the school library, the office, a coffee shop, or a specific room in your home. Try to keep your work confined to these areas so you’re not bringing it along into other aspects of your life.

Implement self-care into your daily routine

‘Self-care’ is a phrase that is often used, and most people will have a specific self-care routine or evening. Although that is a nice way to treat yourself on occasion, self-care doesn’t have to be some big ritualistic thing performed infrequently. Little acts of self-care daily provide little goals for you to work towards throughout the day. For example, if you complete two hours of work then afterwards allow yourself to eat a sweet treat or 15 minutes on your phone. Small incentives such as those can help you to stay motivated throughout the day.

Block out your work

When you first receive a project or assignment, looking at the “big picture” can be daunting. Instantly you will feel both discouraged and deterred. Instead chunk out portions for you to complete over time. This will help you to feel accomplished throughout the process as you’ll be hitting milestones throughout. It should also help alleviate stress levels.

De-compress after a long day

The “daily grind” can be exhausting, which is why it is important to provide yourself with an outlet to de-compress and recharge for the next day. This can be accomplished through something as simple as journaling, getting some exercise, or spending time with friends and family…whatever activity that helps you to relax and de-stress!

Now that I have provided some of my best tips to manage stress and burnout, I hope that you will be able to implement some of them into your routine!

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Almost everyone gets the same speech when they are preparing to enter college: make friends, go out, and have fun – but never too much fun! As important as it is for college students to discover new things about themselves and jump at fun opportunities, maintaining their GPA, attending class, and forming a good relationship with their professors should come first. The general college idea is that while it is important to nurse a social life and make meaningful memories, achievement in academics should always be prioritized and a good work-life balance needs to be implemented if they want to be successful.

The Challenge of Being a Student Athlete

However, every student’s experience is not the same, and student athletes are faced with an entirely different beast when they enter college. When a student is already working to manage a healthy academic and social life, sports become a large time and energy commitment on top of schoolwork when they are already taxing activities on their own. As a member of the Florida A&M Marching 100, I’ve struggled with finding my pacing as a student when the most consistent thing in my college schedule is 2½ hour practices once a day and long games on the weekend. As a student athlete, it becomes easy for a sport to control your athletic schedule, dictate your social life, and completely overtake your academic pursuits when classes and your social schedule don’t demand the same consistency and planning factor. So, how do you avoid neglecting other parts of your college life while still maintaining the healthy amount of dedication it takes to thrive as an athlete?

Make Other Things a Priority Too

You must learn to apply the same amount of devotion you have for your sport towards your academic and social life. Just as you take extra time and implement more self-discipline to become better at your sport, as a student athlete it is your responsibility to also go the extra mile in your academics and life outside sports. When you learn to acknowledge your priorities and create a structured social, academic, and athletic schedule, you can succeed.

Acknowledge Your Priorities

The first step, acknowledging your priorities, comes with self-reflection. Ask yourself why you’re in college in the first place, and what weight your sport should have in your life. Of course, some students are in college pursuing their sport and/or being paid to participate in it while others are doing it because a hobby they love, but no situation changes the fact that attending college is for your education. Sports cannot fully provide what you’ll find in a classroom and the skills you’ll need to apply in your life, and that mindset can help you avoid becoming too fixated on them.

Keep a Schedule

Secondly, creating a schedule is very important. Whether it be a new assignment that wasn't mentioned in the syllabus, a random hangout scheduled with your friends, or another practice scheduled in preparation for a big game, academic, social, and athletic college life can be collectively erratic. With a physical schedule like a planner or calendar, it is much easier to be prepared and proactive with assignments and events so that unplanned activities won’t throw you off too much.

When I took time to reflect on my purpose in college and began to act with proactivity towards planning against the erratic nature of student-athlete, I learned to flourish on and off the field; you can do the same. It takes practice and precision to truly find a balance, but as an athlete those are qualities you have had to display plenty of times before. So, enjoy college, but most importantly, take control so that you can succeed!

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Balancing life as a college student-athlete is a challenging endeavor that demands exceptional time management, discipline, and resilience. This unique experience combines the demands of academic pursuits with the rigorous demands of athletic competition, creating a delicate balance that requires careful attention and planning.

At the heart of this balancing act is time management. Student-athletes must navigate a complex schedule that often includes early morning practices, classes throughout the day, team meetings, and travel for games. Effectively managing these commitments requires a lot of planning and prioritization. It’s important to allocate time wisely through prioritizing your classes, designating time for studying, and completing assignments. Developing a detailed schedule that incorporates both academic and athletic obligations is essential for maintaining balance and staying on track.

Discipline is another crucial component of balancing life as a student-athlete. The demanding training regime and competition/game schedules requires focus and self-control. This means maintaining strict fitness routines, eating a well-balanced diet, and consistently striving for academic excellence. To maintain discipline beyond athletics but also inside the classroom, student-athletes must show the same level of dedication and commitment to their studies as
they do to their sport.

Resilience is the most important trait for navigating the challenges of life as a collegiate student-athlete. There will undoubtedly be setbacks, whether it’s a disappointing loss or a challenging academic load. Resilience allows student-athletes to bounce back from defeat, both in their sport and in their academics, giving the chance to learn from these failures and to make changes to prevent these things from happening in the future.

Furthermore, having a strong support system is also important when it comes to balancing life as a student-athlete. Having understanding instructors, coaches, teammates, and academic advisors is an invaluable source of guidance and support. These people can offer encouragement during busy/difficult times, help guide you through conflicting schedules, and provide academic assistance when needed. Joining study groups, going to tutoring services, and attending office hours are more ways to excel academically and achieve success while maintaining balance.

In conclusion, balancing life as a college student-athlete is demanding but very rewarding. It requires exceptional time management, self-control, resilience, and a strong support system. By mastering these skills and seeking help when needed, student-athletes can successfully navigate the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, achieving excellence in both.

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College can feel overwhelming. Registering for classes, getting books, finding a classroom, and just finding your way around campus. In my scenario, it gets overwhelming because I need to work with my kids’ schedule as well as my class schedule. Here’s how I balance college life with two kids!

Online Learning

For my lifestyle, I rely heavily on online classes, which give me the flexibility to plan accordingly around my two kids. Having a schedule is essential to stay on task and meet deadlines, which helps me meet family responsibilities as well as college tasks and time management.

Organize with Planners

Organization is the key to success. Having a planner, calendar, or a digital planner helps me stay on top of assignments, exams, and family commitments. I have a planner at my desk, so I can see everything coming up for the work week. I also use a digital calendar on my phone where I can see everything at a glance - my kid’s appointments, school events, doctor’s appointments as well as my class assignments. Staying organized helps me stay positive and not get overwhelmed by all the different events happening.

Establish Support

Balancing college with two kids can be challenging, but it's possible with efficient time management and support. My husband is my support system. He takes over when I have a work meeting or watches one of our kids when the other one has an appointment. My professors can also be a part of my support network. The most important factor here is communicating, whether it’s with your professors or significant other, about your situation. Most of my past professors have been understanding and offered flexibility or accommodations when an emergency came up.

Practice Self-Care

Finally, don't forget to take care of yourself. Find time for self-care activities to maintain your overall well-being. For me, I find time to go to the gym at least four times a week and weight train. It helps me feel stronger and it helps me mentally, to focus on myself.

Whether it’s enrolling in online classes, utilizing planners, leaning on your support network, or taking time for yourself, it is possible to balance pursuing your college education with parenthood. Find what works best for your situation and reach for your goal!

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!