Students blog

Completing a college degree is a huge achievement. Completing two can feel like enduring hurricane season each semester.

The ‘model semester’ may be a perfect fit for one major. But creating a flawless combination for two can become a whirlwind of conflicting deadlines and priorities.

However, you can weather this storm. Organization becomes a shutter against the chaos, and putting in extra effort from the beginning will provide a margin for error when you face the strongest winds.

Charting Your Course

Before starting a dual degree, think about why you want to pursue it. Will this benefit you in the job market? Do you have the time and headspace to take on two degrees in four years?

Will your degrees overlap? Or will this path cause complete exhaustion and burnout, and leave you stranded after graduation? Will you have the opportunity to showcase both degrees, or will you just have two plaques on the wall?

Finding the Silver Lining

The forecast for a dual degree includes plenty of challenges. However, it also promises an abundance of opportunities. A dual degree can showcase hidden talents that might not otherwise have the chance to shine through.

I came in as a political science major, a degree full of analysis and lengthy readings. Adding a major in marketing, however, allows me to showcase my creative side and problem-solving skills.

I initially thought I wouldn’t want to hone these skills, especially since marketing stems from a business degree. Business degrees originally seemed boring to me, but this new path has been inspiring and allows me to see the full expanse of possibilities I could pursue.

Both degrees combined create a clearer path to what I want to accomplish. I am on track to attend law school and study business law. These two degrees combine to give me the greatest opportunity to achieve my future goals.

Expanding Your Horizons

Dual degrees also increase opportunities for real-world experience, which is a major distinction in a pile of résumés. One degree provides a narrow channel for internships. Having two opens up multiple currents, or a potential crossover.

Is a dual degree a challenge? Absolutely. But the reward is more than just two diplomas to hang on a wall. It’s the discovery of what you’re capable of when you connect different parts of yourself. You learn to synthesize ideas, manage complexity, and ultimately, build a more versatile and confident you.

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! 

Even before my first day on campus, I felt like I’d already survived a whirlwind of tasks. I had chosen my dorm, set up my schedule, explored future opportunities, and so much more.

College is an exciting new chapter and might be the first time you’ll be away from home for an extended period. Before diving into campus life, it’s helpful to recognize that your body clock, eating habits, personal goals, and commitments all shape your college experience.

Ignoring these factors can lead to uncomfortable schedules, unhealthy habits, and, in the worst cases, unnecessary stress on your mind and body. The good news is that this is avoidable.

As a college senior, I’ve learned that a little time and self-reflection go a long way. With them, you can set yourself up for academic success and emotional well-being throughout the school year. I’ll share how understanding your body rhythm can help you advocate for your needs and create a smoother, more enjoyable college experience.

Know Your Rhythm

One of the most important steps is recognizing your optimal working hours and learning to advocate for your body above all else. I learned that I couldn't be passive about my schedule or let others make decisions for me; I realized that no one understands my energy levels, habits, or limits better than I do. I felt less assertive when I first left home, especially since I was used to parents or teachers structuring my days, but I built confidence over time.

Once you have the freedom to choose your own classes, capitalize on that control by building a schedule that supports your natural patterns. Think about when you’re most awake and ready to learn. Consider when you prefer to eat lunch, how long you can stay focused, and when your brain simply checks out for the day.

Should you really schedule math after three back-to-back classes if it’s your hardest subject? Do you get hangry and zone out if you don’t eat by a certain time? Does the sunset make late evening classes feel twice as long? These questions matter more than you might think.

Find Your Balance

Once I learned to accommodate my needs, everything else began to flow more naturally. It helped me set myself up for academic success, and I also had the energy and mental space to explore extracurriculars. Outside your working hours, joining clubs, spending time with friends, or participating in campus events can feel like a well-earned reward after a productive day.

Work during your prime hours and relax during your natural downtime. This can create a balanced “work hard, play hard” attitude that helps the school year feel fulfilling, not draining.

A Skill for Life

Discipline is key to consistency and reaching your goals. Staying firm in your decisions and choosing what makes you comfortable when it’s not the default can be challenging at first, but it becomes easier with practice.

This may not be a skill you master in one semester, and maybe not even two. Still, if you commit to optimizing your college experience this way, I believe you can make these years some of the most rewarding 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! 

Going into college, I thought I had my life planned out. I planned to major in marketing and eventually work in the fashion industry. I am now in my junior year of college and have a completely different idea of what I want my life to look like.

The First Detour

The summer after my first year of college, I had an opportunity to work in the field I believed was my future. As much as I enjoyed my time there, it was not something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I knew that I wanted a job where I could help people.

When I thought about giving back and helping others, the medical field came to mind, so I changed my major to biological sciences. Input from people around me also influenced my choice, and at the time, it felt right.

A Change of Heart

I am someone who enjoys learning about many different things, including chemistry and biology. I spent a lot of time thinking about my future career but forgot to factor in what I wanted my life to look like.

I wanted to get into dermatology. However, medical school and the rigorous schedule that comes with the profession were not what I wanted for my future. After a lot of research, I concluded that this simply was not the path for me.

Finding the Right Fit

Once I realized this, I took some time to really think about what I wanted to do and what I wanted my life to look like. Looking back, this was an awfully big decision for an eighteen-year-old to make.

I had no idea what I wanted. The thought that I could take my life in one hundred different directions was beyond overwhelming. After taking time by myself to figure out my interests, I spoke with my advisor and changed my major for the final time.

I chose to major in criminal justice because of the diverse opportunities within the legal field. To account for my indecisiveness and varied interests, I knew I needed to pick something that would allow for career versatility.

It's Okay Not to Know

I realized that not knowing what you want is okay. Every chaotic and stressful moment along the way helped me figure out what I wanted in the end. Even now, I do not know exactly what I want to do. Still, if there is anything I have learned, it is that finding the path is part of the journey.

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

For as long as I can remember, I believed that being a “good student” meant being a perfect one. Straight A's weren’t just a goal but a rigid expectation I set for myself. Anything below an A felt like failure, no matter how much effort I put in.

I felt pressure to be involved in everything from clubs to leadership roles—anything that would “look good” on my résumé. From the outside, it looked like I had everything together. In reality, I was overwhelmed and constantly afraid of falling short.

My biggest fear wasn't something rational, like heights or spiders; it was failure.

When Perfection Becomes Pressure

Looking back, no one ever told me I had to be perfect. I put that pressure on myself. As an only child and a lifelong overachiever, I felt I had to keep that standard going no matter what. I thought I had to be the example for my family and for the future I was trying to build.

That mindset stuck with me through high school and into my first year of college. It started to take a toll on me. I struggled with anxiety and depression because I tied so much of my worth to my grades.

If I wasn’t doing well at everything, it felt like I wasn’t doing well at all.

From Perfect to Purposeful

The pursuit of perfection is never-ending. I found myself saying yes to every opportunity, not because I genuinely wanted to participate, but because I thought I had to. I believed that the more I did, regardless of my interests, the more successful I'd be.

Instead, I spread myself too thin. I was involved in so many things that I couldn't fully dedicate my time to any of them.

Over time, I realized that doing everything is not the same as doing everything well. Being part of one or two organizations you truly care about is more fulfilling. It’s far better than being part of ten organizations you don’t have time for.

Success isn't about filling your calendar; it’s about how deeply you engage with what matters to you.

Choosing Growth Over Perfection

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that growth matters more than perfection ever will. Perfection leaves absolutely no room for mistakes, and without mistakes (and failure), there is no wisdom gained. When I started altering my mindset toward something more realistic, I allowed myself to see challenges differently.

A grade below ninety did not mean I failed; it meant I had an opportunity to improve. Not being involved in everything did not mean I was falling behind, but rather that I was being more intentional with my time.

A high school counselor once told me: “Everything will be okay in the end, and if it is not okay yet, then it is not the end.” That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put effort into what you do, but it does mean that you should take a step back and breathe. It reminded me that my journey does not have to be perfect to be meaningful.

Progress is not always linear, and that’s okay.

Success Comes from Growth, Not Perfection

Being the “perfect student” isn’t what leads to success. Growth and self-understanding do. It is okay to set high standards for yourself, but it is just as important to give yourself grace.

You are allowed to make mistakes and to rest. In the long run, those who thrive are not the ones who chase perfection; they are the ones who learn to grow.

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 finally here: the season of sunshine, long days, and endless possibilities! Summer isn't just a break; it's a whole mood. And just like your college major shapes your academic journey, it can also subtly influence how you soak up those glorious summer months.

Let Your Major Guide You

Has your love for calculus ever turned into a meticulously planned road trip? Does your passion for literature tend to lead you to a hammock with a pile of books?

Let's pair some popular college majors with their quintessential summer activities. So, grab your sunscreen and get ready to see your academic focus reflected in your summer fun. Let's dive in!

Business Majors: You're Sunshine Networking Gurus

You’ve got LinkedIn open and a colorful drink (with an umbrella, of course) in hand! For you, summer isn't just about relaxation; it's about strategic growth and connection.

You might be perfecting your elevator pitch while lounging by the pool or turning a casual brunch into a productive networking session. You see opportunities everywhere and always take advantage!

Education Majors: You're the Ultimate Summer Camp Counselors

You have an infectious energy and a seemingly endless supply of games. You even have that reassuringly enthusiastic “camp counselor voice” at the ready.

Whether you're organizing a round of cornhole, leading a tie-dye session, or orchestrating a spontaneous talent show, you effortlessly bring fun and structure to every summer gathering. You thrive on guiding, teaching, and making sure everyone has a memorable time.

Engineering Majors: You're DIY Project Pros

Why buy it when you can build it, fix it, or dramatically improve it? Summer for you means tackling those home projects you've put off all year.

From assembling that intricate new grill to finally balancing the wobbly patio chair, you're always on the hunt for something to optimize. Bonus points if it involves blueprints, power tools, or a perfectly organized spreadsheet of materials!

English Majors: You're a Beachside Bookworm

Waves gently lapping, the perfect summer read in hand, and not a care in the world: that's your ideal summer scene.

Your summer is a literary escape. You might be tackling that intimidating classic novel, getting lost in a contemporary page-turner, or jotting down poetic thoughts inspired by the sea breeze.

You see stories everywhere, and every sunset feels like the perfect closing chapter.

Marketing Majors: You're Poolside Content Curators

Your summer is a vibrant reel of spontaneous moments, perfectly captured and curated. You have a knack for turning a casual pool day into a visually stunning story, always finding the best light and angle.

Every ice cream cone and beach sunset is an opportunity to create engaging content. You naturally want to share the joy of summer with your followers and subtly showcase your natural flair for promotion.

Major Summer Vibes

No matter what your major is, you can lean into those same interests while enjoying a much-deserved summer break. Your major is the perfect inspiration for summer activities that capitalize on your strengths and passions.

Dive into a good book or build something unique. Curate lasting memories, lead the fun, or make new connections. Use your major as your guide to create the perfect summer vibe.

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! 

Procrastination is the brain’s way of delaying tasks to avoid discomfort. This is a common struggle, but it is not a sign of laziness or poor time management. Rather, the brain prioritizes short-term emotional relief over long-term goals. Overcoming this is not easy, but understanding why we procrastinate is the first step.

Mental Exhaustion

As college students, we often find that procrastination is one of our biggest struggles because we may feel exhausted daily. We might choose to watch reels for a full hour at 9 p.m. instead of finishing the assignment due at 11:59 p.m., telling ourselves we “still have time.”

We are juggling the transition to adulthood while taking on responsibilities both inside and outside of school. Taking a full-time course load and working a part-time job is the reality for many college students. That’s not an easy task.

Physical Fatigue

We get less sleep and sometimes feel like we’re working like machines. Procrastination is an easy trap to fall into; delaying tasks for comfort often feels easier than getting them done, given the fatigue that comes with such busy schedules.

As a student, I deal with this lifestyle daily. I overcome the feeling of exhaustion by doing yoga and going to the gym. They keep me grounded and relieve my stress, even if it’s only for a few minutes a day. This practice makes me feel more energized and helps me finish my pending tasks.

The Anxiety Loop

As a student, I find that my biggest weakness is overthinking. Even when I take a one-hour break from studying to avoid burnout, feelings of guilt creep in. I’ve realized that the more I worry about a certain task, the more I delay it. This only increases my stress and negative self-talk.

To manage this, I have found that journaling helps me process my anxious thoughts. It also allows me to break down tasks in my schedule, making them feel more achievable.

Self-Care and Balance

Procrastination isn’t just about poor habits; it could be a response to burnout. Practicing self-care is crucial for maintaining a positive mental state and keeping the mind relaxed. Chronic delays can worsen feelings of guilt, shame, and stress, which impact mental well-being.

I find self-care hard to incorporate into my schedule. However, setting aside one hour per day after completing all my tasks to watch my favorite show or learn how to crochet makes it all worth it.

Finding that balance is important, especially during college. It’s easy to become so focused on your future that you forget to care for yourself in the present. The next time you find yourself procrastinating, acknowledge your stress, take a small step to care for yourself, and turn that delay into a productive pause.

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! 

Your early adulthood is often described as a time for exploration. College is one of the best environments to experiment with new ideas, especially when it comes to technology. For many students, technology is something they use every day for assignments, communication, and entertainment.

College is also a space where students can move beyond the basics of technology. They can begin exploring how it works, how it shapes industries, and how it can be used creatively.

Access to New Tools

With tools for coding, AI, music production, and digital design, students can create in days what used to take months. A student might start by using technology only for homework. Along the way, they could discover a new interest in web design, data analysis, or digital media production.

Low-Risk Exploration

This experimentation is important because early adulthood is one of the few times in life when trying new things comes with relatively low risk. In college, students are encouraged to explore ideas, take courses outside of their comfort zones, and work on projects that help them discover what they enjoy.

A business student might develop an interest in technology through data analytics. Meanwhile, a music student could experiment with production software or digital marketing.

From Project to Portfolio

Another interesting aspect of technology in college is how it allows students to build things that reflect their personal interests. Instead of just studying theories in class, students can create real projects. This might include launching a blog, building a website, starting a YouTube channel, producing music, or developing a small app.

These projects often start as experiments but can grow into portfolios that show employers a student's capabilities.

Connect and Collaborate

Technology also allows students to connect with communities that share their interests. Online forums, social platforms, and digital communities make it easier to collaborate, ask questions, and learn from others. A student interested in programming can learn from developers worldwide.

Likewise, someone passionate about digital media can connect with creators who share tips and ideas. These connections can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and even career opportunities.

Discover Your Passion

What makes this stage of life unique is that students are still figuring out who they are and what they want to do. Technology is a tool that helps them explore those possibilities. Instead of waiting until after graduation to try new things, college students can start experimenting now, learning through trial and error.

Your time in college is not just about preparing for a career; it is about discovering what excites you. By experimenting with technology during college, students can uncover new passions, develop valuable skills, and create opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise. Sometimes the most meaningful career paths start with simple curiosity and the willingness to try something new.

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! 

Trips to Thailand

I have been lucky to visit my maternal grandparents in southern Thailand every few years since I was a baby. They were born and raised in Trang, near famous islands like Phuket and Krabi, and lived in the United States for about thirty years before moving back to Thailand when my mother was in college. Staying in touch with them has been a great way to connect with my nonwhite heritage, which was a challenge while growing up in a ninety-eight percent white town on the South Shore of Massachusetts.

Expanding My Horizons

When I visit Thailand, I’m reminded that the world isn’t ninety-eight percent white, and it’s comforting to be surrounded by people who look like me. This feeling is why the University of Massachusetts at Amherst was a great choice for me. Its student population is much more diverse than my hometown, where microaggressions sometimes competed for my attention in school.

The campus offers many affinity clubs, such as the Thai Student Association, the Asian American Association, and three Asian American sororities and fraternities. There’s also a renowned Ethnic Studies department named after W.E.B. Du Bois, a native of Massachusetts. I feel confident in my academic environment, among educated peers who celebrate differences and all cultures.

A Future with Perspective

This supportive environment is why my college experience is so important to my cultural identity. I know my college life is somewhat sheltered and doesn’t reflect the greater “real world,” but I’m learning the tools and knowledge I need to thrive in a world that isn’t always so enlightened. As a Public Health and French double major, I’m also getting in touch with the French side of my identity and hope to one day study abroad in a Francophone country.

My ultimate goal is to pursue a public health career, perhaps in medical device sales in France. I feel blessed to be at a large public university where the student population is so diverse. In just my first two years, exposure to a variety of people has given me more perspective than I could have imagined, preparing me for a future with a global point of view.

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 signed up for a summer archaeological field school, I was just fulfilling a requirement and earning extra credits. Of course, the experience sounded exciting, but I didn’t expect it to reshape my entire college journey. For two weeks, I joined a student team at an archaeological site in my state, and we spent our days digging, documenting, and uncovering fragments of local history.

The Real Meaning of “Hands‑On Learning”

Unlike a sterile lecture hall, the field school meant camping out, getting our hands dirty, and crouching in the soil all day. It was the first time I could apply what I’d been learning instead of just studying it. We learned to map units, excavate properly, screen the soil, and assess artifacts, all while fighting off mosquitoes and camping in the rain and sweltering heat.

Working on this site also gave me a tangible connection to local history. We unearthed a variety of artifacts, including a large number of ceramic sherds, nails, a buckle, a sewing needle, and even a curry comb (used for grooming horses). Seeing how classroom lessons translated into a real-world project made abstract ideas hands-on and concrete, and I realized that I was practicing a potential job skill.

Growth Without a Grade

Personal growth was just as significant as the historical insights and technical skills we gained. Trying to learn while enduring the heat, bugs, and impossible-to-wash-off dirt certainly builds character. Living and working so closely with my classmates 24/7 also built lasting friendships.

We dug side by side for eight hours a day, prepared communal meals, and chatted around the campfire in our free time. By the end of the two weeks, I knew them and myself better than I had ever imagined.

Adventure Doesn’t Require a Passport

That summer course became a highlight of my college experience. It connected academics, career exploration, personal growth, and a deeper appreciation for home. Field school also taught me that you don’t have to study abroad or travel very far to have an adventure; sometimes the most eye-opening experiences happen close to home.

The Real Takeaway: Applied Knowledge

My field school experience is a perfect example of how learning can be hands-on, collaborative, and personal. Stepping outside your comfort zone to find challenging opportunities can help you grow in unexpected ways. Education doesn’t stop at the classroom door.

But why should this matter to a business or a chemistry major? While grades and credits are important, college is about gaining applicable experience. The ability to put theory into practice is the most valuable skill you’ll gain in college, regardless of your major.

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!