Students blog

Explore the latest trends, tips, and experiences in college life in this blog written by fellow students.

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  • A large group of college interns posing in a business library room.

    Co-Ops/Internships - Honesty About the Benefits and Downsides

    Morgan Regier

    When students are seniors in high school, their biggest worry is finding the best university to attend in the upcoming fall. For seniors in college, it’s about finding the right career after graduation. For juniors in college, their whole concern is finding a co-op/internship that will eventually help them find that job in the coming year.

    Finding a co-op/internship was one of the most challenging tasks I had to accomplish in my junior year. I was constantly checking LinkedIn or Handshake for postings, attending conferences every month, and completing interview after interview. After finally landing one of the most prestigious internships in my major, I moved across the country for the summer and went on some of the wildest adventures.

    While many talk about the positives of internships, such as valuable experiences and networking opportunities, few prepare you for the potential drawbacks. Personally, one of the biggest challenges was being placed in an office without other interns. Many people will be placed with other interns, it all depends on the company and if they’re willing to take on that responsibility, but for me, I was alone, on the other side of the country, away from friends and family. Despite the loneliness, I cherished the opportunity and learned immensely, though adjusting to not seeing my friends daily was tough.

    Another aspect to consider is the role itself. As an intern, you're often in a learning phase rather than handling full responsibilities like regular employees. There were days of boredom and busy work, yet the hectic days taught me invaluable lessons. There are a few cons to co-ops/internships, but I wish that somebody had told me about potential disadvantages, so I was better prepared.

    Internships are also some of the most rewarding experiences a college student can have. Not only do they offer extensive networking opportunities, but they allow you to gain insights into your desired career. My internship program was split into multiple parts, allowing me to experience different roles and companies within my major, broadening my experience further. However, not all internships offer such flexibility.

    Overall, my experience was positive. I was able to develop my skills and gain real-life experience. I encourage pursuing internships but advise thorough research into the company culture and environment. Understanding what to expect ensures your experience is fulfilling and beneficial for your future career. You want your experience to be truly fulfilling and the best it can be for your future career. So, while working towards your internship goals, remember to embrace adventure and enjoy every moment—make the most of your summer!

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

  • A group of college students kneeling in a huddle during a flag football game.

    Making Friends Through Campus Intramural Sports

    Alex Miller

    When arriving at West Chester University for my first semester in August of 2021, I was nervous about making friends. Even though I would be rooming with a friend from high school, I was still worried about making new additional friends. I moved into the dorm with my high school friend plus, two other roommates we did not know. It was awesome that we all got along from the start and found fun things to do while hanging out, like practicing our golf putting with cups. We ended up making a bunch of friends on our floor by other residents asking if they could try and put the ball into the cup.

    Meeting new people is such an awesome thing we can do as humans. We come together to help each other or play different types of activities like sports. A great way to connect with new friends on campus is to participate in intramural sports. The first available Fall sport was flag football. We were able to make a co-rec and guys’ flag football team from the friends we made on our floor.

    Another way I was able to meet friends was by going to the rec gym and playing basketball. I met some of my best friends at college through playing basketball at the gym. This also led to playing basketball intramurals as well as baseball intramurals. It made me realize that having a good group of friends to play sports or activities throughout college is key to having a positive college experience. Being able to play sports can help lower the stress that can come from too much schoolwork or if you get a bad grade on an exam. Having physical activity allows you to be in the moment with your friends and it allows you to take all your mind off your troubles.

    College is not just about academics; it is also about building connections and creating memories that last a lifetime. The camaraderie you find through sports and activities not only help you unwind from the pressure of school but also enrich your overall college experience. Indeed, the ability to meet new people and engage in shared activities is a fundamental aspect of the human 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! 

  • A group of six hikers sitting on a hillside in a hilly area with a lake and mountain peak in the distance.

    Reset, Recenter, Refocus

    Andrew Bierbower

    I’ve heard from many of my classmates that the first exam for a class is the most nerve- wracking of them all. Not only will your exam grade set the tone for the rest of the semester, you’ll also see whether you are meeting or failing the expectations that you set for yourself. I’ve personally been through both scenarios; feeling the exhilaration of nailing the first exam, only to feel completely crushed by another exam later that day. Whether you passed or failed, I’m here to give you some tips on how you can reset, recenter, and refocus for the rest of the semester.

    If you did well on the first exam, you’ll probably feel like you’re on top of the world, at least for a couple of days. You’re already thinking about all the extra nap time you’ll have instead of needing to study or cram for that next one. I’m here to tell you: That. Is. A. Trap! Don’t let that good feeling cloud or change how you approach the rest of the semester! Imagine this as a reset of sorts; pretend that first exam didn’t happen. Remember how you got to this point in the first place: solid study habits, asking questions when you’re unsure, and taking mental breaks when needed. I’m not saying to not enjoy the moment; there’s something to be said about resting on your laurels for a while. However, it is important to stay focused and keep that goal of yours from the beginning of the semester in mind. Whether that was to maintain a 4.0 GPA or to just scrape by that hard chemistry class with a C, early success can completely derail a semester of good work if you aren’t focusing on how to continue that success.

    On the other hand, if you did poorly on the first exam, it can feel like your entire semester has crashed and burned before it even began. The stress of knowing that you must work even harder for the rest of the class can destroy whatever motivation you had beforehand. Take some solace in the fact that nearly every student has been in your shoes before! It’s not an uncommon experience and you can absolutely turn it around with some adjustments. Take some time to recenter and take care of your mental state before anything else; this is a tough time, and it really pays off to make sure you’re back in the right mindset. Go exercise, focus on your hobbies, or just hang out with your friends. Do something that will take your mind off the low grade for a little while. For me, I like to go hiking or hit the trails with my friends. Being in nature tends to ground me and helps calm me down after a stressful experience. Once you feel ready, reflect on what happened; did I need to study more? Should I have attended office hours? Find actionable and measurable steps you can take to improve your next result.

    After the first exam, pass or fail, it’s important to refocus on the goals you set for yourself! This was the first major milestone for you! Think about what you expected to happen versus what happened and how that might change your goal. Maybe now you can take more time for yourself or conversely, maybe now you need to stay in the library for that extra hour or two. There are an infinite number of ways to get where you want to go; the most important thing is to choose the path that works the best for you. When in doubt, just remember the three R’s; reset, recenter, and refocus.

    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 blog author’s Bollywood dance team in a group photo. There are 27 members each wearing black track suits with red or green accents.

    Footsteps of Bollywood: Dancing Through College

    Ishita Rao

    Step into the vibrant world of collegiate Bollywood dance competitions, embarking on a thrilling journey of rhythm and culture. From intense rehearsals to intricate choreography, every practice is a step to the competition season. Dedication and teamwork pay off as the competition season unfolds, teams travel across states and compete across the East and West coasts. Interactions with fellow dancers from other colleges foster unity and mutual admiration for dance, and backstage buzzes with excitement as teams prepare to showcase their fusion of tradition and innovation, leaving audiences and judges to determine who will make it to the national championship: Legends. Desi Dance Network is a circuit that combines colleges across the nation, so join me as I take you through a journey of what it's like to be a dancer at these competitions. 

    Through a rigorous selection process, almost 100 teams compete for a spot in the competition season, consisting of around 20 competitions. However, only the top 8 teams get chosen per competition based on audition videos submitted. Nazaare, North Carolina State University’s premiere Bollywood competition team, gets accepted into at least four competitions every year. In Spring 2024, we participated in two competitions in Georgia, one in Pennsylvania, and one in our very own Chapel Hill.  
     
    To start a competition, teams travel to different places where all the hospitality is provided (hotels, food, transportation, etc.) by the competition board. To start the competition, Friday is designated for a “mixer”, where teams mix with other teams through different games and activities set up by the competition. This is a time for dancers to mingle and meet other dancers from like-minded backgrounds before the competition starts. More importantly, the games played determine the show's order. After the mixer is post-mixer practice, where all the last-minute practice and preparations take place (this can go till 3 am sometimes). From here comes room reveal, where teams go back to their hotel rooms that have been decorated by the liaisons who are managing your team. Here, you get merch, snacks, and beverages (for the afterparty ;) ). Following this, at the early hours of what could be 4 am, teams go to sleep. 

    Saturday morning comes fast, as teams have to hustle to the venue for their “tech time”. This consists of 20 minutes for each team on stage to do formation run-throughs with props and a chance to get a recorded full out run-through, to get a feel for the stage. The order of tech time is based on the show order, so if you are first, you may have to reach the venue as early as 8 am. Following this comes a viewing room, where teams are given 20-40 minutes (depending on the competition), to watch the full-out run-throughs on stage and see how the set looks from an audience perspective. From here, comes post-tech time practice, where teams are given their final 20 minutes to fix anything that may have looked off on stage. 

    Following this busy morning comes the fun part: getting ready and getting team pictures taken. However, when it comes to 10 girls in one hotel room and one mirror, this can get hectic at times (there are almost 30 people on our team and only 3 hotel rooms). Once hair, makeup, and costumes are done, the team heads over to the venue to take team photos and of course, perform the set!

  • A young woman jogging down a neighborhood street. She is wearing a long-sleeved blue t-shirt, black shorts, and light orange running shoes.

    A College Guide to Midterms Week

    Cara Murdock

    Have you ever felt like you were drowning during midterms week because all your classes have an exam or a paper on the same day? Unfortunately, this seems to be a universal college experience, so let's tackle it together. In this hyper stressful week, there are a few essential things to keep in mind: focus, fuel, and sleep. Without these three things, tireless hours spent in the library won't get you very far. So, let's dive into the best way to approach this brutal week.

    The first step is to sharpen your focus. This begins with making a plan for your week. Write out what all your assignments are and when they are due. This will allow you to show up to your study sessions prepared! The next crucial step is finding a place where you feel comfortable studying. This may be the library, a common lounge, a lecture hall, a study room, etc. For some people, a concentrated study spot is a quiet part of the library and for others it may be in a louder place with background noise. The key is to be comfortable enough to focus and not get distracted. For me, this involves powering off my phone completely and putting it away in my backpack. After about 45 minutes, I allow myself to take a break, check my phone, and reset before returning to my studies.

    The next vital step in killing your midterms is to be properly fueled. I normally bring a snack with me when I go to study because when I get hungry, I get distracted. Though food is an important type of fuel, there are other important types of fuel such as exercise. I feel most prepared to study and concentrate on work after going for a run, a walk, or to the gym. Any type of exercise helps me clear my mind which is important for successful studying.

    Finally, a productive day of studying doesn’t go far without sleep to allow the information to process in your brain. A proper amount of sleep will help you more than one more hour of studying. Getting a full night’s rest before an exam is often the key difference between an aced exam and silly mistakes made. In taking this approach, you’ll be sure to ace your midterms this year!

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

     

  • A computer graphic with two women depicted – one holding a sign and one speaking into a bullhorn. In the center the word “Civic Engagement” are in a white box.

    Your Voice Matters: Embracing the Power of Civic Engagement

    Angel Martinez

    What exactly does it mean to be civically engaged? Is it being an active member of your community, being politically involved, or volunteering on your time off? Well, it's all that and more! At its core, civic engagement is about raising your voice, standing up for what's right, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. So, if you're ready to make your mark and be a force for good, follow these suggestions because your journey of civic engagement is just beginning!

    Understanding Civic Engagement

    Civic engagement encompasses a broad spectrum of activities aimed at improving society and addressing community needs. It involves actively participating in the democratic process, advocating for social justice, and contributing to the common good. Whether it's volunteering, political activism, or community organizing, there are countless ways to get involved.

    Start on Campus

    One of the easiest ways to get civically engaged is by exploring opportunities on your college campus. Many universities have student-led organizations, clubs, and initiatives focused on social justice and community service. Start by attending club fairs, browsing online directories, and talking to fellow students to discover groups that align with your values.

    Do it with Passion

    An important step in embarking on your civic engagement journey is to identify your passions. What issues resonate with you on a personal level? Are you passionate about environmental sustainability, education equity, or public health? Take some time to reflect on the causes that ignite your enthusiasm and align with your values. Remember that you have the freedom to advocate for the things you love and hold the power to make a positive impact in others' lives.

    Volunteer in Your Community

    Volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference in the lives of others. Look for local nonprofits, shelters, schools, or community centers. These places actively look for volunteers and appreciate community interactions in the work they do. Whether it's by tutoring children, serving meals at a soup kitchen, or participating in environmental clean-up efforts, there are countless ways to give back to your community.

    Don’t Lose Sight

    Remember that civic engagement is a journey, not a destination. Start small and gradually expand your involvement over time. Set realistic goals, prioritize self-care, and stay committed to making a positive difference in your community. Even the smallest actions can have a ripple effect and contribute to meaningful change. Know that your voice matters and you have the right to embrace it.

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

     

  • A college woman is smiling and sitting with her feet on a desk with her mobile phone in her hand.

    The Back-to-School Blues

    Peyton Maria

    Back-to-school, especially for a college student, can be an exciting time. You are seeing your friends again, and you are getting back to your “routine” at school or discovering your new one as a freshman. However, once the excitement wears off again, the saddest can start to set in. Whether it is homesickness or senioritis, being back in school can become more sad and less exciting as the months go on. As a student going into their senior year, here are a few tips I have to help you combat the back-to-school blues.

    Tip for Every Day: Have a Morning/Nighttime Routine

    I am truly speaking to myself as well as I encourage you to start having a routine when you wake up and when you go to bed. This is psychologically proven to make your day better. When you do something for yourself and have a routine, it helps get you going in the morning and wind down every night. Some recommendations I have for the morning are doing a skincare routine, showering, having coffee and reading a book, or even just writing a few things you are grateful for every morning. In the nighttime, you can do similar things that you didn’t do in the morning, like reading or showering, or even reflecting on your day by writing in a journal.

    Tip for Every Week: Give Yourself a Weekend Treat

    Although sweet treat trips can happen any time, it is important to give yourself a little reward for finishing the week. This could be a trip to the movies, getting your nails done, or something as little as getting ice cream with friends. The key is to make sure it isn’t the same thing every week. It helps encourage you and remind yourself of all the hard things you do every day, and how worthy you are of a reward for them occasionally, even if no one else is noticing your work.

    Tip for Every Month: Plan Something Fun and Unique Once a Month

    Having something to look forward to is one of the easiest ways to break the sadness or mundaneness of your everyday routine. Whether it’s a trip out of town with friends, a concert, or even just a staycation, it is important to have something “big” and fun to look forward to once a month. This helps for when things get hard, you can use your upcoming plans to encourage yourself to push through. Once the honeymoon phase of a new school year wears off, winter break can look years away. So, keep yourself encouraged by spicing up your life and rewarding yourself for doing the hard things. You can do hard things!

    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! 

  • An instructor helping three college students in a computer lab.

    Three Things I Wish I Knew My Freshman Year

    Arnold Taylor

    As I enter my senior year, I reflect on my college experience and think about what I wish I had known coming into college. There are three major things I wish I knew coming into college as a freshman: the importance of time management, reaching out for help when needed, and getting involved.

    Time Management

    Time management is a huge part of being successful in college. Being able to navigate between not only classes but balancing a social life on top of responsibilities can be hard. Creating a schedule that helps you stay on time and still allows for social interactions is important. Engaging in different clubs also helps to stay on top of responsibilities such as school while getting to meet new people along the way.

    Help is Everywhere

    As a freshman, it can be daunting to approach a professor however, they are humans too and, in most cases, more than willing to help. Although it can be frightening to approach professors, in most cases there are Teaching Assistants (TAs) and counselors who may also be able to help and answer any questions or problems you may encounter. TAs are the easiest way to help and answer because they are students just like you and have recently been in the same position.

    Get Involved

    Engage in your surroundings. College is more than just classes and books; it is about making connections and meeting new people. Joining clubs and volunteering are both great ways to expand your interests. Enjoyable experiences can be just as important as your grades in your classes.

    As you begin your freshman year, I hope you will remember to manage your time well, ask for help, and use the resources around you to your advantage!

    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! 

  • Five college students in a college building walking together and talking.

    College Friendships 101: Get out of your comfort zone!

    Ariyannah Thibeaux

    College freshmen often struggle during their first few weeks on campus because it may be their first time being away from home. It can be an even bigger challenge for students who are shy or introverted. Most of us want to go back home every chance we get or stay in our dorms until we have to go to class. We feel as if we don’t know who we are yet, so we keep going back to the places where we feel ourselves. Whether attending a college near home or eight hours away, we all go through a phase of being afraid to make a friend. But there is no such thing as being too shy to make a long-lasting friendship. Even though it may be awkward at first, I found these three ways to be helpful in making new friends and connections.

    Join a Student Organization

    The first thing I did was try to get more involved on campus. My university has an app that lets you see some of the organizations on campus, and we have a day when the majority of our organizations come out to recruit new members. Attending this event allowed me to explore groups that sparked my interest and to talk to some of the members. I was able to really get to know the people and to see if I could see myself being friends with them or if we had similar interests outside of the organization. By joining one organization I connected with the members and met upperclassmen who gave me advice on how to navigate college.

    Be True to Yourself

    My newfound friends helped me see that I should be unapologetically myself. Everyone likes an authentic person, no matter if they are “quirky.” I didn’t need to change myself to fit in. I began to look for ways to grow and not stagnate while everyone else around me was growing. If I wanted to see growth that is exceptional, I realized I should join organizations that directly impacted students and that directly impacted my community. This was one of the reasons why I knew I would find my home and why I would make more friends.

    Go to Class

    It sounds like basic advice, but the last step is to go to class. Talk to your classmates. Go to professor office hours. Who knows, the study group you join may turn out to be your forever friends.

    These are some tips that I followed in order to become a more “outgoing” person, and a person who is not so shy. This showed me that being shy does not hinder you from making friends. I could make friends and could influence other shy people to get out of their comfort zones and gain a better first-year 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!