Students blog

In high school, everyone talks about how challenging college academics can be, but no one really prepares us for the transition into adulthood that comes with it. I grew up in Venezuela until I was 15, when my family decided to move to the U.S. It was a drastic change, new country, new life, new education system and I had to adapt quickly to keep up. I researched everything about college life, academics, and tips for success, but nothing could fully prepare me for the reality. Because life isn’t just about academics; it also includes family, friends, work, and personal growth. At this age, we’re transitioning from young adults to fully independent adults, and learning to balance everything is key. 

I got my first job as a freshman in college. Even though I was a multitasker in high school—playing volleyball and cross-country college was an entirely new level. My first semester went great; I finished with a 4.0 GPA and made the Dean’s List. Then, spring semester hit, and it wasn’t as easy. I failed my first class ever. I was shocked. I had never failed a class before. But instead of letting it get to me; I took it as a lesson. I reflected on what worked for me in the Fall semester and what I did differently in the Spring semester that led to my struggles. By the Summer semester, I had figured out a balance that allowed me to succeed academically while keeping up with work and personal life. Now, as I near graduation, I want to share the lessons I learned along the way and things I wish I had known when I first started: 

1. Make a Schedule That Works for You 


Everyone is different, and what works for your friends may not work for you. At first, I tried to go to class in the morning and work immediately afterward. But by the time I got home at night, I was too exhausted to study or even eat properly, for the next day to do the same and my academics suffered. I realized that I needed to change my approach. I rearranged my schedule so that I focused on school from Monday to Wednesday and worked from Wednesday afternoon to Friday. This way, I still had weekends off and could dedicate my first three days of the week solely to schoolwork. Find what works best for you and adjust accordingly. 

2. Make a Priority List 


What matters most to you? Family? School? Work? Once you identify your priorities, it becomes easier to create a schedule that allows you to enjoy those things. If spending time with family is important, then structure your week so that you can dedicate a day to them. Knowing your priorities helps you avoid burning out and ensures that you’re investing your time wisely. 

3. It’s Okay to Say No 


This was a hard lesson for me. My family was struggling financially, so I always took extra shifts at work. Before I knew it, I was covering for everyone, but my grades were slipping, and I was neglecting my health. I was just surviving, not living. Eventually, I realized I needed boundaries. It’s okay to say no to extra work, to a hangout, or to anything that drains you beyond your ability. 

Protect yourself. 


4. Speak Up for Yourself 


There are doors that won’t open unless you push them yourself. Stay on top of your academic progress—regularly check in with your professors, meet with your counselor, and advocate for yourself. If you need help, ask for it. No one will fight for your success more than you. The dream is yours. 

5. Use Tools That Will Help You Succeed 


We live in time where technology is everywhere, take advantage. Many students have already gone through your major or university, and there are online resources that can save you time. For me, Pearson+ was a game changer, it allowed me to upload my syllabus, and it created a personalized study plan for me. Tools like YouTube tutorials, study apps, and tutoring can also be incredibly helpful. Use whatever resources you need to succeed. 
 

I hope these tips help you navigate the balancing act of college and work. It’s not easy, but with the right approach, you can thrive in both areas. Remember, you’re not just getting a degree, you’re also learning how to manage life as an adult. Make the most of it and enjoy the process.

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! 

Spring Break can be a highlight of every college student’s Spring semester. This year, I traveled home to Miami! Here are some of my favorite culinary experiences in my hometown.

Travel glitches

My vacation started off chaotically. Leaving Tallahassee late meant I had no one to drive home with, so I bit the bullet and bought a plane ticket to West Palm Beach.

On my departure date I headed to the airport, where I ran into a friend from back home. We decided to travel together. Boarding the plane was already chaotic—we had to exit the airport just to board. The cramped plane ride only got worse due to bad weather. We had a few flight delays but once we arrived home, we stopped at Wawa for a quick late-night snack—a combo meal and a sweet treat.

Shop, Beach, Eat, Repeat

The whole week home featured shopping, great food, and of course, the beach! I joined some friends at Brickell City Centre for some shopping, then stopped by Nordstrom to grab a quick bite of their famous crab soup and gnocchi—10/10, would recommend!

No visit to Miami is complete without a day at South Beach and it is exactly how it looks in the movies. With a UV index of 9, we spent nearly an entire day there, only stepping away for the occasional slice of pizza. After soaking up the sun, we enjoyed a delicious dinner from Pollo Tropical.

On day 3, our first stop was Sexy Fish, an upscale restaurant known for its exotic flavors and pricey dishes. The bathroom was stunning, featuring a $2 million mural—we spent most of our time there taking photos! Later, we grabbed a sweet treat downtown.

A highlight of day 4, besides hanging out with my two baby brothers and the parents I had missed so dearly, was going to Crazy Buffet. It’s a family tradition to visit Crazy Buffet and eat to our heart’s content!

Finally, it was time to return to my college home at Florida State University. This Spring Break trip was one of the most fun experiences of my life. The spontaneity, the adventures, and most importantly, spending it with my family and my best friends made it unforgettable.

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! 

My mother has a photo album on her phone titled “Reading while...” The album contains photos of me reading a book during different activities: when I was sitting in the driver’s seat waiting for my mom to lock the door, when I was putting on my shoes, while I was brushing my teeth. My favorite is when a photo of me lying face down in a book I was reading because I fell asleep. These photos offer an insight into who I was as a child, a vivacious reader who refused to put a book down, no matter the situation.

However, that all changed as I got into high school. As I started to take harder classes, my study time started to eat into my leisure reading time. And while at every icebreaker fun fact conversation, I would always say I loved to read, I slowly realized that I had not picked up a book in months. And while I tried to remedy this, I constantly found myself unable to find the time. And so, as I finished out high school, something that used to define me as a child disappeared from my life.

This continued into my college career as well. And it was not just the reading time that took a hit, it was any hobby or activity. I became consumed with studying for my classes and doing well. And while I told myself that throwing myself into studying was worth it and I was doing better, I slowly realized I was not. I became extremely sleep deprived, anxious, and a whole lot of other things that did not help me succeed in my classes.

To calm my nerves during an especially anxious episode, I started to read an orientation magazine I had gotten in the beginning of the year. After reading just a few pages, I felt much better. It felt so good to turn those pages and read the story out in front of me. That’s when I realized how important it is to find that work-life balance. Constantly working was not helping me at all.

That’s when I decided to go to the library and check out a book I had wanted to read in high school. That weekend, I read the entire book and felt a part of my brain re-emerge. I felt at peace and truly happy for the first time in months. The next weekend, I checked out another book, but instead of finishing it all that weekend, I paced it throughout the week, reading a few chapters at a time.

I saw a change in my studies. I started to stress less and started to sleep on time more often. It also was not just reading that made the difference. I started to pursue other hobbies and activities as well. I have picnics with my friends. I got good at pool and foosball. Now every Friday, my friends and I watch a movie. Every Sunday morning, we get brunch. I’ve learned how to crochet. Activities like these help me find peace it what is otherwise an extremely stressful major. Finding the balance is important.

I try to read a book every two weeks or so. And every now and then, I send my mom a new photo for her to add to her photo “Reading while…” album.

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! 

Being in college can be one of the busiest times in a young adult's life. Balancing school, work, and a social life, along with all the other obligations that come with university life, can put a strain on your mental health. As a busy college student myself, I have had my fair share of mental health struggles, and one way I have learned to cope with stress and anxiety is through mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of the present moment, acknowledging any thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Mindfulness is a practice that college students can implement into their daily routine to reap its benefits. 

Various research studies have been conducted over the years looking at the connection between mindfulness and mental health. According to the American Psychological Association, “researchers reviewed more than 200 studies of mindfulness among healthy people and found mindfulness-based therapy was especially effective for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Mindfulness can also help treat people with specific problems, including depression, pain, smoking, and addiction.” Practicing mindfulness consistently can also help improve focus, memory, and even emotional regulation. The American Psychological Association also cites, “a study of people who had anywhere from one month to 29 years of mindfulness meditation practice, researchers found that mindfulness meditation practice helped people disengage from emotionally upsetting pictures and enabled them to focus better on a cognitive task as compared with people who saw the pictures but did not meditate (Ortner et al., 2007).” Practicing mindfulness meditation before bed can also help those who struggle with insomnia or difficulty sleeping at night. 

Some people might feel overwhelmed by the idea of practicing mindfulness, but there are various ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life. One of the best ways to start practicing mindfulness is by using guided meditations. I personally like to use YouTube to find guided meditations, but there are also various apps now, such as Headspace and Calm, that have beginner-friendly meditations as well. 

Another way to incorporate mindfulness into your routine is by turning daily tasks into mindful practices. One of my favorite ways to do this is by going on a mindful walk. In the morning on my walk to class, I put away my phone, and as I am walking, I try to stay fully aware of each step I am taking, along with my breathing. I use this time to observe my feelings and thoughts without judgment, and it is a great way to start the day. Another way to implement mindfulness into your daily routine is to practice it in the shower. This may sound strange, but being in the shower is one of the few moments in a day where we are free of distractions. When showering, I like to use that time to pay attention to my breathing, and I visualize the water washing away the negative thoughts that come to my mind. 

While college can be one of the most exciting times of a young adult's life, it also comes with a ton of stress. The pressures of school, work, and staying social can take a toll on students' mental health, leading so many to struggle with anxiety and depression. Mindfulness can be an incredible tool for students to use to help cope with the stress of college 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! 

Hello all my fellow pre-meds! If you’re applying this cycle, you know how close the applications are, and I just wanted to give some words of encouragement since I am also going through the same thing!

First things first, you must take your MCAT before June to get the most you can out of your application!

My best advice for the MCAT is do not overthink during the exam. I took a course on how to take the MCAT, and I realized that the exam is not there to trick you. Most of the questions are straightforward, and I learned that I should always go with my first pick. The more you overthink, the more likely you are to change your answer and end up getting it incorrect!

I strongly recommend taking practice exams! This is a great way to see what approach is best for you in high stress situations. On days that you do take the practice exam, make sure you set up an area that is as close as possible to the actual exam room. Plan out your meals and breaks as well! This ensures that you won’t get blindsided on test day with how fast paced and lengthy the exam is.

Okay, so you've taken your exam. What happens now?

Research various medical schools and see which ones are the best fit for you. You can go on the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website and research different programs. Then, make sure you get your letters of recommendation. These letters are CRUCIAL for your application, since they can make or break it. Every school requires a different amount, so make sure you see how many your med school of choice wants.

Focus on your application as soon as it opens. Applications are available a month before they need to be turned in. Make sure you start early, so you don't lag then feel stressed by any deadlines. The application may take you a while to complete, but don’t feel discouraged! Take the time to perfect it and make it truly unique. Remember, you are showcasing yourself to a very competitive field, and it is easy to feel imposter syndrome when doing so. Don’t allow your self-doubt to pull you down. Believe in yourself, you got this far, right?

When you're finally done with the most stressful part, the application, relax! You've done the best you could have done up until now. Congratulate yourself, feel accomplished, you are amazing. Do not find yourself waiting around for emails regarding interviews or acceptances, live your life to its fullest. Don’t feel tied down by the burden you let go the minute you pressed submit.

To everyone applying, whether it be this cycle, or the next – good luck and congratulations!

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! 

Recording professional-sounding music on a college budget may first seem impossible, however it is not only feasible, but an opportunity to input your creativity into every process. You don’t need a high-end studio to produce great tracks. Instead, focus on technique, affordable tools, and optimizing your recording environment. Here are a few tips on how to put together high-quality songs without draining your bank account.

Optimize Your Recording Space 

If you’re recording in a dorm or small apartment, you can use thick blankets or moving pads to dampen reflections. Isolating areas with the most unwanted room noise is the key, focusing on creating smaller spaces within larger ones. For vocals, try recording in a closet, as the fabric is great at absorbing unwanted reverberations. If you’re micing an amp or acoustic instrument, a similar closet technique can work wonders if you have the space. Rugs and carpet can also be useful for containing sound in rooms with harder floors. 

Choose Affordable (or Free) Gear 

Start with a solid, budget-friendly microphone like the Shure SM57 or SM7B or any cheap large diaphragm condenser such as the Audio-Technica AT2020 or the AKG P220. Pair it with an affordable audio interface, such as a Scarlett Solo or anything that doesn’t have DI quality loss and that can provide clean preamps. For monitoring, opt for flat-response headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x or something from Sennheiser’s HD series, which will help you mix accurately without need for studio monitors. Most production can be tackled in the box these days, so focus on getting the best signal into your computer first and foremost. 

Use Free or Low-Cost DAWs & Plugins 

Professional DAWs can cost hundreds, but there are many free and low-cost alternatives. If you’re on Mac, GarageBand is a powerful starting point with built-in instruments and effects. Windows users can take advantage of Cakewalk by BandLab, another fully featured DAW that’s completely free. Reaper offers a 60-day free trial and only costs $60 afterward, making it a steal for its capabilities. For plugins, lookout for free options like iZotope’s Vinyl (for lo-fi effects), Spitfire LABS (for high-quality virtual instruments), and Valhalla Supermassive (for lush reverbs and delays). Tools like these will elevate your production and save a penny at the same time.

Learn Basic Mixing Techniques 

Even the best recordings fall flat without proper mixing principles. Learn to use EQ, compression, and different plugins like saturation and modulation effects to play with tone color while also creating a cohesive mix. When using reverb and delay, apply them subtly to avoid washing out. Panning left or right can also help to create a more immersive soundstage. Most importantly, reference mixes on multiple playback systems (headphones, car stereo, etc.) and use professional references to ensure they translate well to wherever your music is distributed. 

Collaborate & Share Knowledge 

The final tip, and the best way to improve while staying budget-conscious is collaboration with other musicians. Join music groups, swap feedback, or even share gear! You might find someone with better microphones or a different DAW who can enhance your recordings. Plus, learning from others accelerates your own growth and can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs. 

Final Thoughts 

Great music isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about how you use what you have. By optimizing your space, choosing smart gear, leveraging free software, and honing your creative skills, you can produce tracks that rival professional recordings. The key is to keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep creating. Your passion and resourcefulness will always matter more than the price tag of your equipment. 

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! 

As college students entangled in an ever-evolving web of classes, studying, extracurricular activities, job searching, and a plethora of other pressing issues, it can be hard to kick back for a moment and allow oneself to have fun. It can seem like everything we do needs to be part of some bigger plan to advance ourselves in society--but it's okay to do things for your own enjoyment, and for no other reason. Here’s how I learned to snowboard and why I enjoy it – despite my not being naturally good at it. 

My snowboarding journey began in the winter of my sophomore year of high school. At that point in my life, I was knee-deep in studying for classes, swimming year-round, and practicing my bass, so extreme leg-breaking sports were the last thing on my mind. On a cool Thursday evening, I got a text from my best friends asking me if I wanted to go snowboarding with them over the weekend – and my initial response was absolutely not. 

On any given weekend, you could find me reading, playing poker, having a movie night, maybe playing some spike ball or pickleball, but snowboarding wasn't ever on the list. In addition to having a crippling fear of heights, I'm not exactly the most coordinated person. Some people are built for comfort, not speed – I would classify myself within that group. 

After some nagging, negotiating, and a healthy dose of peer pressure, I finally caved in and said I would go. We drove up to a small ski hill in Sapphire Valley, North Carolina – not the grandest by any means, but a perfect place for me to learn. My friends taught me all the basics – including how to strap myself to the board, how to get onto the lift, and how to fall in the least painful way (thank the lord for that one) – but most of the technical stuff I needed to figure out on my own. 

I pretty much spent the entire day falling in every way imaginable – learning how to distribute my weight properly was a huge obstacle, as leaning too far in the wrong direction at the wrong time causes a very sudden fall (this is referred to as "catching an edge"). It was extremely frustrating not being able to go for more than 15 seconds at a time without falling – I'll admit I got pretty heated in some moments. However, by the end of the day, I was able to gently glide down the entire slope without falling – although I wasn't very quick, I was in control. 

Since that day, snowboarding has become something I regularly return to and endeavor to improve upon. By no means am I naturally good at this sport – after 4 years of snowboarding two/three times per season, I still fall regularly and still don't go as fast as I'd like to, but to look back upon the improvement and growth I've had since then is immensely satisfying. The feeling of the wind rushing against your face while gliding down a slope is exhilarating and immensely freeing – especially knowing that I've conquered so many obstacles to get to that point. 

Snowboarding has taught me that sometimes the most rewarding experiences come not from the activities we naturally excel at, but from embracing the struggle, celebrating small victories, and finding joy in the journey – a lesson that extends far beyond the slopes into every aspect of 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! 

Embrace being unqualified! I know, it might sound odd but hear me out. College is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone. It’s the best time to take risks and pursue opportunities that may feel just a little out of reach. Many of us, as college students, often feel we’re not qualified for the roles or opportunities we want. I can confidently say that during my job searches, I have run into the recurring issue of not having enough experience. However, being comfortable with the experience I do have, no matter how minimal, has given me the confidence to go after opportunities I might not have otherwise considered.

The reality is, not applying for a position doesn’t give us any better chances, so why not take the risk? I want to share why I believe we should be more comfortable trying for things we don't initially feel qualified for.

For one, applying when you don’t expect too much can take a lot of the pressure off. The best interviews I’ve ever had were for positions I thought I had little chance of landing. Going in with low expectations allowed me to put everything I had on the table without worrying about making mistakes. Often, the pressure to succeed comes from thinking we should get the position, when that may not be the case. Letting go of that mindset can set you up for success.

You also never know what employers/interviewers are looking for. There may be qualities and experiences you have that could make you a more well-rounded or multifaceted candidate than you realize. Employers may value things you never even thought to mention, such as transferable skills or ability to learn quickly. Sometimes, we underestimate what we bring to the table just because we don't meet all the listed qualifications. It’s easy to assume that a great opportunity is out of reach because it seems too competitive or too good to be true. But sometimes, those opportunities might not be as competitive as you think.

One of my favorite experiences with embracing this mindset was when I reached out to a faculty member conducting research at my college. As a new freshman with no knowledge of an existing position, I never even thought I would get a response and only reached out on a whim. Still, I decided it was worth a shot. To my surprise, I was quickly offered an interview and added to the research team on the spot! A great example of you never know until you try.

At my college, most students have to apply for jobs they don’t feel qualified for as part of the Co-op program. So, this idea is very accepted on my campus. But I can tell you from what I’ve seen that if my friends hadn’t taken these risks they would’ve missed some of their best opportunities! My roommate recently applied for several Co-op positions none of which she felt qualified for because she had no experience in her field. But she went for it anyway thinking all she needed was to get one. She ended up getting offered every single job! Another friend of mine saw an opportunity to apply to be on the executive board of her organization despite only being a 2nd year (of a 5-year program). She ended up being offered next year’s president position! The moral of the story is that sometimes we let insecurities hold us back from what could be some of our most exciting and rewarding experiences. You may be more qualified than you think!

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 to study abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, I knew I’d be stepping outside my academic comfort zone. As a psychology and cognitive science major, studying the biology of the South Pacific and sustainability & development wasn’t exactly in my wheelhouse. But I wanted to challenge myself, explore new perspectives, and, of course, experience the beauty of a part of the world I had never seen before. What I didn’t realize was just how much studying abroad would shape me, not just academically, but personally. It turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Throughout my time abroad, I had the chance to see and do things I never could have imagined. I hiked through the untouched Fiordland rainforests, where towering trees and cascading waterfalls made me feel like I had stepped into another world. I swam alongside hundreds of wild dolphins in frigid waters, an experience so surreal it felt like a dream. And in Fiji, I connected with local islanders, learning about their traditions, values, and way of life in a way that no textbook could ever capture. These moments weren’t just exciting adventures, they opened my eyes to different ways of thinking, living, and understanding the world. I learned about sustainability firsthand, not just in theory but from the people whose lives depend on it. Even though my studies abroad weren’t directly tied to my major, they expanded my knowledge in ways that will stick with me forever.

Looking back, studying abroad was so much more than just taking classes in another country. It was about stepping outside my comfort zone, saying yes to new experiences, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the world around me. It taught me that education isn’t just about what’s in a lecture or a textbook.

Study abroad is about the people you meet, the cultures you experience, and the places that take your breath away. If you’re considering studying abroad, my advice is simple: go for it. You’ll learn more than you ever expected, make memories that last a lifetime, and return home with a fresh perspective on both the world and 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!