Students blog

Growing up, I was called the ‘animal girl’. I was the first to volunteer to feed the class pet or bring a new pet home. My playground was the creek and the meadow behind my house, which housed turtles, snakes, mice and rabbits. You could describe my younger self as muddy, bruised, smiling, and fearless. A lot of my desire to observe and learn about animals comes from the great Steve Irwin and his inspiring point of view on the fantastic animal kingdom. I watched his program everyday on Animal Planet. I wanted to be just like him when I grew up.

Finding myself – or so I thought

When I entered high school I felt I had to choose what to do with my life. I still had the desire to be like Steve Irwin; I wanted to inspire others much like he inspired me. I researched and even shadowed different careers that I might be interested in. I volunteered at animal rescues and worked side-by-side with a veterinarian for a week. However, I felt like these careers did not offer me quite what I was looking for. It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to participate with People2People and travel to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji that I finally found what I was looking for. During my time there, I went scuba diving and fell in love with the underwater world. I instantly knew that this was something I could do for the rest of my life. I decided to study marine biology and pursue a career in research. I wanted to be like Steve Irwin and help animals who were being negatively affected by human influence.

A change of mind

After high school, I still had the passion for marine biology and had decided to attend Texas A&M in Galveston to earn my degree. However, I knew I couldn’t afford to go straight to a university. In order to save money, I decided to attend community college. At first I was a little disappointed, but soon realized the great opportunities offered by community colleges that were not available at a four-year university. I joined organizations on campus, made friends, and soon began to love my new home in Texas. At the same time, I found myself unsure of my future. I began questioning my choices. Was marine biology right for me? I was really at a loss and soon it felt like my life was spiraling downwards. My grades fell, and my motivation left me. I had lost my spark.

Finding myself- for real this time

After some time, I began to grow in heart and mind. I began to gain my sense of self back. I realized I am still the animal girl I have always been. I still want to work with animals all my life. That hasn’t changed. I could still be like Steve Irwin. He was not just the animal lover we saw on TV.  He also devoted much of his life to the well-being of animals native to Australia.  His efforts in land conservation and the protection of animal life was a big part of what he did for the animals he loved. Steve Irwin continues to inspire me as I begin to pursue a major in environmental science and dedicate my life to the conservation of wildlife.

Now I am a confident student studying environmental science, but, as you can see, my college career didn’t begin that way. I was unsure and uncertain at times even though I knew I wanted to help animals since the days playing near the creek. I encourage all students to explore as many opportunities as they can in college, to ignite that spark that will lead to their future career success.

Like any college student with a busy schedule, I spend a lot of time traveling from classes to work, internships and other events. Travel is a major aspect of life in general. I also spend several hours per week in a car traveling to work and school, even home for the weekends.

I am a student at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. My hometown, Spokane, is only about an hour and a half away. That is an hour and a half away from my family and significant other. Needless to say, I go back there a lot and the drive is very familiar.

As my playlists of music became predictable and boring, I invested in audio books. I signed up for Audible and the audio book adventure began! As I drive I listen to various stories and novels and it makes it a much more enjoyable experience.

But I don’t want to waste my time just driving; I like to be productive.  This semester one of my classes has assigned required reading through Pearson Revel. Many times it is difficult for me to sit down and read a textbook without getting distracted and I end up avoiding the reading altogether. The features on Pearson Revel have helped me to improve my studying. While I drive, I listen to a chapter or two and it makes the hours of driving a much more productive experience.

Not only has this helped me improve my studying habits, but I am able to learn while I drive. Driving can be boring when the scenery is nothing new and you are driving by yourself. As much as I love music, audio books have become my go-to driving background music.

As the semester has progresses, I have seen my quiz grades improving. The content that we are quizzed on for reading is staying with me and the ability to multi-task and learn while on the go is perfect for my lifestyle. This is my senior year, but the way that I have been able to manage my time more effectively with reading in audio form has made an impact.  I wish I’d had access to Revel for previous classes.

Times are changing and technology is revolutionizing the classroom. Just one small aspect of incorporating technology into education has improved my college career. I encourage any student looking to be productive to take advantage of technology resources available. Not every assignment has to be just reading the textbook.

What do you do to study for finals? What about regular exams? Do your methods work? Whether you are a freshman or a senior, finals still are one of the most stressful parts of college for students. All your hard work can depend on how well you perform on this last test. While some courses weigh final exams more than others, these tests are something students need to take their time to prepare for. Here are my tips when studying for not only finals, but regular exams: review your own notes, write key concepts down, create your own questions, and use your professor’s notes or material widgets, if included.

Review your notes early and often

One of the first things I do is review my notes for an exam. However, finals are quite different. Recently, I reviewed all my notes over eighteen chapters for my behavior therapy course, which proved difficult to retain the information.  What I recommend is to periodically review your notes for certain chapters throughout the semester. For example, if your course lists modules with several chapters, review those chapters at the end of the week. For some of my courses, our modules were spaced out every two weeks. After I finished a chapter I reviewed my notes before I moved on to the next chapter. This may be especially helpful when attempting to accumulate all of the information from previous chapters for exams.

Rewrite your notes

Rewriting important concepts and topics is also helpful. This deepens my understanding for the material and how each chapter shared similar ideas. For example, in my behavior therapy course we had a module on exposure therapy. Within this module, I had notes for flooding and graded exposure via imaginal and in vivo techniques. Although these therapies were separated in our text, by writing down outlines of the main topics I was able to clarify the distinctions between each technique and how these techniques were similar to other modalities taught in the course.

Quiz yourself with flashcards

Flashcards take studying to a whole new level! One great tool I began using this past semester was Pearson’s beta testing app called PearsonPrep. As a Pearson Beta Tester, I was able to test automatic flashcards made from my own documents uploaded to the app. I found this app great because it covered specific details that had the potential to be on the final. Personally, I have always had a hard time remembering details from the text, so when I could input my professor’s module summaries into a document and have flashcards from it, I found it very helpful. I was able to have different types of questions regarding the same topic, so I would recall it in different ways, not just by a fill in the blank answer or multiple choice. Likewise, I also found that generating my own questions really helped me remember the material. I suggest students generate their own questions when preparing for exams and their finals.

Winning with widgets

Lastly, when I transferred to the University of Central Florida, some of my professors included material participation as part of the modules. These participation activities usually were in the form of hangman or a crossword puzzle. What I loved about studying this way is that it tended to cover topics or ideas I may have forgotten about. Although the questions may not give enough information to use them exclusively for finals prep,  I used the material widgets in combination of other tools which strengthened my confidence in understanding the material. One benefit about these tools is that you can repeat them as many times as you like to review certain topics or key words.

Studying for finals does not have to be daunting. With the right approach and a plan, you can make studying efficient and fun. I recommend that when studying for finals you review your own notes, write down key concepts, create flash cards and use your professor’s notes or material widgets.

The opportunity to study abroad while in college is important and should be considered by every student. You may try to find excuses, such as not being able to afford it or even being intimidated by not being prepared to explore another country – however I encourage you to seize the opportunity and do it! Last semester I studied abroad in Europe and not only learned a lot but had a very memorable experience. Through my study abroad experience, I have gathered four tips that I know will make your study abroad experience a success!

Take advantage of the opportunity

At first glance the large amount of money that is advertised alongside a study abroad program may seem intimidating – don’t let that be the factor that stops you from going! There are scholarships available to cut the cost and you should also consider financial aid. At least explore your options before you turn down the idea completely. Anyone who has ever studied abroad can attest to the amazing experience. I was faced with the same issues, but then I came across the saying, “you can make more money, but you can’t make more time”. That helped me make up my mind to study abroad!

Learn all you can about your destination

Everyone should study abroad at some point in their life.  No matter how long you decide to go, no matter where you choose to have your host country, it will change your life for the better.  This past summer, I was lucky enough to be able to travel to Granada, Spain to spend 7 weeks taking two classes, traveling every single weekend, and improving my Spanish speaking skills.  While in Spain, I lived with a host family, which initially was not my first choice. Several of my friends studied abroad the previous semester and seeing them live with their friends in apartments made me look forward to that, too. But in the end, I would not have wanted to live anywhere else. I grew closer to my host family than I could have ever imagined (even shedding a few tears on my last night) and I was able to practice Spanish at all times of the day. It was truly the best way to become fully immersed into the culture and the language.

Studying abroad is definitely a learning experience and each day you learn something new.  Here are a few tips I would give to someone who is going abroad in the future.

1. Do something every single day.  Do NOT go home and watch that Netflix show you have been binge watching because even though 7 weeks seems long, it will go by in a blink of an eye.
2. Try the native food. It may be the grossest or it may be the best thing you will ever eat but you will regret leaving and not trying that one thing.
3. Find a spot. Find a restaurant, bar, café, anywhere! Get to know the staff.  It will make you feel like you found a place that makes you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
4. Travel.  Travel as much as you can (or as much as your wallet will let you.) Especially if you are in Europe, travel because it is so easy to get to different countries.    
5. If you want it, buy it.  If you are debating getting that homemade mug or rug for your mom but you just are not sure, get it.  You will regret passing something up that has meaning from your host country.
6. Make new friends.  Sure, you may know a few people going on the same program as you but make sure to branch out of your group and meet other people in your program.  I can honestly say that I met some of the greatest people in my life in those 7 weeks.

There are so many positives that come with traveling and seeing the world. It is truly an experience that everyone should be able to do.  Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary and intimidating but it is well worth it. If I did not step out and try new things, I would not have met the people I did, completed the experiences I went through, and I would not have these memories that will last a lifetime.

At most schools students have the chance to choose the electives they take for their majors, which is why it’s super important to pick electives that will positively impact your education.  When it comes time for you pick elective classes for your next semester schedule, here are three things to keep in mind.

Consider your future.

Electives give you a good insight on what you may like or dislike and some insight on what you might want to pursue in your future as well. Pick an elective that can give you hands-on experience as to whether you really wish to make a career out of something or not.

Dig into your passions.

Sometimes you can choose a “just for fun” course. You can explore new subject areas which could alter your career path or simply lead to a lifelong hobby.

Complement your major.

If you want a well-rounded resume after you graduate, consider taking classes that will complement your major. For example, if you are a marketing major, use this opportunity to refine some Photoshop skills with a graphic design elective. If you are an education major but never had to take a foreign language, go for the Spanish class –  you won’t become fluent in one semester, but at least you will pick up some vocabulary and basic grammar formulations that can help you later on.

Elective courses are an essential part of your college career. You will hopefully have the chance to pick at least a few electives and therefore I encourage you to make the most of the experience. Whether you choose an elective based on your future plans, your passion, or adding to your resume – make sure the elective class is something you will enjoy that next semester.

Teachers have a part in every educational journey. They nourish students with knowledge garnished with life lessons. As I am one of the beneficiaries of education, I can say with confidence that I would not have matured without the presence of teachers. For me, each educational journey is like a marathon. It looks as though it is an individual sport. Yet, it takes a team: runners cannot run without help from trainers, parents, fans, and sponsors. It’s all combined. Likewise, pursuing education is a collective effort. Parents provide their students with a stable environment in which students thrive. Textbooks help introduce new knowledge to students. Teachers are most vital. They help students navigate through new information, make connections, and develop their thinking.

I have had a plethora of episodes where teachers played crucial roles in my life. In elementary school, my teacher tenaciously lectured me on the joy of cleaning desks. Now, I find solace in cleaning my room, which helps me relieve stress during finals. In middle school, my ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher gave me a piece of advice, “Learning a new language takes time, be patient.” Having been patient for 6 years and steadily learning English, I am now writing this blog in English. My high school mentor taught me about the art of giving. Being inspired, I have started to work as a tutor in college to help other students. Now, with this diverse life advice, I have a goal to start projects in order to help alleviate educational inequality through entrepreneurship.

Throughout my career as a student, many teachers have gifted me with knowledge and assisted me as I grow into a mature individual. They showed me how to conquer various life challenges, whether it be cleaning, learning English, or identifying my future path. Amidst of the marathon which I am getting closer to the goal, I could not have gotten here without teachers. Thank you, teachers, for joining my marathon team and educating me to run through the academic avenue as well as life. Until I can shout, “We did it,” at commencement, I look forward to further learning from you and growing exponentially.

Of all the tips I’ve learned to use when studying for finals, this one always allows me to succeed: focusing on one class at a time. By zeroing in on one subject for each study session, you can better comprehend the information that is presented. Your approach for a specific class may differ based on the course, your level of confidence in the course, or your study methods. Here are three tips I use to get the most out of each study session.

Repetition Reaps Rewards

For math classes, I found that it is essential that you review multiple times throughout the semester – especially in upper-level math courses. I have found success in my business calculus class by repeatedly reviewing each test throughout the semester. While doing this over time, studying for finals won’t be as much of a burden and you will be much more prepared.

Prioritize Weaker Areas

I also prioritize my classes and study accordingly. If I have a high A in one class, I budget a little more time on a course where I may have a lower grade. Prioritizing is also a skill you can take on with you in your future career. Many students don’t realize all the strategies we learn and utilize in college are skills that will impress a future employer!

Your Method Matters

I personally find it most efficient to make flashcards. I use applications like Quizlet or PearsonPrep to make flashcard sets for each class instead of writing them all out. Flashcards may not suffice if you need to learn concepts of subjects rather than solely definitions. To study concepts, I review, study, and then set aside any questions I answered incorrectly. By doing this, you can study the difficult material more often and master the concepts. In fact, PearsonPrep application will prioritize the topics for you based on your successful (or unsuccessful) attempts at certain concepts. Additionally, PearsonPrep allows you to upload your class notes and it automatically turns them into flashcards!

Focusing on one class at a time, using repetition, prioritizing courses, and finding your niche study method have all contributed to my success in college. I hope you use these strategies and that they work for you as well! Also take time for yourself during finals. I enjoy getting a good workout in during stressful times. Working out releases endorphins and results in a positive mood. Finals are one of the most stressful aspects of college, but with these tips I’m sure you will rock them! Good luck on your finals!

It’s one of the widest caught illnesses of academic careers – Senioritis. Merriam-Webster’s definition of Senioritis (yep, it’s in the dictionary) is “an ebbing of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences, and lower grades”. Almost every senior can say that they’ve gotten it and it’s very hard to “cure”. Once you start to slack and lose motivation, it takes a lot to get that motivation back.

Even though my senior year has only been two months long, I have experienced a bad case of Senioritis and found my way out. Here are some tips on how you can, too:

Volunteer for something you believe in

Recently, I’ve been volunteering at a local food bank. It has been re-energizing and brought back a bit of drive! I will also be trying to volunteer at the Wake County SPCA soon because who doesn’t love some animals? The point here is that volunteering can help take up time while also filling your heart with a bit of energy and purpose.

Take up a new hobby

Usually Senioritis comes along with less credit hours/easier courses, leading to a decline in care. Filling up your day with things that you like will wake you right up from that Senioritis slumber. For the first three years of college, I didn’t play quite as much golf as I’d have liked. So, when Senioritis hit, I realized that I wanted to put more time into my golf game, which kept me focused and determined on and off the course.

Take a course solely because it interests you

Too many times people get caught up in their list of required courses. Unless you try to have 6 majors and 4 minors, you should have a bit of a credit hour gap towards the end of your college career. Try filling this bit of extra time with a course that seems interesting. Usually to graduate you need some elective courses, so here’s your chance! Basket weaving? Go for it! 1800’s European History? GO FOR IT! Try something out that interests you. I decided to take on a coding-intensive class to learn some basics; it really intrigued me and kept me focused in the classroom.

Get ahead and plan your after-college life

One of things I feel like college students fear is the real world. You may hear “ugh, I wanna get out of this town and live my life,” but how serious are they? Are you ready for taxes? Insurance premiums? Emergency funds? Down payments? Yeah. Very few are. So, now that you have some time in your day, try to tackle some of those big challenges early. Talk to some people and try and understand the finances behind real life so that you can start saving and planning out your budget. My older sister has already graduated and I recently asked her to help me understand how to work my finances so that I can live the life I want to live out of college. Nothing wrong with being prepared!

So, while Senoritis might not have a prescribed cure, there are certainly things you could be doing during your last year of college to be more productive! These are just a few ideas that I have come up with, but I’m sure it’s enough to fill up a bit more of your time!