Students blog

Math has always been my least favorite subject. I always had the most difficult time understanding the concepts. Algebra was rough, calculus was worse, and trigonometry felt like torture. In high school my inability to properly understand math felt like my defining weakness, especially when I compared myself to my numerous straight-A friends. When I was thinking of my future major, I only looked at concentrations that wouldn’t require math. But something happened when I got to college that would help me overcome my weakness so that I could achieve math proficiency.

In college I met one of the greatest professors I ever had. For the first time in my life, I had a math teacher who taught me math – and I understood it! For the first time, I was able to earn good grades in the subject. Was it my perception? Was it the professor? What did he do differently? Honestly, I’m really not quite sure. However, one thing is certain – he changed how I felt about the subject and how I perceived my abilities. After taking that class, my self-confidence was boosted. I am insanely proud of how I overcame that weakness and turned it into a strength. Here are a few things I learned through this experience.

Strive for improvement

Don’t worry so much about what you’re bad at, because with more practice or in the right setting, you could get better. Don’t focus on your flaws or imperfections, but rather strive to make improvements on all aspects of your life.

Teaching others helps you learn

Offer to help other students who don’t understand the topic. You were once in their position, and it’s great practice for yourself as well! We learn better when we have to explain a concept to another person –  so it’s win win! Not to mention, working in your campus tutor lab is a great way to meet new people, or earn some extra cash.

Thank your teacher

If you get that professor who changes the entire subject for you, let them know! Every teacher wants to change lives, and compliments go a long way. Show them that you are a driven student, and that their explanations encouraged you to reach your highest potential. That is the greatest gift to give an educator.

College is not only a time of education, but also personal growth. I was astonished at what I could accomplish in the math courses I took in the following semesters. One professor was able to open my eyes and allow me to realize that I was not “bad at math” but rather never had the right resources or knowledge to effectively solve equations. I am proud to say with hard work and dedication to the subject, I completed the course with an A. Something I would have never thought possible before taking this course. I encourage you to always keep your chin up and approach things with confidence. Rather than shying away from math classes, I now know I can pursue ANY major, regardless of the math requirements.

Pearson Students, What your weakness? How are you going to conquer it? Share when you retweet my blog!

When engaged in activities that truly interest or excite, time seems to slip away quickly.  Being a student comes with many responsibilities such as class attendance,  study sessions, campus activities, work, family life and most of all – your own independent life.  Effective time management creates space for you to encompass many, if not all tasks, and supports a centered lifestyle.  With the implementation of a few strategies, effective time management empowers you to approach any task with confidence.  I have found these five strategies help master the rigors of time while working toward a balanced work-life balance.

Let the long-term goal be the focal point of an activity

Whether at the beginning, middle, or end of the semester, the overall goal to learn the information and apply learned knowledge for future situations directs your drive or motivation to prioritize items that need more time and focus.   

Make a priority list

When confronted with many tasks and a short amount of time, a to-do list with items listed by priority helps you to maximize your available time and to organize your thoughts on how to carry out the list.   

Set realistic time constraints for each step of a larger task

For example, if a paper is due at the end of the week, here’s an example of how to break down each step and apply a time constraint.

1. Form an outline – ten to twenty (10 – 20) minutes
2. Write the rough draft – three (3) hours
3. Edit, rewrite, proofread – two (2) hours
4. Write final draft and reread for final clarity – one (1) hour.  

Setting time limits for each item helps to manage time and not feel overwhelmed.

Reward yourself!  

When creating to-do lists and time constraints, include areas of fun and/or interest. For instance, if you enjoy reading books, listening to music, gaming, playing sports, connecting with social media, spending time with family and friends, etc., these activities can be highlighted on your to-do list as a reward for completing tasks. This gives you a measure to achieve amid the long-term goal. The incentives help to motivate you and keep a balanced flow of learning.

Set boundaries

Sometimes you just have to say“No.”  You must learn how to exercise boundaries and limits.  For example, if you need to spend more time reading a specific chapter to grasp the concepts, but your friends want to go to a movie –  this a conflicted priority.  You may need to say “no” and/or offer an alternative time to go out.  The suggestion of other options allows for understanding, flexibility, and focus.  The long-term goal must come first.  

‘Time flies when you are having fun,’ as the adage goes.  As a student, the learning process can be fun as well.  A few effective time management tools give you the flexibility to enjoy the process and your own life to a fuller extent.  Having a clear long-term goal, listing tasks in order of priority, setting time limits for the items, incorporating interesting incentives throughout the list, and setting boundaries on time allow you to embrace the challenges of student life and balance  it with work, social, and family life. 

How do you effectively manage your time? Please share with the Pearson Students community when you retweet this blog!

Money is an important part of our life. However, for many college students, it always seems like you don’t quite have enough. One way to ensure you have money when you need it is to use smart money management! Something simple like using common sense, could spare you a few extra cents, and I will share with you my three favorite tips on just how to do that!

Do not connect debit cards with your savings account

I have a debit card through my credit union and when I first received this card I noticed I was spending a lot of money with it and the money came right out of my main savings account! I found out that I spent a lot less when I disconnected the accounts and had a separate account for just my debit card. This way I put a set amount in each month and only allowed myself to spend that much – no more.  

Protect your accounts from overdrafts

When I first started using my account I noticed I would overdraft a lot and would have to pay a $15-20 fee every time. This amount started to add up. When I went to my credit union and brought this issue up I learned that I can protect the accounts from overdrafts. Given, this is a bit embarrassing when I’m stuck at a store and can’t pay the bill but it has saved me a lot of money. Additionally, I have learned to carry $20-50 extra in cash for emergencies.   

Recycle

This may seem odd at first but in states that accept refunds for cans, such as Michigan which is 10 cents per bottle or can, this money can add up. If your state does not take money for bottle returns, they probably take money for aluminum and this can still give you some extra cash. I pick cans and bottles up from the ground when I go for walks. Through these actions alone I earn about $50-100 each month! The best part is I do not often buy pop or soda. Therefore, I am making money, helping the environment and cleaning up my community – all at the same time!

There are many ways to save money, and these are three of my favorite. I have found that by unlinking my cards, preventing overdraft, and recycling bottles and cans – I find myself less strapped for cash!

Do you have any tips for smart money management? Share them with the Pearson Students Community when you retweet this blog!

Choosing a college major is daunting. You want to earn a degree which will lead to a career you love. Here is my story of how one of my high school teachers inspired me to choose to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Doctor Dreams Dashed

When I moved to the United States from Nigeria, I wanted to be a doctor. I thought being a doctor sounded cooler than any other profession in the world. But then I saw movies and dramas that took place in the hospital that showed doctors performing surgery, which made me have doubts of wanting to become a doctor. At that point, I became totally lost! I did not know what career to pick at all!

My Father’s Advice

My dad always told me that I should pick a career related to science. So in my junior year of high school, I took a computer science class called Introduction to JAVA. I started to learn coding for the first time. Through the coding class, I learned about algorithms and became fascinated. My computer science teacher taught the class in such an engaging way that it made me want to learn more. I took the AP class in my senior year. Through that, I was able to join the Robotics Club, where I built a robot and coded it to see how all the algorithms worked in real life.

Pointed in the Right Direction

My computer science teacher made a huge impact in my life. He encouraged me to pursue a mechanical engineering major and a computer science minor in college. I am excited about the future. After graduation I want to be able to create and code machines. Without the inspiration of my teacher, I would still be frustrated with not having a career outlook. I am thankful for him and the opportunity to take the computer science classes in high school, because now I have a college major that will lead to a future career I am excited about!

How did you get inspired to pursue your major? Share when you retweet my blog!

Down time is the best time to learn. So this past summer I took the opportunity to use my down time to read the book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg who is currently Chief Operation Officer at Facebook and a former Google executive. From her eBook, I learned a lot on how to become a better person and a strong woman as I enter the job market. This book review provides some takeaways from her book.

Don’t hesitate to take risks

Sandberg highlights how women have the tendency to hesitate when taking on new challenges because we tend to worry if we have the skills to do the new challenge or even if we are good enough to be a part of the new challenge. She stresses to be bold and to go for it. Confidence is key. So a strong woman needs to believe in herself, take on new challenges, and learn she goes.

Think beyond the ladder

Sandberg stresses in her book that women should not work to just go up the ladder but rather to spread our wings and try everything. Do things you want to and take on challenges that you see are interesting and beneficial. Explore! Don’t stop because you think you reached the top. Opportunities are endless!

Share the work

Balancing career and family is something every woman faces. Sandberg argues that the conversation needs to change and women need to ask their partners to step up. Have the conversation. Don’t let this debate hold you back, rather make it your strength and set expectations. Women tend to not drive their careers because of personal commitments. Sandberg highlights that both can happen – a strong woman will find the balance and have that conversation.

Sandberg’s book highlighted many obstacles women face in the workforce. Using her own experience, she shows how you can rise above it all , become a strong woman, and make an impact with your career. You can become the next Sheryl Sandberg and all you have to do is Lean In. Women help women and the conversation will change. It’s all about confidence and belief.

As an upcoming senior in college, I have started to think about applying to graduate school. This has given me an opportunity to reflect on my first college applications during my senior year of high school. I was a mess! I was stressed out that my grades weren’t high enough, my essays weren’t good enough, I wasn’t involved in enough extra-curricular activities, and I wasn’t going to get into any college of my choice. Whether you’re a high school senior, community college student applying to transfer, or a soon-to-be college graduate looking at graduate schools, you may benefit from these five tips on what I wish I would have known when applying to college the first time.

Submit your materials early

This is your last year to be with friends you’ve established in school and you want to make the most of it. You don’t want to be stressing about not meeting application deadlines. Start the applications early and get them done so that you can have some fun when the end nears.

Recommendation letters need to have a personal touch

Avoid asking for recommendation letters from teachers or professors who don’t know you well. Look for those who have known you for a while and that you might have a relationship with. They will not simply take the recommendation letter they have saved on their desktop and change the name. Instead they will add a personal touch to the letter, which can make a big difference to the application.

Seek “professional” proofreaders

Get more than just your mom or a friend to proof your application essays. English teachers can edit the papers well, and they can help you phrase things that will make you stand out to admissions counselors. Be sure to give your proofreader plenty of time for the review so you can make your changes well before your essays must be submitted.

Do not compare yourself to others

When all your friends are applying to many of the same colleges, it can be easy to talk about what you are putting on the application. Do not compare yourself to others. Just because your friend has 10 more volunteer hours doesn’t mean you aren’t getting into the school you each are applying to.

Relax!  

Yes, applying to college should be taken seriously, but this is also your final year – so have fun! It can be overwhelming, but just take it a step at a time, and you will get it done.

Keep these tips in mind and you will rock your college admission apps. Good luck to all those applying to college!

Every dollar, every day, we are faced with a dilemma: Should I spend my money or save it? In a time where nearly anything can be bought for the right price, we are tempted to spend all our money all the time. After all, money makes money. But now I’ve learned that your actual income is not what you earn but what you save. Savings is what you can use when it’s time to build your dream.

Advice from leaders

One of my professors gave some wise advice on this topic. He encouraged us to resist spending our post-graduation starting salary on a really expensive sports car. The value of the car will depreciate over time so the wiser decision is to buy a more practical car and invest the remaining money. The return on the invested money can pay for many sports cars over time. This advice was reiterated when I studied a great economist and philosopher who said, “do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” The money which is spent on luxuries is never going to give us any money back but the money which we invest is actually going to help us build our future and our dreams.

Lessons for college students

In my first year as a college student, I realized that no matter how much money I had at the beginning of the month, towards the end of the month I was always broke. Many of my peers were in the same situation because we were only thinking about enjoying our today. That year, I had an idea to initiate a start-up. I needed some initial investment for it but unfortunately I had nothing.

As I looked back, I saw that there was a lot of money which I had spent unnecessarily. I could have saved more and used it for my start-up. From then on I decided that each month, I would take out a certain amount from my paycheck and keep it aside as my savings. A lot of my financial problems began to get solved with this one habit. I invested the money I saved every month which indeed earned me more.

Invest for your future

If there is one piece of advice I would give other college students, it would be to try to save your money and invest it. It may seem challenging at first, but it will be well worth it in the long run. Making even this one action a habit while you are young will help pave the way for a prosperous future.

So, Pearson Students, I have a question for you: How will you save money? Will it be one less latte per month? Or maybe trading the cinema tickets for a movie marathon with friends in your dorm? Saving money can be challenging in college, so let’s brainstorm together! Share your genius money saving tip below!

As college is a string of decisions, regrets are inevitable. My biggest regret was not something I did, rather it was an opportunity I did not seize early enough. It was a yearlong decision to stay in my comfort zone when opportunities were right in front of me. Staying trapped in my own bubble felt like a good idea at the time. The anxiety of new things seemed unbearable in a college atmosphere. 

Go beyond your comfort zone

I wasn’t completely closed off my freshman year. My best friends come from the people on my dorm hall, and I am still an executive member of the club I joined before classes started fall of freshman year. However, I became complacent with my college experience when I should have pursued even more opportunities.  I truly believed college was to consist of a few friends, maybe an activity on campus, and the rest of the time devoted to schoolwork and Netflix. Eventually I realized I was missing something. Sophomore year, it hit me. I had to branch out, step out of the proverbial comfort zone, and try new things on campus. Any college student knows how fast the four years go by, and I could not let the time slip away without getting my money’s worth.  

Move from involvement to engagement

I had already found my home at school, so I had the chance to try new things with that safety net to catch me. For me, reaching out landed me in a professional Greek organization that I love, has expanded my contacts to a much larger percentage of the student population (despite having 25,000 undergrads on campus), and overall increased my willingness to take on responsibilities within new clubs and organizations.  

Having free time is my biggest regret, wasting away a year due to my lack of meaningful involvement. I URGE you to find a place worth your time and investment. Do not do what I did with my freshman year, being content with boredom and a tiny network of the college experience. There are so many opportunities out there, go find them!

During my first two years of college, I attended Lake-Sumter State College, a local “state” college in Florida with campuses in three locations – Leesburg, Clermont, and Sumterville. This college is primarily known for its low costs for students who wish to stay local and complete their first two years of credits. With the development of its first bachelor’s program a few years ago, this community college became a state college, but most still think of it as  a community college. I discovered that community college can be a rewarding experience both in and outside the classroom if you take the time to explore what’s out there.

I found a variety of helpful resources in the people and places at this community college/state college.  

People Resources

1. The professors and the dedication they had for their subjects. I attended many office hours to review material, which was especially helpful for my science courses in anatomy and physiology! Those courses were not easy, but having a teacher who knew how to teach difficult material in a simplistic manner made an incredible difference. My favorite instructor out of all of my teachers from LSSC was Dr. Urquhart. She told stories about how psychology related to life and engaged students in the conversation. Although her class was challenging, I found it to be a wonderful experience.
2. The librarians. They were extremely devoted to helping students with their essays, and they were especially known for their skills in formatting papers!
3. The Learning Center (LC) scheduled specific professors and students to help others with their class assignments. I went to the LC for almost every English paper I had.  
4. The Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Career Services Center offered sessions with a local provider at no cost. I used the Career Center to find resources that helped me make my decision for my major.

Other Resources

1. Extracurricular activities made my college experience at LSSC more rewarding too, including volunteer and study abroad opportunities. I volunteered to help a local non-profit sponsor a prom event for  high school girls.
2. Campus facilities. My favorite spot on the main campus was the nature trail. Most students didn’t even know that the campus has one! I loved to be able to retreat to the trail and be alone in nature. The walk helped me clear my head and just enjoy the outdoors.

For students who choose to get involved and work hard, there are many opportunities for success at community colleges like Lake Sumter. If students are willing to make an effort, they are more likely to get much more out of the experience.