Students blog

Being a Pearson Campus Ambassador (PCA) has truly been an amazing journey, and when I started as a PCA I had no idea all the amazing things that would be in store for me. I am excited to get the opportunity to share some of that journey as I conclude my time at Pearson as I graduate.

Opportunities and Experience

One of the best things about the PCA Program is that you get out what you put in. If you are willing to put in the work, the opportunities will find you. As you get more opportunities in the program, you will gain some great experience that will help set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs and other external opportunities. In addition to summer internships, Pearson also offers micro-internships which allow you to complete short-term internship experiences during the school year. In my 2.5 years with Pearson, I worked two summer internships and one micro-internship in addition to my job as a Pearson Campus Ambassador and Regional Coordinator. These opportunities helped strengthen my resume and gave me a wealth of experience to pull from when interviewing and working different jobs. These opportunities also allowed me to get a better understanding of what I wanted to do for work following graduation.

Traveling

Being a part of the PCA Program also allowed me to travel to different parts of the country. In my time as a PCA, I was able to travel to Dallas, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, and Austin. Whether I was traveling for a special project, an internship, or a leadership summit, each trip was special, and I had a great time. Pearson takes great care of its employees, and that was made evident on these trips. During these trips, I got to visit different Pearson offices, including our corporate U.S. headquarters. I also got to meet many Pearson professionals as well as some of my fellow PCAs whom I had only met virtually up until that point.

Connections and Camaraderie

The connections I’ve made and the camaraderie that exists at Pearson and within the PCA Program are something that I will never forget. I had the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest students across the country. I had the chance to lead and mentor some of the most amazing students across Texas and Louisiana as the Regional Coordinator of the Central Region. I got to see so many friendships and people blossom and grow because of the PCA Program. It allows you have a connection in almost every state and city in this program. Our managers, sales reps, and various Pearson employees helped promote this camaraderie and sense of community. Everyone, from the CEO and the Presidents to our respective managers, were easily accessible. In my time at Pearson, I had multiple sit-downs with the CEO, as well as meetings with the former President of Higher Ed and the Chief Human Resources Officer.

As you can see, I had a great experience as a Pearson Campus Ambassador. I’ve had the opportunity to do some things that most other 22-year-old college graduates can’t say they have done. I have learned so many transferable skills that I will take with me into my next role. Pearson was one of the best things that could have happened to me in my college career, and it is the best job you can have as a college student.

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Spring is here! Many students have returned from spring break and are now headed full-speed to the end of the term. With the stress of impending exams and project due dates it’s easy to not take time to prioritize yourself first and pause to take in Spring. Here are some of my favorite things to do to make the most of this season!

Outdoor study sessions

This perfect in-between weather allows for the opportunity to sit out in the sun and study. Finding a great, quiet place to study on campus such as a park or courtyard will enhance your focus with the fresh air. Invite your friends to come with you and step out of your apartment or dorm.

Stay active

Take your workout outside! Whether it's going for a run, playing sports, or taking a walk, physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels. An after class walk around your campus with your friends is one of the best mood boosters for the semester.

Spring cleaning

Take time and declutter and organize the space around you. Having a clean and tidy space will motivate you to get through your midterms and finals which are around the corner. Every day try to make your bed and clean your desk to start and end your day.

Plan a trip

After those midterms you deserve a break from studying and the campus. Book a trip home or to one of your favorite places. Take the time to unwind and relax from the school setting and let your mind focus on yourself to take a breath. Having something to look forward to besides the summer will allow you to take some stress off your mind.

Practice self-care

It is important to prioritize yourself during the academic year. Whether it is going on that walk, eating healthy, enjoying your favorite hobby, practicing mindfulness, make sure to do something for yourself.

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Balancing life as a college student-athlete is a challenging endeavor that demands exceptional time management, discipline, and resilience. This unique experience combines the demands of academic pursuits with the rigorous demands of athletic competition, creating a delicate balance that requires careful attention and planning.

At the heart of this balancing act is time management. Student-athletes must navigate a complex schedule that often includes early morning practices, classes throughout the day, team meetings, and travel for games. Effectively managing these commitments requires a lot of planning and prioritization. It’s important to allocate time wisely through prioritizing your classes, designating time for studying, and completing assignments. Developing a detailed schedule that incorporates both academic and athletic obligations is essential for maintaining balance and staying on track.

Discipline is another crucial component of balancing life as a student-athlete. The demanding training regime and competition/game schedules requires focus and self-control. This means maintaining strict fitness routines, eating a well-balanced diet, and consistently striving for academic excellence. To maintain discipline beyond athletics but also inside the classroom, student-athletes must show the same level of dedication and commitment to their studies as
they do to their sport.

Resilience is the most important trait for navigating the challenges of life as a collegiate student-athlete. There will undoubtedly be setbacks, whether it’s a disappointing loss or a challenging academic load. Resilience allows student-athletes to bounce back from defeat, both in their sport and in their academics, giving the chance to learn from these failures and to make changes to prevent these things from happening in the future.

Furthermore, having a strong support system is also important when it comes to balancing life as a student-athlete. Having understanding instructors, coaches, teammates, and academic advisors is an invaluable source of guidance and support. These people can offer encouragement during busy/difficult times, help guide you through conflicting schedules, and provide academic assistance when needed. Joining study groups, going to tutoring services, and attending office hours are more ways to excel academically and achieve success while maintaining balance.

In conclusion, balancing life as a college student-athlete is demanding but very rewarding. It requires exceptional time management, self-control, resilience, and a strong support system. By mastering these skills and seeking help when needed, student-athletes can successfully navigate the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, achieving excellence in both.

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Coming from a family of Chinese immigrants, Lunar New Year has always been one of the most prominent holidays my family celebrated. As a child, all I really knew about the holiday was that I would meet up with relatives, eat good food, and receive a bunch of red envelopes—a very shallow interpretation I must admit.

As I grew older, I learned there is so much more to the holiday that illustrates how sophisticated the Chinese culture is. It also heightened my appreciation for my heritage and sparked my desire to visit China to see firsthand how they celebrate.

And now I want to share my learnings about the different aspects to celebrating this holiday:

The History

There are many different stories about how this holiday came to be. The version I know centers around the monster "Nian", which translates to “year” in Chinese. Allegedly, Nian was a beast that came down to eat humans with the coming of each new year. To scare it away, citizens would use what it feared most: the color red and loud noises. This is why many Chinese communities would set off firecrackers for Lunar New Year and why you would often see the color red all over the place.

The Food

Many families would eat "auspicious" foods for the holidays that often has a phrase and play-on word tied to it. For instance, 年年有餘 (nian nian you yu) is a Chinese saying that basically means to have abundance and surplus each year. Fish is often served on Lunar New Year because the work 餘 sounds the same as the word 魚, which means fish. Interestingly enough, this is one of the dishes my family would have on the table, but not eat until a later day because finishing it is a sign of eating away your surplus too soon and is thus seen as unlucky.

Some other common foods include:

1. Dumplings because it is shaped like a coin bag
2. Noodles symbolizing longevity and thus should not be cut
3. Nian gao representing prosperity as a play-on word to "tall" so reaching new heights each year

The Celebrations

Lunar New Year is traditionally a 15-day festival where many Chinese people would get an entire week off work to celebrate. There are many different traditions people may partake in.

One of the most renowned is red envelopes. During this holiday, many adults would give red envelopes with money inside to children or as long as an individual is unmarried. It symbolizes a blessing for safety and peace.

When meeting others during this celebration, it is polite to greet others with various auspicious sayings. In fact, most people would greet with more than one phrase which is why it is important to know multiple which may include:

1. 新年快樂 (xin nian kuai le) - happy new year
2. 恭喜發財 (gong xi fa cai) - may you be blessed with prosperity
3. 身體健康 (shen ti jian kang) - may you be blessed with health
4. 年年有餘 (nian nian you yu) - may you be blessed with abundance each year

This is merely a fragment of the traditions associated with the holiday and how my family has celebration Lunar New Year. Traditions vary depending on what region of China or even Asia individuals are from. In 2024, Lunar New Year starts Saturday, February 10th. Explore the traditions and celebrations local to you this year and learn more about this international holiday.

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College is a stressful time for many freshmen as establishing a new group of friends can be a difficult thing to achieve. Expression and discovery are two things that every college student will look at when arriving at school. These things can be very hard to come by and it can be difficult to even start to think about how to put yourself out there. Here are four ideas to help you find your niche in this new environment.

Have Some Variety

Build some variety into your course schedule. This will encourage you to meet many types of people throughout all your classes and can lead to different types of connections.

Join Some Clubs

Club involvement is crucial to getting connected to a new school. At Michigan State, we have something called Sparticipation in both the fall and spring semesters. This is a giant club fair for all the clubs on campus. Your school most likely has something similar. Attend the event and talk to the people representing different groups. You can also see if they have an information QR code or a signup list to sign up for emails from that club! In connection with this, look at any school-related social media accounts and posts to discover clubs you are interested in. Reach out to them through their direct messages or see if there is an information link in their account.

Speak to Your Advisor

Have discussions with your advisor. Advisors can often open your mind to your options and give you advice on good clubs and organizations to join to make the most of your college experience. Getting to know your advisors can improve your college experience and enhance job opportunities for the future.

Be Yourself

My final tip is something that may appear to be basic but be yourself. While going around campus just be true to yourself and be open to new opportunities. Just do what makes you happy and positive experiences will come your way.

There will definitely be challenging times during college, but many very fulfilling times as well. Try everything you can, have a good time and enjoy some of the best years of your life.

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Picking out all the shortcomings in our diet is the easy part- figuring out how to make up for these shortcomings is a lot harder. “I should be eating more veggies, but I don’t have the time to prepare them; I should be drinking more water, but the taste is so boring compared to juice; I would cook more, but I don’t know what to make” are all common excuses students make when it comes to dining in college. Now that we have covered some of the nutritional deficiencies in college students and the most common micronutrient sources- how do we actually implement these foods into our diet? 

While I experimented in the kitchen growing up, most of my meals were not as appetizing as the ones I idolized on cooking shows. During my time in college, I have had more time to refine my cooking skills and build a modest collection of go-to recipes. Here are a few of my favorite recipes and quick meals that can help add back missing micronutrients to the everyday college student’s diet.

This year the first day of spring falls on March 20th, 2023. This is right in the middle of my spring semester so I will have to be intentional about celebrating spring this year. There are a bunch of things that all of us as college students can do to celebrate the new season of spring on campus.

Spring Cleaning

Spring is about renewal, starting fresh. I like to start this season by really cleaning out my desk, drawers, closet, and under my bed. Not only do I get rid of things, but I deep clean the area to make sure not too much dust and dirt are building up. This is also a good time to put away your dark winter clothes and keep some lighter layers on hand. Having just a few key pieces and plenty of neutrals is sure to give you a spring capsule wardrobe that looks fun and colorful in any combination.

Get Your Greens

It is proven that green is a calming color and that plants increase levels of happiness. Whether it’s a flower, some succulents, or herbs, go get some plants to spruce up your living space. They help make fresh oxygen for us to breathe which helps us perform optimally.

Put Color in Your Life

Color is so fun and can brighten up your mood when you look at it. Paint your room a different color or just an accent wall. If you are in a dorm, then paint new colorful art. I like to get a huge canvas, plash some fun pastels on it, and then write a nice quote that speaks to me. This is also a fun time to put in more seasonal décor.

SMILE

The weather is more temperate, the flowers are blooming, the colors are bright, there are many reasons to smile. The more positivity you start showing to others, the more positivity you will receive. It also exercises your facial muscles and keeps you looking youthful. Improve your mood and those around you. Mother Teresa often said, “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” Smiles are free! Shine them to others.

Try New Things and Start New Habits

Spring is like a second chance at any New Year’s resolutions you set. Review your goals - what haven’t you done so well on? What is a priority for right now? Make your goals specific and get started with one new habit at a time. Make a game plan by writing out how you want to achieve these goals every day, week, and month. Before you know it, it will almost be summer, and you will have these habits in the bag.

I love spring with all the flowers, fun weather, and pretty colors. I often make fun memories with my friends at this time of year even if it is in the thick of exams. Take time to literally stop and smell the roses this spring and celebrate this gorgeous season and what it may have in store for you!

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

When I was looking at what university to call my home for the next four years, I looked at all the “normal” things: academics, student life, involvement, school spirit, and a pretty campus. What I did not consider was something that I did not even realize I needed – a beautiful outdoor area where I could spend countless hours. Here’s why this area is so crucial to my college experience and why I encourage other students to find their favorite spot on campus.

A student’s favorite spot on campus could be anything from a preferred place to study to a place to go to decompress. I wanted a place that would bring a sense of tranquility after a long day. As an out-of-state student, I was also searching for a small piece of home on campus. With these things in mind, I took walks around my campus during my free time trying to find the best spot. Eventually, I started to spend more time at a small lake on my campus called Lake Alice. This spot has so much to offer including picnic tables that make great study spots, spectacular sunsets, trails to walk around, and many spots to throw up a hammock. I find myself going there whenever I have some free time to relax, or if I want to do some light studying. This spot also helps ground me when I begin to feel trapped inside lecture halls and libraries.

I encourage you to find a spot as I have done by following a few simple steps:

Make a List of What is Most Important to You

I was able to find my perfect spot by knowing what I enjoy doing in my free time. Aside from studying, I always make time in my day to get a workout in. This lake is conveniently located in between where I live and the campus gym, making this an easy destination to knock two tasks down in one trip. I also know that I enjoy spending time outdoors, so it only makes sense that my favorite spot on campus is outside.

Walk Around

Even as a second-year student, I still feel like there are parts of my campus that I have not fully explored. Go on a small walk, maybe bring some friends along, and see all that your beautiful campus has to offer.

Craft a Schedule

Let’s face it, we are all busy college students who don’t always have free time. I’m not free to spend every day at this lake, and that is okay. I try my best to find at least one time each week I can go to this spot. When I get too busy and cannot find time to go, it is alright because it ends up being even more enjoyable when I do find the time to go there.

Having a place on campus that I look forward to going to keeps me motivated throughout the semester. Make a point to explore and discover a spot on your own campus that you’ll come to love as much as I love Lake Alice!

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! 

Starting college is exciting -- and frightening. Between planning my move to school, worrying if I’ll become friends with my roommates, and researching what classes I should take, I never considered what my daily, mundane life as a college student might look like. Once I settled in and all the excitement and nervousness died down, a new feeling quickly replaced them- hunger. I suddenly realized I was truly on my own for everything now, including meals.

As a dietetics student, I felt like I had an advantage. I knew I needed to eat fruits and vegetables often, fiber and protein would help keep me full for long periods of time, and I should limit fast food. But when classes picked up steam and new responsibilities piled up, these sensible doctrines were replaced by: what foods will take the quickest route from the plate to my stomach for the cheapest amount?

Last fall was the first time I realized that my diet may not be ideal for my health. My human nutrition professor assigned a diet and nutrition analysis. Using a nutrition tracker, we were expected to analyze our diet for one day and describe any nutritional deficiencies we had. After completing this assignment, I realized my daily diet had deficiencies in B12, Zinc, Vitamin D, and Calcium.

It turns out that many college-aged students are also deficient in these micronutrients without realizing it. We tend to focus on macronutrients - carbohydrates, proteins, and fats - along with calories, sugar, and salt intake. So it’s easy to overlook micronutrient deficiencies. However, continuing imbalances in micronutrients can also adversely affect your health.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 binds naturally to animal proteins. Some foods, such as plant milks and cereals, can also be artificially fortified to include B12. Through the digestive process, B12 is released from the food’s proteins and repackaged to be absorbed by the small intestine. Once absorbed, B12 is used by the body to help form red blood cells, DNA, brain cells, and nerve cells. It is recommended that college-aged adults consume at least 2.4 micrograms of Vitamin B12 daily. This is equivalent to a small portion of salmon or two cups of yogurt.

People with a B12 deficiency often show signs of fatigue, weakness, or confusion. Deficiencies are most common for people who avoid animal products, such as vegetarians and vegans, and for those who eat a limited diet – but fortification can help prevent them.

Zinc

Another micronutrient commonly found in meat, fish, and poultry is zinc. It can also be obtained from non-animal sources, such as beans, nuts, and whole grains. However, zinc from these sources is not as easily absorbed by the body. Nutrition professionals say these sources have a lower bioavailability of zinc.

Once absorbed, zinc is used to help create DNA, new cells, build proteins, heal wounds, and support immunity as well as many other bodily processes. The recommended daily intake for college-aged adults is between 8 – 11 milligrams. (This is equivalent to four servings of breakfast cereal.)

People with a zinc deficiency often show signs of decreased sense of taste or smell, loss of appetite, lowered immunity, and slower wound healing. Vegetarians, vegans, and alcoholics are most at risk for zinc deficiencies.

Vitamin D and Calcium

Vitamin D and calcium work together to promote bone and tooth health. People with vitamin D and calcium deficiencies are likely to experience bone weakening, muscle cramps, and poor appetite, among other challenges. In addition to assisting with the absorption of calcium, vitamin D also helps immune responses. Calcium also assists in bodily processes such as blood clotting, muscle contracts, heart rate regulation, and nerve functions.

The sun is the most abundant source of vitamin D. However, for students who live in a less sunny state, or spend their days locked away in a campus library, vitamin D can also be derived from fatty fish, fortified orange juice, mushrooms, and egg yolks. People with darker skin tones are also susceptible to vitamin D deficiencies. Higher concentrations of melanin, the substance that promotes skin pigmentation, absorbs some solar UV radiation that would otherwise be used to produce vitamin D. The recommended daily intake for college-aged adults is 15 micrograms per day. This is equivalent to 1 cup of white mushrooms.

Calcium can be found in a variety of sources such as dairy products (and many of their vegan alternatives), leafy greens, beans, and nuts. It is recommended that college-aged adults consume 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. This is equivalent to 4 cups of fortified soy milk.

Explore more deeply

Not every college-aged student is deficient in these nutrients. Some may have different deficiencies, while others may have none. Only a doctor or certified medical professional can reliably diagnosis a nutritional deficiency. Nonetheless, hopefully this list will give you a better understanding of nutrients that might be missing from your diet, and how diet tracking can help make these discoveries.

Want to learn more about diet tracking? Check out MyDietAnalysis, a powerful tool that helps students log their diet and activity choices and provides detailed nutrition and activity reports to help you practice nutrition analysis.