Students blog

Procrastination is the brain’s way of delaying tasks to avoid discomfort. This is a common struggle, but it is not a sign of laziness or poor time management. Rather, the brain prioritizes short-term emotional relief over long-term goals. Overcoming this is not easy, but understanding why we procrastinate is the first step.

Mental Exhaustion

As college students, we often find that procrastination is one of our biggest struggles because we may feel exhausted daily. We might choose to watch reels for a full hour at 9 p.m. instead of finishing the assignment due at 11:59 p.m., telling ourselves we “still have time.”

We are juggling the transition to adulthood while taking on responsibilities both inside and outside of school. Taking a full-time course load and working a part-time job is the reality for many college students. That’s not an easy task.

Physical Fatigue

We get less sleep and sometimes feel like we’re working like machines. Procrastination is an easy trap to fall into; delaying tasks for comfort often feels easier than getting them done, given the fatigue that comes with such busy schedules.

As a student, I deal with this lifestyle daily. I overcome the feeling of exhaustion by doing yoga and going to the gym. They keep me grounded and relieve my stress, even if it’s only for a few minutes a day. This practice makes me feel more energized and helps me finish my pending tasks.

The Anxiety Loop

As a student, I find that my biggest weakness is overthinking. Even when I take a one-hour break from studying to avoid burnout, feelings of guilt creep in. I’ve realized that the more I worry about a certain task, the more I delay it. This only increases my stress and negative self-talk.

To manage this, I have found that journaling helps me process my anxious thoughts. It also allows me to break down tasks in my schedule, making them feel more achievable.

Self-Care and Balance

Procrastination isn’t just about poor habits; it could be a response to burnout. Practicing self-care is crucial for maintaining a positive mental state and keeping the mind relaxed. Chronic delays can worsen feelings of guilt, shame, and stress, which impact mental well-being.

I find self-care hard to incorporate into my schedule. However, setting aside one hour per day after completing all my tasks to watch my favorite show or learn how to crochet makes it all worth it.

Finding that balance is important, especially during college. It’s easy to become so focused on your future that you forget to care for yourself in the present. The next time you find yourself procrastinating, acknowledge your stress, take a small step to care for yourself, and turn that delay into a productive pause.

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Your early adulthood is often described as a time for exploration. College is one of the best environments to experiment with new ideas, especially when it comes to technology. For many students, technology is something they use every day for assignments, communication, and entertainment.

College is also a space where students can move beyond the basics of technology. They can begin exploring how it works, how it shapes industries, and how it can be used creatively.

Access to New Tools

With tools for coding, AI, music production, and digital design, students can create in days what used to take months. A student might start by using technology only for homework. Along the way, they could discover a new interest in web design, data analysis, or digital media production.

Low-Risk Exploration

This experimentation is important because early adulthood is one of the few times in life when trying new things comes with relatively low risk. In college, students are encouraged to explore ideas, take courses outside of their comfort zones, and work on projects that help them discover what they enjoy.

A business student might develop an interest in technology through data analytics. Meanwhile, a music student could experiment with production software or digital marketing.

From Project to Portfolio

Another interesting aspect of technology in college is how it allows students to build things that reflect their personal interests. Instead of just studying theories in class, students can create real projects. This might include launching a blog, building a website, starting a YouTube channel, producing music, or developing a small app.

These projects often start as experiments but can grow into portfolios that show employers a student's capabilities.

Connect and Collaborate

Technology also allows students to connect with communities that share their interests. Online forums, social platforms, and digital communities make it easier to collaborate, ask questions, and learn from others. A student interested in programming can learn from developers worldwide.

Likewise, someone passionate about digital media can connect with creators who share tips and ideas. These connections can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and even career opportunities.

Discover Your Passion

What makes this stage of life unique is that students are still figuring out who they are and what they want to do. Technology is a tool that helps them explore those possibilities. Instead of waiting until after graduation to try new things, college students can start experimenting now, learning through trial and error.

Your time in college is not just about preparing for a career; it is about discovering what excites you. By experimenting with technology during college, students can uncover new passions, develop valuable skills, and create opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise. Sometimes the most meaningful career paths start with simple curiosity and the willingness to try something new.

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Trips to Thailand

I have been lucky to visit my maternal grandparents in southern Thailand every few years since I was a baby. They were born and raised in Trang, near famous islands like Phuket and Krabi, and lived in the United States for about thirty years before moving back to Thailand when my mother was in college. Staying in touch with them has been a great way to connect with my nonwhite heritage, which was a challenge while growing up in a ninety-eight percent white town on the South Shore of Massachusetts.

Expanding My Horizons

When I visit Thailand, I’m reminded that the world isn’t ninety-eight percent white, and it’s comforting to be surrounded by people who look like me. This feeling is why the University of Massachusetts at Amherst was a great choice for me. Its student population is much more diverse than my hometown, where microaggressions sometimes competed for my attention in school.

The campus offers many affinity clubs, such as the Thai Student Association, the Asian American Association, and three Asian American sororities and fraternities. There’s also a renowned Ethnic Studies department named after W.E.B. Du Bois, a native of Massachusetts. I feel confident in my academic environment, among educated peers who celebrate differences and all cultures.

A Future with Perspective

This supportive environment is why my college experience is so important to my cultural identity. I know my college life is somewhat sheltered and doesn’t reflect the greater “real world,” but I’m learning the tools and knowledge I need to thrive in a world that isn’t always so enlightened. As a Public Health and French double major, I’m also getting in touch with the French side of my identity and hope to one day study abroad in a Francophone country.

My ultimate goal is to pursue a public health career, perhaps in medical device sales in France. I feel blessed to be at a large public university where the student population is so diverse. In just my first two years, exposure to a variety of people has given me more perspective than I could have imagined, preparing me for a future with a global point of view.

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When I signed up for a summer archaeological field school, I was just fulfilling a requirement and earning extra credits. Of course, the experience sounded exciting, but I didn’t expect it to reshape my entire college journey. For two weeks, I joined a student team at an archaeological site in my state, and we spent our days digging, documenting, and uncovering fragments of local history.

The Real Meaning of “Hands‑On Learning”

Unlike a sterile lecture hall, the field school meant camping out, getting our hands dirty, and crouching in the soil all day. It was the first time I could apply what I’d been learning instead of just studying it. We learned to map units, excavate properly, screen the soil, and assess artifacts, all while fighting off mosquitoes and camping in the rain and sweltering heat.

Working on this site also gave me a tangible connection to local history. We unearthed a variety of artifacts, including a large number of ceramic sherds, nails, a buckle, a sewing needle, and even a curry comb (used for grooming horses). Seeing how classroom lessons translated into a real-world project made abstract ideas hands-on and concrete, and I realized that I was practicing a potential job skill.

Growth Without a Grade

Personal growth was just as significant as the historical insights and technical skills we gained. Trying to learn while enduring the heat, bugs, and impossible-to-wash-off dirt certainly builds character. Living and working so closely with my classmates 24/7 also built lasting friendships.

We dug side by side for eight hours a day, prepared communal meals, and chatted around the campfire in our free time. By the end of the two weeks, I knew them and myself better than I had ever imagined.

Adventure Doesn’t Require a Passport

That summer course became a highlight of my college experience. It connected academics, career exploration, personal growth, and a deeper appreciation for home. Field school also taught me that you don’t have to study abroad or travel very far to have an adventure; sometimes the most eye-opening experiences happen close to home.

The Real Takeaway: Applied Knowledge

My field school experience is a perfect example of how learning can be hands-on, collaborative, and personal. Stepping outside your comfort zone to find challenging opportunities can help you grow in unexpected ways. Education doesn’t stop at the classroom door.

But why should this matter to a business or a chemistry major? While grades and credits are important, college is about gaining applicable experience. The ability to put theory into practice is the most valuable skill you’ll gain in college, regardless of your major.

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 overwhelming. You’re surrounded by new people, clubs, and endless academic possibilities. It’s exciting, but it’s a lot.

At eighteen, you’re expected to have your life figured out, which is terrifying. Most students I know have questioned their major at least once, if not five times.

That’s normal. Changing your major or exploring a new field doesn’t mean you’re lost; it means you’re figuring out who you are.

If you had told my first-year self I’d graduate with a Spanish degree, I would have been shocked. But learning a second language was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Finding My Path

When I first got to Marquette, I was majoring in Criminology and Law Studies. After my first semester, I became passionate about Social Welfare and Justice, so I switched majors. Shortly after, I realized my career options were limited, so I made it a minor instead and brought back my Criminology major.

Fast-forward to sophomore year, and I found myself drawn to Psychology, so I decided to add it as a minor. When I needed one more class, I saw “Spanish 1003” and thought, “Why not?”

That decision changed my academic path. By junior year, I was a Criminology and Psychology double major, but I kept the Spanish minor simply because I loved it.

Language programs are often small, which made my experience special. My professors know me by name and genuinely care about my well-being.

Every class felt personal, and I formed relationships with each professor. That connection gave me a community on a large campus that I didn’t realize I was missing.

Spanish Tutoring for Service Learning

Learning Spanish opened unexpected doors. A junior-year class offered Service Learning, so I chose to tutor Spanish at St. Joseph’s K-12 School in Milwaukee.

I tutored two sixth-grade boys who had just moved from Mexico. They spoke little English and were in all-English classrooms. The school’s students were from predominantly Latinx households, but with only one bilingual aide, the need for support was huge.

Each week, I spent two hours with them, practicing English and working on homework. Helping bridge that language gap for those kids was my most rewarding college experience.

That experience taught me that learning a language isn’t just about speaking it. It’s about understanding people, their culture, and their struggles. It’s a window into another’s world.

Self-Development and Community

If you’ve ever considered learning another language, do it. Talk to your advisor or just sign up for an intro class. You never know where it might take you.

The number of college students taking foreign language classes has dropped significantly in the past decade.[1] This is a trend I hope will change.

Learning Spanish didn’t just shape my academics; it shaped who I am. It gave me new friends and a new way to connect with people. If you want a class to change your college experience, there’s no time like the present.

[1] Natalia Lusin, Terri Peterson, Christine Sulewski, and Rizwana Zafer. “Enrollments in Languages Other Than English in US Institutions of Higher Education, Fall 2021.” Modern Language Association. 2023. https://www.mla.org/content/download/191324/file/Enrollments-in-Languages-Other-Than-English-in-US-Institutions-of-Higher-Education-Fall-2021.pdf.

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 hobbies “live” in my living room. When life gets hectic, I find myself walking sullenly past my two guitars and piano every day. The strings waiting patiently to be tuned, and the piano keys missing the gentle pressure of my fingers.

This used to be a normal day after classes for me. I didn’t realize I had forgotten the passions that put me on this track until summer break, when my ears were blessed by live instruments and vocals.

Soon, I became determined to let my hobbies, which had decayed over time, live again. I just had one problem: the millions of assignments on my to-do list.

Reignite Your Passion

With time, we often forget how much our hobbies mattered when they topped our lists, instead of the next fifteen-page essay due at 11:59 p.m. It took a live jazz band performing in a courtyard for me to realize how much music truly meant to me. Seeing the musicians’ chemistry with each other reminded me of how much I loved playing with others.

It’s easy to say that time management is necessary for balancing hobbies and assignments, but it’s a lot harder to commit to it. It becomes a thousand times easier to practice when you remember why you’re making time for everything.

I implore you: take a moment to remember what once mattered to you. Why did you like to draw? What about swimming makes you feel good?

Make the Commitment

Realizing I had to get my hands on my guitar strings again, I sought out a club on campus. I chose the Musical Therapy Club as a lover of both music and therapy. We didn’t just jam together; we volunteered at nursing homes and cafes to increase the community’s quality of life.

This also aligned with my hobbies and future healthcare career, though my impact differed from that of a nurse. Still, I got to do something I love in tandem with my goals.

Joining this club also meant commitment. To ensure quality performances, I had to practice every Thursday evening. I couldn’t spontaneously skip out on it, as I often did with my assignments.

I committed to a mission with other people, and it was my goal to stick with it. Joining a club ties you to your hobby. When you work and socialize with others, your passions feel more fulfilling with that support system around you.

Turn Hobbies into Rewards

I used to pity myself for “abandoning” my hobbies for college assignments. Even after studying, I didn’t find picking up my guitar rewarding because I felt ashamed for leaving it alone. Eventually, I changed my mindset.

Rather than feeling ashamed, I understood that academics were a vital priority. I was only trying to take care of my future.

I began to see my hobbies as a reward after a good study session. I became more motivated to finish assignments so I could switch from “study sesh” to “jam sesh.”

If there is one thing to take away, it’s that growing out of hobbies over time is natural. It’s incredibly easy to get lost in jobs, assignments, and daily struggles.

However, there’s no shame in trying to balance it all. I once pitied those untuned strings, but now I see things more positively. My guitar strings aren’t abandoned; they’re just waiting for my magic touch!

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! 

Class at 8 a.m., E-board meeting at 3 p.m., volunteering at 5 p.m., meeting with members at 7 p.m., study session at 9 p.m., and homework due at 11 p.m. Does this schedule sound familiar?

As students, it's easy to get caught up in trying to “make the most” of the college experience. Your college years offer the chance to explore new things and discover who you are.

While this is a great opportunity to discover the many clubs and activities college has to offer, it can become overwhelming. In this article, I reflect on my decisions about getting involved on campus. I’ll help you discover ways to maintain balance and be intentional with your time.

During my sophomore year, I was heavily involved in organizations at school. When I began to feel overwhelmed, I realized I had to sit back, assess my situation, and ask myself the following three questions.

1. Is This Helping or Harming Me?

While representing my school was important, I had to understand that my mental health was just as important. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, signs that you might be overwhelmed include tension, uneasiness, and lack of sleep. [1]

As you participate in clubs and organizations, consider if they are benefiting you. Are you choosing organizations that can help your future career or develop valuable, long-term skills?

2. Am I Choosing Quality Over Quantity?

It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of busywork. When I was in more than six organizations, I realized I couldn't give one hundred percent to each one. I couldn't make time for myself or provide quality service to those around me.

I realized that doing this meant I wasn’t properly serving my community, friends, classmates, and associates. This meant I had to re-evaluate which organizations I was putting the most time into and commit to them.

3. What Can I Realistically Do?

After asking myself the first two questions, I realized I was overwhelmed and not giving my all to my organizations. I knew something had to be done.

I started by determining which organizations best aligned with my passions and future aspirations. When I narrowed those down, I was able to participate in four organizations on campus!

I took it a step further by prioritizing my time in those organizations. I created daily schedules for my work, schoolwork, and organizational duties. I found that participating in the things I enjoyed made me less likely to get overwhelmed.

Feeling overwhelmed by extracurriculars is common, but it doesn’t have to be your reality. Ask yourself if your commitments are helping, focus on quality, and create a plan. This way, you can make the most of your college experience without burning out.

[1] National Institute of Mental Health. I’m So Stressed Out! Infographic. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-infographic.

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! 

Running a one-person organization

If there’s one thing college has taught me, it’s that I’m basically running a small organization. Between classes, work, volunteering, and trying to maintain a social life, my schedule looks like a Google Calendar that needs therapy.

People ask, “How do you balance everything?” Honestly… I don’t. I stay prayed up, do my best, and hope for the best like everyone else.

What I’m balancing

I’m majoring in Accounting and Management Information Systems and minoring in Senior Living Management. I’m working, volunteering at senior homes, and serving on the BSU cabinet. Somehow, I’m still a supportive friend, daughter, and human being.

On top of that, my Gambian grandma raised me to believe, “You must work twice as hard.” Quitting is not an option. Neither is resting, apparently.

So yes, I’m busy, but it’s the kind of busy that builds your future, so you keep pushing.

The system that saves me

To survive, I rely on my checklists like they’re emotional support animals. If it’s not written down, it will not happen. I’ve learned that college isn’t about who’s the smartest; it’s about who can stay organized enough not to drown.

My notes app is full of to-do lists, reminders, and random thoughts I’m too scared to lose, like “Buy rice” or “Send that email before they think I ghosted.” Crossing things off a list is my version of self-care.

Community work that grounds me

Being involved on campus comes with its own chaos. Between BSU meetings, volunteer shifts, and the friend who texts, “Are you free?”, the real answer is always no. But I show up anyway.

I’m a people person, so I genuinely love the community work I do, especially with seniors. It reminds me why I want to own a senior living community one day. Helping people gives me purpose, even when I’m tired enough to fall asleep standing up.

Choosing peace in the social circus

Then there’s the social side of college: a circus of friendships, misunderstandings, and situationships that start and end faster than my break between classes. I’ve had to learn to choose peace over drama, even when drama tries to choose me.

Sometimes the most mature thing you can do in college is say, “You know what? I’m going home,” and mean it.

Tired, with a purpose

For all the chaos, I wouldn’t trade the experience. Being this busy has made me resilient, disciplined, and more patient than I ever planned to be. I’ve grown into someone who can handle pressure, adapt quickly, and still laugh at the madness of it all.

At the end of the day, I’m proud of the life I’m building. I may be tired, but I’m tired with a purpose.

So no, I don’t have it all together. I’m a full-time student, part-time chaos manager, doing my best to get through each week without losing my mind. Honestly, that’s enough.

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! 

At some point, all college students find their focus shifting from their studies to the job search. This is true whether you are a fourth-year student looking for a full-time role or a second-year student seeking a summer internship.

I completed three summer internships in finance and returned to my junior summer internship for a full-time role after graduation. Based on these experiences, I have some guidance and tips to help you land your dream job.

Create Your Story

To stand out in applications and interviews, you must tell a fluid, authentic story about yourself, your experiences, and your motivations. The easiest way for interviewers to move on from you is if they do not believe you want the job.

Your resume is the first step. It should outline all relevant past experiences, professional and otherwise, that build your credibility for the role.

Then, you need to have a two- to three-minute “Tell me about yourself” answer prepared that tells your story. Where are you from? How did your experiences lead you here, and why are you interviewing for this job specifically? It should be concise, fluid, and transparent. Let them know who you are!

Research and Networking

The next step in standing out is doing thorough research and networking with professionals. I will admit that there are some jobs you can get by just submitting a resume and a cover letter. However, with the ease of online applications today, recruiters often want to put a face and persona to the resume as well.

For every job you apply for, research the company and what it does. This knowledge will demonstrate your effort and preparation before you even set foot in the interview room.

The next step is networking. After researching the role and the company, go to LinkedIn. Look at who works at the company, see if there are any alumni from your school or other connections, and send cold emails.

It’s daunting but effective. Ask to grab coffee or hop on the phone to learn more about their role and their experience. One connection may be all it takes to get that first interview.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The final step to conquering your job search is practice, practice, and then practice some more. No matter how good we think we are at interviewing or talking to professionals, we can always get better.

Practice your elevator pitch, practice your resume walkthrough, and even practice questions that you can ask them. Bonus points if you can practice with a friend who will be honest with you about your language, etiquette, and professionalism. Not only will this improve your interviewing skills, but it will also make you less nervous when the time comes.

No matter what kind of job you’re applying for, following these steps and being thorough in your search and preparation can help you conquer your job search and set yourself up for career success. Know yourself, connect with others, and practice your interviewing skills to land that perfect role.

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!