How do you romanticize your life for $1? Let’s take a minute to reflect… What does a realistic day in your college life look like? I’ll start first. I wake up, pray, scroll on TikTok for an endless amount of time, get dressed for class, and I may eat breakfast if I remember because we’re so busy right? Then I meet up with my friends sometimes, go to work, study, and then I proceed to get ready for bed to start the same cycle over the next day. From the outside looking in, it may seem like I have a productive life, but even though I’m doing these things to set up a successful future, we sometimes forget to take time for ourselves in the present. I’ve started this new thing called “Self Care Sundays” and it means exactly what it says. I choose Sundays because it provides me with the relief and relaxation I deserve from the long week I’ve endured and it allows me to have a fresh start to take on the new week. Listed below are some budget-friendly things I like to do to treat myself. All items can be found at The Dollar Tree which is a store that sells everything for only $1. Mani/Pedi The feeling of freshly painted nails, a new set of acrylics, the intense massages from pedicure chairs, or the hot towels wrapped around your legs after a pedicure is the vibe we all may want, but as college students, we may not be able to afford it. So, here is a list of  budget-friendly items to pick from the Dollar Tree for a DIY mani/pedi in your dorm or apartment: Press on nails Manicure Set Dove hand cream Nail polish remover Cotton balls Facial Staying up late to study comes with both good and bad consequences. The good consequence is that you may ace your exam, but on the other hand, you may experience sleep deprivation which can lead to puffy eyes or dull skin. Here are the items that you can get for a DIY facial :  Eye and lip mask  Freeman face mask  Bubble Bath/Foot Soak Maybe your feet hurt from walking around campus or maybe your body is just drained from always being on the go. A bubble bath or a foot soak for those who live in dorms and don’t have access to a tub is something that I enjoy. I would suggest picking up these items: Lavender bubble bath Foot Epsom Salt Candle I challenge you to continue to work hard and set yourself up for the future, but I would also encourage you to not forget to take care of yourself in the present and incorporate self-care days into your routine.  WRITTEN BY Ayanna Williams Troy University Ayanna Williams is a former BLACC extern for Macmillan Learning and a student at Troy University who enjoys traveling and analyzing R&B music videos from the late '90s and early 2000s. She is also ambidextrous and she thinks that is the greatest asset to her love of writing.   ... View more

Living with others for the first time? No problem! I remember back when I was a student first leaving the nest and moving out on their own for the first time. I was so overjoyed at the opportunity to express myself in a new space. I’d binged cute apartment and dorm tour videos for weeks. I dreamed of my perfect trendy boho blush pink comforter and pillow combo. I hoped for a roommate I could “click with” and a fun dorm environment. I knew that things wouldn't be perfect, but I had hoped that I would be able to keep the peace and get by. Soon, I discovered that I needed something to hold on to. When I actually started to live my life as a college student, I was feeling lost, hurt, and bothered by my roommates.  Healthy confrontation skills were something that I lacked before I moved out. I didn't know that it could be practiced in a measured, compassionate way. I came from a low-income household and school district. Violence and anger were things that I conflated with conflict and I did my best to not care or involve myself. But even the most people-pleasing person (like myself) could get annoyed. There is a limit to how much anyone can take. That being said, here are 3 things I keep in mind when I find myself at odds with my roommates.  Assume the best intent Remember, your roommates are human too. They are also flawed and make mistakes. Try to see the situation from their perspective. When I found myself in need of practicing this, I would also remind myself to never attribute to malice what can be attributed to ignorance. This helped me ease the tightness in my heart and let go of my initial anger. A lot of what made me so hurt or bothered at first was my knee-jerk assumption of “they tried to hurt/bother me on purpose.” Once I could let that go, I found it easier to try and see the situation from their point of view.  You deserve to be happy I said it. As long as you haven't tried to take it from someone else, you absolutely deserve your chances at being happy. I have learned that to achieve this, it is important to verbalize my needs. I was worried that I would be seen as selfish, but after years of not ever expressing my needs, I felt unworthy and neglected. Then, I heard the words of John Ortberg, and they really struck a chord with me: "you are only able to live in a way that really helps others when your soul feels its worth." It is not a selfish act to express your needs, it is a compassionate one. When you avoid resentment by facing issues with your roommate, you make life better for yourself and for those around you. You may need to take into account the time and place, but don’t skip a chance to respectfully express to your roommate how you feel. Be honest with your feelings and learn when to let go There was a time I didn’t really know how to express my feelings neutrally. I would accuse my roommate of “You never wash the dishes when it’s your turn, I’ve had to do it!” or “You didn’t take the trash out like you said you would!” Usually, when I did this, it was the 2nd or 3rd time my roommate had done this and I felt targeted and ignored. They of course felt attacked and returned my energy in kind. These confrontations never ended well and had lasting effects on the roommate dynamic. I realized I had a hard time being vulnerable and didn’t take any time to define my feelings to myself. I didn’t think before I spoke and it hurt others even when they didn’t deserve it. To let yourself be vulnerable to a new person, a roommate who you may not even be friends yet is terrifying. I found this especially hard because I wanted to be a good person, but I kept reading so far into what my roommates did that I would work myself up and be inconsolable. Then I heard the phrase, “speak to how you feel about what actually happened, not what you think happened.” Instead of thinking,“I’m so mad, she’s just leaving all the work to me, does she think I’m going to be her mom?!” I would instead think, “I’m mad she left this here, but she probably forgot to take care of it. I’ll remind her, and find out how she feels about it.”  After thinking about these three elements I now work up the courage to speak to my roommate. I recognize that the goal is not to be the better person for the sake of getting to say that I was the better person; the goal is to address the conflict. I remind myself that people may have learned different ways of dealing with conflict and may need to take some time to cool down or take care of something before talking. I start off by being clear about what I need from them and listening to them and their situation.  Sometimes, I have faced people who don't take kindly to any kind of confrontation and push with hostility against my boundaries. In those cases, having a friend, community, or mentor to affirm and support me helped so much in standing firm.  College is so hectic, and you deserve a peaceful space after class. Delving further into conflict resolution skills has helped me so much in making friends with roommates that I had initially not gotten along with. College is a time to express yourself, and your needs and boundaries should be included in that too! WRITTEN BY Lesley Ramirez University of North Texas Armed with coffee and a clicky keyboard, Lesley is completing her BS in Business Computer Information Systems. She is Texas-born and raised and you can generally find her online enjoying cute parrot videos, pursuing creative narrative projects, or thinking up new gamer set-up themes for her workspace all while jamming out to synthwave!   ... View more

You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your classmates. So you’re a week into a group assignment, and things aren’t going as smoothly as you’d like. Maybe some group members are MIA, or others are scatterbrained. It happens to everyone. Despite following all the right preventative measures (staying organized, using a group chat, etc), you’re still running into issues. Now what? Whether your group members are lagging behind, there’s miscommunication, or something else, here are some possible solutions that just might save your grade.   Create Detailed Structure Sometimes, going beyond just your teacher’s recommended timelines and deadlines is needed to keep your group on a steady pace towards the finish line. Take charge of the situation and create a list of self-imposed “mini” deadlines to keep everyone on track. (Hint: This is a great way to begin establishing yourself as a student leader !). For instance, two days to create a rough outline, five days after that for a complete draft, three days later showing a full draft to your professor, etc. Make sure you cultivate a dynamic in which people are comfortable communicating any issues they encounter as well, so you know ahead of time if they’re struggling (and not the day before it’s due). Oftentimes it’s easy to squander time one way or another, so set clear expectations and roles on Day 1.  Hold Others Accountable Even with all the structure and planning in the world, some people still miss the mark on getting their pieces of a project done on time. But how do you bring this up without causing hurt feelings? Be sure to keep the conversation clear but compassionate. Hold them accountable to the deadlines you all agreed upon by first talking it over calmly in private. Sometimes it’s just an honest mistake, but be cautious going forward. If it happens again, mention the issue to your professor to keep them in the loop. If the project turns out less than stellar, your professor might give you some leeway grade-wise if you inform them of the issues you’ve encountered ahead of time.  Get it Done Early for Revisions Nothing is worse than finishing an assignment the day of, then noticing a litany of small mistakes that you have no time to fix. Prevent this by doing everything you can to finish the assignment a few days before the real due date, and review everyone’s work with a fine-tooth comb. Your professor will not only thank you, but reward you with a better grade!  With all these tips in mind, you’ll be able to overcome the problems associated with a not-so-fantastic group, and get a decent grade once it’s all said and done!  WRITTEN BY Brianna DiGeronimo The College of New Jersey Brianna is a rising senior at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) studying English, with minors in Communications and Marketing. She loves playing video games and the kalimba (albeit badly). She is currently an intern at Macmillan Learning (BFW Publishing) in the Marketing department. ... View more

Shop Smart! Many students entering college often are surprised about the other side of independence. Often students think about not having a curfew or bedtime and they don’t think about the important things like food.  Most colleges and universities have meal plans that offer students a certain amount of meals a week. This sounds like a sweet deal until students realize that their dining units are only open from 9am-7pm. Many students do not budget or realize that they have to budget for extra meals and groceries. Shopping for groceries has always been a learned skill because it is an unknown variable. Many people do not know how the isles work or even what makes “good” groceries (groceries that will last a long time or have multiple uses). This list below will serve as a guide to help students along with their solo grocery adventures. Groceries Rice: Rice can be mixed with nearly anything and is very filling, meaning it can be stretched for a long time. Noodles: I think we have all had that one pot of pasta that lasted a week and a half. Noodles are a great carb for any meal. Chicken: Baked, fried, smothered, grilled, or seared; chicken is probably the most versatile meat you can ever experience. It is hard to get bored with it.  Cauliflower: This is a vegetable that does not go bad easily, often this is good as a meat substitute as well. Frozen vegetables: These are pretty key as they will not waste your money because they can be thawed and frozen multiple times without going bad. This is much more efficient and cost-effective than fresh vegetables Water Filters: This may seem like an expensive purchase at first, but it actually saves money on water bottles, specifically in areas that may have poor water quality.  Shopping Tips Write a list: Write a list and check it twice. Follow your list and it will cut down on impulse and unnecessary purchases. Don’t go hungry: It sounds like an old wives’ tale, but it is the truth. If you are shopping on an empty stomach, you are more likely to buy things you honestly don’t need Clip Coupons: You don’t have to be on the level of reality shows on TLC to get great savings with coupons. Most stores offer them online or have small magazines that are in the front lobby that contain coupons for you to get the best savings. WRITTEN BY Aubre Thomas Central Michigan University I am the epitome of a personality that is way bigger than my size. I come from Detroit, MI and I am a proud student at Central Michigan University. I am the co-owner of a start-up clothing brand XonIT.   ... View more

$$$$ Budget: the buzzword of every conversation around becoming an independent individual. Many people think a budget is just a list of numbers that pertains to the amount of money that you are required to spend on bills. In truth, a budget is a promise and accountability to yourself and your bank account. Many people want to find new and effective ways to budget but there is no “right” way to do it.  The first thing that comes in any budget though, is collecting all your receipts for about a month (past receipts count) and figuring out where you spend the most money. After figuring out where most of your money is going and where you feel you can cut spending, move on to one of these tools. The Binder Method This method is pretty labor-intensive. When using the binder method, the individual needs to have a 3” binder, a lot of ziplock bags or those little pencil pouches that clip into binders, and cash. With this method, the user would write different budget portions onto separate bags (for example: bills, health care, gas, etc). The cash would then be separated by the amounts that must or can be spent that month. This is where that tracking of receipts comes in handy. Apps  There is an app for everything of course. There are many apps for budgeting of course. I personally use the app Mint by Intuit. These apps track how much you spend by linking to your bank accounts as well as allow you to add any bills that you may owe. This is definitely the more hands-off version of budgeting because all the leg work is done for you and notifications help keep you on track.  Calendars Calendars are a more old-school method of budgeting, but they often are very trusty. First, you need to write down all the dates your bills are due and the amounts that they cost. Next, you would want to write down the days you get paid and the amount that corresponds with that day. Afterward, you would plan out your day-to-day spending between checks and bills (pull out those receipts again). This will help because if you know you often go out every second Friday, you will always plan for how much money that you will spend that day. The big key to this is to USE CASH . Every week, pull out the amount of cash that you need for the week. Leave your cards at home if you can and only take what you know you can spend. WRITTEN BY Aubre Thomas Central Michigan University I am the epitome of a personality that is way bigger than my size. I come from Detroit, MI and I am a proud student at Central Michigan University. I am the co-owner of a start-up clothing brand XonIT. ... View more

Budgeting doesn't have to be scary! You’ve signed the papers. The leasing manager gave you your keys. You’re in your off-campus apartment’s living room surrounded by cardboard boxes and you think to yourself, “Wow, I’m actually an adult.” Then the bills start to come. Moving on your own means paying your own bills, and a common mistake for new adults is overspending: going out for drinks with friends, late-night DoorDash meals while cramming for finals, or that new college sweatshirt to rep your collegiate pride. Creating a budget as soon as you start out on your own allows you to stay on top of all your bills while still having a little spending money for the fun moments in college. Determine just how much money you make in a month The first step in creating a budget is figuring out what your income is. This starts at your job: what is your salary?  If you are an hourly employee, it may help to estimate how many hours you work within a pay period (weekly, biweekly, etc.). Always do a low estimate and a high estimate; this can give you a range of money you expect to take in. Here’s an example, based on national averages for college-age part-time employees: Hourly rate: $15 per hour Low hours: 15 hours a week OR 60 hours a month High hours: 20 hours a week OR 80 hours a month Income range: $900 - $1200 a month before taxes For salaried employees, just take your total salary and divide it by 12. That’s how much you bring in a month, before taxes. Determine how much money you spend on bills This is the fun part (but, not really). Add up all your bills by category to get a total amount of expenses in a given month. It may help to put the due dates for these expenses as well. It’s important to be very thorough on this step. You don’t want to miss a bill and end up in debt or worse. I also recommend having an emergency fund — a set amount of money set aside each month for emergencies. Life doesn’t usually work on strict agendas, so it’s better to be safe or sorry if you find yourself in a jam. Here’s an example of an expenses list, based on my personal experience. I lived in a three-bedroom apartment with two roommates, so your costs may vary: Rent: $400 Utilities: $50 Netflix: $8.99 Groceries: $50 Gas: $35 Emergency fund: $50 Total: 593.99 Finally, subtract this amount from your low range income to see how much you have leftover: Income: $840 - Expenses: $593.99 $246.01 leftover This is your extra spending change! Cha-Ching! Test your budget Remember that your budget is just arbitrary numbers if you don’t put it to work. During your first month, test the budget you created and adjust as necessary. Some things to look for are if you end up spending more on groceries or gas, you end up getting another streaming service (since you can’t watch all the episodes of iCarly without Paramount+), your utilities cost more than expected, or you end up taking a large income cut at work. All of these changes can affect your budget, so you should look for them in your first month or so. Continue to monitor your budget and make changes And there you go! You’ve created a decent budget to make sure all your bills are paid and you still have some dollars left in your account.  Now, it’s important to monitor your budget to make sure you are adhering to it. Remember, without discipline, a budget is just an arbitrary list of numbers that mean nothing! Also, remember that life doesn’t always adhere to your budget. Try not to beat yourself up if you have to spend extra on a broken laptop, a forgotten oil change, or even a spontaneous lunch with friends. Just remember to try not to overdo it and get back on track as soon as possible! Happy budgeting! WRITTEN BY SaMya Overall SaMya Overall is a junior at Michigan State University studying English, French, and Women and Gender Studies. She’s currently a production editorial intern at Macmillan and the copy chief at The State News. She loves romance YA books with minority characters. ... View more

You are not alone Food insecurity is a big conversation on a lot of college campuses. As of 2018, it was found that one in three traditional college students (full-time college students) are food insecure and 71% of total college students (full-time and part time) report food insecurity (Feeding America, 2019). These numbers are scary for some and empowering for others. Often, many students who experience insecurity feel as though they are the only ones and do not quite know where to go to improve their situation.  A few ideas come to the forefront that should be discussed. The first being SNAP, which is a way to get money to pay for day-to-day necessities like food. SNAP is not a program that shames or hurts those that use it, but it can be a great leg up for many who are struggling and can use the lifted financial burden. All college students are eligible for SNAP no matter their parents’ demographic. Food pantries are becoming more prevalent on college campuses to assist the students who are housed there. These pantries are made for students and by students to kill the stigma that insecurity is a shameful thing as well as make an impact on their campuses.  There are other forms of food pantries as well as care pantries that provide the community with toiletries and other necessities. You can often find these outlets with a quick google search or a visit to the county website that your school is located in. Everyone has some difficult times in college, but there is a community of people who want to help alleviate the struggles WRITTEN BY Aubre Thomas Central Michigan University I am the epitome of a personality that is way bigger than my size. I come from Detroit, MI and I am a proud student at Central Michigan University. I am the co-owner of a start-up clothing brand XonIT. ... View more

There's someone for everyone! College is an exciting and daunting time for young adults. For many, college allows them to explore independence and understand themselves before they venture into the adult world. During this time, you’ll be exposed to many new things and quickly learn that not everyone was raised like you were. This can be a good thing because not only does it prepare you for the diversity in the world, but it also teaches you new perspectives and provides you with unexpected opportunities. That being said, one of these opportunities is being social with new people. For many first time or transfer college students, it can be difficult to put yourself out there and find friends you mesh well with. This is actually so common, but people are good at pretending like they've got it all figured out so you may feel like you’re the only one dealing with these issues.  Everyone’s level of being social is different, but overall it’s important to not do college as if you're alone on an island. It's important to be proactive in college so you create memories and build connections with others. Dealing with FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) FOMO is inevitable, but the reality of college is accepting that you can’t be involved with everything. Don’t let this discourage you though! Try your best to be present and accept invites that interest you instead of constantly declining offers. For example, colleges have events for students (especially new students) to acquaint students with each other and the school overall. This is a great way to find organizations to join! And sometimes you’ll discover unique programs that fit your niches. Or if someone invites you out and you feel comfortable going with them, you should go to see how things turn out. As you’re exploring, it’s important to be involved with people and things that truly inspire you and make you feel most like yourself. Not only does being present help you form social bonds, but you never know the professional opportunities that could arise when you associate yourself with new people and places. Making Friends I guarantee you that there’ll be people you begin college with that you may never talk to again by the time senior year rolls around. That being said, in life friendships are always changing. Some people are meant to be lifelong friends while others are there for a moment. As you get older, you may find your circle shrinking because there are less people you feel genuinely connected with. And that’s 100% okay! With each friendship, there will be a lesson, some positive and some negative. Some friendships teach you the type of people you don’t want to be around. Some may only be in your life briefly, but they leave a  worthwhile impression. It’s okay to not have a designated friend group or best friend (my closest friends happen to be miles away from me--one on the other side of the world!). It’s more fulfilling to have a few people you can call a friend than to have several “friends” that are like strangers.  Community In my opinion, a community can be found anywhere you choose to find it! Your sense of community doesn’t have to be limited to your campus. Instead of putting yourself in a box, try finding communities based on hobbies, niches, volunteer work, religion/philosophy, sports/fitness, and the list goes on! When you associate yourself with diverse people, you not only gain new knowledge but confidence in your social abilities. I’ve found some cool people and close friends online through language learning when COVID began. I even met one of my closest friends! I have to say that stepping out of my comfort zone was the best decision for me. So what is your level of being social? Are you the type that thrives in large groups or one that prefers one on one conversations? Do you make online friends as well? Are you considering trying something mentioned in this paper? When you open yourself to new opportunities, you’ll see that college has so much to offer when it comes to making friends and connections. It’s up to you to be proactive! WRITTEN BY Ozioma Osanu Hi, my name’s Ozioma, which means “Good News” so if you meet me, expect a welcoming experience! Despite mainly being a homebody, you’ll find me always doing something creative. Whether it’s art, language learning, or roller skating, I love challenging myself creatively. Along with those, I love meeting new people and traveling as well. I’m currently studying business information systems and plan to go into UX        design in the future! ... View more

Make the most out of your education. I graduated from Grinnell College in 2021, but that graduation felt like a year-long process. I returned home prematurely from my study abroad semester in March of 2020 because of COVID, but I never really “returned” to campus. I lived in the town of my college and took online classes. So, many aspects of my college experience didn’t return, like the opportunity to try new things.  In other words, my year-long descent into graduation was a reflection on regret. Here are five things I’ve learned, or things I am trying to learn, as an alumni in the wake of 2020. Comment below if you have more advice! 1. Clubs Don’t End After Graduation Clubs are easier to find in college. They’re often advertised at some kind of fair or through numerous posters. But, there are clubs outside of college, and they’re often just as easy to find. You can search local Facebook groups, Google, or word of mouth to find others interested in the activities you wish you had tried in college. Or, you can start your own! 2. Learning Doesn’t Stop With the Classroom You might regret never taking a specific class or exploring an entire discipline, but there are always ways to dig into new topics. Books, podcasts, documentaries, and other resources are great ways to continue learning outside of a structured classroom. 3. Making Your Own Assignments Maybe this is just me, but I loved assignments in college, especially creative ones. Deadlines gave me the push to finish projects I ended up really enjoying.  You can still give yourself projects after college--from writing a lyrical essay to making an art assignment to crafting a website. I’ve missed the structured environment of the classroom to help me stick with projects, but giving myself deadlines has helped me continue to still create final versions of my creative work. 4. Reach out to Alumni for Advice Alumni have gone through this same process of regret and emotional reflection, unless they had the perfect college experience (which I don’t think exists). They’re more than likely happy to answer your questions!  Whether you’re curious about a career or regional housing or personal growth, reaching out to a career center, LinkedIn, or other connections to find alumni in your area can help your college experience continue to grow. After all, college is not just a place, but also a community. 5. FOMO is real--But It Doesn’t Have to Be! Recognizing that you have regret or sadness about college can be a difficult process, but not addressing these regrets can be even worse. I completed my online classes at an institution while wishing I had done aspects of my first three years of college differently. I don’t treat regret as a negative experience though (or at least, I’m working through it). Dealing with regret is a process, and one that has no “right” destination besides the one you’re at right now. WRITTEN BY Allison Cottrell Grinnell College Allison graduated from Grinnell College in 2021 with majors in English and Math, and she’s now a Marketing Intern with Macmillan Learning. She currently lives in the Twin Cities where she’s probably on a run right now, smiling at passing dogs, or writing poetry while listening to Lady Gaga on repeat. ... View more

Go green anywhere! A lot has changed on my college campus over the last three years and I’m not talking about the people who now make TikToks in the middle of the lunch line. When I first stepped onto campus there were no labels on trash bins, less vegan options at the dining hall, nowhere to refill your reusable water bottle, and professors would make you print out every worksheet they required. Fast forward to today, and all these things have changed for the better of the environment. We’re always taught to “reduce, reuse, and recycle;” it sounds vague at this point, but there are many simple and eco-friendly adjustments we can make in our everyday life. REDUSE Have a Car-Free Day If you want to move your legs and get fresh air, consider walking to campus rather than driving. My college campus is small and yet plenty of students drive when walking the same distance would only be a measly five minutes. On top of that, while waiting for friends, they run their cars in the parking lot. Imagine how much gas would be omitted in that short span of time , let alone how often they would do this during the semester? If you’re on a small enough campus, trade in your four wheels for a pair of legs or if you have a larger school, look out for free shuttle bus rides. Kick it to the Curb, Printer Remember the days of printing out every assignment you received? Once we switched to remote learning during the pandemic, printers at colleges started collecting dust . In over a year, I haven’t printed out a single piece of paper. As we return to campus, professors will hopefully realize that assignments can be accessed online, rather than printing out hundreds or thousands of papers to hand out. As an eco-conscious student, it’s important to encourage professors to be more mindful of making the switch. Try a Meatless Monday Everyone’s diet is different, but when I first got to campus, I was overwhelmed with how many meat options there were at the dining hall. They had a carving station, deli, fried food Thursdays, meat entrees, and an endless supply of hamburgers daily. While some of those options remain, colleges are making more of a push to promote vegetarian/vegan options . Even though I still enjoy meat, the change of options at my school made me realize it’s not something I need every day with the meat industry’s pollution through its usage of fossil fuels. You can also reduce a day of meat entirely from your weekly schedule by enjoying a Meatless Monday. While you’re at the dining hall, choose to eat there rather than taking a disposable to-go box (or try to bring your own reusable to-go container). When you take a to-go box, you’re adding another Styrofoam container and plastic utensils to the landfill. However, if you eat in, it's just a matter of cleaning the dishes you used. Plus, if it’s buffet style… the more the merrier. REDUSE Go With the Flow We usually go through about four plastic water bottles a day , but imagine if we cut that down to zero? Now that colleges are starting to put bottle filling stations throughout campuses, it makes more sense than ever to get a reusable water bottle. Not only does it save thousands of plastic bottles per year , but it also saves money. A reusable bottle normally costs five dollars or less (or more if you buy some Etsy stickers to put on your container) compared to spending a dollar per plastic bottle. Oh, I Forgot I Had That! When a lot of students come back home from college after their Spring Semester, all our stuff is stored away and sometimes forgotten about throughout a long summer break. Before you pack everything to go home, make a list of all the supplies that you have that will still be good for the next year. As an art student, there have been plenty of times where I’ve bought extra wads of clay when I already have a mountain of it for the next semester. Don’t be that college student who has extra clay in their pockets, you’ll never live that down. RECYCLE Educate Yourself Outside the Classroom It feels good to recycle, but not everything goes in the same bin. When you recycle, you have to separate paper from plastics. Your school may have different bins throughout campus, so make sure that you’re recycling everything correctly. Even when you’re mad about a bad grade on a paper and you just want to throw it out, make sure it goes in the right bin. No, You Can't Recycle Your Dirty Dunkin Cup Sorry, but that’s not helping anyone. Whenever you recycle plastics, make sure they’re squeaky clean. If bottles are too dirty, then they’re meant for the trash and they won’t be recycled. You don’t have to be perfect, but every little bit can help. Whether it’s adopting Meatless Mondays or even just hitting the lights when you walk down the hall to see a friend, all these little things add up to make a big difference. WRITTEN BY Angela Mascia Monmouth University Angela is a senior at Monmouth University who is majoring in Graphic Design and the current Advertising Manager of the Outlook Student Newspaper. You can almost always catch her watching a movie or binging the latest tv show. When she’s not in front of a screen, she loves going on walks, making art, and partaking in a little retail therapy. ... View more

Get help, get better.   This story is meant for those of us who struggle with mental health and trauma who feel as though leaving school is the only option to help ourselves. I know the feeling and the sentiment. I am a Survivor of a lot of different, really bad choices people have made. These choices left me feeling helpless and honestly like a zebra trying to fly.  Through the ups and downs of trying to work, go to school, and heal, I often tried to take the “I’m a big girl” high road. That is until December of 2019. I had a mentor who told me in no uncertain terms “Just say you’re scared of asking for help.” This conversation convinced me to finally take the leap toward my confusing path to healing and also made me realize that most students either don’t know their resources or don’t have that push.  Often as humans, we are afraid of asking for any form of help. We are shamed into thinking that help means that we are failing. This is simply not true, it is actually quite the opposite, asking for help is what makes us succeed the most. Asking for help doesn’t have to be a big ceremonious thing nor is it a burden. The faculty who work at universities often take their jobs for the sole reason of helping. It can be hard to ask or figure out when you need help so here are some signs and ways to receive your resources. Where to Ask for Help: All of these following services and conduits for assistance can be found by a quick school website search or by contacting your classroom staff or school’s directory numbers Most colleges and Universities have highly trained mental health professionals that you can contact. Look on their website and resource guides to locate those professionals. Also, check city and county professionals, there are a lot of people willing to get you that kind of help. Seek out your advisors and guidance assistants at your school, they can help you with all things academic, always contact them sooner rather than later. I often opt to check in with them at the 4-week and 10-week mark in a 16 week semester.  Mentors and coordinators (scholarship, dorms, student body) are always a good first stop and they always have your best in mind. Just be prepared to hear some things that may come as a rude awakening (I know I did). It may be hard to reach out at first but it is always going to be much easier and you will feel the support that you have around you much more that way. More than anything, listen to you, you know what you need and when you need it. Listen to that voice and it will not steer you wrong. Ask for Help When: A problem is taking your focus away from school and your goal. This is not a sign of failure, but it is a sign that maybe it is time for you to get some support in the emotional heavy lifting Studies become stunted or move too fast. Office hours are there for a reason and professors actually love when you show up because it also helps them become better teachers. Often they’ll take your concerns and apply them to their teaching and classroom practices.  Having trouble processing or communicating with yourself or others. This sounds so weird, but I promise, sometimes just going to a trusted faculty or advisor really can help, and oftentimes they can aid you by giving you tools of self-care and self-auditing. WRITTEN BY Aubre Thomas Central Michigan University I am the epitome of a personality that is way bigger than my size. I come from Detroit, MI and I am a proud student at Central Michigan University. I am the co-owner of a start-up clothing brand XonIT. ... View more

Networking doesn't have to feel like work!   Going to college has always been deemed the pinnacle of social progress for most people aged 17 and up. There is always talk about parties, organizations, and mentors. What is often forgotten in the conversation of social life in college is the art and usefulness of good networking and creating business connections. This is often because we assume that networking means making lifelong friends, not making life-long connections. The saying “it is not what you know, it is who you know” digs very deep in college as well as your post-college life. So introduce yourself to that one guy who comes to class late in a dinosaur onesie. You two may not be the best of friends, you might be a passing hello, but later down the line you two may have to work together and it is great to have a surprise reference. Here is a list of some tips and techniques that I suggest no matter your level of sociability. GETTING IN THE ROOM I think this is self-explanatory, you cannot meet anyone if you are not in the room. Here are some suggestions: (If you can) go to your dean’s/president’s/professors office(s) or a study area near there and study. Go there once a week on the same day and time. People will take notice and you can introduce yourself and get to know other regulars. This is a less direct approach but still effective.  Go to random student organizations or events being hosted on campus. If you see people gathered at an event when walking around on campus, stop and talk, slip into random marches, jump into sports games outside or at the gym (even if you’ve never played). This is a more direct approach to meeting others, but by showing up at these events and activities, you’ll begin to meet other people with a wide variety of interests. Go to parties. Yes, I know parties are supposed to be fun, but you can honestly get to connect with those around you in a less serious manner. Being in a space where you can get to know someone without the stiffness or ego that can come in a classroom or academic setting can allow you to find new things in common outside of what first brought you together. Making these other outside connections can give a sort of landing space in case the two of you were to interact in a new setting, there is someone to sit next to that you know and can identify with. These kinds of connections can be helpful because they give you a deeper understanding of those around you. I’M IN THE ROOM AUBRE WHAT NOW?! (Glad you asked) MOVE YOUR SEAT IN CLASS! It might sound weird, but just randomly move to an empty seat every 5-6 class sessions and you’ll meet your different classmates and can make connections with them (so yes talking in class is good every now and again). Coffee isn’t just for courting. The famous college coffee date isn’t just for getting a partner, it can also be a place to connect with professors, faculty, and other students for projects and even idle chit chat. This is the place you can get personal and give people a sense of who you are. Definitely a place for making lasting impressions. SEALING THE DEAL Take inventory of your relationships. Figure out if there are some you’d like to keep and at what capacity. Remember, you are not going to be everyone’s best friend and it is okay not to be. It is okay if you only see a good acquaintance with some people. There is no reason to feel pressured to entertain everyone. If you make a positive lasting impression and maybe exchange some social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc.) that is plenty.  Make sure to check in every now and again. This can be a quick social media message, a post comment, or an E-mail/text. Checking in is very important, make sure you do it. Networking does not have to be a big scary event with people in suits and snobbish attitudes. It can be as low pressure as you make it. There is a network for everyone and it is completely up to YOU who you want to include. Don’t be afraid to take up space, just be courteous of the space you are taking and THANK EVERYONE who gives you proper respect. WRITTEN BY Aubre Thomas Central Michigan University I am the epitome of a personality that is way bigger than my size. I come from Detroit, MI and I am a proud student at Central Michigan University. I am the co-owner of a start-up clothing brand XonIT. ... View more

Make connections that last!   The best part of college-- beyond the education-- is the friends and peers you meet throughout your higher education journey. Frequently cited as the best four years of your life, college is the time for people to explore and learn what types of friends and energies they want to be around. Between dorm buildings, weekend parties, and lecture classes, most college students are around people constantly-- but with the effects of the pandemic and remote work, many students and post-grads have found themselves back in their childhood bedrooms or parents’ basement, and have lost that constant socialization. Now miles apart from college and the friends that come with it, it’s hard to be a post-grad who still yearns for a social life, especially when senior year didn’t feel real. So now that you find yourself without frat parties to go to and late night club meetings, how do you survive post-grad? Although the world is starting to open up after a year and a half of lockdown, there are still restrictions in place and personal preferences when it comes to stepping out into the world. So while the obvious bars and restaurants are great meeting places for young 20-somethings, it is important to understand that technology is not the enemy. In fact, technology should be your best friend, or at least the outlet to connecting with your best friends in a more exciting way than Zoom calls (though those can be fun with the right attitude). The best place to start is with the original things that brought you and your friends together in the first place, whether it be movies, lifestyle habits, major interests, or the great taste of coffee, it is important to go back to the basics-- not only to remind people why they became friends, but to also reestablish the relationships outside of the college setting. From there, it is easy to connect even if it’s not face-to-face. Seeking something more immediate? All you need is a computer or phone. Calling and texting is one thing, and FaceTime has truly changed the game, but what more can friends do to be social from their childhood homes or wherever post-grad has taken them? Many streaming services have started “Party” programs where through a shareable link and browser extension, a group of users can watch and control the show or movie from their separate computers-- most offer a side-by-side chat feature as well so you and your friends can react in time with one another. Technology can be so great, but it is also good to look at options outside of a WiFi connection. A recent trend that has risen to popularity on TikTok and other social media apps, is the resurrection of snail mail. There is nothing better than receiving a piece of mail, and again, while it may not be face-to-face, there is an intimacy in seeing the handwriting of someone you cherish and knowing that they took the time to sit down and write to you. It signals that you were on their mind and texting everyday just wasn’t enough. Want to take it a step further? Share a journal within your friend group. Even more personal than letters, keep a journal for a week, write all your thoughts in it, draw in it, collage it-- and then ship it on to another friend. Create a schedule, rotate through until the journal is full. It makes the miles between disappear every time the journal arrives in your hands. It’s been a wild year and for many of us, it was our friends and family that kept us sane. Due to many Americans having access to vaccinations, it is easier to once again interact with society. Still, it is important to keep these relationships in our life that fulfill and support us. It may not be easy with remote working and the aftermath of post-grad, but there are definitely still fun ways to maintain a social life in the midst of this life change. WRITTEN BY Clarah Grossman Emerson College Clarah Grossman currently works as a Media Editorial Intern for Macmillan Learning. She just graduated with a BFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College. Now that she has all this spare time, she hopes to finally learn to play the ukulele (but will probably just end up watching lots of anime). ... View more

Find what works for you! College is, at one point or another, a stressful experience, and setting aside time for yourself and your own hobbies is crucial for staying sane through it all. Whether you’re an introvert or not, purposefully blocking out time for your own hobbies can not only improve overall happiness  but could also improve your productivity during study time , too. Here are 3 hobbies that you can enjoy either solo or with others if desired. Reading For Fun Most students have to read for class and homework, but hear me out: whether you choose to reread an old favorite, pick up a guilty pleasure novel, or grab whatever catches your eye at a bookstore, reading for fun can revitalize your brain for more studious reading during studying. My own bias as an English major is showing, but I will defend this hill! You can turn reading into a social activity by starting a book club with friends, or just casual convos about your favorite characters and passages from whatever you’re reading at the moment. Video Games Even if your brain immediately jumps to the likes of mainstream M-rated fare like Call of Duty when you see the words “video game,” keep in mind there are TONS of different games out there to try. Whether you like action-packed, online matches like in Overwatch , or more relaxed Minecraft sessions, or something in between, there’s something for everyone out there! My own personal favorites are games that are single-player and story-rich, but you might love massive multiplayer games or strategy games! The easiest way to find out what games you love and don’t is the Epic Games Store , which regularly gives out games for free ! Obviously, the best way to make gaming more social is to play alongside friends, but bonding with other players of your favorite game, no matter what kind, can lead you to new friendships. You can bond with others by joining a club focused on gaming or having passionate debates with classmates over which character is The Best One in Hades (trick question, it’s all of them). Small Instruments You don’t need to have Beethoven-levels of talent to enjoy making music on your own. Some small instruments to start with can be a kalimba (sounds like a music box!), a lyre (mini harp), ukulele, bongos, and even small piano keyboards. All of these can be found relatively cheap online; they’re easy enough to learn the basics of and are portable, too. A great benefit to this hobby is how tangible the progress is, which can really inspire you to keep improving. There are lots of tutorials on Youtube for how to learn as well! Playing alone in your dorm during study breaks is pretty soothing, but if you want to include others on your musical journey, you can find others who play too and learn from them. Try seeing if there’s a club on campus focused on learning music or even one for your specific instrument! If you get skilled enough and want an audience, you can play in a dorm lounge (just be sure you aren’t disturbing anyone studying).  All of these things can get you lots of mileage enjoying on your own, but if you’re ever feeling lonely, it’s easy to include others in seemingly solitary activities. Sometimes the best thing about a hobby is sharing it with someone else!  WRITTEN BY Brianna DiGeronimo The College of New Jersey Brianna is a rising senior at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) studying English, with minors in Communications and Marketing. She loves playing video games and the kalimba (albeit badly). She is currently an intern at Macmillan Learning (BFW Publishing) in the Marketing department. ... View more

Work smarter, together! In life, everyone will at some point have to work on a team for their job, a project, or athletics. People either dread or love teamwork. Those that dread it may have had a poor experience in the past like an ineffectively run team. Working in teams should never be seen as stressful, so below are some of my tips on how I would recommend working in teams successfully. Comprise your group of people with differing opinions and personalities. The best teams are teams that are well-rounded, where each member contributes to the group equally but with different perspectives. With different personalities, we can receive insight as to how to explain the same concept through a different lens. When everyone has the same viewpoints, it leaves little room for growth outside of what they already believe. People with the same views will also be likely butt heads, but varying opinions in the group can help everyone see eye to eye and find a middle ground when it comes to the topic. Be open to criticism. Your opinion is not always correct. That is not to say your opinion is wrong either. There are always ways to improve your understanding of a topic. Constructive criticism is essential to growth as an individual and as a team. No one is perfect, but we can always strive to do our best. That does not mean that we should be hard on ourselves when our potential is not the best. Saying that one opinion is better than another is very subjective as it is only an opinion, not a fact. Opinions can grow and mature just as a person can. Teams that are able to receive criticism and learn from it are typically some of the best teams or groups in society. Be available and ready to explain your viewpoints. Sometimes your views need clarity. When you are able to explain your opinion clearly, that shows that you have a well-constructed argument. However, sometimes you will need to reword your opinion in order to allow other people to understand. Sometimes, you and your partner may argue for the same exact idea, but based on how you each describe your ideology may lead you both to believe that you have completely different viewpoints. Also, be ready to explain your opinions. It is quite frustrating to be left to interpret another person’s views without their explanation. Empathy is a very important emotion when it comes to genuine human interaction as well as working with others. Never leave your group in the dark as to why you believe a specific way because once they are able to empathize with you, your team will likely be able to work efficiently and productively. All in all, team-based work should never be seen as a waste of time or feel like an annoyance, but rather it should be seen as a way for you to grow as a person as well as a contributor to something bigger. Collaboration expertise is a highly valuable trait to have when it comes to working after college. WRITTEN BY Jacob Concolino University of Kentucky I am currently pursuing a BS in Chemical Engineering at the University of Kentucky. I am also pursuing a minor in German and have been to the country twice. I can speak some German, and I listen to every genre of music from German to country to rap to pop. ... View more