Class has come to order! I honestly cannot pinpoint an exact time in which I told myself that I was going to try going to law school. It was not a gradual process for me; more so, it was always lingering in the back of my head because my father attended law school. I have always had a passion for reading, writing in particular, and a general interest in public speaking and communication. Because of this, law school was always an option for me. At the beginning of the fall semester of my Junior year of college, I started seriously thinking about the possibility of going to law school. I knew that my grade point average (GPA) was fairly high and my transcript was in solid shape, so I needed to tackle the other aspects of the application process. I was planning on studying abroad in Sydney, Australia during the spring term, so I decided that I was going to start studying for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Studying for the LSAT Study strategies in regards to the LSAT vary greatly from person to person, but I can give my recommendations based on my personal experience with the beast that is the LSAT. I know that I would not have been able to succeed without the help of a study service. In my particular case, private tutors were very pricey so I opted for a group course. Most test prep companies offer similar quality services, so the specific company is less important than the type of course. For example, law school test prep companies have accelerated review courses for those who may have already taken the LSAT. Since it was my first time taking the LSAT, I desired a semester-long course that taught me all of the different question types from a beginner’s level. This way, I would be prepared for my first time taking the exam in a comprehensive manner. Some people prefer to take the LSAT first to gauge where they stand and then, depending on the score, sign up with a tutor or a learning course. In my opinion, taking the LSAT with some knowledge was a better choice because law schools may be able to see all of the scores if they require complete score disclosure. In addition to the LSAT, letters of recommendation are an important part of the law school application process. Choosing who Writes Recommendation Letters While I was deciding what professors I wanted to write my letters of recommendation, I first considered how many letters I wanted to submit. From my experience applying to law schools, the average number of recommended letters ranges from one to four depending on the school. Due to this, I decided to request three letters of recommendation from my English professors. I would advise that it is more beneficial to request letters from professors that know you inside and outside of the classroom, regardless of the department in which they work. Locating your Desirable Setting Lastly, I would highly recommend considering the locations of the schools in which you choose to apply. This may seem less important than track specializations and course offerings, but I really believe that location should play a major role in a person’s final decision of where to attend law school. For me, I prefer the warm weather because my mental health is significantly better when I can sit outside in the sun. I would highly encourage each and every person applying to law school to heavily weigh the location of the school as a contributing final deciding factor. With all of these different facets, the law school application process is a daunting one, but it can be done with time, patience, and perseverance. WRITTEN BY Hannah Lamberg University of Miami School of Law Hannah Lamberg is a recent graduate from the University of Florida where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology on a Pre-law track. She was very involved on her campus as a U Matter We Care Ambassador and Public Relations Coordinator within the Dean of Students’ Office, as well as involved on the leadership boards of the English Society and Relay for Life at UF. She is now a student at the University of Miami School of Law. You can most likely find her talking to new people or writing poetry in her free time. ... View more

Discover your passions in an unconventional classroom! As we near the start of our professional careers, it’s easy to feel both limitless and limited at the same time. Should you work in a big firm in a city, start a small business in your hometown, or is the right pathway for you actually laid somewhere in between? Do you even have all of the options available for you to decide? Really, it’s difficult to foresee where or how you’ll find your niche. When things look empirically nebulous, it’s important to make a priority of finding and getting to know ourselves before moving ahead. What are your interests, your passions – your real passions? A gap year is a perfect time to find out. Go Abroad An excellent way to find yourself is through adventure. Going abroad lets you experience perspectives and cultures you may not have discovered otherwise, and there are so many ways to go about it! Read about some of our picks here! Explore Hobbies More than once, I’ve stared at my homework and wished I could be working on a story or sharpening my Photoshop skills instead. Getting a degree is time-consuming, but taking a break during or after it allows you to focus on the activities that interest you instead. If you have a passion for hiking, throwing pottery, woodworking; anything, this is the time to explore these hobbies as deeply as you wish. Work or Intern Perhaps you’re not ready to commit to a long-term, full-time job, but you’d still like to work and gain professional experience. If so, a great use of your gap year can be interning or doing some other type of temporary work. This lets you gain some professional experience, learn more about a particular field, and potentially save up for future ventures. Make Magic In Spring 2018, I took a gap semester and did the Disney College Program. For four months, I worked at Walt Disney World Resort as a Disney cast member and it was an incredibly memorable experience. I made so many friends and connections from all around the world, whom I’d have never met otherwise, and I’m so grateful that I have. If you’re looking for a magical experience for your gap year, I’d definitely recommend checking out the DCP to you! Volunteer Volunteering is a great way to learn, work, and discover more about yourself. Whether it takes you halfway across the world or to your local community center, there are infinite ways to make a difference and change the world. Learn more about how to get started here. Take Part-Time Courses Even though you’re taking a break from your studies, enrolling in a part-time course can be incredibly gratifying. The course doesn’t have to relate to your major, nor does it have to run through your university; local community centers, art studios, language schools, and other institutes also offer valuable options that will broaden your horizons and teach you new skills. This summer, I started taking Korean language lessons at a private school and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Although I absolutely love my college and major, this experience feels like the first time I’m studying something -in its entirety- because I’m choosing to, rather than because it’s a major or general education requirement, and I still come to every class excited to learn more. A gap year is definitely what you make of it. It’s a time for adventure, trying new things, and most importantly learning about yourself. No matter what you choose, the possibilities are truly limitless. WRITTEN BY Addie Joseph Baruch College in Manhattan After earning her ears at Disney, Addie moved on to study Journalism, Creative Writing, and Photography at Baruch College in Manhattan. She is interning for Macmillan Learning as a Student Ambassador, but in her spare time, you can find her tucked away in a café, crafting stories or editing photos and videos, with earbuds fixed firmly in her ears. Don’t be afraid to interrupt and say hello; she always enjoys meeting new friends (and perhaps indulging them with music recommendations too)! ... View more

Learn outside the classroom! For many college students, including myself, internships are one of the most sought after experiences. While there is a big emphasis on getting an internship as a resume booster or something to talk about in a future interview, there are so many other equally important things that an internship can provide. My first internship taught me more than I could have ever anticipated as I packed my bags and traveled from Texas up to Washington DC this past summer. Whether you’re gearing up for your first internship, or just wondering what the experience is like, here are the top three things I learned throughout my summer internship: Get to know as many people as you can One of the best aspects of my internship was getting to meet so many people with enormously diverse backgrounds. Some of my co-workers had been Fulbright scholars, hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro, and lived in several different countries around the world. It seemed like every day I was learning something new and exciting about someone in the office! Additionally, there were several people that had similar majors as I do now and I loved hearing about the path that got them into their career. My internship provided me not just with work experience, but with a plethora of employees that had a wealth of knowledge on both the workforce and life in general. Another highlight of my summer was getting to know other interns. It was fun hearing stories from their own college experiences and I truly enjoyed getting to work alongside them in the office. Even a whole semester later, I still keep in contact with the interns I met, whether it be to get college advice or just catch up with each other. Getting to know others around the office not only allowed me to make friends (and role models!) throughout the summer but also provided great networking opportunities. The people I met have helped me in a variety of ways, including offering letters of recommendation and putting me in contact with even more individuals who were able to help me expand my future career. Step out of your comfort zone Starting an internship program in a brand new city and with complete strangers can be overwhelming and even a little bit scary. Even small things like having to talk in front of my entire team during meetings made me nervous at first. However, one of the best things about internships is how they allow you to branch out and do things you may have been hesitant to try initially. While interning, I had the task of staying in contact with world-class researchers through phone meetings and emails. This scared me at first and I was terrified of doing or saying something wrong while planning events and projects with individuals that were at the top of their field. However, as the summer progressed, it was easy to see how much my professional communication skills had grown and an email or phone call began to feel like a breeze. While I was initially nervous about sending a singular email, by the end of my internship, I had developed the confidence to lead a conversation or meeting with ease. It was amazing to look back over my summer and realize how much I had grown as an intern through all of the new things I was exposed to. It’s going to take some time to adjust I still remember logging onto my desktop for the first time on the first day of my internship, only to be bombarded by 20+ unread messages from an email account I didn’t even know I had. The first week of most internships focuses on onboarding meaning there’s probably going to be a lot of paperwork to do, training to participate in, and meetings to get you caught up on everything going on in the office. I was completely overwhelmed at first by the vast amount of information I was receiving, but that is completely normal! Adjusting to an entirely new environment and immersing yourself in a new company takes some time. However, there is no need to worry because I promise that by the end of the summer you’ll feel like a pro in everything you do! While it’s always nice to have an internship that adds a few lines to your LinkedIn profile, interning is an experience that holds so much more value. From developing new capabilities to forming connections with industry professionals, my first internship taught me a variety of skills that I know I will carry with me throughout college and my career. WRITTEN BY Sonya Pfitzenmaier University of Texas Sonya is a current sophomore at the University of Texas studying chemical engineering. She is best known for starting spontaneous dance parties in her apartment and unconditionally cheering on the Texas longhorns. Outside of school, Sonya enjoys scouring the internet for new recipes to try and exploring the city of Austin, one hike at a time. ... View more

Best of luck! During my sophomore year of college, I felt utterly lost because I could not commit to a major and received mostly Bs. Needless to say, I had a significant breakdown and began to think about a gap semester. It was the toughest decision I had to make in college. Compared to most of my peers, I started college quite late (at the age of 20) because my family had recently moved to the US. I was scared to fall behind, graduate late, and waste my time. I spent my summer after my sophomore year learning about myself and eventually knew that a gap semester was crucial to my career. If you are in my shoes, here are my tips for a fulfilling gap semester/gap year. Talk to your support groups My parents were not very happy with my decision to take a gap semester. They worked 12-hour shifts every day to make sure that I could focus solely on studying and developing my career. I was always grateful for their hardships but knew that college was not about figuring out who I was and what I wanted. I needed more time to determine my career. However, I didn’t want to burden my parents financially when I went home for my gap semester. I asked for advice from many professors, friends, and colleagues. My friend’s father had told me: “Your career will be 20 or 30 years of your life. Spending one year to try out new things is not a waste. At the end of the day, it will be only one short period, compared to 60 years of your life.” It was then I decided to take a gap semester. Khanh’s advice: Do not afraid of change. If the thought of taking a gap semester ever slips through your mind, it is always good to share that with your family and friends. People need to take time off from school for all sorts of reasons (mental health, careers, family issues, etc.) You are not the only one, and we are all in this together. Make a bucket list My worst fear about gap year was that I wouldn’t find anything to do with my time. I was a workaholic and enjoyed being surrounded by people. Taking a gap year would mean that I had to live very far away from my college friends and stay home for the majority of the time. I was terrified. One day, I decided to make a bucket list of what I wanted to do with my time. I had never actually put enough time into figuring out about my hobbies before because I was always hanging out with my friends in my free time. I finally tried new things that I never had the time to enjoy while in school. I traveled to different states to explore hiking, food, and sightseeing. I also made a plan to visit Vietnam with my partner for more than a month and took some swimming classes. I learned to reflect after every new experience and appreciate my alone time more. None of these things would be possible if I was at school and took classes only. Khanh’s advice: A gap year may be one of the very few times you can try out and enjoy new things. You will not have that much time to enjoy yourself if you are at school or have a full-time job after college. Learning to enjoy yourself is a skill, and you can only get further in your life when you have genuinely immersed yourself in your gap year. Get a part-time job I did not have the luxury of having my family support me financially during my gap year. I spent four months applying to different companies for co-ops and internships to prepare for my gap year. I received at least 70 rejection letters and began to doubt my abilities. Unfortunately, my current college did not have the resources to support students during their gap year, so I was pretty much alone in this process. I decided to challenge myself with any part-time job I could search for on LinkedIn or at local coffee shops. At the end of my summer, I got a call back from Vertex Pharmaceuticals for a co-op position. Khanh’s advice: If you are first-gen and from an immigrant family, I understand your struggles. It is never an easy task to leave school temporarily and contribute nothing to your family’s finances. Don’t be afraid to work part-time in a local Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, or Whole Foods. Working can alleviate your stress about finances. More importantly, it can fund any travel trips or classes you decide to take during your gap year. Be open; let yourself have time to be vulnerable and love yourself more every day. You are not the only one on this journey. WRITTEN BY Khanh Pham Boston College Khanh is a junior studying Econometrics and Biology at Boston College. She also works for Macmillan Learning as a student ambassador. When not studying, you can most likely find her somewhere in Downtown Boston trying out new bubble tea flavor and eating Pho noodles. ... View more

“I have wandered all my life, and I have traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.” ― Hilaire Belloc It’s a common misconception that traveling is a distraction from the degree or career you’re pursuing… Here are some travel ideas that challenge that notion: Volunteer Volunteering abroad lets you give back while exploring other areas of the world. You can pick up new skills, make a difference in various causes, and fully immerse yourself in another culture. Read more about volunteer opportunities here! Teach English in Another Country Teaching English is a great way to earn an income while getting immersed in a new culture. There are many companies that offer programs ranging from months to years abroad teaching. Getting started is as easy as getting TEFL-certified, or completing an equivalent course. Get Creative In a world of schedules and due dates, it’s easy to fall into a rut. Inspiration can run dry when we’re inundated by monotony, but traveling is a great way to break free and start working on something truly meaningful to you. You can paint the gardens of Versailles, document rolling landscapes in New Zealand on photo or video, start a blog on your backpacking experiences throughout South America, or find inspiration in any of these ventures to pen the bestseller you’ve always wanted to create. No matter the medium, the world is your canvas. Intern Abroad As technologies and economies advance on a global scale, it becomes even more important for us, as students, to understand them. By interning abroad, you can study these developments through the lens of another country or culture, while gaining professional work experience – which is all sure to stand out on a resumé. Become an Au Pair If you enjoy taking care of children and want to brush up on your language skills, this could be the right fit for you! An Au Pair is someone who lives with a family in a foreign country for a limited period and helps take care of its children. Host families cover a lot of the living expenses for au pairs, such as residency and meals, and also provide pocket money for additional support. Learn more about being an Au Pair here. Study Abroad Last, but certainly not least, studying abroad lets you stay on track with your coursework as you see the world. Study abroad programs range from periods of weeks to months and there is a perfect fit for every student. Visit your campus’s office of international programs today to learn more about the programs your school offers. No matter where your wanderlust takes you, you can always make it a meaningful and educational experience. Start planning your next adventure today! Source “Hilaire Belloc quotes” Quotes of famous people, https://quotepark.com/authors/hilaire-belloc/. Accessed 3 Oct. 2019 WRITTEN BY Addie Joseph Baruch College in Manhattan After earning her ears at Disney, Addie moved on to study Journalism, Creative Writing, and Photography at Baruch College in Manhattan. She is interning for Macmillan Learning as a Student Ambassador, but in her spare time, you can find her tucked away in a café, crafting stories or editing photos and videos, with earbuds fixed firmly in her ears. Don’t be afraid to interrupt and say hello; she always enjoys meeting new friends (and perhaps indulging them with music recommendations too)! ... View more

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi Volunteering is a great way to broaden your perspective and discover new things about yourself; you can expose yourself to new environments and pick up skills you may have never considered learning before. And, of course, no matter where volunteering takes you, you can really make a difference. As college students, there are so many ways we can incorporate volunteering into our lives. Whether it’s in a medical, community service, research, or environmental setting, there are opportunities everywhere. Here are some ideas to help you get started! Local Opportunities Chances are you don’t have to go far to find opportunities to give back; there are likely great organizations to support near where you live! Local animal shelters, food banks, and nature preserves are great places to begin looking; volunteers can always use an extra hand there. Your university might also offer great options for service clubs and if they don’t have one for a cause you’re passionate about, this is a great opportunity to start one and find fellow students who also share your interest in that cause! National Organizations Perhaps you don’t want to stay local, but you’re not quite so interested in applying for visas and leaving the country to start giving back. In that case, there are infinite volunteer opportunities throughout the United States in any and every field. One source I especially like for finding volunteer organizations is volunteer.gov, which provides an easy-to-use search engine that organizes opportunities based on state locations, types of housing accommodations offered, and other qualities. I would also recommend checking out these sites if you’re interested in volunteering in the US: Public Service and Volunteer Opportunities Find Your Park National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration International Programs There are volunteer opportunities in every corner and stretch of this world. International volunteer projects give you the chance to explore different cultures while giving back to them in meaningful and positive ways. If you’re interested in volunteering abroad, here are some great search engines to help you find the right fit: Projects Abroad International Volunteer HQ Go Abroad Most universities also have international programs offices, which offer resources to help you organize and prepare for these types of opportunities. A quick visit could set all the gears in motion! No matter how small or large-scale, nearby or far away, volunteer opportunities expose you to new environments and perspectives, letting you break free from familiarity and learn lessons that can’t necessarily be taught in a classroom setting. Whether you build volunteering into your weekly schedule or let it take you halfway across the world, there are so many ways you can start today! Source “12 Great Quotes From Gandhi On His Birthday” Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashoka/2012/10/02/12-great-quotes-from-gandhi-on-his-birthday/#7e1534b933d8. Accessed 3 Oct. 2019 WRITTEN BY Addie Joseph Baruch College in Manhattan After earning her ears at Disney, Addie moved on to study Journalism, Creative Writing, and Photography at Baruch College in Manhattan. She is interning for Macmillan Learning as a Student Ambassador, but in her spare time, you can find her tucked away in a café, crafting stories or editing photos and videos, with earbuds fixed firmly in her ears. Don’t be afraid to interrupt and say hello; she always enjoys meeting new friends (and perhaps indulging them with music recommendations too)! ... View more

What they don't tell you about studying abroad... Coming back into the United States was something I thought would be much easier than it actually was for me. I have studied abroad twice during my time at the University of Florida on two different types of trips. In the summer of 2018, I traveled to Galway, Ireland, as a part of an Irish Studies program, and I spent the spring of 2019 at the University of Sydney studying English on a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences exchange. The Psychology Department at the University of Florida organized a “Psychology of Intercultural Diversity” course to center around the Irish studies curriculum. Through this class, along with my two study abroad experiences, I have learned that culture shock and “reverse culture shock” are important and normal parts of living abroad. My time spent in Galway was full of close friendships and learning about cultural differences and adjustments. I learned that coming home from time abroad is just as difficult as adapting to a different country. In other words, reverse culture shock is a real problem that people deal with when coming home from a significant amount of time living abroad. Essentially, the course explained the emotions experienced when arriving in a new country are anxiety, excitement, resentment, confusion, and then adjustment. Before a person arrives in a new area, they may feel nervous about the changes. Eventually, they will grow excited to be in a new place. In part of this initial “honeymoon phase” of traveling, people will want to explore what the new place has to offer in terms of cultural differences, including food, architecture, art, activities, etc. After a few days or weeks, they may begin to resent this new culture, claiming that their home culture is superior. Change is difficult for people to experience, and a different way of life can be challenging. For example, during my time in Galway, I, at first, had some trouble with the carefree nature of the people around me. As a tightly-wound individual, this was new for me. This discomfort can bleed into confusion, and ultimately, there will be a sense of cultural adjustment, after some time in that new place and culture. Cultural adjustment involves a person adopting a new set of cultural norms and behaviors in order to comfortably assimilate into a new culture. Ironically, this same process occurs when returning back home. Specifically, when I arrived back in America, I missed the cultural richness of Ireland and the Irish studies programming. I missed the pride that this small Irish city had within their Irish roots. My second study abroad trip to Australia was different, as it was a legitimate exchange with the University of Sydney. Basically, the distinction here is that I was a student enrolled at the University of Sydney taking classes as if I was a full-time student there. During this trip, I learned the value of studying what I love and grew as a writer and person. I had the ability to study my favorite novel, Dracula, by Bram Stoker, within an intensive Victorian literature seminar, while also improving my poetry craft. The significance of this combination is that I learned Stoker’s personal story, in addition to his literary story, as I wrote my story through poetry. This was not only cathartic; it allowed me to grapple with the adjustment period of culture shock because everyone struggles in a new setting. As well as my integral studies, I immersed myself in a more laid back culture, which challenged my constantly on-the-clock, workaholic personality. Being able to place my anxious-self into a slow-paced environment was extremely interesting to navigate. I also traveled around Australia and finally got to see my favorite animal, the platypus. This was by far the highlight of my experience abroad, as I have been waiting to travel to their native habitats for my entire life. Experiencing two study abroad trips has given me the tools to navigate settling down and succeeding on my own, as well as the ability to combat reverse culture shock upon returning to my home country. Specifically, in order to minimize the effects of both culture shock when arriving in a new area and reverse culture shock when returning back home, I would recommend taking each day as it comes. The main difference between culture shock and reverse culture shock is the timing and place in which it occurs. The steps of reverse culture shock mirror those of culture shock in that upon returning home, people feel the “honeymoon period,” when everything about being home is perfect. After some time, they will miss the old culture from their travels and begin to resent their home culture, claiming that the other place is better due to customs experiencing that culture while there. Ultimately, the person will adjust back to their home culture. When I allowed myself to follow each anxious thought into the next one about how I did not belong in a foreign culture or that I did not fit in at home anymore, I could not stop the whirlwind of negative thinking. Instead of giving power to my mind to dictate how I felt, I have learned to accept these two processes as a natural part of traveling to and from a new place, so I have given myself the space to learn and grow as an individual. Since returning to the United States, I have learned that study abroad is a life-altering experience that allows you to not only challenge yourself but those around you, as well. WRITTEN BY Hannah Lamberg University of Miami School of Law Hannah Lamberg is a recent graduate from the University of Florida where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology on a Pre-law track. She was very involved on her campus as a U Matter We Care Ambassador and Public Relations Coordinator within the Dean of Students’ Office, as well as involved on the leadership boards of the English Society and Relay for Life at UF. She is now a student at the University of Miami School of Law. You can most likely find her talking to new people or writing poetry in her free time. ... View more

Find the college housing of your dreams! Freshman year can go by in a flash, and before you know it, everyone is moving out of the dorms. Most universities offer housing options for sophomores, juniors, and seniors and many students opt to continue living in university-housing for the convenience of location and meal plans. Some, though, are ready for a change. Living off-campus can have a number of advantages. Many students find that they love to cook and prefer having their own kitchen. It’s also nice to escape the coin-laundry rooms and have a space that really feels like yours. Living off-campus can come with access to different coffee shops and local stores, as well as providing new places for you to familiarize yourself with. If you haven’t looked into the tedious process of finding off-campus housing, it can be an overwhelming experience. Don’t get discouraged. When it comes to your living situation, there’s a multitude of things you should consider to help save yourself from stress. Finding people to live with Finding roommates can be one of the toughest parts of living off-campus, so it’s important to start thinking about this early. The first thing you should decide is if you want a roommate at all. If you decide the best choice is to live on your own, then the process becomes a little less complex, and you can start looking for housing earlier! If you do want roommates, though, it’s good to know what you're looking for. You’ll meet a lot of people when you first start college, but you might not feel like you have a lot of solid friendships yet. Try to consider what it would actually be like to live with someone, and don’t feel obligated to move in with your friends if you think it won’t be a good fit. When I first started looking for people to live with, I considered everyone—friends, girls from my hall, the people I sat near in class, and other students from my extracurricular activities. It’s important to explore your opportunities and consider who would best contribute to the living environment you want to create. Do you like plants and open spaces? Are you clean,= or okay with a little mess? How loud do you like your music? If you’re having trouble finding people to live with, ask around and find out what other students are doing. They could be looking for people to live with, too, or maybe they need one more person to fill a bedroom in their future apartment. Remember that you’re not the only person experiencing the stress of off-campus housing, and don’t rush the process! Location hunting Location can greatly affect your living situation, so give this one a lot of thought, too. Talk to your future roommates about the type of apartment or house you want to live in. Do you prefer the busy or the quiet side of town? Is there a specific location that’s a better fit for your classes, or closer to the grocery store? Maybe your housemate spends a lot of time at the rec-center and wants to be in that area. It’s important to communicate and compromise. During my junior year, I lived two blocks away from the farmer’s market. I didn’t know there was a farmer’s market when I moved, but it dramatically changed the way I dieted and ultimately improved my health. I spent more time outside, and my grades improved as a result of a healthier lifestyle. Now, I consider everything about a location. Nearby parks, community events, and even street traffic. A multitude of online resources exist for off-campus housing, and a quick Google search can take you in a variety of directions. Start by searching for a specific landlord and housing companies around your campus. This way, you can find out what kind of people you’ll be renting from before you sign anything, and you’ll have direct access to the locations that are being listed for rent on their websites. Signing a lease The long-winded process is over, and now it’s time to sign your lease. Read it all the way through, then send it to your parents and have them take a look. If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask. Leases contain a lot of technical terms, so it’s important that you can distinguish between them and know exactly what you’re agreeing to. Make sure you have all the details figured out. Is the leasing company handling the Wi-Fi and utilities, or should one of the tenants take responsibility for those accounts? How does the trash and sidewalk maintenance work? Make sure there’s a reliable maintenance service for emergency-situations like power-outages or broken pipes. If you’re going somewhere for the summer, ask about subletting and how your leasing company handles that. A lot of first-time tenants need a parent to co-sign a lease for them, so definitely keep your parents or guardians in the loop as you take every step in the search for off-campus housing. They can help you prevent bad living-situations and find something that’s safe and affordable. Talking to your landlord There’s an age-old story about a landlord who takes advantage of a naïve student-renter. This isn’t always the case, but it’s important to form a trusting relationship and maintain clear communication with your landlord. Know who you’re talking to and ask around before signing with a company you don’t know well. Other students have definitely worked with these leasing companies, and most students are more than willing to share their experiences. If you’re having an ongoing problem with your landlord, or you feel that something is unfair, don’t be afraid to speak up. When I was a sophomore in college, the heating in our house was broken but our landlord insisted that we were wrong despite the freezing temperatures. That’s when I learned that it’s okay to get your parents involved, even if you’re not living at home. Sometimes landlords respond differently to adults with jobs than they do to students. Our heating was fixed the next day. There are basic city ordinances and landlord-related laws that every student-renter should learn. It’s important to know your rights, so research the local laws. Many universities have student legal services that can help you out in tough situations or when you think your landlord is taking advantage of you. Overall, it’s important to pay attention to the landlords and leasing companies you’re getting involved with. Finding off-campus housing is only as stressful as you let it become. If you prepare yourself and get informed, you’ll be much more equipped to handle the responsibilities that come with living off-campus. Look for any resources that can help and talk to people who are more experienced than you may be. Above all, do your research and be honest with yourself about the living environment you want to create. WRITTEN BY Sydney Bagnall University of Michigan Sydney graduated in May 2019 with a major in English Literature and a minor in Graphic design. She has a knack for all things creative. Originally from Pennsylvania, she enjoys biking on rolling hills and never misses an opportunity to stop and observe the sky. If you don’t find her vigorously typing, you can find her outside. ... View more

Work smarter, not longer. It’s your first salaried job. You’re excited, eager to meet your coworkers, and can’t wait to get started with the assignments lined up for you on your very first day. You want to impress your boss and go above and beyond, but how much is too much? When do you cross the line between being a fantastic and reliable employee to overworking yourself? Here are a few ways that you can spot the difference and work in a way that benefits both your new position and your mental and physical well-being. Take a Look at Your Timesheet If your job requires that you keep a timesheet, use it to your advantage. By keeping a close eye on your hours for that week, you’ll be able to know exactly where you’re at in terms of progress and outstanding work. If the end of the week is approaching and you still feel like you’ve got a lot more to do, take a look at your hours. Are you approaching the overtime mark? If so, you may be taking on more than you can handle. Communicate with your manager if you’re feeling overwhelmed and work together to determine how much work you’re able to handle within a given time period. If you’re not required to keep a timesheet, keep a manual record. It will give you a better understanding of your own capabilities when it comes time to tell your boss that you need to slow down. Avoid the Email Trap We’ve all been there. It’s the weekend, and while you should be enjoying your time off, you get that all too familiar email notification. While it may be hard to resist, don’t check your work email while you’re not in the office or on the clock. Disable notifications on the account after you leave for the day. If your job allows it, even consider not having the account linked to your personal devices at all. You may feel anxious at first, always feeling the pressure to answer a message as soon as you receive it, but with time you’ll enjoy the comfort of achieving a balance between your work life and your personal life. Trust me, you deserve it! Eat Lunch Away from Your Desk Your lunch break -- the one hour out of the day designated for you to sit back away from the hustle and bustle of the office and enjoy a meal. Remember that this time is meant for you and if you’re not being compensated for overtime, you shouldn’t be working. To avoid the urge to answer the phone or check your email, take your lunch to your breakroom, common area, or even outside if the weather permits. Give your mind and body a break from the strain of the computer and desk. Want more tips on how to navigate the adult world? Check back here at College Quest! WRITTEN BY Samantha Storms Hofstra University Despite her last name, this senior journalism and publishing student doesn't have dreams of becoming a weather forecaster upon graduation from Hofstra University. She is currently exploring her love of language as a Media Editorial Intern for the psychology team at Macmillan Learning. A true Pittsburgher through and through, Samantha enjoys knitting, listening to eighties pop, and searching for the best pho spots. ... View more

So you've graduated! Now what? So, you’re in the homestretch. You’ve dotted your “i’s” and crossed your “t’s.” After years of studying and stressing, you can finally see the finish line: GRADUATION. And if you feel anything like how I felt: you are terrified. You were a student your entire life and now all of a sudden you’re a “Real Adult” (whatever that means). Life post-graduation always seemed like an abstract dream, the same way you would tell people, “Yeah, I’ll definitely go skydiving one day.” Well, that day is now and there is no parachute. But not to fear! The road you are traveling has been traveled before. In my previous installment of "How to be an Alum,” we went over tips about managing your living arrangements post-college. In this article, we’re going to answer the age-old question: how do I get my first job without sacrificing my well-being! Being a recent college-grad is hard, but we’ll all figure this out together! Don’t compare yourself to your peers. I wish I could wave a magic wand and give everyone an easy path to fulfilling employment, but that’s not how this works (believe me, I’ve tried). Everyone is going to have a different journey towards employment and It’s important not to compare your journey to anyone else’s. If your senior year roommate leaves college and immediately starts their dream job, don’t feel discouraged that you haven’t received your first interview yet. Keep applying, don’t put yourself down, and remain positive. Maintain a Healthy Attitude Toward Rejection. Not receiving a job offer is an unfortunate part of life, but it does not define you as a person or as a worker. Learn how to handle any potential rejection by framing it as a learning opportunity. Did you call your potential employer by the wrong name? Did you have a stain on your dress-shirt that you didn’t notice until after the interview? Did you forget to bring your resume? I promise the world will not end. Instead of being embarrassed, just be mindful going forward to review who is going to be interviewing you, bring stain remover, and always have a hard copy of your resume on hand. (Pro tip: Keep a copy of your resume in your briefcase, car, purse, or backpack so you never forget it!) Use all of your online resources. There are thousands of articles, YouTube videos, and testimonials on how to get a job! Make sure you check out the ones that best prepare you like interviewing preparation and tips and tricks to gain confidence. Focus on something that you feel that you can improve upon. If you find yourself becoming nervous before an interview, research deep breathing exercises and calming techniques. If you find yourself having trouble with public speaking, find a masterclass that will give you tips on how to articulate with confidence and authority. If you aren’t sure what to wear to an interview, figure out how, typically, workers dress in your desired field. (Pro tip: It’s always preferred to be more formal than casual.) Gain experience. Learning doesn’t stop the moment you graduate! If it’s within your means, try and gain useful skills out of the classroom by applying for internships within your field and within the locations you can see yourself putting down roots. You can also find valuable sources online to expand your knowledge in any areas you didn’t cover in your major. Always curious about learning how to code? Try CodeAcademy and learn for free! Want to improve your Excel skills? Watch any of the numerous tutorials on YouTube! Find a mentor. When in doubt: ASK. Navigating the road to finding your first job can be overwhelming. Find a co-worker, boss, parent, teacher, professor, or really any employed person you trust and ask them about their experience getting a start in their professional career. Ask someone to coffee and organize a list of questions you might have about getting your foot in the door and what skills are valued by employers. Network. Networking might sound a little scary, but there’s no reason to cue the horror movie music! If you’ve never tried networking before, make sure you start small. Get in touch with professors, former bosses, alumni groups, and employed classmates through LinkedIn or any other professional channel. There is never any shame in sending a cover letter or resume to someone you respect. You never know what might become of it! There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to gain employment. Just remember to listen to advice from those you trust, work hard, and never put unattainable expectations on yourself. Good luck! WRITTEN BY Kasey Greenbaum Macmillan Learning Kasey graduated from UMass Amherst in 2017 with a degree in Communication and English. She now works for Macmillan Learning as a Digital Marketing Assistant. As a self-described 'Real Adult in Training,' you can most likely find her somewhere in downtown Manhattan showing strangers pictures of her dog or hunting for the undisputed best place to get waffles! ... View more

So you've graduated! Now what? So, you're in the homestretch. You've dotted your "i's" and crossed your "t's." After years of studying and stressing, you can finally see the finish line: GRADUATION. And if you feel anything like how I felt: you are terrified. You were a student your entire life and now all of a sudden you're a "Real Adult" (whatever that means). Life post-graduation always seemed like an abstract dream, the same way you would tell people, "Yeah, I'll definitely go skydiving one day." Well, that day is now and there is no parachute. But not to fear! The road you are traveling has been traveled before. "How to be an Alum" will give you tips from a fellow 20-something about how to survive your first year as an alum. We'll all figure this out together! Great, I graduated. Now, where do I live? Wherever makes the most financial, physical, and emotional sense for you in the present and near future! Some folks move to a different town, city, or even country after school. Some stay in the same town as their alma maters, and there are some who move back home to live with their parents (like me)! Whether you live alone, with roommates, with a significant other, or with family, it's all valid. There are no 'right' or 'wrong' ways to set up your living situation. In fact, take a look at these statistics*: About 32% of recent, American college grads live with their parents About 32% of recent, American college grads live with a spouse or significant other About 14% of recent, American college grads live alone or with a roommate(s) About 22% of recent, American college grads have found some other sort of living arrangement (for example: traveling full-time or finding a temporary residence) It can be difficult to conceive a new living situation after potentially being in the same living situation for several years. Here are a couple of tips that helped me through the transition: Decorate your space. Even if your living arrangement is impermanent or you aren't allowed to paint the walls, find a way to make it yours. String up some fairy lights or buy a plant! Little splashes of your personality will make your space feel like yours. DO NOT get a pet (UNLESS you actually are financially, emotionally, and physically able to take care of another living creature)! I get it. I want a cat too. But if you're a 20-something fresh out of college and still trying to piece your life together, there's a good chance you won't be able to give a pet the time and care it deserves. Put yourself first, find your own footing, and then get a cat somewhere down the line. (Plus, some places simply don't accept pets, or require you to pay more if you have pets...and you might not be ready for those restrictions.) Explore your neighborhood. Even if you've lived in the same place your entire life, there's always going to be new stores popping up and new restaurants to try. Have you passed by the same bakery a million times and never actually walked inside? Walk inside. Get a cookie. Or if you're in a new city, try finding your new favorite places. Try out that cafe you pass on the way home from work and see if it's any good. Go find a park and go for a long walk. Remember, you can make any place feel as big or as small as you want it to. It's all a matter of perspective. Try and cook for yourself. It's super easy to fall into the trap of eating ramen or microwave pizzas every night for dinner, but it can be just as easy (and even more affordable) to actually make something with your own hands. Never go above your means if you don't have the time, money, or energy to create a three-course meal for yourself every night. But try to find a way to learn a few new recipes and perfect them. I promise, even if you aren't a "good cook" or "too lazy," it'll feel rewarding (and super "adult"). Pro tip: Homemade soups/stews/chilis can be really cheap, healthy, and easy to make and absolutely delicious. Change is hard. But instead of thinking of it as a hardship, I challenge you to think of it as an adventure (yes-even moving back in with your parents can be an adventure)! Tune in next time to find out what adventures we'll be taking next on: "How to be an Alum." *Dickler, Judith, "More college grads move back home with mom and dad." CNBC, www.cnbc.com/2016/06/10/more-college-grads-move-back-home-with-mom-and-dad.html. Accessed 11 January 2019.   WRITTEN BY Kasey Greenbaum Macmillan Learning Kasey graduated from UMass Amherst in 2017 with a degree in Communication and English. She now works for Macmillan Learning as a Digital Marketing Assistant. As a self-described 'Real Adult in Training,' you can most likely find her somewhere in downtown Manhattan showing strangers pictures of her dog or hunting for the undisputed best place to get waffles! ... View more

A sneak peek into the life of a student studying in America for the first time. Born and brought up in India, I completed my Bachelor of Business Management from the Center of Management Studies in Bengaluru and joined Amazon right out of undergrad as a Risk Investigator where I worked for almost 3 years. Eventually, I decided to pursue an MBA in the United States. I automatically gravitated towards the university located in New York. I blame my fascination with New York on popular TV shows like "Friends" and "Suits". Weather Firstly, the weather: I knew it would be cold and ended up buying thermals and a winter jacket, As soon as I landed, I realized that the jacket was inadequate for the winter, so I bought a bulky North Face jacket, which was my companion the entire season. I've never used those itchy thermals again even to this day. Ayaan's Advice: Understand and prepare for the weather before traveling. Location The first things I imagined of New York were tall skyscrapers and fancy designer clothes. However, I stayed on Long Island, the outskirts of New York City with a more slow placed vibe and isolated vibe. I found a cheap Airbnb to stay for a few weeks that was supposed to be an hour away by bicycle from my university. To my surprise, it took much longer than an hour and the cold made it seem longer. I suggest to do some research and find a place in a walkable distance or a reliable commute to your university. Ayaan's Advice: Do your research on locations. Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear. Tipping Without understanding the tipping system, The first time I ate at a restaurant I didn't leave a tip and the waitress was furious and asked me outright to give her a tip -- embarrassing! In India, tips are included in the bill as a service tax and VAT (Value Added Tax). Ayaan's Advice: Look up the tipping system well in advance and tipping at 15% is a good starting point. Solitude Another thing I had to be prepared for was the loneliness. I didn't know anyone on Long Island and I had a bad habit of only talking to people who approached me first. The bus rides and the walk home during the winters were long and lonely and I used to talk to myself to keep myself sane, which isn't the best welcome to the "Land of Opportunity." Ayaan's Advice: Prepare for solitude and weight your options. You could move out with the friends you make at the dorm in the next semester to save on rent. These small things are an inconvenience at first but studying abroad beats studying in your own country any day because of the exposure and great learning experience. WRITTEN BY Ayaan Pasha Adelphi University Ayaan is said to mean "Gift of God" in Arabic. Ayaan is known in some parts of the world as "Ayaan Pasha the Great" (Just Kidding). Currently on a conquest to get a Masters of Business Administration and some good barbecue, he is an intern in the Marketing and Communications Department at Macmillan Learning. Favorite music era - from the 2000s and all-time favorite movie "The Dark Knight Rises." ... View more

Looking for an internship? Follow these tips to help land the job!! Do you want to get an internship but have no idea where to start? Do you automatically assume that your lack of experience puts you at a disadvantage? It's easier than you think! Follow these tips to help prepare you to find and land the opportunity you've been waiting for: Create/Update your LinkedIn Account LinkedIn is an essential website for your professional career. Not only does it list available jobs in specific categories but it will also recommend jobs that are relevant to you. Your profile allows you to highlight your career goals, your interests, and some of your proudest accomplishments. Employers can see your past experience and that you are ready to advance in your career. It's also helpful to get in the habit of checking your account every day because a prospective employer might message you! I applied to my internship through LinkedIn and I heard back from the HR department the next day! Take Advantage of the Career Services Department at your College or University Most colleges and universities have an entire department dedicated to career services and alumni relations. Through this department, you can create a resume and cover letter, discuss networking opportunities, understand the interview process, and even begin to search for internships. I made an appointment and was given information about a career fair that was coming up which allowed me to meet with different job recruiters. Did I mention this is a completely free service?! I recommend making an appointment today! Keep a very open mind and apply to anything and everything! I think of the biggest mistakes a person can make is not applying to a job opportunity they want because they think they will not get it. Search for jobs in the area you are interested in and apply, apply, and oh yeah, apply. Although you may not hear back, that means is that there is a better opportunity for you to find! The more jobs you apply to, the better chance you have of hearing back. Interview Prep is Crucial! Always prepare for your interview by researching the company to understand the expectations of the job and prepare questions. Practicing interview questions with a friend can help you be well-spoken, confident, and prepared. Bring a copy of your resume and other materials, such as a writing sample, that could highlight your qualifications for the job. Always remember to send a thank you to everyone who was involved in your interview once it's over. But the most important advice I can give you is to be yourself. Interviews can be scary but remember that you deserve to be there. Create that LinkedIn account, research several jobs, finish those cover letters and resumes, and of course prep for that interview. If you take the time to do all these things, then your lack of experience will not be the main focus. All these tips require you to do the work but it will pay off in the end, good luck! WRITTEN BY Alicia Casamento Syracuse University Alicia is a student at Syracuse University who likes to take long walks to the nearest fast-food joint, never knows the lyrics to any song ever, and would absolutely stop ongoing traffic to pet a dog hanging outside a car window if the opportunity ever presented itself. ... View more

Money-making gigs that work with YOU! Between balancing schoolwork and social life, college can be hectic. On top of all of that, many of us have to support our living expenses by working part-time while attending classes. Here are unique job opportunities to earn some extra cash on a flexible schedule: Dog Walker/Sitter Yes, that's right, walking dogs and getting paid for it. Owning a dog is time-consuming, especially for working professionals who have busy schedules. This is an opportunity for students to make money in between classes by walking dogs and taking care of them. Delivery Person / Transporter Owning a car can be expensive on a college-student budget. An easy way to pay off a car would be to make deliveries for local restaurants or offer to drive people from your campus to the airport before holiday breaks in exchange for money. The benefits of this job are the ability to work at your own pace without disrupting your school schedule. Handyman Working in your community as a handyman is an easy way to earn money while contributing to your community. Examples of handyman jobs are repairing fences, fixing broken furniture, and moving bulky furniture. Tools can be expensive, but buying them used or borrowing them from friends would save you from spending hundreds of dollars on a new toolset. American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Learning sign language is not only useful but pays well. Most conferences and corporate events need an ASL Interpreter and these events generally take place on the weekends. Drone Photographer The demand for drones at many parties and corporate events to get a sky view of their events is a way to use your drone flying skills to make some extra cash. Drones can be costly but some models start off as low as $100 and produce great results. Trading Stocks and Shares Studying at a university gives you access to a pool of intellectuals in economics, finance, and computer science that have a great understanding of the stock market. Reading the news and consulting with these intellectuals would be a great learning experience on how to successfully trade stocks with minimal risk involved. Remember, spend that "moo-lah" wisely and focus on your "school-a." WRITTEN BY Ayaan Pasha Adelphi University Ayaan is said to mean "Gift of God" in Arabic. Ayaan is known in some parts of the world as "Ayaan Pasha the Great" (Just Kidding). Currently on a conquest to get a Masters of Business Administration and some good barbecue, he is an intern in the Marketing and Communications Department at Macmillan Learning. Favorite music era - from the 2000s and all-time favorite movie "The Dark Knight Rises." ... View more

Not everyone goes for that 9 to 5. If you're like me, then you like to ignore the fact that adulthood is quickly approaching after you graduate college. Unfortunately, I can't procrastinate too much longer before I should decide on my game plan for after graduation. But some people don't want to work full-time career jobs immediately after they graduate and that is okay! Here is a list of potential options for life after graduation: Travel When you eventually start your career, there is going to be little time for you to travel wherever you want at your own time. This is the perfect opportunity to do that backpacking trip across Europe or that scenic train adventure across the United States. Part-time/Freelance work Working a part-time or freelance job is an economical way to spend your time but still gives you free time to explore your other interests that your career job may not guarantee. Graduate school To continue your education, graduate school is your best option. Some students find it easier to continue their education right after you finish your undergrad because they fear they may have trouble finding the motivation to continue schooling after taking a gap year. Volunteer Programs like the Peace Corps or Mercy Volunteer Corps are programs that allow you completely immerse in volunteer work domestically or internationally. Both of these programs have benefits such as cancellation/deferment of student loans, foreign language instruction, and career networking opportunities. Invest in a passion project Always desired to start your own shoe company but never had adequate time to plan it? Now is your chance! Investing in a passion for all this free time is a great way to discover new interests or devote your time to existing dreams. Do something crazy You've spent so many years in classrooms with your head in the books so you've earned yourself some time to do whatever you want. Spend a couple of months training for the circus or teaching yourself how to double-dutch, the world is your oyster! WRITTEN BY Rebecca Connolly Hofstra University Rebecca is a senior marketing major at Hofstra University.  Originally from Colchester, Connecticut, she loves exploring New York City and finding all the best food. You can usually find her anywhere that serves pizza, buffalo wings, or chocolate milkshakes while panicking over her post-graduation future. ... View more