I entered college in the fall of 2019, with all the hopes and dreams of a young girl from a small town entering a dream school in a big city. I entered college in the fall of 2019, with all the hopes and dreams of a young girl from a small town entering a dream school in a big city. I made incredible friends, explored new places, tried new foods, and found time to study somewhere in between. Until March of 2020 hit, and well… you know. The idyllic glass castle of freshman year shattered. Fast forward to today. I’ll be graduating in December of 2022 and will have earned my degree without ever having had a full year of being in-person on my college campus. My freshman year was cut off in March of 2020. My sophomore year was entirely online. The fall of my junior year was in-person, but we had two weeks of remote work at the outset of the spring semester. I’ll be finishing college in December. And that’s it. 3.5 years, and almost half of it done from the desk of my childhood room, two-thousand five hundred and seventy-three miles away from campus. People pity the class of 2022 and 2023, saying that we never had the “full college experience,” as if we’ll be missing some vital part of our young adult lives. And perhaps there’s a part of that statement that might be true. However, I also believe it’s granted myself and my classmates a unique skill set that will last a lifetime—and be incredibly useful in today's ever-changing work environment and economy. Here are a few of those skills: We know how to pivot quickly and adapt to new situations and circumstances. This past fall—while being completely in-person and on-campus–came with many ups and downs. Covid cases weren’t nonexistent on campus, and there were some weeks when class would be canceled 20 minutes before it began. But there’d be no chaos or panicking. Instead of walking 10 minutes to my classroom, I’d walk 10 minutes to the library or the student coffee shop, pop open my laptop, and class would resume as if nothing changed. Covid testing is now required twice a week? Of course! New mask policies set in place? Sure thing. The dining halls are closed for a week and robots will be delivering our meals? Sounds great! Every curveball that is thrown at us, we’ve learned to take it in stride, adapt quickly, and let it not actively disrupt our purpose and goals for each day. We are able to efficiently execute quality work across all in-person and remote platforms. I and my fellow classmates learned Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and our school’s academic platform, Brightspace, in the blink of an eye, moving on to even assist our professors and advisors on how to best utilize the platforms for their and our advantage. We’re fluent in classroom learning on these technological platforms, but we’re also fluent in classroom learning in-person as well. I know how to effectively collaborate with a group on term-long projects in study rooms, Zoom breakout rooms, and a combination of both. We’ve learned how to measure tasks and decide which ones would be more valuable to work on in-person, or which ones would best be discussed while sharing a screen on a video call. We’ve learned how to create our own hybridized systems of learning and working to maximize our efficiency on campus, which will surely translate into any future careers we may also have. We’ve built up incredible emotional resilience. When my school announced that we’d have two weeks of remote classes in the spring of 2022, I remember feeling heartbroken and scared. Would these two weeks of remote learning be eternally extended, like in March of 2020? Thankfully, it was not, but the possibility of closure would always be there. Through it all, I remember thinking in the back of my mind, We’ve done that before. We can do it again. We know what it’s like to have the rug pulled from under us, our routines disrupted. We now know how to plan accordingly, quickly develop and find new routines, and shape our days in the small spaces of our rooms or dorms. We know how to pay attention in meetings and classes that feel like they’ll never end. I’m not naive enough to say that we’ve seen it all, but we sure have seen and felt a LOT these past two years, Instead of dwelling on and grieving what we cannot do, we focus on what we can do. This applies to college and beyond. This is what’s going to shine on our resumes and job applications post-graduation. This is what makes the classes of 2022 and 2023 unique, strong, and resilient. WRITTEN BY Gwyneth Bechunas Loyola Marymount University Gwyneth Bechunas is a rising senior at Loyola Marymount University, graduating in December of 2022 with a major in screenwriting and a minor in business administration. She is very excited to turn a lifelong love for reading into a career in the publishing industry and is always eager to talk books with anyone and everyone. Gwyneth is currently an intern with the Macmillan Trade Field Sales division in the Independent Bookstore Channel.     ... View more

“10…9…8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3…2…1!” “10…9…8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3…2…1!” The last bell of senior year goes off, followed by a chorus of cheers and whoops from the class of 2019. It’s a mess of tears, laughter, and breathless cries of “we did it!” as the familiar tune of the Sweet Caroline anthem plays us out of four long, exhausting high school years. I look around one last time at the people I have grown up with for the past seven years. It’s not hitting me quite yet that life is about to change so drastically for every single one of us. It didn’t hit when I saw last year’s graduating class go through this same ritual, nor did it the year before that, or even before that. I always imagined it would be now, in this moment, that the collective realization would strike us speechless. But it doesn’t feel like that. I suppose it won’t yet, not until I’m looking back at these memories four summers from now, reminiscing over old friendships and the walls I used to call home. And this moment. I’ll never forget this singular, loud, excruciating moment. ______________________________________________________________________ As we slowly resurface on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic and the almost two-year “time freeze” it imposed on society, there seem to be a lot of buzzwords floating around like “return to normal” or “back to how things used to be.” We’re now beginning to see the implications of such a return and uncover some of the complications that we may not have foreseen. I don’t remember hearing of a graduating class before mine that didn’t participate in that jovial, last day ritual. Every year that I got to witness it, there were differences and modifications, but the end result was always the same: the graduating class gathered in their beloved lounge on the last day of classes, counting down the last ten seconds until the final bell rang. True to tradition, our own class followed suit, as we expected every class after us to do. We never saw an alternative. Herricks High School’s class of 2020 did not get the opportunity to carry out this beloved tradition; nor did the class of 2021. My sister, three years younger than I was, can still recall as a freshman watching my class count down to that last bell in 2019. When June of 2022 rolled around, I waited at home on her last day, expecting to hear about her own version of this bittersweet milestone. But her version never happened. As she tells it, her grade simply did not do it. Maybe half of the grade hadn’t even seen the tradition play out three years ago. Maybe those who did forgot of its existence. Whatever the reason, listening to my sister talk made me wonder somberly: was this tradition lost forever? After all, as most traditions work, we learned from those before us. But with nothing to observe, would the next graduating class even know about this tradition, let alone others? Would they realize all the things that they never would experience because they never learned of them? It doesn’t stop at high school. As a twenty-one-year-old just dipping her toes in the sea of corporate life, I find myself wondering: What workplace traditions may I be missing out on? What workplace nuances got left behind when everyone packed up their offices in a frenzy in March of 2020? What is it like to physically visit your boss’ desk for two minutes? What exchanged glances across the office or inside jokes will I never get to “watch and learn?” How does happy hour even work with your colleagues? And with an odd mishmash of employees who are cautiously beginning to return to in-person work and employees who have permanently set up camp in the comfort of their homes, how can I – or anyone else in this up-and-coming generation of the workforce – reasonably expect to learn all the ins, outs, and in betweens of the office? Do we even want to? Because all this talk of drifting away from the old brings in a whole other topic of discussion: drifting towards the new. Will we, as the new generation of employees, seek to dig deeper into office roots to uncover the subtle traditions and conventions of years past? Or will we abandon these ideas altogether and brainstorm new and innovative traditions of our own? And if we choose the latter – leaving old rituals to gather dust in the bottom drawers of our supply closets – do we risk resentment from long standing employees who crave, as we hear in the midst of the buzz, a return to their idea of normal? WRITTEN BY Vineeta Abraham Stony Brook University Vineeta Abraham is a rising senior at Stony Brook majoring in Psychology with a minor in Creative Writing. She is also a lover of music, sunsets, food, dogs, and meeting new people whenever possible. Vineeta is an intern in the Human Resources department at Macmillan.     ... View more

How to have fun   safely! My expectations for the conclusion of my fourth-year of college have been completely warped due to this quarantine period. I had held the impression that I would be walking across the stage at graduation in the first week of May, yet that week has come and gone. The University of Florida, along with many other universities across the country, have made thoughtful and successful decisions to cope with the changes for their graduating class. After a pleasant virtual graduation ceremony, I began to realize that I had already been incorporating strategies to “play hard” and enjoy the final weeks of college within the current social distancing parameters present. Throughout the process of quarantining, I have sought to find unique activities to participate in from the comfort of my apartment. This process includes connecting with friends and utilizing the multitude of technological resources I have to create experiences that faintly resemble “normalcy,” in order to “play hard” during the quarantine. Online Story Time I have always had a love of reading and discussing books with my friends or family after I finish them. As well, reciting prose aloud is something that I have always done to help me understand the works better and to add emphasis to the dialogue. Dramatic readings of literature have been a key part of my ability to absorb character emotion and plot development, as hearing the words out-loud facilitates my partial, auditory learning style. One of my friends decided to create a daily “Story Time” segment on Facebook Live and YouTube in which he reads chapters from books to people watching from their homes. I mentioned that he should read   Dracula, my favorite novel by Bram Stoker, so one night he texted me and announced that the darkened room and candles meant that it was time for the first chapter of   Dracula. Currently, he reads   Dracula   three days a week, another book two days a week, and fairytales along with his own work on the weekends. The live-streaming readings begin with shout-outs from the people viewing, liking, and commenting on the video, which creates a sense of personalization when he acknowledges who is tuning in. This activity allows me to hear literature, participate in an evening event, and feel connected to other people. Online “Story Time” provides a space for enjoyment while social distancing. Facetime Viewings Another activity I have engaged in during quarantine involves TV/movie viewings and commentaries via FaceTime and/or Facebook video chat. One of my close friends from my English course this semester is also interested in discussing literature and film. We had an advanced creative writing class together in the fall and decided to take this literature course in the spring semester together, as well. She liked to hear my commentary about   Dracula, so we decided to watch the new Netflix adaptation of   Dracula   over FaceTime and pause to discuss plot points and overlaps with the novel. Netflix Party also can make watching with a friend more synchronized. This was extremely interesting and engaging because we both felt more immersed in the experience through interacting and sharing thoughts. After we finished the   Dracula   series, we decided to watch the movie,   The Social Network, next and discussed it at length, as well. Watchings shows and movies with my friends, even via video chat, has really improved my experience while social distancing. This mode of interaction resembles movie nights that my friends and I would have prior to the quarantine. While going out to the movies, restaurants, and other public venues are not possible right now, there are still other ways to maintain a semi-normal social schedule by implementing activities that utilize the technology already present in our lives. Sometimes, I will even study while video chatting, simply to mimic studying with my friends. “Playing hard” during quarantine is challenging, but there are definitely ways to mitigate the changes and make the process more bearable. 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

A recent college grad talks to author John Gardner about the effects of COVID-19 on academia and beyond. I was granted the unique opportunity to chat with an educator, acclaimed author, and change maker, John N. Gardner. John is a university professor and administrator, student retention specialist, and first-year students' advocate at the University of South Carolina. Our conversation was based on the changes the world has faced in the wake of COVID-19. John was able to strategize with me, as a graduating senior, on how to combat the changes in higher education and the job market. He listened to my story: I had come from a small school in south-central Kansas. I had studied exercise science, psychology, and global studies in my time at KU. I had cast a wide net as far as applying for jobs from international education, higher education, strength and conditioning, and, of course, publishing and online learning platforms like Macmillan Learning. He suggested three core things: take care of yourself, advocate for yourself, and prepare yourself as best as you possibly can. CARE “We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to do’ list.” - Michelle Obama Putting yourself best foot forward starts by putting yourself first. Taking a walk, calling a friend, making a nutritious meal, limiting social media consumption, playing fetch with the dog, are just a few ways to take time for yourself. Implementing self-care techniques allow you to put the best version of yourself forward to your friends, family, and possible employers. John encouraged creating a routine with sleep, exercise, and health as priorities will allow this change of lifestyle to become second nature. ADVOCATE “Fortune favors the bold” - Latin proverb Being   bold   means reaching out to those you have built a network with, cold calling a company you would love to join, and show people not only your certifications and degrees but your soft skills. John suggested taking inventory of those you have networked with and reaching out to them in order to move forward with your career. For me, I have a network at KU which can help me find openings in higher education and international education and I have a network of contacts at Macmillan Learning from sales to marketing to publishing to online learning. Those individuals are familiar with my ability to work in a team, to be flexible, to resolve conflict, and to problem solve in a way a resume would not accurately reflect. I can utilize this network to find openings in the fields that interest me. PREPARE “Chance favors the prepared mind” - Louis Pasteur John references this quote multiple times in our chat. Preparing for whatever the next few months will bring is daunting and uncertain. However, it is comforting to know many others are also in a similar position. Preparing yourself with being as educated, as read, as researched as possible can allow for the best possible outcome. ‘Doing your homework’ is vital to making the most out of an interview, an email correspondence, or a call with someone in your network. You can talk about their work and how you may fit into it. Above all else, you can expand your knowledge of a subject by doing this research. So, when the hiring manager reviews two similar resumes, your exceptional knowledge of a relevant subject or the way you were able to carry the conversation in an educated way, will allow what would have been a 50/50 chance, to turn in your favor. Chatting with John gave me a much more positive outlook on graduating as a college senior amidst COVID-19. His years of experience working with students and honing their potential allowed him to workshop three simple, attainable goals for me to work toward in the coming months. Your present circumstances don't determine your potential, they just determine your starting point. The Class of 2020 may be entering an era of uncertainty, insecurity, and anxiety. However, overcoming this chapter in history will forever change the way we navigate our lives from here forward. WRITTEN BY Katherine McGaughey University of Kansas Katie is a senior who is double-majoring in exercise science and psychology at the University of Kansas. Originally from Wichita, she loves exploring new cities and has traveled to eight of the top twenty most influential cities in the world so far. She loves cooking and finding the best vegan eats. You can usually find her in planning her next adventure, enjoying a concert with friends, or late-night studying at the library. ... View more

How are students coping with this new normal? Staying at home for weeks on end can be tough, especially when you're a college student who's just had her sophomore year cut short. Take a look into a (slightly satirical) day in my life-- quarantine edition! WRITTEN BY Izzy Taylor Michigan State University Izzy is a sophomore at Michigan State University studying philosophy and political science. As you can tell, she has a passion for those disciplines guaranteed to make prospective employers toss out her resume immediately. She somehow snagged a Student Ambassador gig at Macmillan Learning anyway. She is an avid consumer of vintage clothing and 80's music and has never met a cat she didn't love. ... View more

Small hacks for staying in a *better* headspace while we're all quarantined. When all my classes moved online this semester, I was struck with relief. I rejoiced at the idea of forgoing a lengthy daily schedule of commuting to campus by train, sitting in stuffy classrooms, and camping out at the campus library until I finished my assignments. It was only a week later, during a newly-online Korean lesson, that I noticed a common trend in the answers I gave in our warm-up exercises: “그 시간에 뭘 했어요?” (What did you do during that time?) “집에 쉬었고 영화를 많이 봤어요.” (I rested at home and watched a lot of movies.) “뭘 하고 싶어요?” (What do you want to do?) “밖에 돌아다니고 싶어요” (I want to go outside) Everything centered around staying home. But, what else did you do? What do you really want to do?   My teacher was looking for a new answer; a bigger variety in the verbs I was conjugating. But there wasn’t anything left that came to mind. This continued as I approached my work in my other classes. I found it hard to think creatively when I encountered problems, and unexpectedly, I also found that I was in a less positive headspace than I normally am. It then dawned that I’d slipped into a rut; I fell into a new routine I hadn’t taken the initiative to plan for myself that centered primarily around the increased time I was spending in my house. But I now intended to find a way out, even if I was limited by place and space. Here’s what I started doing: I took a walk It’s easy to get stuck in a particular headspace if you’ve been in the same space for a while, but taking a walk is a good way to clear your mind and see something at least slightly less familiar -- birds flying, squirrels climbing tree trunks, anything. Here are some   tips on how to stay safe while taking a walk. I brought the outdoors indoors If the weather hasn’t quite warmed up where you live yet, or you’re uncomfortable with going out, even opening the window makes a huge difference. It changes the atmosphere immensely and acts as a subtle reminder that there’s a world outside of your bedroom that’s dynamic and lively. I cleaned up my room A cluttered room is a cluttered mind. It’s harder for me to focus on tasks if the second I look up from my laptop all I can see is a stack of papers I’ve put off organizing since the semester started. Cleaning up any visual reminders of disorganization has led me to organize my thoughts a lot better. I ate healthier foods It’s easier to feel bogged down if you’re eating unhealthy foods, whatever that constitutes in your diet. But thinking about and making the foods that keep you energized or excited to eat makes a huge difference. Even cooking at home is a great way to get the creative juices flowing and think about the flavors you want to taste. If you are able to, try experimenting with a new dish today! I made time for self-care This is a huge one. Pretty much every example I’ve listed so far constitutes self-care, but it’s super important to take the time to really understand and care for yourself and your needs, especially in more stressful situations. Whether that means taking a bath, applying a face mask, or spending an evening on Houseparty, a service that allows group video calling, with your friends catching up, it’s good to do (and prioritize) the things that make you feel relaxed or happy. I broke my work up into smaller tasks Large projects and assignments can be daunting and seem nearly impossible to approach, but breaking the work into smaller tasks can make it significantly more manageable. This even works in a creative sense: writing one plot point rather than breaking down the whole fictional world or sketching a part of work, rather than taking on the whole canvas. I diversified the content I’m consuming Lately, I’ve been branching out with the genres of shows and movies I’m watching and seeking a real sense of adventure in them. I want to see the foods people eat in different countries, learn about diverse and distant ecosystems, and follow the quests of unlikely heroes in fantastical worlds. Seeing these new perspectives has served as such a source of inspiration when I’m surrounded by so much of the same. During a time where we’re advised to stay home and are stuck seeing so much of the same news, it’s so easy to fall into repetitive patterns of thinking and behaving. But for me, taking the time to take care of my needs, decluttering my thoughts, and actively reminding myself of the world around me has really shifted my perspective and helped me recenter myself. This has boosted my creativity level loads and led me to perceive my situation more positively. 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

Short activities you can do at home to keep yourself productive in your down-time. By now, many universities have switched to an online format in an effort to keep their students on track with their courses, while remaining safe amid the coronavirus pandemic. Lectures have transferred to Zoom, conversations moved to online discussion boards, and bedroom desks now substitute for former classroom settings. On the one hand, staying home is convenient; morning routines get starkly simplified and there’s no fear left of rushing to the dreaded 8:00 AM lecture, only to find that your beloved unassigned-assigned seat has been taken. However, learning online actually poses a whole new set of challenges. In my experience so far, I’ve struggled the most with productivity. Suddenly, I have all the time in the world at home. This should allow me to finish all my work in a heartbeat, and yet, no one would know it if I burnt a few hours binging reruns of   Chopped. When it comes to boosting productivity, what has helped me the most has been budgeting my time. It’s common advice to suggest working for shorter periods of time and squeezing in study breaks in between, but I’ll admit this was never something I’d tried out. I normally would be the type to write out a paper in the school library in one (long) sitting and move on. But now, this is an approach that really works for me. And I’ve found that by doing the most to be “productive” during my breaks, this makes it easier for me to jump back into my assignments, like maintaining somewhat of a “work equilibrium” during what can so easily be a wholly sedentary working day. Here are some of the activities that help to keep me ‘in motion’ during my study breaks: Tidying up For most people, it’s hard to take on spring cleaning in one sitting, but by breaking it up into small tasks, it makes tackling it more manageable. Consider running a load of laundry or sorting through the pile of papers that have been accumulating on your desk for a quick break: a tidier room leads to a tidier mind. Doing a quick exercise Commuting or walking to class likely made it much easier to hit 10,000 steps each day than staying home does now. Exercising helps release any extra energy you have and makes it easier to relax and focus on other tasks afterward. If you can, try following a YouTube workout video or (safely) take a walk outside during one of your breaks. Taking on a side project If you’ve ever wanted to create something, but didn’t have the time to (and perhaps still don’t completely have the time to during the semester), a study break might be the perfect time to get a start. Write out plot points to a story, sketch an image, or map out the perfect lair in Minecraft. Once you have the time to fully take on these projects later their foundations will already be there to help you get started. Calling a friend Chances are that your friends are also finding difficulties in transitioning to a remote learning environment. Taking the time to check-in with them is a great way to provide support and stay social during a break. Sometimes, I also stay on Facetime with a friend while doing my homework to have the company of working together. Switching tasks Although switching from one mandatory assignment to another is not a true break, it’s a great way to keep focused while you do your work. If you find you’re getting tired of staring at derivatives or quarks, consider taking a break and looking at another task to get into a different way of thinking. During this challenging time, moving to an online study situation may not be ideal for those who are new to it, but changing the way I approach my study breaks has really allowed me to jump into my assignments and complete them much faster than I had done before. And really, I can’t ask for much more than that! 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

Preparing for your new normal. Constantly being on the go is one of the many reasons I love the hustle and bustle of college life. I’ve always been highly motivated by productivity, and am slightly ashamed to admit how much satisfaction I get from crossing tasks off my lengthy to-do list each day. However, ever since the world has been momentarily put on pause, I have had times where I feel as though all the things I wanted to achieve this semester have been taken away from me. And I’m certain most of you feel the same way too. As someone who thrives off of productivity and keeping my schedule jam-packed, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t found being stuck inside all day frustrating. Nonetheless, I’ve been slowly getting better at adjusting to this new normal and have even found ways to get things done all while sitting on my couch. So once you’ve finished binge-watching Tiger King, inevitably cut your own bangs, or don’t think you can take one more family walk, here are some ideas on what you can do to keep busy and utilize your time in a meaningful way. Build Your Resume You’re probably wondering how it’s possible to work on career development during the quarantine. However, the internet is a wonderful thing and is stocked with opportunities to learn new skills and prepare for a future career. As an engineering student, I’ve always wanted to learn how to use AutoCAD software, so I’ve been taking some time out of each day to learn a little bit more through a free online course I found. There’s plenty of resume builders to take part in from home whether it be learning how to code, becoming an expert on a topic that fascinates you, or starting a blog that you can add to your portfolio of writing samples. Invest Time into Mastering That Hobby You’ve Always Wanted to Learn I’m 100% guilty of giving up any new hobby that doesn’t give me instant satisfaction. I’ve tried calligraphy but gave up when my first few tries didn’t compare to the beautiful lettering I’d see on my Pinterest feed. I also tried to get into running, but after realizing I wouldn’t be able to immediately run for miles on end, that hobby quickly came to a close. I even tried embroidery, but never picked it back up after my first go at it looked more like a mistake than something that would be considered art. I’ve realized that in order to make any new hobby worthwhile, I have to be patient and willing to invest time into refining my skills. Well, lucky for us, we’ve all got a plethora of time on our hands at the moment. Over the past month or so, I’ve been picking up my ukulele and teaching myself how to play all sorts of different songs. It’s amazing how much better I’ve gotten over a few weeks and seeing my progress has been a great motivator to continue to practice more. Plan for the Future Just because you can’t leave the house now, doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck inside forever! I’ve been spending my free time looking ahead and finding new things I can do once life gets back to normal. One fun project I’ve been working on is planning a future road trip with my friends. We all have a shared PowerPoint we’re working on, where each slide talks about a different city we want to go to and all of the different things to do while visiting. Additionally, now is a great time to explore resources that are available at your school! I’ve taken some time to explore future research opportunities, study abroad programs, and internships so that once I am able to get back on campus, I’ll have an idea of new things I can get involved with. Become Comfortable with Doing Nothing I know I’ve been talking a lot about finding ways to feel productive amidst everything that’s going on in the world. However, it’s unrealistic to think that in the middle of a worldwide pandemic we’re going to be able to carry on like everything is normal. While I’ve been doing small things to feel more productive, I can’t think of another time in my life where I’ll be able to sleep in late or lay in bed watching Netflix for hours, so why not take advantage of it? I used to hate not having plans, however, I’ve taken these past few weeks to get better about carving out some time each day to be lazy -- and enjoy it! Support Essential Workers If you’re lucky enough to be staying at home right now, take some time to support those who are still showing up to work to protect us and supply us with what we need. There are so many small ways to say “thank you” to essential workers that may seem simple but have the ability to brighten someone’s day. You can order takeout from your favorite locally owned restaurant, decorate thank you notes for hospital workers, or just check in on your friend that’s currently working a double-shift at the grocery store. In times like this, I believe uplifting others is one of the best ways our time can be spent. I wish I could say I’ve become a master at maintaining productivity while in quarantine, but we’re all adjusting to what’s going on in our own ways, and it’s completely okay if day-to-day life looks a little bit different right now. Above all else, the most important thing we can do is stay at home (as much as possible) and stay safe! WRITTEN BY Sonya Pfitzenmaier University of Texax 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

An open letter to the graduating class of 2020. Dear Seniors of 2020: These past few months have been extremely hard for everyone and I can’t imagine what it is like for college seniors across the world. This pandemic is something that will change our lives forever and we’ll look back and see how COVID-19 shaped our young adult years. With that being said, I want to highlight the things you’ve all accomplished and endured throughout your college careers. From your first steps on campus as a freshman, you’ve evolved into educated adults who have learned the meaning of hard work, tireless nights, and adult responsibilities. The endless studying for exams and the constant stress of classes have taught you valuable lessons that will help you on your career paths and in your personal lives too. You’ve all made sacrifices to be where you are, and everyone has their own burdens and hardships. From not being able to walk during graduation to not seeing your friends, and missing out on memories of your last semester before you embark in the real world, these sacrifices will not be forgotten and all the people you surround yourself with will empathize. But as seniors, you have all mustered through the past few grueling years of time and effort to claim the degrees that are rightfully yours. You all deserve so much better, but times like these show that you can’t take things for granted and sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. How you all respond to a time like this will bring a cultural shift to future generations, accentuating for the world the Class of 2020’s determination to move on and move forward. Just because your last semesters as seniors were cut short, you can’t fail to recognize that all of you worked extremely hard to be where you are now, and no one can take that away from you. Through all the ups and downs, you’ve all learned a little bit more about yourselves and the people around you and that’s what makes college such an unforgettable experience. Many students have taken matters into their own hands and are making the best of their situations, so don’t be discouraged to make an impact, even if you’re stuck at home. Even if it's picking up new hobbies or trying to master a craft, keeping yourself occupied and having that activity be of use in your future, can be a win-win in times like these. By being home, you can make a difference for the people around you and make sure to appreciate what you have now so that when quarantine is over, you won’t take what you had for granted. Some students from the class of 2020 such as the Rutgers Medical School Seniors who graduated early to be a part of this fight, are on the front lines of this pandemic, working alongside first responders and doctors to combat this virus. Alongside them, the seniors who are entering the medical and hospitality workforce in the midst of this crisis, we thank you with the utmost sincerity and appreciate everything you do for our nation’s health. With your perseverance and aptitude to take part, your schools are extremely lucky to call you their graduates of 2020. You all have come too long a way to let a virus deter you from what you’re destined to achieve. I hope you all can put this chapter in your lives behind you and make the most of what’s to come. Sincerely, Brandon Moon WRITTEN BY Brandon Moon Rutgers University Brandon is a Junior at Rutgers University majoring in Economics and is a Student Ambassador for Macmillan Learning. He’s very interested in fashion, music, sports, culture, food, and especially sandwiches. He used to work in the food industry and knows how to craft a mean sandwich. ... View more

How are college students adjusting to this new way of life? COVID-19 has swept the world faster than anyone could have predicted. College students are facing so much ambiguity and uncertainty about their future, it is important to stay positive and connected to loved ones. For me, a graduating senior, I have been feeling overwhelmed and looking for answers because I have no idea what my life will look like this summer. So, I reached out to my closest friends and asked them for support and positive messages. We discussed our struggles with mental health, school, work, and our plans for the future. This podcast was recorded on April 01, 2020 and reflects the policies and governmental guidance that were in place at the time.   0:40 Zoie Thomas is studying Communications Studies at the University of Kansas who is originally from California and currently living on-campus in Lawrence. 0:54 Katie McGaughey is a senior studying Exercise Kinesiology and Psychology who serves as a Student Ambassador for Macmillan Learning. She is from Wichita and living off-campus in Lawrence. 1:11 Hollie Hall is a first-year PhD student originally from London, England who is living off campus in Lawrence. 1:26 Rianon Wallace-Demby is studying Ecology, Evolutionary, and Organismal Biology and Arabic and is living at home in Lawrence. 1:41 April Makara is a junior studying Psychology and is now living at home in Springfield, Missouri after being asked to leave her on-campus apartment in Lawrence. 2:00 We spoke about housing and being moved out of the on-campus apartments after the school was officially online for the remainder of the semester. 4:50 We expressed our struggles with mental health and how we are uniquely dealing with quarantine. Along with extra time comes new hobbies, from baking to cooking together on Zoom to painting to walking our pets, we have been using this time to exercise creative outlets and bettering ourselves. 13:40 Hollie compares the way that people are practicing social distancing here versus in London, where her family is living. She has started a petition to grant grade forgiveness due to COVID-19. 16:50 We all discussed transitioning to online school, strategies to limit distractions, and staying productive without a set schedule. We compared the University of Kansas to other universities on how they are approaching refunds, housing, international and out-of-state students, students with disabilities, credit/no credit, online lectures, exams, and assignments. 27:50 We discussed the positives of this experience. From making and delivering food, donating supplies, giving away clothes, making more time for family and friends we wouldn’t normally see, and finally, being a part of a historical event that will be talked about for years to come. 42:10 Rianon explained that COVID-19 regulations moving universities to online has been properly accommodating for her disabilities, ultimately allowing her to graduate on time. 45:30 Finally, we talked about the future and how we are going to move on after the quarantine is lifted. We discussed how our daily interactions will change with the death of the handshake and how we will probably disinfect our groceries for the rest of our lives. However, we will come out of this change ultimately for the better and we look forward to what the world looks like in the future. I graduate in May and Rianon and Zoie will graduate in December, so we discuss entering a job force where hiring is basically frozen. April and Hollie talk about how school will change for them in the fall. WRITTEN BY Katherine McGaughey University of Kansas Katie is a senior who is double-majoring in exercise science and psychology at the University of Kansas. Originally from Wichita, she loves exploring new cities and has traveled to eight of the top twenty most influential cities in the world so far. She loves cooking and finding the best vegan eats. You can usually find her in planning her next adventure, enjoying a concert with friends, or late-night studying at the library. ... View more

How to move forward when everything has been put on pause. Due to the country being affected by the coronavirus, most colleges and universities have closed their doors and transferred to online learning. This is obviously unprecedented for most, if not, all of us. Here are some of my tips for transitioning to online learning. Utilize your scheduled times where teachers will be available to speak to you one-on-one Just because you no longer can see your professors in person does not mean that they cannot help you learn. Their job is still to help you succeed. Teachers are typically passionate about the field they teach, and I am sure they would appreciate your initiative when it comes to learning online. Having these conversations online may take some getting used to, but there is no real drawback with asking questions. Manage your time properly This tip is a major obstacle for many people now that they are home and have family distractions. Your parents and friends understand that you are still enrolled and learning, so they should understand that you are still pursuing your education. In my experience, my parents will actually try to help you improve your time management skills because many of us may have developed some bad habits in college while living on our own. Before I came home, I used to have an unhealthy sleep schedule, where I would stay up until 4 am and sleep in until 2 pm. Once I got home, my parents quickly made me wake up earlier, so in order to be able to still get a healthy amount of sleep, I started to go to sleep earlier. If your family and friends are making it difficult for you to manage your time, be honest with them. Your friends and family are there to support you too. Take care of yourself It will be hard to succeed if you are struggling emotionally or medically. If you are diagnosed with coronavirus, take the necessary and recommended medical precautions and also check with your school for guidance on how to handle your courses. Also, be mindful of your mental health. This time is very unpredictable, and you are bound to feel some sort of stress. Personally, I felt more stressed when I began online classes, but there are ways to deal with this added stress. Try to find ways of relaxation if you need to. Strive to complete your homework, but also try to have a healthy social or rather virtual life. Keep in touch with your friends virtually or watch a movie. Your mental health is vital to your success in school. Do not give up I know that this virus has been nothing but grim news due to the recent developments in many of our large cities, but we are all in this together. If we can follow all of the guidelines given by the CDC as well as Anthony Fauci, we can flatten the curve and stop the spread within our country. Economically, the world is also struggling, so if your family struggling during this time, just know you are not alone. All we can do now is be optimistic, smart, sympathetic, and empathetic. We can never give up. All in all, transitioning to online education is bound to be different for many students; it is likely going to be different for many of your parents too. We are all in this together, and we will get through this. The world is struggling at this point, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. We will have to be there for each other to see the end. 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

Distanced, but never alone. The concept of being isolated may seem peaceful and freeing at first glance. I mean-- how often have I been so busy with work and school that I needed a few days to go off the grid and just have some “me time.” Unfortunately, though, this concept of social distancing is actually much more challenging for humans than it seems. Humans are a species that thrive and function from social interactions, as many people seek validation, connection, and advice from others in their life whether it be co-workers, friends, family, or even strangers. In times like the present that require communities to practice social distancing, it is imperative that we work together to maintain interpersonal connection via digital platforms. Years ago, this would not be possible as technology was not up-to-speed; however, today, it is possible to maintain relationships while still safely practicing social distancing. Keep Traditions Alive Virtually One significant aspect of social distancing to remember is that while it seems like it will last forever, it will not. It is important to try to keep life as “normal” as possible. By doing this, quarantining will not seem as lonely or disconnected from a typical day in which everything is in its place. One way that I recommend implementing this strategy includes brainstorming any recurring social interactions that are typically in your schedule. For example, two of my closest friends and I have been having a “Girls’ Night,” comprised of dinner every Monday night after a club meeting. While social distancing makes meeting in-person a challenge, it is important to recreate these events via video-chat whenever possible. It is understandable that schedules will change once all aspects of your life are altered and thrown awry, yet traditions can be amended to fit these new changes. Tonight, my friends and I are having our “Girls’ Night” through a Facebook video-call. I realized that my happiness and equilibrium need to be maintained in these tricky times and for me, as an extrovert, social interaction is necessary for my well-being. Because of this, I posed the idea of a virtual night to chat and have a drink over the camera. This way, I can still be connected while away from my closest friends. Make Class or Work Mean More Another way to stay connected while social distancing can be to spice up your typical schedule to help make indoor life more eventful. This can simply be decorating the area where you will be studying and/or working. Set and setting are extremely important for a person’s mental state, which basically refers to the idea that a funky environment can add some spunk to your reading or client emailing. For myself, I tend to have trouble focusing and getting in the correct mindset for work without access to my favorite library in the area, so practicing social distancing has been particularly challenging for my professional life. Because of this, I had to get creative in ways to associate online curriculum with a strong desire to alloted study time. Specifically, one of my professors for an advanced literature seminar stays on the Zoom platform for an extra thirty minutes or so after the official class time and a few students, including myself, stay online and chat about our lives outside of school. It was discussed that the class should organize a virtual talent show or a cooking party to make the distance less potent. The next day, my professor sent out an email with the recipe for something his daughter had made the night before, which made the online learning platform more entertaining for my classmates and I. By expanding the connotation of online learning to mean something more than just online school, we were able to make the quarantine more bearable. It is possible to stay connected despite the distance, and it is important to remember this and to try to normalize social interaction as much as possible. Technology allows people to connect at a distance, so why should we let physical distance increase the distance between our connections? Answer: we should not. 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

How to make the most out of a difficult situation. March 2020 has certainly brought a lot of changes to the way we live our lives, the way we interact with others, and the way we learn. As of this month, colleges and universities have turned to online teaching due to COVID-19, and many students are adjusting to a brand new approach to education. There are unique and unprecedented challenges to face, but there are a few ways to make the situation more manageable. Find your routine It is very easy to become lethargic and unmotivated after being thrown from your average day-to-day routine, so make sure you create a structure to keep on track. You may no longer be living in your dorm or your off-campus apartment, but you still should wake up at the same time as if you were physically going to attend class. Make sure you get dressed, keep up with personal hygiene, and if you are able, try to incorporate movement into your day. I take virtual yoga classes before I begin my day and it has definitely made me feel more productive. Keep up with your studies It may feel as if life has been put on pause for the time being, but that is not the case. If your college or university has transitioned your classes online, you may feel tempted to snooze through them. I’m encouraging you to fight through that urge. This is a universally unfortunate ordeal across the world, not a vacation. Use the online materials provided to you and find new ways to keep yourself organized. For example, if you feel that after starting your virtual class that you might take better notes on Google Docs than with a pen and paper, go for it! If you’re a visual learner and you think you’d rather hand-draw diagram, you should do that. Keep up-to-date with deadlines and assignments on Google Calendar or in a notebook; either way is perfectly valid as long as it works! You may also find yourself in a brand new learning environment, so make sure you eliminate distractions as best you can. Personally, I cannot work in the same room I sleep in, so I make sure to move to a room in my home that is quiet and has plenty of natural light so I can keep focused. Even though you are not surrounded by your peers and facing a professor in person, you should still try to avoid going on social media or texting. Take thoughtful notes and, if your lectures are being recorded, make sure you download them before your next assignment is due so you can refer back to them. Reach out Social distancing does NOT mean social isolation. Text your classmates and friends to see how they’re coping. Be honest with your family if you’re feeling lonely. Go play with your dog (who is most definitely very glad that you’re with him). Finding time for socialization is a part of the college experience and just because you aren’t face-to-face right now, it doesn’t mean you’re actually alone. For example, my friends and I watch movies over FaceTime and, while it isn’t ideal, it definitely makes me feel better. Dealing with COVID-19 is now a part of all of our lives and it is important to stay smart, strong, and safe. Remember to follow the guidelines led by the   CDC   and that we are all in this together. 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