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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There's no such thing as a dull moment! When you're a college student, the newfound responsibilities you have on your plate can get overwhelmingly fast. This is a look into how I, a college sophomore, deal with that and also find time for myself.      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

Invest in yourself! Is college too early to start investing? Should students wait until they graduate to think about investing? What, even, is investing? Imagine putting out your money to gain money back over-time. If you keep your money in your piggy bank, it won't grow! Investing is the perfect fix!  Absolutely not! College is the perfect time to begin your journey with investing. Young investors have a tremendous advantage on their side -- time. Starting early can allow you to develop a positive attitude towards financial literacy because it teaches important lessons such as budgeting and saving.  I know it can be hard to come up with extra money in college to do the things you need to, let alone to have excess spending money. But it doesn’t take much to begin! With time and discipline, you can begin by investing just $10 and watch your income expand! Let’s talk about 3 easy tips on how you can begin investing while in college. Invest in what you know Deciding where to invest your money can be complicated without knowing the proper information. Start by investing in the things you know. If you regularly shop at a store, you can estimate their profitability based on how stylish their clothes are, how many people regularly shop there, etc.  Eliminate high-interest debts Be sure to pay off debts before you start investing. This can be tough- but every dollar counts. Start off by paying off debt as early as you can. You do not want to worsen your financial condition by trying to invest while having high-interest loans!  Create a brokerage account Through brokerage accounts, you have access to a range of investments such as stocks and bonds. There are two main options that most investors choose as account providers: online brokerage accounts and Robo-advisors. It takes no time to begin setting up a brokerage account. You can typically complete an online account in less than 15 minutes. Not only is college the perfect time to have fun, but it is also the perfect time to begin developing your financial portfolio. By using your free time in college learning to invest, you are less likely to develop poor financial habits such as overspending. The earlier you begin, the greater your potential return on investment, and the more money in your pocket!  WRITTEN BY Audrey James Howard University Audrey James, a junior psychology major from Chicago IL, is studying at Howard University in Washington DC. In her free time, she makes magic happen! Whether catching a bite to eat at a fun restaurant or going on a spontaneous adventure, you can always depend on Audrey to plan a load of exciting events! ... View more

You are what you eat! When it comes to feeling your best and performing your best in college, what you put into your body is the best way to be in control. These are some healthy eating tips and tricks I’ve learned while in college and hopefully can help you as much as it helped me. Read the Label For students who live off-campus or opt-out of their university’s meal plan, cooking and preparing your own meals becomes a part of your everyday life. Making sure that you know what you’re buying and putting into your body can make a huge difference in how you feel. Eating right starts with reading what’s on your food label. Don’t be fooled by the clever marketing tactics and the claims on the packaging -- inspect the label and check the ingredients. Ingredients are listed in descending order of weight so if the first few ingredients aren’t natural or organic, such as “High Fructose Corn Syrup” instead of sugar or “Wheat Flour” instead of whole wheat, the “food” you’re eating might not be what it claims to be. Checking your serving sizes is also a key part of maintaining a healthy diet . Keep track of your daily caloric intake as well as other nutrients like vitamins and minerals. The lower the saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium in your diet, the better -- and your body will thank you for it in the future. Eat Three Meals a Day It can be challenging to eat three meals a day especially with classes and commitments, but it is essential for your brain and body to perform its best throughout the day. In my first year at school, I’d skip breakfast almost every day and just have lunch and dinner, but I’ve come to realize that eating breakfast actually helps me feel less tired in the morning and be more productive. Breakfast can keep your hunger at bay throughout the day and stop you from making impulsive eating decisions. Eating three timely meals a day helps boost metabolism and balance blood sugar levels . College students have busy schedules and being on-the-go can deter you from eating certain meals. When that’s the case, having some healthy snacks like fruit, granola bars, or even yogurt can make a huge difference.  Substitution is Key  Chips, cookies, candy, and other snacks that are high in calories, sugar, and sodium can cause health concerns down the road. Swapping them for healthier alternatives is the best way to feel better, create healthier habits, and open your mind up to different and novel foods. Fruits and vegetables may not seem enticing at first, but find the right ones that you can slowly acquire a taste for and eat them as a snack in place of less healthy choices. Fruits and vegetables have natural sugars, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber that junk food can’t replicate, so next time you’re at the dining hall or the grocery store swap the pie for pears.  Changing your diet and lifestyle won’t happen overnight so making a substitute every so often is more practical than trying to change everything you eat on a daily basis. Switching white bread for whole grain and sugary sodas for seltzer are great alternatives that can be implemented into your daily routine. These are just some examples of what makes a healthier alternative; there are plenty of substitutes out there for every kind of person. With that being said, It’s important to keep track of what you eat and how much. A general rule of thumb I like to use when shopping is, if I can’t pronounce the first 2-3 ingredients and it's something I've never heard of before, I usually put it back on the shelf. Once you have a general understanding of the kinds of foods you’re incorporating with your meals, you can focus on the amount you eat throughout the day. College students have busy lifestyles, so three meals a day might be tricky but keeping your body and brain fueled throughout the day is a must.  If you can balance your diet by choosing healthier options and being consistent with meal preparations, not only will you feel better, but you’ll also perform better.  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 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