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

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

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

It's just a hop, skip, and a jump to finding your people. There’s a lot to consider when committing (or transferring) to a new university. Location, rank, and major offerings are all important but a school’s social atmosphere can also play a big role in your decision. Schools nestled in college towns encompassing cultures of weekend tailgates and diverse club events are easily appealing while smaller, modest commuter campuses often draw more skepticism than they do allure. How can commuter schools possibly hope to compete with those huge and lively campuses? On paper, they can’t. However, that doesn’t mean it’s any less possible to make friends and create fun memories there. No matter where you end up studying, here are some surefire ways to break into your university’s social sphere! Talk to your classmates No matter the class size or subject, it’s always possible to find someone to study with or simply relate to about the all-nighter you just pulled to finish the latest assignment. While it may seem difficult to take the first step and introduce yourself, you’d be surprised to discover how many other students are just as eager to make new friends; all it takes is turning around and saying “hey!” Take classes that relate to your interests It’s impossible to get to know everyone in a large lecture hall. But, over time, as I’ve enrolled in more courses that were tailored to my major or other interests, I’ve noticed that my class sizes have shrunken significantly. Moreover, I’ve also found that many of the other students in those classes were just as passionate about the course material as I was, which made talking with them so much easier. Whether it’s a major requirement or an extracurricular, I would definitely recommend enrolling in a course that relates to your interests during your time in college; not only is it a good way to sharpen your skills or practice your hobbies, it’s also an excellent way to find students who share your interests. Join clubs Though clubs generally have professional, academic, cultural, or philanthropic purposes, they also serve as major social hubs bringing students across disciplines together. It’s never too late to explore your university’s club options; whether you catch a general interest meeting or wander into a weekly meeting, joining a club can bring so much color to your campus life. Spend time on campus outside of class The easiest mistake commuter students can make is only staying on campus for the duration of their classes. I did this the first semester after I transferred to my commuter school but soon discovered that the more I lingered on campus, the harder it was for me to leave it. Just by being there, I was able to hear about so many new and upcoming opportunities or, more often than not, bump into classmates and grab lunch or study together. Keep up with campus news Even if you make the effort to speak to your classmates or explore your college’s extracurricular offerings, it’s impossible to truly be aware of everything that’s happening there. But, reading your school’s newspaper and the student bulletins peppered throughout the halls lets you catch up on anything you might have missed out on seeing. Starting fresh in a new school can be daunting but no matter the type of campus you attend, commuter or residential, it’s not impossible to find yourself and make new connections there. When it comes to it, there is no such thing as a true “social” or “antisocial” campus; friends can be found anywhere.                                                              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

Sometimes college can feel like the circus...   When I first started college, I found myself overwhelmed with how to use my time. I knew I should be doing more homework and studying, but there were always interesting events and club meetings I wanted to attend. I found myself struggling to find time for school, sleep, and a social life. I searched for and implemented several techniques that helped me juggle the busy world of college. Prioritize clubs. Find out how to get involved in university clubs and organizations that pique your interest. There’s a range of activities you can participate in from working on digital teams and publications, playing sports, or getting involved with activism. Participating in the things I felt passionate about helped me find friends with similar interests, which provided the perfect combination of school spirit and socializing. Take a break. It’s important to find friends who have similar interests and who can help you express those interests. However, it’s also important to take a break from your work and your friends. Relaxing is a key ingredient in the recipe for a busy schedule. I found that it helped to turn my mind off sometimes and focus on something simpler, something that didn’t demand a constant flow of energy. I found a quiet space out by a creek and I went there to doodle or write in my journal because that internal peace was necessary to keep up with a college schedule. Plan, plan, plan. Whether you prefer Google calendar, a leather planner, or a book of to-do lists, it’s vital to plan ahead. To successfully juggle school and social life, you have to really know your schedule. During my busiest semester, there was a time where I was penciling friends into my calendar because Thursday from 7 PM to 8:30 PM was truly the only time I had to chat. Keeping a calendar can prevent sticky situations. If someone wants to plan something, you’re already prepared and won’t end up scheduling a coffee catch-up during your chemistry midterm. Learn to multitask. Multitasking was one of the most helpful techniques for juggling schoolwork and a social life. Simple things like mailing a letter on my way to class or applying for a job in the doctor’s waiting room saved me little bits of time that I could use to catch up with my friends, the news, or club events. If my friends were busy, I read while eating dinner. If I wasn’t taking a break, and my hands could be doing more than one thing, they always were. Juggling between coursework and friends can be a tricky endeavor filled with decision-making. Juggling your responsibilities is all about prioritizing what needs to get done first and then completing it. It’s important to remember, however, that no time is wasted time and it’s necessary to catch up with friends the same way it’s necessary to study. Social knowledge carries as much value as school knowledge. So, while it may be difficult, finding that balance is integral to your mental well-being and all-around college experience. WRITTEN BY Sydney Bagnall University of Michigan Sydney graduated in May 2019 with a major in English Literature and a minor in Graphic design. She has a knack for all things creative. Originally from Pennsylvania, she enjoys biking on rolling hills and never misses an opportunity to stop and observe the sky. If you don’t find her vigorously typing, you can find her outside. ... View more

Stay organized and on task straight from your cell phone! If you’re like most college students (including me), you hate group projects. After all, what’s there to like? With incompatible schedules, lazy partners, and miscommunications, every end-of-the-semester project can feel like a nightmare. But in this world of technology, there are a thousand ways to stay connected and be proactive in your group work despite the issues that come with dividing the work amongst a group of busy students. To help you get through it, here three practical ways technology can help you get the grade you want on your next group project. Keep in Touch with a Reliable Messaging Service It’s happened time and time again -- one member of the group has an Android phone and the rest use iPhones, making text messaging clunky and unreliable. To stay on top of your group members, use an app like “GroupMe” to iron out the details of your project without having to communicate face-to-face and waste valuable time. By messaging through these apps, you’ll have a more solid record of your communication, reducing the chances of a message failing to send through the SMS method. If you have an announcement that all members of your group should know about, ask them to “like” the message to let you know they’ve seen it. Stay In-Sync with a Collaborative Work Space If your group project requires you to type a significant amount of information, you’ll want to keep your workflow consistent. Know exactly which group member is working on a specific section of the copy by using a collaborative word processor such as Google Docs. You can make comments on one another’s work, suggest changes, and even chat via messenger -- all through one program. Avoid the confusion of multiple documents and eliminate the compatibility and formatting issues that arise across different programs. Stay Organized with a Single File Destination Have a multimedia presentation to prepare? Organization is key with every project, but it’s especially important when you’re dealing with multiple files. In order to keep the confusion to a minimum, use a storage program such as DropBox or Google Drive to keep all of your files in one place that is shared and accessible to all members of your group. To take your organization to the next level, take the time to divide your files into subfolders, and even subfolders of subfolders. Avoid the clutter and label! WRITTEN BY Samantha Storms Hofstra University Despite her last name, this senior journalism and publishing student doesn't have dreams of becoming a weather forecaster upon graduation from Hofstra University. She is currently exploring her love of language as a Media Editorial Intern for the psychology team at Macmillan Learning. A true Pittsburgher through and through, Samantha enjoys knitting, listening to eighties pop, and searching for the best pho spots. ... View more

Make new friends, but keep the old! One of the biggest adjustments that incoming college freshmen face is not being able to see their hometown friends on a daily basis like in high school. A “long-distance” friendship might seem difficult or scary at first but practicing simple, thoughtful strategies will help you and your friends better survive the time apart. Talk to each other as often as you can. Smartphones make long-distance friendships much easier than they were in the past. Between texting, video-chatting, and conversing over various social media platforms, it is easy to keep in touch with friends who no longer go to the same school as you. In fact, if you communicate often enough, the distance between you and your friends may not seem as great as you originally thought. Be mindful of each other’s schedules. While keeping in contact is pertinent to maintaining friendships, constant communication between you are your friends is not required. As you become more immersed in your college community and your studies, you will find that free time is harder to come by. Being understanding of hectic schedules is an underrated yet crucial component to maintaining healthy friendships. Sending someone a “thinking of you” text message during periods where you may not be speaking as often will go a long way! Send each other birthday and/or holiday gifts. Social media is a quick way to stay in touch with friends, but sending a gift through the mail is usually a more memorable gesture. Be sure to swap on-campus addresses at the beginning of the school year so that you can buy something thoughtful to mail them when a special day comes up. It could take a week or longer for your present to ship to and be sorted by your friend’s school, so give yourself ample time to mail the gift out so it arrives on time. Receiving a present or even a greeting card is a great way to let your friends know that you have been thinking about them. Plan to meet up on breaks. Smartphones provide a simple way to consistently keep in touch with friends, but nothing beats being together. Usually, colleges have similar or overlapping break periods, whether it be for holidays or a mid-semester break. This is the perfect time for you to catch up in person! Grabbing a meal, roaming the mall, or even hanging out at home are all easy, low-cost ways to meet with your friends and talk about everything that’s happened since you last saw each other. Going to separate colleges and having different schedules is hard, but finally see each other in person makes the wait worth it. Starting college is an exciting new chapter in one’s life, but it comes with knowing that you will not be able to see hometown friends as frequently as you did in high school. Although it may not seem like it, having a “long-distance” friendship may actually strengthen the bonds you have with friends who go to different colleges. College helps to show you how much your hometown friends mean to you, even as you pursue different paths at different schools. WRITTEN BY Kelly Vena The College of New Jersey Kelly Vena is a senior at The College of New Jersey, where she is finishing up her English major and Communication Studies and French minors. She has worked as a marketing intern at Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers, the high school textbook branch of Macmillan Learning, since the start of the 2018-2019 school year. Kelly has been a writer since her senior year of high school, and her poetry has appeared in two publications as well as multiple editions of TCNJ's literary magazine. ... View more

Break the ice, make a friend! You're looking forward to a gen-ed course you signed up for the fall semester. Sure, it's outside your major, but you figure you'll spy at least one familiar face in the class. This one individual will be your go-to person to check about project deadlines, have study sessions with, and chat with before class. You strut into the classroom and scan the sea of faces for the one you can put a name to. Your stomach drops as it dawns on you that the familiar classmate you were hoping for doesn't exist here. We've all been there. So what now? Instead of making a dash for the back corner where nobody will notice you and your lack of acquaintances, try one of these 3 tactics to break the ice and meet new people. Give a compliment. Think about the last time someone you didn't know gave you a compliment. You probably came away from the interaction feeling pretty good, and likely with a positive connotation associated with the person who noticed something unique about you. Find someone who you'd like to start a conversation with and pick something you want to compliment them on. Something as simple as, "Hey, I really like those shoes- Where'd you get them?" can make someone's day. The important next step is to not stop there but to keep the conversation going. Ask about his or her major. Whether you're in a class as a part of your major, or you've enrolled to get outside your comfort zone, talking about academic interests is a great way to get the conversation ball rolling. If you and your new acquaintance share the same major, you can delve into topics, books, or research that fascinate you. Chat about your experiences with certain professors, projects, or classes. If you don't have the same major, this is the perfect opportunity to ask questions about a field you might not know a lot about. Talk about hometowns. The cool thing about college is that people from all over the country, and oftentimes the world, are sitting at the desks right next to you. With varying locations come different high school experiences, local activities, food preferences, and family members. The phrase "Where are you from?" may sound simple and perhaps overused at the start of anything new. But again, the point is to keep the conversation going from there. Maybe the classmate you're chatting with is from the next town over from your hometown, and you can talk about that burger place you've both been to, or old high school sports rivalries (just don't get too fired up about it). WRITTEN BY Haley Biermann Emmanuel College Haley is a rising senior at Emmanuel College where she studies English. She is an intern for the Macmillan Production Department at the Boston office. She loves people and dog watching at the Boston common, jamming out to folk-rock, and coming up with creative ways to sneak in reading time during the day. ... View more

Living vicariously through your online self. It is 11pm on a Tuesday night. Tomorrow morning is the big presentation you have been preparing weeks for and you make moves for an early bedtime. You set the alarm on your phone and plop right into bed. The room is nearly pitch black as you begin shutting your eyes. You are on your way into rem sleep when suddenly...vzzzzzzt; a notification illuminates the room with a piercing flash of light. Fully awakened and tempted, you check that notification of a Snapchat. But a Snapchat turns into a google search, then a twitter check, an Instagram gander, and before you know it, it's 3am and you're editing your Facebook profile picture. Many young adults and teenagers have fallen prey to their own devices-- it's the Black Mirror Effect. While the Black Mirror Effect is something I merely coined based on the technological dystopian British program Black Mirror, it describes our society's current dilemma; we have become entranced by technology and slaves to our screens. Here are some statistics: 95% of all teens (13-17 years of age) are actively online. In 2016, 81% of online teens have some sort of social media account, which is up from 55% in 2006. According to a recent study by the UK disability charity Scope, of 1500 Facebook and Twitter users surveyed, 62% reported feeling inadequate and 60% reported feelings of jealousy when comparing themselves to other users. Teens who spend more than two hours a day on social networking sites are more likely to report psychological distress. Instagram has proven to be the worst social networking site for mental health-related issues. Online games, dating apps, and social media in particular have negative effects on the happiness of Millennials and Generation Z. The increasing number of depressed, sleep-deprived hyper-texters measuring their self-worth by a Facebook post is frightening. Adam Alter, social psychologist and author of Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked, mentions the effects of addiction on social media usage. Now do not misunderstand, screens are not the bane of existence. Screens have revolutionized the world. Calling friends and loved ones over video chats was not possible a few years back and today, we have opportunities to see a familiar face or "attend" an event. It's quite incredible that our devices can function as a remote, open your car, act as a GPS, count your steps, and even check your heart rate! There's power in revolution, but the problem with too much power is the lack of self-control. The true culprit behind these addictive behaviors is a common feature of many social media apps--endless scrolling. As Adam Alter suggests, with the lack of stopping cues we have the ability to indulge ourselves into an infinite amount of scrolling. Without an endpoint, it is difficult to determine where and when to stop at any given moment. So how can we put a cap on screen usage? Is legislation over the top? Believe it or not, there is indeed legislation dubbed "Cinderella Laws" already proposed and up for debate in South Korea and China. While that is still just a debate, what can YOU do now? Here are a few thoughts to consider: Put it on airplane mode. That way notifications, texts, and emails are not on the radar. When going to an event, such as a concert or festival, keep your phone in your bag. Challenge yourself to not Snapchat or "go live" while you are at these events. Just live the experience without your phone. Pick a time of day not to pull your phone out. Dinner time would be a great opportunity to put the phone down. Set time restraints. If 11pm is your bedtime, 9:59pm should be the last minute your thumbs touch that screen. Get an alarm clock. It may be "old school" nowadays but using your phone as a bedtime alarm can prompt temptation. Nothing wrong with a good old fashion alarm clock! There is bliss in unplugging yourself from the digital world and, as I have learned through my nights of sleep deprivation, getting a full eight hours will not only save you from dark circles and zombie eyes, but you'll ace that big presentation, improve your mental health, and open yourself up to "screenless" experiences. Go live without your phone, and live your life through your own eyes. Resources Abrams, Allison. "Mental Health and the Effects of Social Media." Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 5 Mar. 2017, www.psychologytoday.com/blog/nurturing-self-compassion/201703/mental-health-and-the-effects-social-media. Accessed 21 Aug. 2017. Alter, Adam. "Why our screens make us less happy." YouTube, uploaded by TED, 1 August 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K5OO2ybueM. Cottle, Julia. "Facebook and Mental Health: Is Social Media Hurting or Helping?" Mental Help, 15 Mar. 2016. www.mentalhelp.net/articles/facebook-and-mental-health-is-social-media-hurting-or-helping. Accessed 21 Aug. 2017. Dreifus, Claudia. "Why We Can't Look Away From Our Screens." The New York Times, 6 Mar. 2017. www.nytimes.com/2017/03/06/science/technology-addiction-irresistible-by-adam-alter.html. Accessed 21 Aug. 2017. MacMillan, Amanda. "Why Instagram Is the Worst Social Media for Mental Health." Time, 25 May 2017. www.time.com/4793331/instagram-social-media-mental-health/. Accessed 21 Aug. 2017. WRITTEN BY Alyssa Del-Valle Macmillan Learning With a BA in Communications and Music and a "Mouseters" in all things  Disney, when not writing fabulous articles this native New Yorker is either making up songs in her head about her daily interactions, practicing voice overs for the next hair care commercial, or munching on Doritos she couldn't resist grabbing at her local bodega. The purple bag is hard to resist. ... View more

It's Y2K!...In Higher Education? It's the calm before the generational storm and while there may be a few that slipped through the threshold early, a major rush of Y2K born high school seniors will be applying to colleges and universities this fall (shocking, I know). This marks a generational milestone to hit quads all across the world, but raises a significant challenge to professors--how do you teach a generation raised during the technological revolution? Here are some facts that might surprise you about the incoming Class of 2022! Fact 1 Generation Z, also known as the iGeneration (iGens) are expert "multitaskers", and being used to consistent amounts of stimuli has them constantly occupied. Compared to the average of three screens utilized by Millennials, iGens use up to five screens at a time (i.e. desktop, laptop, TV, smartphone, and tablet). Fact 2 With the minority and biracial demographic on the rise, iGens are a culturally diverse group more than any other generation before. The rise of cultural diversity and social reform has greatly shaped attitudes within this generation, with the expectancy of even more social change to come. Fact 3 iGens are a very "big picture" group. The average person sees about 10,000 advertisements a day, but the ones that stand out are those with big pictures and few words. They embrace negative space and "less is more". Fact 4 iGens pride themselves on being self-taught through research done through search engines. 33% watch lessons online, 20% read textbooks on tablets, and 32% work with classmates online (Giselle Abramovich, CMO). Fact 5 The average teenager has an attention span of about eight seconds. Engagement is everything. Any of these stand out? It's no secret that this is an undeniably interesting group, but what does this mean for professors? Perhaps the straightforward solution would be to keep the classroom exclusively digital, converting to eBooks, and immersing students in educational technology. While this is forward-thinking it may not be the best solution. While it is true that many in this generation are born into a world of technology, iGens tend to lend their expertise to Temple Run or Candy Crush; educational digital platforms and tech tools fall on the back burner and are not picked up as quickly. The consensus: engagement through scaffolding. When using the scaffolding teaching method, instructors promote problem-solving with guided support, allowing students to resolve problems in increments, and having the individuality to take over the task at hand. This method also reinforces communication skills and engagement, which many in this incoming class lack and need. The material may be complex but the teaching style doesn't have to be. Technology in the classroom should certainly be implemented, with the understanding that iGens are at different levels with educational tech just like professors; some may only know a world of Smart Boards and eBooks while others have had a mixed experience. There is no right or wrong teaching method but for a "first of its kind" group like this, keeping it active in the classroom is bound for excellent results. WRITTEN BY Alyssa Del-Valle Macmillan Learning With a BA in Communications and Music and a "Mouseters" in all things  Disney, when not writing fabulous articles this native New Yorker is either making up songs in her head about her daily interactions, practicing voice overs for the next hair care commercial, or munching on Doritos she couldn't resist grabbing at her local bodega. The purple bag is hard to resist. ... View more