What Am I Going to do with My Life After Undergrad?!?!

The question is: 
I'm graduating soon and with it comes the important question: What are your plans for after college? So my big question is do I go straight to Graduate School if I'm deciding that's the next step or should I take some time off and work in the field I got my undergraduate degree in? Will it negatively affect me if I decide to go straight to Graduate school?!?! What am I going to do with my life after undergrad?!?!


How I can relate?  

This is CLEARLY not an issue that you alone are facing. I, too have asked myself time and time again "What exactly do I want to do with my undergrad degree?" or "Do I even want to use this degree for anything?" These, to me are typical, yet extremely important questions that take time and much consideration. This is the MILLION dollar question that at times is not even said, but can be implied. You may have friends that believe that their lives are mapped out, and you may feel that you don't, but that's perfectly fine. I say that an undergrad degree is a testimony of the skills you have learned or have enhanced while in college. You can choose to apply those skills to a job in your field or not, OR you can continue to build on those skills or gain new ones in grad school.


This is not my decision, but if it was...
I want this to be something you really have thought about. Consider ALL of your options and the factors that come into play, including finances. Sometimes working then going back to school is the optimal decision in someone's situation. To others, they feel that it can be hard to get back into the rhythm of school after a long time. It all depends on the person. Personally, I am not in the position yet to make such a big decision, (I'm am only a Junior), but I would check out the statistics of the job industry I am interested in and also see if there is a Graduate Assistance-ship program at the institution I am interested in that allows me to make a lil money and of course gain a master's degree at the same time. Also keep in mind that some jobs may even pay for you to further your education-- LOOK out for those opportunities!


All the while...
Go with your heart and what you feel is right! This is a really tough decision that requires some reflection. Even after you make your choice you may second guess that it wasn't the right decision. That's just the way we as humans work. I wish you all the best in whatever you choose. It would be really cool if you can land a job and still go to school, however, I feel that if you are passionate and confident in yourself, there is no wrong decision.




Mo

The Stress Cloud. Clear your Skies!

The question is: What is your advice to reduce stress during the school year? With nursing school constantly on my mind it is so difficult to NOT feel the anxiety and stress that comes along with it. Absolutely difficult!!



How I can relate:
As an engineering major, I feel your pain through the laptop screen. It is a lot of work and at times I get a minor nervous breakdown! I am telling today that you gotta let your brain and body relax. Do not let these textbooks and papers put you in the hospital, real talk! I'm going to give you some helpful hints to reduce the level of stress that are applicable for the rest of your life!


I don't know how familiar you are with the rapper Mase, but he has a song called "Breathe, Stretch, Shake." I'm going to use the title of his song to explain how you can be stress free! (Stay with me, I'm a genius I promise).
Watch the video before you read on, if you like. It will help you understand where I'm going with this.

Breathe:
You got this! You know you are smart! Find that confidence in yourself! Study and do your best, and at the end of the day you can not ask anything else of yourself. Physically speaking, take some breathing exercises or even meditation! Close your eyes, inhale and exhale deeply. Give your brain and body some air. It will thank you later. Why not play some soothing music in the background while your doing these exercises? Give yourself sometime before, during or after classes to really get in touch with yourself and release that bad air in your body.


Stretch:
Yoga, Yoga, Yoga. Make sure your body is ready for the day as well. Stretch before you take on the day. you can do this while you are doing your breathing exercises. Especially focus on your shoulders, legs, arms and neck. Get the oxygen flowing throughout your body. Doing this before a test really helps too.


Shake:
Go out and have fun! Shake your booty! Shake the stress away! Or if you are in your room, blast some pump up music and take 5 mins to go wild and crazy! Shake your entire body. Pretend you are a noodle and throw your body every which way! Just don't break anything or yourself! Your brain can use a break from processing all that information. Go exercise!


Let it GO!:
A great student acknowledges when things are getting out of control. As I said before, don't let these books put you in the hospital. I mean that, because a couple of my friends have had anxiety attacks and mental breakdowns. So what if you didn't get the grade you wanted! Let it go! If you tried your best and you took all the necessary steps to receive help, then pat yourself on the back. Don't get too competitive with yourself to the point where you lose your sanity. Healthy challenges provide room for growth and fun! 


Told you I was a genius! Now to add some more to the list. 


The most important things to do are:
EAT and SLEEP well! Ban fast foods and foods that slow down your abilities to perform your best! Drink water and eat healthy foods. A snack here and there is perfectly fine. SLEEP, please! Again, rest your mind and body. Don't they deserve it? Don't you deserve it? YES and YES.


I hope this helped you!

I'm Applying for All These Scholarships, Yet Nothing!

The question is: As a college student money is always on my mind... ALWAYS. I'm always trying to find ways to apply for scholarships and grants, but sometimes it is really frustrating to apply for 10 scholarships, spend $100 in transcripts and not get a single one. I try to go on the local level, with the competition being smaller but even then it is quite hard. What would your advice be for students who are constantly scrambling for more aid?


How I can relate:
First off, let me be the one to say that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! I don't know too many college students that don't think about finances. I too, am a scavenger when it comes to scholarships and grants and I also end up not finding any. I turned frustration into persistence and what I call "crime free hustling," to pay for books and extra items.


They say patience is a virtue, but...:
When applying for popular scholarships, remember you are one person in a large pool of applicants. Try going for something smaller like local and even some that the school/ alumni may offer. Definitely talk to someone in the Financial Aid Office to see if you qualify for any insitutional scholarships or grants. Finding more money is tough, but it shouldn't keep you from enjoying your experience. Don't wreck your brain like I did. Not good. Not good at all.

"Crime Free Hustling":
One day I just stop looking online and I turned to someone that works at my university that I trusted and look up to and I ask if they knew of any wage job opportunities, since I do not have work study. She told me she would do what she can. Less than a couple of days I landed a paid internship. It never hurts to open your mouth and speak your concerns. SOMEONE WILL LISTEN. Talk to an advisor or mentor and I'm sure they will help you as much as they can, especially if they know somebody, that know somebody, that knows somebody. Basically, use your resources. Think of someone you confide in and let them know that you are looking for some scholarships that won't cost you $100 to be noticed. I know at my school, there are essay contests and other cool competitions on campus to put a little bit of greenbacks in your pocket.


It's Tricky:
Especially if the university may not have the funds to provide you, it can be difficult to get more money. I would definitely go to the office responsible for financial aid and ask questions on how to increase your aid legally. Talk to an advisor, and ask them if they have any knowledge of scholarships from alums or past colleagues.


Be positive:
To sum it up, you have to be positive. Keep a level head all the while. Money is a bummer when you don't have it, especially for your education. Be patient and keep your resources in mind :-)

The New Kid on the Block.... Not Quite...

The question is: I switched my major over three times and although most of the classes I took supported the major I'm with now, I feel a bit overwhelmed with how little I've been involved in my NOW major. I barely know people in the department and almost feel as though I'm a freshman with junior credits. Any helpful tips/ advice?


Isn't this the point of college? Sampling 'til it feels right to you?
There is NOTHING wrong with changing majors, especially in your case because the previous classes you've taken are congruent with your new major. To put it bluntly, you are paying for this,   whether it be financially or not; your time and effort is important too, so why not take advantage? Let college be like a buffet; sample and move on 'til you find that dish (career) that you love the most and can see yourself pursuing. 

To tackle the bigger issue: 
To address your feeling of being overwhelmed, it is perfectly normal. It is difficult coming from a place in your education where you were really involved to being "the new kid on the block." It is like being a transfer student that didn't physically move. But I see it as a moment for you to self reflect: remind yourself of the things you like to do, why you are pursuing this degree, what didn't work for you in your past major choices that eventually led you to change it for a third time. But this requires some letting go of the "I need to know everything at this point because I am a junior and this is unacceptable." You don't need to know everything! 


Make yourself "open":
Admit to yourself that you could use a tour of your new department. Like an orientation! Email some people in your department (like your advisor) and ask questions! Ask them to give you a tour; who does what? are there any student opportunities? clubs, organizations, societies? if they have any suggestions of what you should get involved in? It is okay to need help and request it, but it all starts with you. I know some students that wouldn't mind talking about their major, so ask some students in your class to assist you in getting to know the professors, clubs and programs.


Key things to remember:

• Sample til it feels right (Isn't this what college is all about?)
• Take some time to evaluate the path you took to land in the field of study you are at now: ask yourself questions!
• Let go of the expectation to know everything and be right all the time (you lose an opportunity to learn about yourself and other important things when you swear you know.) *I know seniors that don't know it all, and?
• Admit to yourself that you can use some help to get to know your department and the people involved (reach out to fellow peers, your professors and the administrative folks for a tour or some suggestions/advice.) *Never lose an opportunity to grow because of your ego. Besides, orientations are FUN!

Social life vs. Academics

The question is: when is it appropriate to focus on social aspects of college, instead of academic? I often make plans and have to cancel them because my academics conflict with literally everything else in my life. I take my academics very seriously, but I feel that I am missing out a lot of the time. I feel guilty that I often ditch my friends to get my [work] done.

How I can relate:
I think this is a huge challenge for most college students. It is hard to balance both a social life and academics. I find myself canceling on friends too because I'm either too exhausted or I'm working on something pertaining to school work. I feel like my friends just stopped asking, because they believe I am not interested, and that's certainly not the case. 


How can you address this:

First off, I think it is important to not see going out and having a good time, as a bad thing. It's actually a good thing! Our brains need a rest from time to time, no lie. Taking some time off from classes releases a good deal of stress and worry. That does not mean that you will forget everything you've learned in class! There should be no guilt in having fun, especially when you have been performing at your best.


Secondly, create a "leisure schedule." Just like a class schedule, why not have a leisure schedule? Block off sometime during the week and/or weekend dedicated to you! AND STICK TO IT! If that means catching up/ hanging out with friends, going to a party, bowling, etc., tell yourself that you are going to do x,y,z this weekend. This helps to motivate you to complete the tasks during the week so that you can enjoy your "you" time much more. 


Finally, do not get consumed in your academic work. (I know, better said than done). There is, however, a difference in getting tons of homework (because it happens), and being beat down by the work load. I see so many of my peers overwhelmed by their amount of work, but what do you expect when you are taking 18 credits? You see, it isn't the amount of work, it's the belief that it can't be done. When you believe that it can't be done in a specific amount of time, your mind immediately cancels on your friends, fun and even sleep at times. When we think positively and we plan these "me times" ahead, it becomes a personal  challenge to complete your work so that you can enjoy your college experience to the fullest and in every aspect. 




*Remember that you do not have to sacrifice one for the other. NEVER! You can be a great student and a great socialite as well.


Thanks for your question. I hope this response helps! 

So, You Just Met your College Roommate….. Helpful Tips for First Year Students

It’s your first time away from home, and I’m pretty sure there are some mixed feelings; excitement and sadness all wrapped in a bow of apprehension. You probably won’t see your family and close friends as often as if you were at home, but there are so many new people to meet at college, that the idea of a new start excites you. This is all normal.  You should want to meet nice people, have caring professors, great food, and hot showers, especially if this is where you will be living for the next four years.

Move- In Day Has Arrived….

This was a very emotional day, at least for me it was. No, I did not break down and cry, but I felt like that day was a huge step into my adulthood. For some, move- in day is easy, especially if they have attended a boarding school before. If that is the case for you, then you’re a step ahead, and that’s great! Overall, the day can be summed up as hectic! Bags and suitcases going to various floors, cars lined up bumper to bumper, and parents saying their last goodbyes or speeches. While you’re moving your stuff in, so is another person… your roommate! Most likely this is your first encounter and it can be an awkward moment. Already, you notice that there is tons of stuff and no where to put it, and here this person comes with nine suitcases and tons of shoes. Don’t be the first to judge! Introduce yourself politely with a warm smile; who knows, they may be more nervous and scared than you are! Once you and your roommate are moved in, it is time that you get down to business…..

Contracts, Deals and Negotiations….

It is important that you and your roommate sit down and draw out some rules (other than the ones provided by the school) so that the both of you can live in the space peacefully and respectfully. You don’t have to be a tough ass, but you should be direct and clear of the rules you care about. Some topics that can be brought up in the conversation are:

·      Property and use of property: Do you feel comfortable sharing your stuff? (Food, clothes, electronics, etc.) If you do agree to share your things, what are the terms and conditions?

*Be mindful that if someone shares with you, it would be nice to be as generous. This is a relationship which involves giving and taking 50/50*

·      Room maintenance: Although your roommate is entitled to their side of the room, should there be some agreement regarding dirty laundry/dishes and garbage?

·      Visitors: Are you okay with friends staying over? If not, at what time should visitors leave the room? When do you expect the room to be quiet? Are they responsible for their visitors? Discuss class schedules, so that it is more about the respect for your academics rather than coming off as demanding.

*This may require extreme negotiation, since not everyone’s schedule is the same. Try to be as reasonable as possible, and make sure you are being as open to ideas as possible.*

·      Sex: It happens, so there should be some discussion about it. What may work best is to request the room ahead of time; therefore your roommate is informed. They will most likely say fine, and ask what times will the room be occupied.

*Again, be courteous. Try not to use the room all day. It is their room just as much as it is yours.*

Finally, you don’t want to overwhelm yourself nor your roommate with rules; it should be seen as an expectation that you guys have agreed upon.

You Don’t Have to Be the Best of Friends….

However, you should be cordial. I know plenty of people that had a great roommate their first year of college, and are the best of friends to this day. There are also people I know who did not become best friends with their roommate, and that’s fine as well. What matters most are respect and communication.