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Like for most students, the transitions between breaks and school have been anything but fun for me. Somehow three hour-long classes seemed to last days during those weeks in which I was still getting used to school. Over time, and with lots of trial and error, I feel as though I have perfected the art of the back-to school-transition. Especially after Spring Break, which barely feels like a break at all, I make sure to follow a specific routine to get back into my “grind-set” (grind mindset).

Getting a Head Start

Arguably the most important part of effectively transitioning back into school after a break is preparing before it even starts. Spring break is short, and it goes by fast, so by a day or so to do nothing helps you come back rested. Additionally, you can use this time to reflect on the semester so far: on what you’d like to continue or stop doing, on moments and people that you appreciated, and anything else you deem notable.

Sleep Schedule

The next step is to re-establish a sleep schedule that works with my class schedule. For example, if my first class is at 9 am, and I know it takes me about an hour and a half to get ready in the morning. I start waking up at around 7am and go to bed around 11pm to get the amount of sleep I want. By jumping right back into the habit I had before break limits the shock of a sudden transition once classes reconvene.

Keeping an Agenda

Ahead of my first back in class, I review any assignments for classes in the upcoming week. In my physical agenda (although many students also do this either on an online calendar or spreadsheet), I mark the date of all my tests and assignments whose due date is already posted, as well as reminders to study for those tests. This not only saves me time in the future but also saves me the stress of forgetting an upcoming assignment or being unaware of certain class expectations.

Go With the Flow

The final, but arguably the most crucial part of my routine, is to not take myself too seriously. Along with the stress of what remains of the current semester comes the joy of knowing that there are countless new opportunities coming your way. Classes are hard and getting back into a routine can be even harder, but trust that you are more than capable of overcoming anything that comes your way.

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In today's hyper-competitive job market, especially in tech, students are facing increasing pressure to elevate their technical skills well beyond traditional coursework. As a sophomore in Computer Engineering the standard college curriculum focuses heavily on theoretical concepts, leaving a gap between what we learn in the classroom and the applied skills demanded by the industry. As I navigated this gap, I turned to online coding courses and independent projects, which not only helped me earn certifications but also strengthened my problem-solving abilities and deepened my understanding of the concepts taught in class. Here are three actionable tips and resources that have helped me and can help other students in similar situations develop in-demand technical skills while still in school.

Tip #1: Utilize Self-Paced Coding Platforms

Since my senior year of high school, I’ve been using Codecademy to teach myself programming languages like HTML/CSS and Python, and it’s been a game-changer for my growth in tech. The platform offers courses tailored to every skill level, hands-on projects to sharpen your abilities, and clear, step-by-step explanations of complex software concepts. What makes it even better is the flexibility to complete courses on your own time, making it perfect for busy students. Plus, finishing a course earns you a certification to showcase your skills and boost your visibility in the industry. Leveraging my Codecademy experience played a huge role in my recruiting success this past semester, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to build or refine their programming skills.

Tip #2: Work on Personal Projects

Personal projects are an amazing way to develop technical skills while pursuing something you’re passionate about. Currently I’m combining my love for yoga with my technical interests by building a Python-powered web app to help people explore yoga as a wellness tool. As Vice President of my campus Yoga and Meditation group, this project feels deeply meaningful and allows me to merge my passions with my growing skill set. Using resources like YouTube and GitHub, I’m excited to tackle this challenge head-on. Personal projects like these not only sharpen your skills but also show recruiters your initiative and drive to learn. Find something you love or a problem you care about—and start creating!

Tip #3: Take Advantage of Corporate Tech Resources

Many top tech companies like Microsoft, Google, IBM, and NVIDIA offer free online learning platforms packed with resources to help you build programming skills, explore real-world applications, and prepare for technical interviews. These platforms give you a unique opportunity to learn directly from the companies shaping the tech industry, providing insights into their projects, technologies, and workflows. For example, Microsoft Learn offers interactive modules and challenges, Google’s Applied Digital Skills covers hands-on programming and AI tools, and IBM SkillsBuild provides access to cloud computing and AI resources. NVIDIA also has a rich catalog focusing on GPU programming and AI development.

Breaking into tech can feel intimidating, but building a strong foundation of skills is the key to boosting your confidence and unlocking new opportunities! Use your time away from school to dive into independent study and sharpen those marketable skills that will set you apart. If you’ve secured an internship that requires technical programming skills but don’t feel fully prepared yet (like I once did), this is the perfect time to bridge that gap. Learning beforehand will not only help you feel more confident going in but also allow you to make the most of the experience and grow and develop while you work. Remember, every step you take is progress—invest in yourself, and watch the doors open!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ����app Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Graduating college early wasn’t a goal I initially set for myself; in fact, I thought I would take the full four years to get my degree. However, as I progressed through my courses, I realized I was ahead in my major-required classes and the idea of graduating early was possible. My main motivation was to save on college expenses and decrease the time of doing long distance with my significant other. Here are the strategies that helped me balance my schedule and achieve this feat.

The first step was setting clear goals. Once I decided to graduate early, I mapped out a timeline, identifying the courses I needed to complete. Creating a degree progression plan helped me gain clarity and kept me focused throughout my journey. Analyzing my course load was equally important; I carefully evaluated the required classes and sought opportunities to take summer and online courses to maximize my credit hours. Taking month-long summer courses and 7.5 week courses during the school year really helped me achieve my goals.

Time management became crucial as I juggled my new school schedule along with extracurriculars and jobs. I prioritized tasks using a detailed weekly planner, breaking down my workload into a visualized to-do list. Creating a routine is essential to maintaining balance and productivity in a busy college schedule. I made it a priority to carve out time for self-care, exercise, and social activities, all of which were key to preventing burnout.

Leveraging campus resources also made a significant difference in my journey. I utilized tutoring centers, sought guidance from academic advisors, and built a support system of friends and mentors who encouraged me along the way. My academic advisor assisted me with creating a degree progression plan, which helped map out my remaining semesters. She made sure all of the requirements to graduate were fulfilled and set me up for success!

Of course, the path wasn’t without its challenges. I faced obstacles that tested my resolve, but I learned to adapt and overcome them. At first, my goal was to graduate early so I could pursue a graduate degree, but after exploring my options, that’s no longer my focus. My journey has been anything but straightforward, with many adjustments along the way. Each pivot taught me valuable lessons about resilience and adapting to change.

In conclusion, balancing my schedule to graduate early was a rewarding challenge that required dedication, planning, and a commitment to personal well-being. I learned valuable time management skills that will serve me well in the future, and I discovered the importance of setting clear goals and prioritizing tasks. This experience not only boosted my academic confidence but also allowed me to pursue other goals outside of school!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ����app Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Have you ever stalled out on blogging because of your schedule, writer's block, or lack of direction? Blogging is trickier than it seems. Curating topics that interest your audience and delivering consistent quality content requires more than just literary or marketing skills. Generative AI can help you brainstorm relevant and engaging topics to have ready for when inspiration strikes (or your schedule allows).��

Blogs often go unnoticed for their value in academic and career development, but they hold immense potential. Blogs can significantly enrich your portfolio by showcasing your passions and interests. Blogging also allows you to delve deeper into subjects, explore intriguing topics from your classes, and establish your unique voice in your industry.��
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How Generative AI Can Help��
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Generative AI like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot can help define your blog's theme and discover related topics. Currently, these tools are best for ideation and brainstorming, rather than full-fledged copywriting.��
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These tools generate content based on patterns from vast training data. However, it's important to note that generative AI has limitations and requires regular auditing. While AI provides the foundation, your creativity and direction turn those ideas into compelling content. Think of AI as your brainstorming partner, not a replacement.��
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Here's a simple guide to get you started!��

Identify Your Blog's Subject��

Your subject could be as broad as environmentalism but works best with a narrower subject like sustainable fashion. Understanding your audience and their interests early in planning ensures you create content they care about. For example, prompt the AI: "List the different people interested in sustainable fashion with a summary of their perspectives and motivations."��
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Brainstorm Topics Related to Your Subject��

While you can certainly ask the AI directly for article ideas, the real power of generative AI lies in its collaborative potential. Use multiple prompts to brainstorm diverse and creative topics, such as unexpected ideas, different perspectives, ideas for new studies, and a summary of academic thinking about your subject. For example, continue with the prompt: "You are a consumer interested in sustainable fashion. What questions would you have?"��
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Organize and Expand on Your Topics��

Collaborating with generative AI is a non-linear process, and you are encouraged to circle back to prompts from a different writing "phase" whenever you need to ideate and elaborate on a previous idea. Still, a great prompt to use at this stage is to ask the AI to generate a mind map of your subject to visualize how topics connect. For instance, prompt: "Create an organized mind map about sustainable fashion." ��
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Bringing it All Together��

After this collaboration with generative AI, you should have a clear vision for your blog with topics and sub-topics to expand on during future writing sessions. Use this tool to streamline your blogging process and spark creativity. No more endless brainstorming sessions that exhaust you before you even start writing.����
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Blogging isn't just about posting; it's about sharing your unique perspective, building expertise, and connecting with a broader audience. The benefits are substantial enhancing your portfolio, deepening your knowledge, and establishing your voice in your field. AI can assist you in creating a structured plan that allows you to focus on what truly matters—writing compelling content that resonates with your readers.��

Note: Generative AI is developing rapidly, and these prompts may need tweaking to adapt to updated models.��

Credit (and thanks) to Dave Birss for inspiration on these prompts!��

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ����app Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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I’ve heard from many of my classmates that the first exam for a class is the most nerve-wracking of them all. Not only will your exam grade set the tone for the rest of the semester, you’ll also see whether you are meeting or failing the expectations that you set for yourself. I’ve personally been through both scenarios; feeling the exhilaration of nailing the first exam, only to feel completely crushed by another exam later that day. Whether you passed or failed, I’m here to give you some tips on how you can reset, recenter, and refocus for the rest of the semester.

If you did well on the first exam, you’ll probably feel like you’re on top of the world, at least for a couple of days. You’re already thinking about all the extra nap time you’ll have instead of needing to study or cram for that next one. I’m here to tell you: That. Is. A. Trap! Don’t let that good feeling cloud or change how you approach the rest of the semester! Imagine this as a reset of sorts; pretend that first exam didn’t happen. Remember how you got to this point in the first place: solid study habits, asking questions when you’re unsure, and taking mental breaks when needed. I’m not saying to not enjoy the moment; there’s something to be said about resting on your laurels for a while. However, it is important to stay focused and keep that goal of yours from the beginning of the semester in mind. Whether that was to maintain a 4.0 GPA or to just scrape by that hard chemistry class with a C, early success can completely derail a semester of good work if you aren’t focusing on how to continue that success.

On the other hand, if you did poorly on the first exam, it can feel like your entire semester has crashed and burned before it even began. The stress of knowing that you must work even harder for the rest of the class can destroy whatever motivation you had beforehand. Take some solace in the fact that nearly every student has been in your shoes before! It’s not an uncommon experience and you can absolutely turn it around with some adjustments. Take some time to recenter and take care of your mental state before anything else; this is a tough time, and it really pays off to make sure you’re back in the right mindset. Go exercise, focus on your hobbies, or just hang out with your friends. Do something that will take your mind off the low grade for a little while. For me, I like to go hiking or hit the trails with my friends. Being in nature tends to ground me and helps calm me down after a stressful experience. Once you feel ready, reflect on what happened; did I need to study more? Should I have attended office hours? Find actionable and measurable steps you can take to improve your next result.

After the first exam, pass or fail, it’s important to refocus on the goals you set for yourself! This was the first major milestone for you! Think about what you expected to happen versus what happened and how that might change your goal. Maybe now you can take more time for yourself or conversely, maybe now you need to stay in the library for that extra hour or two. There are an infinite number of ways to get where you want to go; the most important thing is to choose the path that works the best for you. When in doubt, just remember the three R’s; reset, recenter, and refocus.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ����app Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – to pitch your idea and get started! 

Many students, myself included, have struggled to figure which major to choose in college. Having the opportunity to add concentrations, minors, and certificates to your degree allows you to pick a major while adding other interests. Pursuing multiple majors, minors, or certificates is a strategic approach that not only enhances one's personal development but also their professional marketability. Having a multifaceted education offers a comprehensive and complex skill set as well as adaptability, which are highly sought after attributes.

Customize Your Degree

Multiple academic qualifications facilitate the development of a diversified skill set. In today’s job market, employers are looking for individuals who have a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge, not just an expert in a singular field. For example, a student majoring in Marketing might choose to concentrate in Marketing Research and Analytics and add a minor in Sales. That combination of studies allows the individual to have a unique blend of skills, making them versatile and capable of contributing various things to a project or company.

Combines Disciplines

Pursuing multiple disciplines encourages a holistic understanding of complex issues. This is particularly beneficial in careers that integrate different perspectives, leading to innovative solutions and breakthroughs. For example, combining Environmental Science with Political Science and a certificate in Sustainability equips graduates with scientific knowledge, policy understanding, and sustainable knowledge needed to take on environmental challenges. This not only enhances problem-solving skills but also prepares individuals to address issues with a well-rounded perspective.

Proves Work Ethic

The pursuit of multiple majors, minors, and certificates is a testament to an individual’s commitment, work ethic, and intellectual curiosity. The individual’s willingness to go beyond the bare minimum expresses an eagerness to engage further in the learning process. These are specific qualities that employers are looking for because they suggest a motivated and dedicated approach to one's professional development. The connections between multiple departments also offers significant advantages. They offer diverse perspectives, mentorship opportunities, and access to a broader array of career paths and networking opportunities.

The enrichment of one’s academic and professional development can be enhanced with the completion of multiple majors, minors, or certificates. It equips students with a broad skill set and adaptability needed to excel in today’s workforce. This lays a foundation for lifelong learning and career development.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ����app Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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As you make your way through your college career, you are bound to run into some rough times. Whether it’s due to extenuating circumstances outside of the classroom or difficult course content, you might find yourself in a situation where the semester didn’t quite turn out like you originally planned. So, what do you do if this does happen? Here are four tips to help you through this stressful time to help get you back on track to do well in the semester ahead.

1. Take a deep breath.

It’s going to be all right. The courses you are taking are designed to be challenging. It’s okay if you struggled this past semester. This is the time to assess the situation you’re in and make any necessary changes. Double-check on important matters, like financial aid, and make a game plan to ensure that you’re not too affected. Look at next semester's course schedule and adjust your classes accordingly. Breathe. You’re going to make it through this.

2. Keep your notes and course work.

While they might not be the most helpful to you now, if you end up re-taking the course, they can be a great roadmap to build off of the second time around. Look at your notes and see where they can be improved. Keep any practice problems and work on them in between now and when you take the course again. This can help you build a solid foundation for your next attempt. Use what work you did put into the course to your advantage.

3. Do some research.

Look around your campus and see what resources they provide to their students. Find the tutoring services and utilize them throughout your courses. See if your university has any grade forgiveness programs in place and learn how to apply for them once you retake the class successfully.

4. Use the resources you have.

Ask classmates to join your study group. Utilize TA and professor office hours. Look at your own study patterns and adapt them as is necessary for your own success. Find clarifying videos online and use any course materials provided to practice before your future exams. Build healthy habits that can make your semester run smoother. Get organized and make sure you’re ready to take the semester head on!

Using these tips can help to prepare you for the current semester and the semesters ahead. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone has rough semesters. If you take the steps to bounce back strong you can help set yourself up for success! Good luck!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ����app Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Life as a project-based student has its highs and lows. Typically, college students can be found studying in coffee shops, working in the library with friends, or even curling up on the couch working on homework. But for a project-based student, that might not be an option. As a landscape architecture student, most of my time is spent in the studio working on computer/hand graphic projects. This looks like spending upwards of 20 hours a week in the same classroom, with the same people, with the same professors, working on design projects.

Strong Community

This might sound like a hefty experience, but there are many pros that come along with working mainly on projects: I don't have tests often, I get to know the people in my classes, and I get to delegate my time how I want to. One project could last months, but in that time frame I get to become close with my classmates and professors, and we get to bond over working on the same project for long periods of time. Most other majors don't have the opportunity to fully get to know your classmates, but the community work environment of a design major makes it vital to succeeding in class.

Marathon Studio Time

The average work week for me looks like having studio time on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:30 to 5:20. On top of that I might need to be spending some of my time in the studio getting ahead or catching up. Having that amount of class time might seem wild but having that separated class time just to work is vital and has taught me a lot about how to manage my time well. During a busy project, I might be spending 30-plus hours a week in the same room with the same people.

Real-World Career Preparation

There are some downsides to spending so much time in the studio. The timeline of projects can be daunting, spending time with the same people for large amounts of time can be hard, and getting along with professors can become challenging. But all these things allow for benefits in the work environment. Down the line whenever we get a real job, there are going to be tough work relations and tough deadlines. The landscape architecture program truly prepares you for what life could be like outside of school.

Most majors have it differently with their exams, but I enjoy creating these projects. I’ve enjoyed the relationships I’ve been able to build with peers and professors since we have to work on the same projects over a long time. This will transfer over into the real world of architecture, which I will hopefully be in soon enough!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ����app Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Back in 2017, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) conducted a study called the Nursing Knowledge survey. The results of this survey gave valuable insights with the evolving changes happening in nursing education and practice, and ensured that the nurses on the floors are well-prepared to provide safe and effective care. The NCSBN developed an upgraded version of the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) now called the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), which went into effect in April 2023. Here are the 3 top things to keep in mind when taking the NGN.

1. Protect Your Patients' Lives!

The NCLEX is an exam used to analyze one main thing at its core: how safe of a nurse are you? Patient safety is a priority in nursing practice, and the NGN underscores this by presenting scenarios that focus on safe and effective care. Test-takers will need to demonstrate that they can use the knowledge learned from nursing school, convert it into critical thinking and apply that to the answer. The exam aims to ensure that new nurses are well-prepared to provide care that minimizes risks and maximizes positive outcomes.

2. You Need to Use Your Critical Thinking.

This is not the same as high school exams. The NGN places a significant emphasis on clinical judgment, going beyond the traditional knowledge-based questions. When analyzing the clinical judgment is the ability to make informed decisions based on critical thinking and real-world scenarios. This means that test-takers will encounter questions that present complex patient situations, requiring them to analyze data, prioritize interventions, and make sound clinical decisions. This shift reflects the need for nurses to be competent and confident decision-makers in dynamic healthcare environments.

3. Reflecting Real-World Scenarios:

The NGN draws from real-world nursing scenarios to create questions that mirror the challenges nurses face daily. This means that candidates won't just be tested on theoretical knowledge; they will need to apply their critical thinking into practical situations. The goal is to prepare nurses who can seamlessly transition from the classroom to the clinical setting, ready to address the complexities of modern healthcare. They will be implementing this on the new exam with a new question type called a Case Scenario. They will present to you a single case that can have 2-8 questions based on the case scenario.

If you are a nursing student or a future nursing student, do not freak out. Becoming more aware of what will be on the Next Generation NCLEX will ease your anxiety and give you an understanding of what is to be expected for this exam. By understanding these 3 key aspects of the Next Generation exam, you can prepare yourself to be a nurse that can safely execute tasks and assignments. However, you will truly know how to be a good nurse once you are working on the floor.

Keep studying!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ����app Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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