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Embrace being unqualified! I know, it might sound odd but hear me out. College is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone. It’s the best time to take risks and pursue opportunities that may feel just a little out of reach. Many of us, as college students, often feel we’re not qualified for the roles or opportunities we want. I can confidently say that during my job searches, I have run into the recurring issue of not having enough experience. However, being comfortable with the experience I do have, no matter how minimal, has given me the confidence to go after opportunities I might not have otherwise considered.

The reality is, not applying for a position doesn’t give us any better chances, so why not take the risk? I want to share why I believe we should be more comfortable trying for things we don't initially feel qualified for.

For one, applying when you don’t expect too much can take a lot of the pressure off. The best interviews I’ve ever had were for positions I thought I had little chance of landing. Going in with low expectations allowed me to put everything I had on the table without worrying about making mistakes. Often, the pressure to succeed comes from thinking we should get the position, when that may not be the case. Letting go of that mindset can set you up for success.

You also never know what employers/interviewers are looking for. There may be qualities and experiences you have that could make you a more well-rounded or multifaceted candidate than you realize. Employers may value things you never even thought to mention, such as transferable skills or ability to learn quickly. Sometimes, we underestimate what we bring to the table just because we don't meet all the listed qualifications. It’s easy to assume that a great opportunity is out of reach because it seems too competitive or too good to be true. But sometimes, those opportunities might not be as competitive as you think.

One of my favorite experiences with embracing this mindset was when I reached out to a faculty member conducting research at my college. As a new freshman with no knowledge of an existing position, I never even thought I would get a response and only reached out on a whim. Still, I decided it was worth a shot. To my surprise, I was quickly offered an interview and added to the research team on the spot! A great example of you never know until you try.

At my college, most students have to apply for jobs they don’t feel qualified for as part of the Co-op program. So, this idea is very accepted on my campus. But I can tell you from what I’ve seen that if my friends hadn’t taken these risks they would’ve missed some of their best opportunities! My roommate recently applied for several Co-op positions none of which she felt qualified for because she had no experience in her field. But she went for it anyway thinking all she needed was to get one. She ended up getting offered every single job! Another friend of mine saw an opportunity to apply to be on the executive board of her organization despite only being a 2nd year (of a 5-year program). She ended up being offered next year’s president position! The moral of the story is that sometimes we let insecurities hold us back from what could be some of our most exciting and rewarding experiences. You may be more qualified than you think!

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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Before stepping foot on campus, you are often bombarded with stories about college — tales of life-changing experiences, academic achievements, and unforgettable social moments. These stories, while well-intentioned, can sometimes create an overwhelming sense of expectation. The pressure to succeed, be involved, and make every moment count can make it feel as though you are chasing an ideal rather than crafting your own experience. However, college is a deeply personal journey, and learning to filter external expectations is key to finding confidence in yourself.

If someone tells you that joining multiple organizations was the highlight of their college life, you might feel pressured to do the same—even if balancing multiple extracurriculars isn’t what you want. Or another individual might tell you success in college means landing prestigious internships or graduating with honors, so you chase the highly coveted title of “academic weapon.” A common one that you’ll hear is that college is about personal growth, forming meaningful relationships, or simply making it through each semester while maintaining a healthy balance, so you lay back and chill out, which may stress you out more.

Granted, advice from friends, family, and professors can be valuable, offering insights you might not have considered, and it’s okay to take guidance from those who have walked this path before you. But their experiences should serve as reference points rather than blueprints, and success in college is not one-size-fits-all. What worked for someone else may not necessarily work for you, and that’s perfectly fine.

The key is defining what success looks like for you and allowing that definition to evolve as you grow. Instead of following someone else’s version of success, reflect on your own goals
and personality. Are you happiest when deeply involved in a few meaningful activities, or do you thrive in a wide range of experiences? College is about discovering what fulfills you, not about replicating someone else’s path.

Start by setting personal goals based on what truly matters to you. Maybe your priority is exploring new academic interests, or perhaps you want to focus on mental well-being while maintaining a solid GPA. Whatever your goals may be, they should align with your values, not with what others expect of you. It’s easy to get caught up in comparison, especially in a world where social media highlights everyone’s best moments. Seeing peers securing dream internships, acing exams, or attending endless social events can make you question whether you’re doing enough. But remember: people showcase their successes, not their struggles. When you start to feel overwhelmed by external expectations, take a step back. Limit your exposure to sources that fuel unnecessary pressure. Unfollow accounts that make you doubt your own progress, and instead, seek out spaces that support and encourage your unique journey. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, not those who make you feel inadequate.

And to close this article out, remember that there’s no universal timeline for success. Some people find their passion in their first year, while others take time to explore. Some land their dream job right after graduation, while others carve their own unconventional paths. Your journey is yours alone, and it’s okay if it doesn’t mirror someone else’s. Growth and fulfillment don’t follow a strict schedule. College is a time of exploration, growth, and self-discovery. While it’s helpful to listen to advice and learn from others, the most important thing is to remain true to yourself. Define your own version of success, take the advice that resonates with you, and have the confidence to carve your own path. By doing so, you will create a colorful college experience that is a combination of all the advice you have received — all on your own.

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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Being in your early 20’s can be a whirlwind of uncertainty. What do I want to do with my life? Where do I want to live? Who am I? What do I like, what don’t I like? These questions seem endless. Your 20’s is a crucial time to figure out who you are independently and your experiences and values ultimately shape who you become. The truth is I feel like everyone feels like this and taking the time to ask these questions is already a step in the right direction.

Discovering Yourself through Hobbies

Finding hobbies that are tailored to you is the best way to get to know your interests and values. The key is finding hobbies you genuinely enjoy doing in your free time without feeling like a chore. By incorporating hobbies that fill aspects of your life —social needs, professional needs, creative needs, physical needs and self-care needs— you’ll create a well-rounded foundation for personal growth. Ultimately finding a few hobbies in each of these categories will set you up for success with truly knowing yourself.

Social Hobbies: Building Connections

Fulfilling your social needs is essential for personal well-being. Surrounding yourself with the right people and meaningful activities can enrich your life. Your social needs can be met in a few different ways like hosting dinner parties, joining a book club, going out with friends, going to brunch or visiting some of your favorite places with your friends. When it comes to socializing and friendships, quality often outweighs quantity. Finding like-minded friends and a support system will help you grow in ways you’ve never expected.

Intellectual Hobbies: Expanding Your Mind

Keeping your brain engaged is just as important as staying physically active. Intellectual hobbies challenge you, enhance your skills and help you become a more well-rounded person. Consider exploring activities like reading books, watching documentaries, learning a new language, taking online courses to grow your skills and writing. Engaging in these types of activities will not only sharpen your mind but also enhance your ability to communicate and connect with others.

Physical Hobbies: Keeping Your Body Active

Physical hobbies are so important for keeping both your mind and body sharp. The beauty of movement is there is something for everyone! There are so many different sports and activities you can do like swimming, tennis, volleyball, golf, Pilates, running, dancing and so much more! Finding a physical activity that you enjoy will make it easier to stay consistent and improve your well-being.

Self-Care and Wellness: Recharging your Energy

Taking care of yourself is just as important as any other aspect in life. Prioritizing self-care ensures that you have the energy and mental clarity to pursue your passions. Self-care can be different from person to person, but some great ones are spa days, meditation, journaling, practicing your religion, nature walks, massages and therapy and counseling. These activities should help you feel recharged and ready to take on the world!

Embracing Your Journey

Becoming your best self is not about having all the answers. It’s about being open to exploration, growth and creating your own happiness. Your 20’s are the perfect time to experiment and figure out what truly fulfills you. The key is to embrace the journey, stay focused and build a life that aligns with your values.

So, what’s one new hobby you want to try?

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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At the beginning of each year and each semester, students may make all different kinds of resolutions Whether it be exercising more, making new friends, or studying harder, almost every student finds something that they want to change. No matter the change though, one thing stays the same: organizational habits need an improvement! By organizing your life, you can achieve any goal you set your mind to!

Organize Your Day

Utilizing different planning apps like a digital calendar, a physical planner, or other organization apps on your phone can make planning your day-to-day schedule so much easier. I often find myself not remembering to do activities like going to the gym or meeting up with friends unless I make a conscious effort to write down and plan these events! Small efforts can go a long way.

What’s a Dopamine Menu?

This is one of the best tools I’ve found to “organize my happiness!” A dopamine menu is a small list of tasks that can be completed to make you feel happier! The “dopamine” aspect of the name refers to the chemical known as the “happy hormone.” The “menu” aspect refers to the fact that the list is often organized as a menu. Appetizers are actions that don’t take long and could include listening to your favorite song, cuddling a pet, or stretching. Entrees take a little bit longer – maybe going for a walk, cooking a favorite meal, or taking a long shower. Sides can be done in the background – like putting on your favorite show or lighting a candle. And desserts are special treats, like buying a new outfit or going to your favorite place! I’ve utilized a dopamine menu when I’m feeling stressed from college life. It’s a quick and easy way to give myself the boost I need to get through the day!

Organizing Your Space

Decluttering your space is an easy way to clear your mind. I’ve found that taking time to organize my closet, deep clean my room, and throw out old things that I don’t need allows me to enjoy and relax in the space that I’m living in. A clear mind helps me to study more effectively and reach my other goals more easily!

All in all, college life is never easy. There are constant stressors that take us farther and farther away from reaching our goals! As students, it is important to take a step back and reflect on our habits. With a few changes to our organization skills, we can easily achieve our goals!

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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When it comes to our well-being and health, we were encouraged with vague statements such as “Get a good night's rest!”, “Eat healthy”, or “Make sure to exercise”. Often these conversations can be too generic, as they fail to encapsulate problems such as why someone may not exercise or why someone cannot sleep.

Studies show that nearly 50% of people abandon their gym membership within the first six months. Why? Because getting started can be intimidating. Here are some tips for overcoming common obstacles found in individuals who want to exercise. Before I begin, I want to clarify that every individual is subject to their own impediment. As much as you think the gym influencer on Instagram is perfect, they are not. There is a high chance they have had their own exercise block before.

A frequent problem I notice with people who want to start going to the gym is anxiety or “gymtimidation.”��People fear what other gym-goers might think and are scared to be seen doing what others might perceive as “low-weight” or “low-intensity” workouts. I assure you that most gym enthusiasts are happy to see you taking time to better your life; others are just tunnel visioned on their workout. Nobody is going to degrade you for trying. Not to mention, that the whole concept of a gym routine is not an overnight process. It may be easier to take it slow by starting with things you are familiar with such as walking on a treadmill or a stair master. After a week or two you may progress onto running or weightlifting. All in all, the gym is individualized/tailored to your needs, take your time getting accustomed to it.

Another issue is conflicting schedules and a sense of laziness. Sometimes we just want to “take today off and rest”, which becomes multiple days. One way to combat this is finding a gym partner. Having a gym partner is one of the best drivers for the gym because you both can hold each other accountable, comfort, and compete with one another safely. This can also help with the previous issue of being anxious. Another way to combat laziness is the 3-2-1 method. This method just consists of counting down to the number one. Once you reach it, it is time to jump to action and prepare yourself for the task at hand! The more consistent you are with going to the gym the sooner it becomes a regular routine. Regarding schedule conflict, it is important to remember the gym does not have to be a 2-hour session. All it takes is 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, five days a week to meet the cardiovascular exercise recommendation. During that time, you can listen to music, watch shows, or talk to friends, and before you know it 30 minutes have flown by.

One of the biggest concerns of those beginning to exercise is the “how to”. The answer to this question starts with the question “What is your goal?” If you are like me and want to build muscle mass, then you should try out progressive overload. In short terms, progressive overload involves high-intensity weightlifting, with fewer reps and more weight to emphasize reaching hypertrophy. On the other hand, individuals who seek to lose weight must make sure that they are on a calorie deficit, a process in which you consume fewer calories than the amount required to fuel your body's essential functions and daily activities. If you maintain this deficit, you will lose weight. To attain extremely healthy weight loss, make sure you are getting adequate amounts of carbs, proteins, and fats (determined based on your demographics). Finally, if you are seeking to just stay healthy you should follow ACSM’s guidelines on frequency, intensity, time, and the type of exercise you should do weekly.

Overall, the best way to get into the gym is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Everything about the gym is going to be different from what you are used to. Your body will hurt from soreness, your heart will race to provide oxygen and blood throughout your body, you will sweat to cool off, and you will be in an environment that is new to you. All it takes is for you to dedicate yourself to the process of adaptation. Do not forget to do your research and practice proper form. Good luck with your exercise endeavors!

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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In today’s hyper-connected age, staying focused has become more challenging than ever. With constant notifications, emails, and social media updates vying for our attention, it is easy to lose sight of our priorities. It also does not help that we always carry the internet in our pocket. However, with the right strategies, you can reclaim your focus and navigate the digital world with intention.

The Impact of Digital Distractions

Our brains are wired to seek entertainment and past time, making digital distractions incredibly appealing. Each notification triggers a dopamine release, reinforcing our habit of checking our devices. A constant state of distraction takes a toll on productivity, creativity, and mental well-being. Studies show that it can take up to 23 minutes to refocus after an interruption, underscoring the importance of managing distractions effectively.

Understanding the Cost of Multitasking

Multitasking often feels productive, but research proves otherwise. When we switch between tasks, our brains expend extra energy refocusing, leading to decreased efficiency and more mistakes. Single tasking, which is fully focusing on one task at a time, not only improves productivity but also enhances the quality of your work.

Decluttering Your Digital Environment

One of the first steps to regaining focus is minimizing digital clutter. Start by turning off non-essential notifications to reduce interruptions. Productivity tools can help block distracting apps and websites. Additionally, organizing your desktop and app layout can create a more serene and functional workspace.

Building Focus-Enhancing Habits

Developing habits that enhance focus is crucial. Techniques like the Pomodoro Method, which is working in short, timed intervals with breaks in between, can significantly boost productivity. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, train the brain to resist distractions. Scheduled breaks are equally important, as they prevent burnout and help maintain long-term focus.

Setting Boundaries with Technology

Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining focus. Consider implementing digital detox practices, such as creating no-tech zones in your home or setting specific times to unplug. Many smartphones offer app limits or focus modes that restrict usage during work hours. These boundaries help you regain control over your time and attention.

The Role of Your Physical Environment

Your physical environment plays a critical role in your ability to focus. Design a workspace that minimizes distractions by keeping it clean and organized. Noise-canceling headphones or white noise apps can help block out external distractions, allowing you to concentrate fully on your tasks.

Developing Long-Term Focus Skills

Strengthening your attention span takes time and consistency. Start by engaging in activities that require sustained focus, such as reading or solving puzzles. Practicing digital mindfulness, which is being aware of your tech usage and making intentional changes, can also help. Celebrate small victories as you notice improvements in your ability to concentrate.

The Benefits of a Focused Mind

The rewards of improved focus are immense. Greater productivity, deeper creativity, and enhanced emotional well-being are just a few of the benefits. By mastering the art of focus, you can achieve your goals more effectively and experience a more fulfilling personal and professional life. In a world designed to distract, focus is your superpower.

By implementing these strategies, you can take control of your attention and thrive in an increasingly digital landscape. Remember, focus is not just a skill, it is a practice that requires consistency and dedication.

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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The beginning of a new year is very exciting but can also come with a lot of pressure. People aim high, setting really ambitious goals for the new year. Setting goals (New Year’s Resolutions) for yourself can be a great way to keep yourself motivated throughout the year.

Last year I wrote out my New Year’s Resolutions for the first time and found it helpful in visualizing my thoughts. I came up with categories that describe my current life and then put a few goals in each of those categories. For example, I had an academics section, a health section, a career section, a relationships section, and miscellaneous. When making goals for each of these sections, I tried to come up with some smaller goals and some bigger goals. By completing my smaller goals, I worked towards completing my bigger goals. I also put a timeframe on my goals, so that they were measurable, and I had a way to track my progress.

My year last year felt more productive than previous years. I think that started with even making goals in the first place – I subconsciously was always working towards them. Making goals in different categories ensured that I devoted some time to categories that often were pushed to the side. I made it a priority to move my body and exercise a few times a week. This released significant amounts of stress for me because it took my mind off of homework or an upcoming test. I focused on trying to read more books in my free time, instead of mindlessly scrolling on social media. I love to read; I just hadn’t made it a priority before. I used to believe that I was too busy to read books for fun while at school, but I learned that you always have time if you make time.

Another goal of mine was to prioritize relationships. My goal was to call one sibling every week as well as one friend from high school during the school year, and one sibling and one friend from college during the summer. Holding myself to this allowed me to stay more up to date with friends who I don’t get to see in person as often as I’d like to.

I would strongly recommend making goals at the beginning of the year because it helped me grow a lot as a person and improved my quality of life. Organizing my goals into categories helped me stay on track long after the glow of the New Year’s holiday had faded away. I felt great, both physically and mentally, after making an active effort to spend less time on social media, read more, exercise more, and prioritize relationships. Make time for the things you enjoy!

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 I sit and reflect on the person I’ve become, I realize the individual I once identified with feels like a distant, familiar stranger. “Creative” was never a word I associated with myself or imagined others would use to describe me. Yet now, creativity defines my world and has become an intrinsic part of who I am. However, this transformation didn’t happen overnight. The journey to discovering my creative side and, ultimately, my newest passion was anything but easy.

After walking away from football during my sophomore year of college, I felt lost and aimless. Football had been such an intrinsic part of my life that I never allowed myself to believe I could excel at anything else. For six months, life without football left me at my lowest point. I didn’t know who I was anymore—until I found my way back to my first true love: storytelling.

Storytelling is the fuel that drives me forward in life. I’ve always had an affinity for creative storytelling, whether factual or fictional. The very act of weaving narratives has always fascinated me. Although my life was deeply entrenched in the student-athlete lifestyle, I often turned to media and storytelling as my escape. When football was no longer part of my day-to- day life, I immersed myself in narrative storytelling more deeply than ever before. With my newfound free time, I had no idea what to do—until one day, my younger brother, a 2D animator, suggested I start making videos. With nothing to lose, I decided to take the risk.

I’ll be transparent: I don’t believe I found creativity—creativity found me. From the moment I dipped my hand in the cookie jar, I became obsessed. From writing scripts to learning how to edit, tapping into my creative side became more than just a hobby—it was therapeutic. It forced me to reflect and understand myself in ways I never had before, sparking the motivation to become the person I truly want to be. I fell in love with the introspection that storytelling required, because to tell great stories, one must first understand their own.

As time goes on, I see myself continuing to grow as a creative. I view it as my avenue to live a truly free life. But what this journey has also taught me is how easy it is to put ourselves in boxes, limiting our ability to think beyond those confines. Creativity shattered those limits for me, showing me that the capabilities of our minds are truly endless.

Creative storytelling helped me discover that we are not meant to be tied to a single, fixed identity—whether defined by society or by ourselves. We are far more nuanced, and our minds are filled with infinite possibilities. As an aspiring storyteller in all its forms, my dream is to travel the world and provide people with a comfortable platform to share their stories. Learning about my own creative abilities has inspired me to dedicate my life to one guiding principle: Chasing Infinity.

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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Hey there, Resolution Revolutionaries!

As the new year approaches, we reflect on areas we hope to improve and grow. While New Year's resolutions often start with great enthusiasm, they can quickly lose momentum. However, we can approach resolutions with a new mindset and focus on achieving tangible results. These are my tips for anyone looking to keep their momentum going in the new year!

Dream Big and Start Small:

Pursuing grand visions transcends mere pastime—it's a catalyst for meaningful change. Our most ambitious goals find their roots in the vast expanse of our imagination, a space where the future can exceed the bounds of our current reality. Let's explore boundless opportunities and chart a strategic course towards our ambitions.

This year, I took time to think about what I wanted my life to look like long after graduating college instead of arbitrarily making my resolutions. I wanted to have time to explore my hobbies, speak multiple languages, and live an active lifestyle. I imagined the most idealized version of myself possible, and once I did, I made my yearly goals–with a twist. Instead of giving myself a year to accomplish them, I gave myself three months. The Twelve Week Year has been widely replicated by many people looking to take their goals to the finish line, and once I read the book by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington, I did the same! Although I did not achieve everything I set out to do and wasn't consistent every day, I achieved much more in 12 weeks than in the previous 12 months. If you’re also struggling to stay consistent for a seemingly long period, try implementing it yourself!

By dreaming without constraints, we unlock a wellspring of motivation and innovation, rendering the once unattainable within reach. However, the key to tangible progress lies in setting smaller, achievable goals. These steps deconstruct the journey, making our grand visions more accessible. By translating our dreams into actionable plans, we move from abstract aspirations to concrete achievements, ensuring our goals evolve from thoughts into reality.

Visualize Goals Daily

Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you turn your dreams into reality. By closing your eyes and picturing yourself achieving your goals, you can tap into the power of your subconscious mind and start to make things happen. But visualization is not just about seeing things in your mind's eye. It's also about using visual cues to keep your aspirations front and center in your consciousness.

One way to visualize is through creating a vision board! A vision board is collages of images and words representing your goals and desires. You can create your vision board on a poster board, a corkboard, or online. To make a vision board, gather images and words that inspire you and arrange them meaningfully and powerfully. I planned a vision board party with a few of my closest friends in December last year. We spent hours cutting out pictures and words from magazines, and then we arranged them on our vision boards. We talked about our goals and aspirations for the coming year as we worked. We shared why we wanted to visit a city, strengthen a habit, or start a new hobby. This made us mentally resolved to accomplish those things and gave us a group of people to hold each other accountable.

Once we finished our vision boards, I propped mine up on my desk to see it every time I sat down to work. Looking at my vision board daily reminded me of all the promises I made to myself and gave me a sense of purpose when I struggled to be consistent with my daily routine. Try collecting some magazines, scissors, and a corkboard, and let your dreams take shape!

Stay Flexible

Life has a way of throwing unexpected twists and turns our way, often derailing the best-laid plans. Some weeks are packed with exams, assignments, and deadlines; others might be very relaxed. It's important to understand that these fluctuations are a natural part of our existence. Embracing the ebb and flow of change involves staying adaptable and open to revising our goals or methods when necessary.

One of my goals was to walk 15k steps every day. I knew this would be a challenge on some days, like the weekends when I’d spend the entire day at home if I didn’t make any plans with my friends or family. So, I intentionally made plans to walk around campus with a friend or schedule a workout class at the campus gym. This worked out great for the first few weeks when my friends and I were caught up in the spirit of the new year and were extra motivated to hit our daily goals. However, as the weeks went by, we occasionally had to cancel plans because we had other commitments, needed to grind out some schoolwork, or just wanted a day to be lazy and catch up on our favorite reality TV shows. Instead of feeling anxious about not meeting a particular metric, I gave myself grace because my goal was to consistently apply my effort, not through short, intense bursts of energy that made me want to quit. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small a victory is in its own right.

And there you have it, folks – the best guiding principles to crushing your New Year's resolutions like a boss. Remember, it's not about the destination but the journey of self- discovery and growth. So, go forth and conquer those goals with gusto! Keep striving, keep thriving, and keep being your amazing selves!

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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