Rainy days are back at Brockport.
This isn't really life or goal related, just a simple reminder that everyone needs an umbrella or a good rain coat if you attend The College at Brockport.
It doesn't do it on purpose, but the rain seems to happen at the most inopportune moments. Days I want to keep my hair straight because I'm presenting for a class, or days that I'm in a good mood but because it's raining I'm automatically more prone to be quiet because of the rain. So instead of walking around campus getting soaked and being more miserable than you probably are already (because you're going to class) invest in an umbrella or a raincoat! Wear shoes that won't get soaked throughout the day, and of course when you are done for the day enjoy the sound of the rain. It's soothing, and can add an incredibly calming effect to your day.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Money? That's right. Money.
College kids, and money. Oh - what a topic to embark on...
Compulsive shopping habits.
Walmart. Wegmans. Tanning. Movies.
Stress means spending money.
Food! Alcohol! Bars!
Shoes. Clothes. Bags.
If any of these ring a bell to you, it's probably because you send your cold, hard-earned cash on it...errr, rather swipe a plastic card, but still you're spending the money you worked for!
Here's the thing: We are bombarded with credit card offers in the mail. We are bombarded with advertisements for new cellphones, new laptops, new iPods, and even the hottest fashions. How do we get what we want without overspending? How we do define the difference between things we want versus things we need, and how do we get through college without going into credit card debt?
It's not just Brockport, and it's not all college students, but it is a growing concern for our generation. Lucy Lazarony, from Brakrate.com, sums it up the best "It's absolutely epidemic the debts I see with young people and it follows them into their 30s and 40s."
Check out this article for tips about how to avoid credit card traps: How to budget, limit yourself, and use your credit the way you should.
But reading an article won't solve your problems. As a fellow student, let me give you some tips and ideas...
I don't carry cash. Ever. For a few reasons - it can get stolen much easier, I spend it much quicker, and honestly I hardly ever need it because credit is accepted pretty much everywhere. So how did I manage to make it through college without any debt? I'll give you a few ideas...
1. Keep an eye on your money. You should always know how much money you've been spending, and how much is in your account.
2. I want that new iPod. It doesn't mean that you have to have it RIGHT now. If it's going to blow your bank account, then leave it in the store. Like it? Love it? Start a piggy bank for your expensive gifts to yourself. When enough change builds up you'll be able to get it. Or try and make a deal with your parents. Got a younger sibling? When you are home for breaks try this: "Listen, I'll pick up _____ whenever this break if you guys chip in half of my new iPod." They might surprise you with a yes answer.
3. Limit yourself to one credit, and one emergency card. Set a limit for yourself. If the company tries to give you a $5000 limit, call them and ask them to lower it. Limits can be overwhelmingly high, so you have to force yourself to make a budget. Know your monthly bills - your cell phone, car insurance, gas and electric, food bills, cable and internet, and anything else that you pay monthly. Once you have your monthly bills set, you can know then how much money you have to play with!
4. Are your friends going to the bars, and you don't have the money for it? Offer to be the DD, that way there is no temptation to spend the money you don't have on alcohol.
And finally 5. Don't waste your money! Don't go to Walmart or Wegmans and buy eight things you won't ever use. Spend wisely - it's key to making the right decisions.
Compulsive shopping habits.
Walmart. Wegmans. Tanning. Movies.
Stress means spending money.
Food! Alcohol! Bars!
Shoes. Clothes. Bags.
If any of these ring a bell to you, it's probably because you send your cold, hard-earned cash on it...errr, rather swipe a plastic card, but still you're spending the money you worked for!
Here's the thing: We are bombarded with credit card offers in the mail. We are bombarded with advertisements for new cellphones, new laptops, new iPods, and even the hottest fashions. How do we get what we want without overspending? How we do define the difference between things we want versus things we need, and how do we get through college without going into credit card debt?
It's not just Brockport, and it's not all college students, but it is a growing concern for our generation. Lucy Lazarony, from Brakrate.com, sums it up the best "It's absolutely epidemic the debts I see with young people and it follows them into their 30s and 40s."
Check out this article for tips about how to avoid credit card traps: How to budget, limit yourself, and use your credit the way you should.
But reading an article won't solve your problems. As a fellow student, let me give you some tips and ideas...
I don't carry cash. Ever. For a few reasons - it can get stolen much easier, I spend it much quicker, and honestly I hardly ever need it because credit is accepted pretty much everywhere. So how did I manage to make it through college without any debt? I'll give you a few ideas...
1. Keep an eye on your money. You should always know how much money you've been spending, and how much is in your account.
2. I want that new iPod. It doesn't mean that you have to have it RIGHT now. If it's going to blow your bank account, then leave it in the store. Like it? Love it? Start a piggy bank for your expensive gifts to yourself. When enough change builds up you'll be able to get it. Or try and make a deal with your parents. Got a younger sibling? When you are home for breaks try this: "Listen, I'll pick up _____ whenever this break if you guys chip in half of my new iPod." They might surprise you with a yes answer.
3. Limit yourself to one credit, and one emergency card. Set a limit for yourself. If the company tries to give you a $5000 limit, call them and ask them to lower it. Limits can be overwhelmingly high, so you have to force yourself to make a budget. Know your monthly bills - your cell phone, car insurance, gas and electric, food bills, cable and internet, and anything else that you pay monthly. Once you have your monthly bills set, you can know then how much money you have to play with!
4. Are your friends going to the bars, and you don't have the money for it? Offer to be the DD, that way there is no temptation to spend the money you don't have on alcohol.
And finally 5. Don't waste your money! Don't go to Walmart or Wegmans and buy eight things you won't ever use. Spend wisely - it's key to making the right decisions.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Senioritis
In August I slowly started to realize that this year would be senior year of my undergraduate. Going to college I never pictured myself graduating. I pictured myself going to class, finding a job, doing internships, but I never pictured myself receiving my degree. As weird as it is I find myself in the third week of my second to last college semester. With only 12 credits, I'm working 17 hours a week, and also teaching swim lessons. It turns out 12 credits feels like quite a bit more when you have the dreaded...SENIORITIS.
It's true; I have the bug. Although I managed to make it out of high school without getting it I seem to be one of the first infected for my senior year. It started slowly; you know things like, "Oh I'll do the reading later..." and get to class just to remember I had not done the reading yet, and now I just admit to, "Yeah I'm probably not going to do it." So what now? I have 27 weeks of my college career left. I can't spend the rest of it slacking...
Of course, it is not just seniors that need to be worried about the "itis". Many underclassmen will experience the same feelings. Thoughts like "does this really matter?" and "it's just one chapter" should be your first sign to knowing you need to pull it together. No matter if you are a freshman or a senior you should your do work well, in advance, and ask questions about the material if you are unsure.
So let me give you some advice for kicking your "itis;" It is a a real challenge, I know.
Tips to get your head back in the game!
1. Make a schedule! Knowing where you should and when you should be there is key to success. And beyond that knowing when things are due, when your group meetings are, when you are working, and anything else that you need to know or be at put on a calendar. Planners, agendas and wall calendars can help to get your head in the game. Use a whiteboard if you need to write you homework somewhere that you can see it. Don't put this in a place that it can be ignored!
2. Keep regular activity in your life! If you are a daily runner, swimmer, weight lifter don't let these things slip out of your life. It's okay if you don't do it everyday, but you should try and keep it in your week schedule 3 to 4 times a week. Physical activity allows your body to release different chemicals in your order to keep from getting overly stressed. Plus, when you are eating like most college students do you should keep active just to keep off the weight!
3. Eat healthy! College is not an ideal place for lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains, but try making good decisions. Fast food is an easy answer for when you are hungry, but it won't fill you up. Researchers also believe that fast food makes your brain work slower, and motivate you less to do work - physical activity or mental.
4. Constantly remind yourself that there is LIFE after college! Really. There is. I swear; Brockport has alumni that can prove it. Life doesn't end after you get your degree. In many cases, the real world will just be starting for you. Make the best of your college experience by learning as much as possible when you are here. Regardless if you are going into the workforce, or right into graduate school, your last here at college matters.
and finally...
5. Don't distract yourself! If you have things that you need to get done, then do it. Turn off the television and music, close your bedroom door, get away from your friends, housemates, roommates, and even turning off your cellphone will help. Close your Internet browser - Facebook is the number one distraction for college students, and we have learned to waste priceless hours on it. Whatever it takes, get your work done.
In the end kicking the senioritis bug is a choice. It is not a real disease, and it only affects you if you let it! Take advantage of these tips, and get started. No one wants to finish their college career on a bad note.
It's true; I have the bug. Although I managed to make it out of high school without getting it I seem to be one of the first infected for my senior year. It started slowly; you know things like, "Oh I'll do the reading later..." and get to class just to remember I had not done the reading yet, and now I just admit to, "Yeah I'm probably not going to do it." So what now? I have 27 weeks of my college career left. I can't spend the rest of it slacking...
Of course, it is not just seniors that need to be worried about the "itis". Many underclassmen will experience the same feelings. Thoughts like "does this really matter?" and "it's just one chapter" should be your first sign to knowing you need to pull it together. No matter if you are a freshman or a senior you should your do work well, in advance, and ask questions about the material if you are unsure.
So let me give you some advice for kicking your "itis;" It is a a real challenge, I know.
Tips to get your head back in the game!
1. Make a schedule! Knowing where you should and when you should be there is key to success. And beyond that knowing when things are due, when your group meetings are, when you are working, and anything else that you need to know or be at put on a calendar. Planners, agendas and wall calendars can help to get your head in the game. Use a whiteboard if you need to write you homework somewhere that you can see it. Don't put this in a place that it can be ignored!
2. Keep regular activity in your life! If you are a daily runner, swimmer, weight lifter don't let these things slip out of your life. It's okay if you don't do it everyday, but you should try and keep it in your week schedule 3 to 4 times a week. Physical activity allows your body to release different chemicals in your order to keep from getting overly stressed. Plus, when you are eating like most college students do you should keep active just to keep off the weight!
3. Eat healthy! College is not an ideal place for lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains, but try making good decisions. Fast food is an easy answer for when you are hungry, but it won't fill you up. Researchers also believe that fast food makes your brain work slower, and motivate you less to do work - physical activity or mental.
4. Constantly remind yourself that there is LIFE after college! Really. There is. I swear; Brockport has alumni that can prove it. Life doesn't end after you get your degree. In many cases, the real world will just be starting for you. Make the best of your college experience by learning as much as possible when you are here. Regardless if you are going into the workforce, or right into graduate school, your last here at college matters.
and finally...
5. Don't distract yourself! If you have things that you need to get done, then do it. Turn off the television and music, close your bedroom door, get away from your friends, housemates, roommates, and even turning off your cellphone will help. Close your Internet browser - Facebook is the number one distraction for college students, and we have learned to waste priceless hours on it. Whatever it takes, get your work done.
In the end kicking the senioritis bug is a choice. It is not a real disease, and it only affects you if you let it! Take advantage of these tips, and get started. No one wants to finish their college career on a bad note.
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