College Life Blues: Tips To Survive Campus Life

There are really some major adjustments that need to be done once you reach college. One is being away from your family for quite a long time. Second, you should start learning to do things on your own. And, 3^rd and probably the hardest is to keep your budget tight by staying away from expenses that are unnecessary. This is the right time to learn the difference between want and need or else you'll end up eating noodles the whole day.

Here are some tips you should keep in mind to survive college life:

Keep Yourself Focused on Your Goal

Growing up in a family where mom is always beside you taking care of everything, could mean a difficult situation for college starters. Somehow it may be difficult at first, but just thinking about what your life would be in the next 4 or 5 years, and what changes it will bring to your life and to you as a person will serve as an inspiration. So better keep your fingers crossed, look forward to what your University has to offer and keep the faith that you can survive.

Keep in Mind that the Campus is Your Home Away From Home

I guess the best way to get over your homesickness is to start making new friends; with that at least you will have someone to talk to when you miss your family. Take some time familiarizing yourself inside the University.  Getting used to the place where you are now will somehow help ease your burden, after all this will be your home for the meantime. Try new things that you think will help you improve yourself or something where you can learn from.

Learn to Explore

Make yourself busy by joining school organizations and learn new things from them and at the same time making yourself productive. University life gives way to a new chapter to a student’s life and you should be prepared once you step inside the campus. There will be mixed emotions like excitement, fear, and anxiety but above all these, determination and perseverance is just some of the major factors you need to possess upon entering college life.

If you really want to pursue a career in college, constantly remind yourself that life inside the campus is one of the training grounds to the real world. You can also try getting some online degrees in between semesters for advance studies. Learning and accepting the challenges that you will encounter will help you become a better and more responsible person in the future. 

By: Irene Nepomuceno

Reduce College Stress: Top 3 Ways to Organize

One of the best ways to reduce college stress is to get organized. Even in the middle of the semester of college classes it’s not too late! Here is the top 3 methods that have worked best for me. 

1. I have found the best way for me is to get a binder with a clear pocket on the front, where I place the class schedule, with exam dates highlighted. Inside the binder I have tabbed dividers where I have everything organized by the class. In the front is blank notebook paper with a 3 hole punch. Following is my course syllabus and assignment sheets, lecture notes and power points, research articles for my final papers, and course work. I have 2 courses in this binder that fall on the same day. Most of this can be recycled semester after semester, just changing out the course materials. Saving money helps reduce my stress too. 

2. I utilize a dry erase board. I found the best way to keep up with all of the homework and things coming up soon is to write it down in a place I visit frequently, the fridge. I have my board divided into 4 courses, and a blank spot for work/personal things. I placed clear tape over the dividing lines so it won't erase easily, alone with over the course titles. As things are coming up I add them to the board. It feels relieving to erase the things I have accomplished. At the end of the semester, I can peel it off and start again for the next semester, saving money.

 

3. Keep supplies close! Everyone needs pens and pencils. I prefer a cosmetics bag as it is smaller than the typical pencil pouches, and I like the clear plastic. I like being able to quickly see what I am reaching for instead of digging and making noise in a quite classroom during lecture. Inside my pencil case is a host of supplies for school, including some pens of different colors, mechanical pencils, highlighters, a spare flash drive, paper clips, and sticky notes for marking pages or chapters in text books.

 

6 Great Budget Savers Tips for the College Freshman

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or change a lot to live your college days more frugally but happy.  Preparing for a future career doesn't mean you have to spend a lot  in college.  College students are known for being hungry all the time and nose around for fast food.  Aside from stuffing your figure with cold pizza or yogurt in the wee hours of the evening, you can try these 6 great tips on how to save money while living on a healthy diet inside the campus.  You can also be a responsible student even while you are taking college degrees online.

Plan your menu.  It may sound overwhelming but it’s just a matter of taking advantage of sales in the stores and storing left overs the right way for consumption instead of ordering another box of expensive pizza.   Dorms usually have their common kitchen where you can prepare your own food by getting ingredients from your own cafeteria.  

Be resourceful.  You can save money by using all your possible resources instead of spending money to pay bills or buy new gadgets.  Charge your cellular phones or laptops at free charging stations when you still have time. This will cut down your electric bill.  If you’re not really connecting to the internet 24/7, you can just take advantage of the free wifi at coffee shops or in school to do your research or send emails.  Use an energy saver bulb to light up the whole room instead of using 2 or 3 lamps at the same time.   Learn to sew and knit so you can fix your torn pants and sweaters instead of bringing them to the seamstress.  

Keep track of super sales.  You should shop early for holiday and birthday gifts.  When walking around, spend a few moments to check out deals or some items on slashed prices.  Stock school supplies and refills instead of buying a new item each time.  Use credit cards on emergency only.  Do not fall victim to the idea of buy now pay later.  Instead, find bargains which you can buy when you have ample cash.  

Ask for hand-me-downs.  Your parents surely have a lot of items in their garage which you can bring to your dorm for personal use.  There is nothing shameful about getting hand-me-downs even from your friends.  It could be an unused fleece blanket, old lamps, stool/chairs, or work table.  You can even make money out of the old items if you know how to dish them off properly.  

Use the school library.  They have countless CDs/DVDs you can borrow for research or even to watch for entertainment without having to pay any fee.  Do not charge your credit card just to get the top of the line laptop when you can use the library to do your research and assignments.  Remember, it’s better to buy your stuff in cold cash you saved or earned while studying rather than swiping away.  

Stay indoors.  It’s fun and exciting to go out with friends but instead of going out for date nights, order a DVD to watch together and get some popcorn to go with it.  If you really have to meet someone outside of the campus, better plan an ice cream or coffee meeting instead of going out during dinner time.  And instead of going to the movies at the mall, take a walk and just window shop with your girlfriends. You’ll enjoy each other’s company more as you have more time for giggles and chitchats.  



By: Cleo Capili

Distance Learning for Full Time Moms

Moms who are in their early 30’s or even those in their mid-50s are interested to go back to school.  The idea to enroll and get a degree comes in when the kids begin to go to school too and the parents have a few hours to themselves which they can use to further their education. This is heightened by the fact that many mothers would like to keep their cognitive skills up and running and engage with other people with the same interests.  One solution to that dilemma is to get distance learning education or what are commonly called online college courses.   

There are many colleges and universities that offer distance learning courses and I am very sure that most of them cater to mothers who would like to study on their free time.  These online courses are very flexible and will allow you to choose from over a hundred of courses that will excite you to go back to classrooms.  These programs are suited for moms who are still taking care of the family full time, who work on a 9 to 5 shift, and take care of babies or even their parents who are sick.

There are many reasons why someone may want to go back to school.  You may want to study while on maternity leave and prepare yourself when it's time to go back to work.  Some mothers just love the thought of learning and it makes them feel fulfilled when they take courses online or go back to school.  Some would like to take the opportunity to take the classes they didn't do in the past. While others who studied literature would like to study sciences for a change.

Although top rated online colleges has its perks especially for mothers who are busy at home,  I know that you would like to get the chance to  go to an actual school; however, there are disadvantages as well.  One could be  the limited means to interact with other students.  Among the challenges some mothers face when they take online courses is their lack of computer skills which is often the main requirement for an online course.  Non-techy moms will have to learn how to download an application that is needed to join the class, download and save files, and  simply use the internet to shop for your online courses.  But I know for a fact that these are just minor setbacks to your dream of going back to distance learning colleges.  It is always possible to learn those skills and we can find ways to help other moms out there who would like to do just the same. 

You may want to do a little survey among other moms in your neighborhood and see if they are also interested to go back to school online.  You can coordinate and get together to make plans on how to take similar courses online in one venue. 

In today’s need for speed and learning, the fact is that more and more mothers are getting interested in leveling up and furthering their learned skills whether it is with an online accredited school or in an actual school.  But most definitely, online distance learning programs are expected to deliver and answer your needs.  I just hope that more and more colleges and universities work together in preparing online degrees to cater to mommy learners as well and support their need to learn effectively. 



By: Cleo Capili

Learning a Second Language: How Significant it is to Be a Bi-Lingual

A lot of people will say: “I don’t need to learn another language, I am already an English native speaker” or “I don’t like to learn a different Language because I have my own Language”. Well, not me. 

If you look at the job boards nowadays, most of the job requirements will say: “Must be Bi-Lingual” or “Preferably Bi-Lingual”. So, if you are job hunting, learning a second language is a must. It will give you more opportunities to land on a job you are applying for. And sometimes, having a resume on a second language is a requirement for a global market. When you know their language, it shows your potentials as an aspiring job candidate to learn and grasp comprehensive information systems. You will be captivating in the eyes of the Human Resource Manager. You will be seen as a prospective talent for their company.

If you are a traveler, you will be able to order from the menus in the restaurant, follow the street signs, and people in that place will be able to help you easily because they understand what you are saying. And by trying to learn their language is showing respect to their culture.

If you want to grow your business, you will close more deals when you speak the language of your prospective client. The ability to communicate with their language boosts the quality of relationship you are building. It is definitely a valuable asset in business. See now how important it is to be bi-lingual?

It would be difficult of course to explore a language of a culture which is not your own. But being open minded and your willingness to learn will make it easier. When you learn a second language, it will take you out of your accustomed mindset and expose you to a totally different group of people’s customs. The way you see the world expands beyond your old thinking and your understanding on how they think will also be different. 

There is no such easy thing to do in this world. You need to go through that difficult process but it’s worth it. Just by having a list of new vocabulary words makes it feel good. It’s like exercising your muscles. When you’re active, your brain will have a better memory, organization, and expression. When you express yourself in a different language, it helps you improve yourself expression in your native tongue automatically too. 

Now, you may be asking yourself: “How can I learn a second language and where?” Well, it’s so easy because we have different resources now on how to learn a second language and become a fluent speaker in a new language. Pick what is best for you.

Campus Learning

You can check community colleges, universities, and some private institutions that are offering a second language course. The range of selections varies depending on the size of the school. Of course, you will be charged for classes and materials. Learning a second language is very in demand nowadays which made this field a growing industry.

Online Learning

The internet offers a lot of online tutorials or best online schools to learn a second language. It’s very convenient because with the innovative technologies you can learn through videos language lessons, white boards, and even chats that will give guide you on your pronunciation. The native speakers and fellow students will give you feedback to help you improve your speaking. Youtube videos, podcasts, and online messaging are tools that you and the teacher can use to facilitate connections and contact. With these resources, it will allow you (the online student) to learn at your own pace without pressure. And when you’re good at researching, you can find a free online school for your second language learning adventure.

Moving to the Country

This is what they call immersion. When you move to the country where you want to learn their language, you will absorb their language easily as well as their way of living. In the beginning, you may feel awkward and scared but when you’re persistent and attentive, the sounds and the meanings of their language will enter your mind and become internalized. What you learn stays longer. It’s compared to an athlete’s muscle memory.

You can also buy a dictionary to look up foreign words that you may encounter on your learning. So, what method of learning will you choose? The decision is up to you. Just bear in mind that you are doing it to make your life better and it is fun! It’s not too late to educate yourself. I found myself interested in the online learning since it’s free. I think Spanish is worth learning. How about you? What second language do you think you want to learn?

By: Ritchell Thibodeaux

7 Tips on How to be a Productive Housewife

The notion of being a housewife is just an unemployed wife, staying at home doing household chores, and taking care of the kids. That is the first thing most people will think when you say you’re a housewife. Is that what you’re thinking too? I am a housewife but I can say I have a great life.

Being a housewife is not an easy job and it’s without pay too that’s why most women are unhappy. It’s time to make a change. Cheer up momma! Even though you’re just a housewife you can be productive on your own. It’s not too late to open your door too some things that will make a difference. All you need to do is manage your time properly, be a positive thinker, and move it!

Here are some tips for you to help you be a productive housewife and be happy even you’re just at home:

1.     Schedule Household Chores

Make a list on the things that you need to accomplish in the house and make a schedule when to work on them. From the time you wake up, cook breakfast, dish washing, drop kids to school, clean the house, pick up kids from school, grocery shopping, dinner preparation, gardening, and laundry. Grocery shopping, gardening and laundry can be done once a week, right? If you put things on a certain time schedule, you can accomplish a lot of things on time and you will have more time for yourself. You’ll not feel exhausted. This is time management.

2.    Dance to the Beat!

Housewives should look better than wives with a regular job. Yes,, because you have more time for yourself at home. That should be the case. Don't take yourself for granted. While doing your household chores turn on the music and dance to the beat. While the laundry is spinning, groove it. You will feel great and will be healthy and fit.

3.    Read Motivational Books

When you read books that will help you change your old self defeating thoughts, it will really make a significant difference to the way you view life. Being positive opens your signal to good opportunities, happy family, and good luck.

4.    Social Media Networking

Who says it’s boring to stay at home? What is the internet doing? You can connect to your long lost friends from high school or college, distant relatives, business associates, and meet new friends online. This way you have a social life and it’s a high tech way of keeping in touch.

5.    Current Events

Since you are at home, this is your chance to be up to date on the current events. Be smart on knowing the weather forecast, showbiz issues, up-coming movies, political issues. This will help your family prepare for the day and be informed too on what’s happening in the world. You will be the home based reporter. How about that?

6.    Online Education

Staying at home sometimes make you feel you are not smart. But, hey you are! You just have to dig deeper. Believe in yourself and strive more. It’s not too late to have a degree or add something to your knowledge. Why not check on the best accredited online schools? There are a lot to choose from. You can try to enhance your present knowledge or learn a new one. Learning is for all and not just for kids. This is your chance to keep your mind sharp. Don’t be afraid to feed your brain. You will feel good doing this. I’m so sure.

7.    Virtual Work

I bet you are surprised with this virtual work. Yes, you can be a virtual contractor/freelancer. This is a person who works remotely and provides various services to different business people. Meaning, you can earn money while you are at home. But, be careful because there a lot of scammers out there. You can work as a freelance writer, blogger, transcriber, translator, English as Second Language Teacher, survey taker, website builder, recruiter, call center agent, bookkeeper, administrative assistant, and a lot more. There are some well known outsourcing platforms online where you can create your profile and bid for projects. All you need is your computer and your basic skills. It’s amazing because you’re at home but you are earning dollars and you can still do your duties as a wife and a mother. That’s what they call multitasking.

I think being a housewife is the most amazing status a woman can be because you can do a lot of things in one day without neglecting your family. Now that you know how to be a productive housewife, what are you waiting for? Go on and widen your horizons and be proud of yourself. I am a productive housewife. I know you can too. No one can say I am just a housewife doing nothing because I can do more things than any woman can do with a regular job.

By: Ritchell Thibodeaux

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How to Balance Love and Study

Are you presently in love? What a wonderful feeling isn’t it? It seems that you are smiling with me now. I know the feeling. “Love is a many splendored thing” as the song goes. When you’re in love, you are so happy, cheerful, blooming, beautiful, alive, and many more positive things that you can ever imagine. Just make sure, that person is a good influence to your life to be worth it.

If you are a student and you are in a romantic relationship, as if you are in cloud nine and nothing matters except that special someone of yours. Your education is the one that gets mostly affected or it’s the other way around, your love one is taken for granted because you’re too focused on your studies and you don’t give time for love.

Thinking wisely with a heart is the best solution so that neither love nor your education will suffer. If you are starting your college life, it would be good to do some planning. Yes, planning! In life, if you plan ahead of time you get better results. It’s about keeping all in balance. You don’t need to choose between love and study because you can balance them. Love should not be an obstacle to your studies and your studies should not be an obstacle to your love life. How? Well, here are some simple tips that you can do to make things in its proper places:

Time Management

There are certain things to be done on certain times. If you are at school, it is just proper to study and not to concentrate more on your love one’s presence. This doesn’t mean that you will not see him on weekdays especially when you are in the same campus. You just have to schedule your dates only on weekends. No dating on weekdays; No hanging out before the exam day; and do your homework first before texting or talking on the phone. Aside from time for love and studies, you also need time for your family, friends, and for yourself. Just don't focus on one thing; balance everything. When you do this, you will serve your purpose as a good student, lover, family member, and as an individual for a better future. If you have a good education, the best careers in life await you. 

Mutual Agreement

You alone cannot balance love and study. Your partner should agree with you on your plan to schedule everything so that you both will finish your studies. This is the best for both of you anyway. If you both graduate, you will have more opportunities in life and a better chance to be prosperous, and then love will be in the air. If one doesn’t agree, that is a sign that your present partner is not capable of understanding and giving importance to your goals in life and future. So, you better think twice.

Sticking to the Plan

A plan and an agreement without execution is useless. Make sure that you are dedicated to follow your plan which is to finish your studies with good grades and your special someone is your inspiration in achieving your goals.

Don’t give up love for your studies because who knows that person is the right person for you and don’t give up your studies either for love because love without thinking is nothing. You may end up losing everything. Balance is the answer to be successful in life. Yes it’s possible and you can do it!

By:  Ritchell Thibodeaux