How students can cope with the loss of a friend

Posted on March 24, 2011 by

On yesterday March 23, 2011, 20-year-old Nickolas Williams a resident of Lakeland, Florida and TCC student died after being run over by a bus. Although we did not graduate at the same time, we did attend high-school together and he was a very close friend of my sister. The community, family and friends have been devastated by the unexpected loss with many of them finding it difficult to cope. As soon as word got out about his untimely death many were just in disbelief and refused to believe the person everyone was referring to was Nick…not “their Nick”. Friends, family members, teammates, teacher and former coaches flocked to his Facebook and Twitter pages grieving, writing touching stories about their favorite memories with him and their agony over the loss. Death is a topic many don’t like to talk about but it is also inevitable….so how do you cope with the loss of a loved one?

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How to fill out a FAFSA

Posted on March 20, 2011 by

 

The deadline for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is May 15, 2011. However as most students know the earlier these forms are filled out the greater the chance of receiving the aid you’re entitled to. These awards are issued based on financial need, the FAFSA also determines the amount of Pell Grant students receive. In addition they have a system that looks through all Federal Grants you are eligible for. Unfortunately, most students and parents don’t know how to properly fill out a FASFA. The above video is a step-by-step guide to completing a FAFSA. It’ll help you maximize the amount of financial aid you qualify for and minimize mistakes on the form which can delay aid.

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3 Ways Employers Can Access Your Facebook

Posted on March 17, 2011 by

Facebook: The privacy saga continuesphoto © 2010 opensource.com | more info (via: Wylio)

As college students, it’s safe to say that the Internet and more specifically Social Networking sites are an integral part of out lives. However, when it comes time to apply for jobs and internships special attention needs to be paid to what images and information not only you but others are placing online. Employers are actively searching  Facebook, MySpace and Twitter accounts as part of standard background checks to find out who potential candidates “really are”. Everything you put on the Internet, even if it is in a password protected forum or account, could conceivably be found by someone.

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How to regain motivation after Spring Break.

Posted on March 11, 2011 by

Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

    My Hated Alarm Clockphoto © 2010 William Ross | more info (via: Wylio) 

  • It’s almost time to Spring your clocks forward. Meaning this Sunday March 13,2011 at 2:00 am time will move forward one hour.The result for you? Losing one hour of sleep, which is usually much needed after a week of traveling, partying and catching up with friends. Planning for this loss of hour in advance will help your body adjust and help you be prepared when that alarm goes blaring on Monday morning bringing you back to reality.

Variety is the key to success

  • Try to vary your study locations for a little post Spring Break variety that will get you out of that monotonous routine you were in before. Take advantage of warmer temperatures. Try to find a spot outdoors where you enjoy working that is free from distractions where you can study.  Sunlight increases energy and stimulates your mind.

    • My 2010 Plannerphoto © 2009 Justin See (coming back) | more info (via: Wylio)

Getting your business in order

  • On Sunday night, review all of your Syllabi. Mark in your calender the remaining dates for big exams, final, presentations, projects and papers.Prioritize these assignments by due date, percentage of your overall grade and make deadlines for when you wish to complete each task. After Spring Break the semester moves swiftly, so it’s a good idea to have a plan set so nothing sneaks up on you and causes preventable stress.

Assess your progress and make realistic goals

  • For most students, about two-thirds of the semester has passed. Before coming back to knock out the remaining portion, it’s important for students to assess their current status. Are you where you would like to be with your overall progress and grades? If not,now is the time to make realistic goals about your progress and how you want to conclude the semester. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to discuss with your professor things that you can do at this point to improve your grade or accomplish the pre-determined goals you have set for yourself.

Finally, RELAX!

  • You’re just coming back from a week off. A week of relaxing and rejuvenation. You should feel refreshed and have a renewed since of energy to tackle the remainder of your semester. Remember a huge factor in the key to collegiate success is preparation and time management.Incorporate those two things into your regimen and you’re on your way to finishing a strong semester.

Just Relax 97/365photo © 2009 Sasha Wolff | more info (via: Wylio)

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A program that increases success of Blacks in college.

Posted on March 7, 2011 by

Charles Harris is the Director of The Knight Division for Scholarships, Career Services and Multicultural Affairs at The University of Florida in Gainesville. I had an opportunity to speak with him to learn more about the program and why these programs are needed nationwide at universities to help students especially African-American and other minority students be successful.

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How to Create a Good Study Environment?

Posted on February 26, 2011 by

By: Jonee' L.

 

Creating a good study environment is an integral part of student success. It will allow you to better manage your learning capability and make you more efficient with time management and prioritizing study time among your course load and other responsibilities as a student.

What’s your personality type?

    Shhh.....photo © 2010 Nicola Jones | more info (via: Wylio) 

  • The first step to creating a good study environment begins with a little self-evaluation. Are you easily distracted? Are you bothered by background noise? Do you prefer a more quiet study environment? Do you prefer to sit for long periods at a time or is studying in smaller increments more effective. These are questions that you must answer first before determining a physical location that is most effective for you

How to pick a place to study?

  • Once you decide if you prefer a quiet background or one with background noise then you need to pick a location. Is home a feasible place or will you fall asleep or succumb to distractions by roommates (if you have any). Is the library a good option for you? The general area may be to loud with talking, side conversations or even the banging of keys. Rather, a quiet room in the library may be a better option.

What’s the best time of the day to study?

    timepiece prime time clock closeup watchphoto © 2008 Bart Hiddink | more info (via: Wylio) 

  • This depends on if you’re a morning person or night. The best thing to do though is to set aside a period of time daily that you will study. Preferably, it should be the same time, so that your body is on a schedule and you get into the routine and habit. It’s more effective to study for a small increment daily than to try to cram information the night before the test which is a highly ineffective way to get any studying accomplished.

Other factors to consider.

  • After you have picked a place you want to study it’s important to pay attention to things like what kind of seat you’re sitting in. The whole purpose of studying is being able to concentrate, you don”t want to take away from that by sitting in a set that is uncomfortable. That will take away from your focus on your studies to the seat, and let’s face it….who need anymore distractions?
  • The lighting of the room, “Sun is a light that naturally wakes you up and helps you think. Florescent lights can leave your eyes tired as they are flickering off and on and your eyes have to adjust constantly”. You don’t want to sit in a room where lighting is too dim because you will then strain your eyes trying to see the information which takes away from your ability to retain it.

    • Colorful lightsphoto © 2009 Kevin Dooley | more info (via: Wylio)

  • Establish a set of rules before you begin to embark on your studying journey.  Decide how long breaks will be and stick to them. Turn your phone off or on silent because we know how texting and phone calls can be a distraction. Eat before you begin studying or have a light snack handy to fuel your brain. (See: post on foods that improve brain function)
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Foods that may help improve your grades

Posted on February 23, 2011 by

Got Brain?photo © 2006 Aigars Mahinovs | more info (via: Wylio)

We all know how the old saying goes: you are what you eat..right? Well, if you eat smart then you may be smart….ha ha well not actually. However there are a list of foods that have the potential to increase your thinking ability, attention span and overall effectiveness when studying. I think we all get a mild case of ADD when it’s time to sit down and prepare for those tests, midterms and finals exams. So, I have a list of foods that will fill your tummy and mind all at the same time.

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