Pearson Students Blog

On October 18th my whole life changed – aside from turning 20 years old the day before. I already had a lot going on in my collegiate life. I was in the Honors College, a candidate for Beta Alpha Psi, applying for internships, and working as Pearson Campus Ambassador. I was also vice president of the club tennis team and an intramural basketball champion. With all that, I also carved out time to hang out with friends.

Then I spontaneously decided to try out for my school’s Women’s D1 Basketball team, and I made the team! Little did I know what kind of challenge that was going to be, not only competing at this high level after taking a year off of basketball, but also how to balance this new endeavor with everything else going on in my life.

First thoughts were all excitement about making the team, until I became super overwhelmed. Basketball alone was stressful enough with trying to play catch-up while everyone else had already been practicing together for months. It took me a while to even think about how it was affecting the rest of my life, especially my classes. It is way too easy to forget about everything besides the D1 sport you play.

With this new addition to my life, sacrifices had to be made. No more intramurals, no more club tennis, less time with friends, and a change on schedule for internships. But, looking from a larger perspective, I’ve still made many memories and friends that I can keep forever who are very supportive. I’ve had to substitute virtual learning for a few in-person classes that conflicted with practices, but thankfully with technology I can watch lectures online for the most part. Classes have definitely been the hardest part to keep up with but, I was able to make friends in classes and the Honors College who help keep me accountable during this very busy time. The most important thing is to create and maintain a consistent schedule and to truly focus on the “student” part of the athlete, too.

It is easy to get carried away with trying to do more than you can handle. My parents always warned me about doing too much because it can take a toll physically and mentally. You always have to be aware of what you are feeling and realize that you can’t please everyone in everything. Sometimes you just have to take a step back and do something to relax and give yourself a break. Odds are you are way ahead of the game already and can definitely afford a few hours to yourself or with your friends.

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

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It is easy to get caught up in the ongoing cycle of schoolwork as a college student. However, it is so important to stay mindful as you take the time to make it through the school year. Mental health should always be a priority, but unfortunately many students push it aside as they fill their day with school “to-dos”. Mental health is valuable to our overall health and success, which is why we should try to take even a little bit of time out of our day to practice ways to heal our minds. Here are four simple ways to stay mindful:

Practice Meditation

Meditation is a great way to work on overall stress management. It allows us to take a dedicated time and focus on ourselves and find our breath. The great thing about meditation is that whether you do 30 seconds or 30 minutes of it, you can still find peace. Guided meditations, meditation music and meditation podcasts are easily found on different streaming services and can be listened to on the go! So, the next time you are on your way to a big exam, about to go interview for a new job, or need a break from homework, try a short, guided meditation and see how greatly you can benefit from it.

Try Yoga

Similar to meditation, yoga gives us the opportunity to focus on our breathwork and soothe our minds while allowing us to move our body while doing it! There are many, many guided yoga practices online that can be done from the comfort of your own space. Depending on the day, you may feel you want to do one that focuses on neck pain, or lower back pain. There is a yoga routine for everything! Your mind will thank you after practicing yoga, as it will give your body and mind time to focus on your own self. Yoga also helps with overall balance, which is a plus!

Spend Time Outside

Taking the time to be outside in nature is a complete grounding experience. Fresh air, sunlight, and the sound of birds chirping are just some of the many great benefits that the “outside world” provides us with. Doing things like creating a garden, taking a hike, picnicking at a park, or even just taking a walk through the neighborhood/around campus are all great ways to take in the beauty around us – which can promote things like reducing stress and heart rates. Our world is full of so much incredible natural beauty. We should all start enjoying it, while letting it heal us!

Find A Hobby

As we get older, we start finding new hobbies that interest us. This is great! We should always take time to focus on doing things that we love. Putting time and focus on something that we enjoy naturally makes us happier, raising our endorphins which lowers stress and leads to a healthy mind. Whether it is playing your favorite sport, going to the gym, reading, watching your favorite TV show or painting, we should take designated time to do them and enjoy them!

Although I just mentioned four, there are hundreds of ways to stay mindful. We all deserve to have a healthy and happy mind that will be there for us throughout the course of our lives. It is so important to take care of it so that it can do so!

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

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Having a hard time managing school and work? Don't know how you will get through another semester having to balance the two different activities? Here are some tips and advice from a full-time college student and a full-time worker. Though everyone's experiences differ, and everyone's schedules are unique, these tips can help you be able to manage both and work simultaneously, plus have some time for yourself in between!

Make a Schedule that Works for You

Don’t overwork yourself during the school year as that can often lead to a burnout (which is the worst!). Create a schedule that allows you to balance both school and work, plus make enough time for things like homework, eating, and some free time to enjoy yourself!

Learn How to Advocate for Yourself

You don’t have to pick up that extra shift just because your boss asked you to. It’s ok to say ‘no’. Make sure you speak up and be honest with those around you to avoid work piling up and getting stressed out.

Build in Rewards

Finished a big project or finished a long stressful shift? Make sure to treat yourself and reward yourself once in a while in order to motivate yourself to keep pushing. These motivations and rewards can be anything that you like or desire (candy, a shopping spree, etc.).

Use Your Support System

Everyone copes with stress differently. A support system is important to build you up when you’re feeling less motivated or to help out if you’re in a jam. You may even have multiple support systems – classmates, work peers, and family or friends. Turn to your support system whenever you feel like you need it. And return the favor by supporting others when you can!

Fight Perfectionism

Lastly, just know that life isn’t perfect, and you are still amazing regardless of what grades you get or how much you work! Not everyone can get all A’s while working during school. Not everyone can work full-time while being in school. Life isn’t perfect and you can strive to meet goals but know that not achieving them doesn’t make you a failure. You are still worthy of everything you’ve achieved and accomplished so far.

You won’t always be able to get the perfect balance between both, but these tips can help you be able to meet the goals you want and achieve more while balancing school and work.

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

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Coming to the University of Utah from a smaller high school with a less diverse student population was a shocking experience. There were not many people out as gay or LGBTQ+ at my high school and being gay felt very isolating. At the University of Utah, I was pleasantly surprised to find not only peers but also faculty who are out and proud. Gay students face unique hurdles when acclimating to college life. Here is how I’ve navigated this process.

Finding Support Networks

First, it is very important to have support on campus not only through individual connections but also organizations. The LGBT Resource Center is one such organization on my campus. They organize Pride Week events as well as other functions throughout the school year. This makes it feel less lonely. From the Center’s website: “The LGBT Resource Center empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) students to grow as leaders and learners by supporting students in navigating university systems, exploring their identities, finding community, and developing as leaders with a social justice lens.“

Another group I have personally found a home with is the campus chapter of oSTEM (out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). oSTEM (www.ostem.org/) is a professional association for LGBTQ+ people in the STEM community with over 100 student chapters at colleges across the country. As oSTEM states on its website, their “mission is to create a diverse, inclusive, and supportive community that brings LGBTQ+ students and allies in STEM fields together.”

Facing Challenges

Even with strong support networks in place, being out as LGBTQ+ comes with a lot of challenges. There are those in the community who still hold prejudices against us, and it affects us all on a day-to-day basis. There have been times when I have been promoting groups like oSTEM, and I have received mean glances, comments, and have even been outright laughed at. This has been difficult on my mental health and sometimes leads the campus I love to feel like a hostile environment. I believe, however, that we all are responsible to talk about these difficult moments. We need to discuss what needs to change in order to see change.

I am so incredibly lucky to have so many supportive organizations on campus. I hope through this blog I can convey how important these resources are and to encourage other students to seek support networks on their own campuses. It’s important to start a conversation about how these critical issues impact the overall success of students in this community.

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

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I have had the privilege of growing up and living in two very special places thus far in my life. I spent the first half of my life living 10 minutes from the beach in South Florida and the other half living 10 minutes from the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee. Living in two completely different places with contrasting environments has really helped shape my perspective and teach me about the value of finding the beauty wherever you are. Here are some of my favorite places to go in South Florida and East Tennessee, the different aspects I appreciate about both places, and what each has to offer.

South Florida

I grew up in Delray Beach in South Florida, near Boynton Beach and Boca Raton, and spent a lot of time at the beach. Delray Beach has a long street right near the ocean called “Atlantic Avenue”; this avenue has tons of restaurants, boutiques, and fun surf shops to look at. One of my favorite restaurants here is “Boston’s on the Beach.” It is right across from the ocean and offers some really yummy seafood along with some non-seafood options. Atlantic Avenue tends to be loud and bustling with people at night, but peaceful and relaxing during the day.

Another one of my favorite places to go to in South Florida if you are looking for a nice beach that won’t be too crowded is: Gulfstream Beach. What I love most about Gulfstream Beach is that it’s not as crowded as some of the beaches directly by the avenue. It’s in a really beautiful part of town, plus the parking is free. If you happen to go to Gulfstream Beach, you should check out “Nomad Surf Shop” which is close by. They have great beach gear and beautiful surfboards to look at!

East Tennessee

East Tennessee is a lot different from South Florida. Obviously, there are no beaches but there are beautiful mountains and lots of wildlife to enjoy. My favorite part of living in East Tennessee is being so close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and visiting this park is definitely a must if you are in town. There are lots of hikes to go on where you can see waterfalls and sometimes even spot a black bear on the way! However, if hiking isn’t your thing, you can always just drive along the loop throughout the park where there are incredible views and lots of deer, horses, and other animals to see.

Another great place to visit is the Foothills Parkway. This parkway is a long road that winds through the Smoky Mountains with incredible views and plenty of places to stop and overlook the scenery. My best tip is to go before sundown so you can watch the sun set over the mountains. If you are not a huge nature fan, check out Market Square in Knoxville, where you’ll find lots of good restaurants and cool small businesses to check out.

East Tennessee has a lot to offer and so does South Florida. I have learned that every place has something to admire and enjoy if you are just patient enough to look for it and find it. If you ever get the chance, I greatly encourage you to visit South Florida and East Tennessee.

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

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