Category Archives: Social Life/Relationships

November 1, 2012

Life Hands You Lemons: 5 Steps to Success

Filed under: College Life, Social Life/Relationships, Tips - Angelina
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Blogger Biography Kelsey Bradshaw

 

 

 

 

Every college student has those days where life not only gives you only lemons, but also gives you a good kick in the butt! You stress, you worry, you just don’t have enough time! Some of these days are just bad luck. However, managing these kinds of days is actually a lot easier than it seems.

1. Write

Sometimes, what stresses you out the most is just worrying about how many things you have to worry about. Take a moment and get them all out of your head and on to paper. Things written down tangibly in front of you seem a lot more manageable than easily-forgettable thoughts bouncing around in your head.

2. Perceive

If you have fifty things on your to-do list, it can be easier to just hide under the covers watching YouTube videos than actually trying to conquer your list. Do one small thing at a time to get started and perceive it that way to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

3. Plan

Sometimes, “too-many-lemons”days happen because we forgot about something like homework, or we put off something until something else is due and then it’s just a nightmare of lemons. To avoid this, keep yourself (and your deadlines) organized in a calendar. Whether it’s the one on your phone or an actual calendar, having reminders and set dates in front of you keeps you working on schedule.

4. Energize

Coffee, despite its wonderfully caffeinated properties, isn’t for everybody. But it is a great motivator when you’ve reached the end of your energy reserves and you need something to get you through the next three homework assignments. It doesn’t have to be coffee, but find something that puts a skip in your step, whether it’s a phone call to your mom, a snuggle with your significant other (or best friend, or teddy bear), or a stockpile of waffles.

5. Reward

Rewards are a great way to make anything fun. Get done with your reading? Buy a scarf online! Finish your to-do list? Fall asleep mindlessly watching cat videos! By making the completion of your task something to look forward to (and not just for the obvious reasons), you’ll fly through whatever you have to do.

Now, about those lemons…

When life hands you lemons wonder why life is handing you lemons in the first place cartoon quote

Photo © ROCCO THEGREAT

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October 21, 2012

Family Connections

Filed under: Social Life/Relationships - Angelina
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Blogger Bio

 

 

 

 

When was the last time you wrote an email to your grandma? Or sent a card or letter to your grandpa just to let him know how school is going? Or even called your aunt just to say hi? If you have been waiting for a sign, this is it.

Dear Grandpa Letter

Photo © SashaW

As college students, we let homework and jobs get in the way of keeping in touch with family, or sometimes we might even use them as an excuse to avoid too many questions from probing family members. But too often I’ve asked my friends if they keep in touch with their family (other than just their parents) and too often I’ve heard “no.” They’re always surprised when I tell them how active I am with keeping in touch with my family, which makes me wonder: is it really that uncommon?

Each family is different and it is true that only so much can be done if your grandparents or other relatives aren’t active online, but we still have phones; don’t let the internet be the barrier between reconnecting. I get it, sometimes your family just doesn’t understand what you’re going through. However, even if it takes a minute or two to explain to them what’s going on, I promise it will be worth it. They may have been born 50, 60, 70, or even 80 years ago, but some things never change.

Calling Grandma on the Phone

Photo © Mickey Eyes

In the past, I have made the mistake of assuming things were way too different “back then” for my grandparents to understand what I’m dealing with right now. When I finally spoke up and told them what was happening, I was pleasantly surprised to hear their similar stories. After talking with them, I was able to see my situation in a whole new light.

It’s a chance to see them as not just family, but as persons of their own. Your grandparents and aunts and uncles are often the greatest untapped resource for advice – so use it while you still can.

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October 6, 2012

5 Skills Every College Girl Should Have

Filed under: College Life, Social Life/Relationships, Tips - Angelina
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Blogger Bio

 

 

 

 

Women are increasingly becoming more independent and self-sufficient (yay us!). We are taking matters into our own hands and making it known that we are self-starters, making things happen for ourselves and not depending on anyone else to do it for us.

But I’ve noticed that this independence thing is lacking in the 20-something year old women. Perhaps it’s the cool thing to do, or the way to get a guy – pretend you don’t know something so you look cute and need “rescuing.” We’ve all done that before, right? However, independency in women is so attractive, so why don’t we start embracing it?

Here are some things every woman should know to do:

1. Fix A Car

Okay, maybe not the whole car, but at least learn how to check your oil and refill coolant and window cleaner. When your car is acting funny, it won’t be intimidating to look under the hood for any clues as to what’s going on. It’s greasy under there, but you’ll live. Bonus points if you can change a tire.

2. Put Furniture Together

 Love shopping at Target? Now you can feel free to buy a dresser or side table without the inconvenience of who you’ll call to put it together for you.

Woman Building Furniture Independently

Photo © j2davis2005

3. TV / Internet Hook-Up

Wouldn’t it be nice to not have to call your dad to hook it up for you? Face it, you’re going to move more than once in the next few years – at least you’ll have TV the first night in your new place.

4. Just Say No

Have you ever said yes to something because you were afraid of how people would react if you said no? Remember, being nice does not mean saying yes to everything. There are times when you can and should say no. Learn how to do it and be firm.

5. Basic Tools

Screwdrivers, hammers, drills, etc. It’s kind of liberating when you realize you know how to fix that loose table leg, replace the door locks, or even fix your garbage disposal.

Woman holding screw gun outside independently

Photo © ckelby

Although I’ve only listed five things here, there are more ways out there to express your independence. What would you add to the list?

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August 31, 2012

5 Common Misconceptions for College Freshmen

Filed under: College Life, Social Life/Relationships - Angelina
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Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

Oh college… Studying all night, being in class all day, working when you are not studying, and partying. Sound about right? Well, to the new college student, this may seem like the life they have just enrolled themselves in. However, there are a few misconceptions that college freshman usually believe when entering college:

1) Partying All Night, Every Night.

Yes, part of this is true. There will be people who party a lot. However, these parties are busted 99% of the time. This is a situation where you always want to keep caution.

Club Partying with College Students

Photo © David Domingo

2) Everybody Does It.

This could not be any more false. Other students will try to convince you that you should do things with them, but if this is something that you are set against doing, stand by your morals. People will respect you more for standing for what you believe in. And trust me, there are a lot of people who do not follow the crowd.

College boy drinking facing peer pressure

Photo © alanosaur

3) Classes Will Be REALLY Hard.

High school teachers like to scare you when they say, “if you think this is hard, wait until you get to college.” Well, they aren’t completely wrong – classes will be harder, but if you actually make an effort and enjoy the class then you will do well.

College Classroom Filled with Students

Photo © velkr0

4) Meeting People Will Be Hard.

If you are going to a school far away from home where you do not know anyone, it can be intimidating to meet new people. However, this is your chance to bust out of your shell! So just get out there, and talk to people!

Group of Friends at College

Photo © Sienna College

5) The Professor Will Always Guide You

Most college classes occur in large lecture halls, leaving little time for professors to know all of their students. Professors are also busy and may not always be around outside of class, and they definitely will not spend as much one-on-one time with you like teachers in high school have. Don’t expect them to hold your hand for you to excel or if you miss a class!

College Professor Teaching Students in Class

Photo © LiverpoolHopeUniversity

You will surely find your own misconceptions when you get to college, but these are a few that you can get past right away! Good luck with school this year and remember to make your own idea of what college life is all about.

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July 30, 2012

Guide to Summer Romance on a Budget – BookRenter Infographic

Filed under: College Life, Social Life/Relationships, Tips - Social Community Manager
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In summer, the world is a college student’s proverbial oyster. You can go anywhere, see anything, and meet anyone. It probably helps that summer is oyster season, too. BBQ’ed oysters, YUMMM.

Food cravings aside, we created a guide summer romances, along with some interesting stats on meeting that special someone who will make your heart flutter. Keep these tips in mind to keep a new romance afloat, or it may fizzle (unless that’s what you were going for – which is OK, too). Good luck in the love department!

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