June 4, 2013

Summer School

Filed under: Education, Seasonal Celebrations, Tips - Angelina
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Bailey Buckingham Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

I have done summer school every semester since I began college. Over the years I have found a few ways to not only keep myself motivated, but I’ve also found how I can still have an amazing summer in the midst of classes. These are just a few tips that work for me that some of my friends have tried recently too.

1. Choose Classes Wisely

I typically don’t like early morning classes because I hate waking up. However, during the summer you have to make a decision, would you rather wake up and be done with class earlier? Or, would you rather sleep in and go to class later in the day? Every person will answer that differently, but you have to remember that this isn’t a normal semester, so your plans should be based off of your summer schedule.

Girl sitting outside on bench with laptop and books studying for summer and online courses

Photo © Helping Psychology

2. Pick A Flexible Job

Don’t pick up a summer job and make that your number one priority before summer school. Yes, money is something we all need, and it’s also really great to work during the summer – but don’t forget you are spending money to take these classes, so make it worth it! Try to pick a job that is going to allow you to have the time you need to focus on school. The semester is shorter, but with just as much work with less time to do it, so you have to make sure you’re able to keep up.

Guy Lifeguard On Duty Summer Job By The Pool

Photo © Swim Jobs

3. Keep Motivated

If you take a class you are good at and enjoy, it is easier to stay motivated. I have noticed that when I used to take summer classes in a subject that I struggle with (like math or science), I had a much harder time staying focused. Classes for my major and general education, I didn’t have as much of an issue with and I ended up getting much better grades. Don’t pick your toughest classes just because the semester is shorter, that absolutely does not mean the class will be easier!

Summer Class Reading On The Beach

Photo © Life’d

Taking summer courses is not for everyone, but it has definitely been something that I am glad I’ve done. Whether you want the afternoon for fun, or you want to sleep until noon, figure out what works best for your summer schedule and make it happen!

Twitt
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June 1, 2013

Post-Grad Options

Filed under: College Life, Education, Post Grad and Career, Tips, Travel & Abroad, Volunteering and Giving Back - Angelina
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Serena Piper Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

“If you can’t jump over life’s hurdles, limbo under them.”

This is exactly how I am approaching life after graduation. There have been many articles addressing the struggles the graduating class of 2013 will be facing in finding a job so soon after a recession. Discouraging is not the only word that comes to mind when we think about the task at hand. And don’t even talk to us about what we say when family ask us what our next steps are.

I have been feeling nervous about life post-grad. I’ve been applying for jobs since March and there hasn’t been a single call of interest. I eventually grew sick of feeling helpless and finally channeled that frustration into not only finding other options, but into actually pursuing them.

Here are some post-grad options for you to consider:

1. Peace Corps

Last week I had my first interview with the Peace Corps and I’m already moving on to the next stage. I can’t begin to say how much of a relief it’s been knowing I have this as an option. A two year commitment abroad, rewarding life experiences, and $7,500 at the end? Sign me up!

Peace Corps Africa Volunteer

Photo © SMCM Newsroom

2. Au Pair Abroad

I know what you’re thinking. A nanny? However, it’s not as unappealing as it sounds. The website I’ve been going through, Au Pair World, allows both au pairs and families to seek each other out for a mutually beneficial arrangement. As an au pair, you become part of the family, not an employee. You interview with different families from around the world, choose one, and off you go for as little as three months to as long as 24 months. My interviews are next week!

Au Pair Family Girls

Photo © Left Bank Manc

3. Teach Abroad

To be specific, for me it’s the Middle East. When I told my family about my decision to try to teach there, they freaked out. “What is the crime rate?” “what if there’s no running water?” and “what if a war breaks out?” are only some of the questions they have asked.

Teach Students Abroad

Photo © CIEE

These are my top three options for now. Keep up with my blogs to find out more about these options and where I end up! College grads, look into your own options. It’s not a guarantee that you will have a job when you want it, but it’s a great feeling knowing you have fall backs.

Good luck!

Twitt
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May 29, 2013

Summer Parties On A Budget

Filed under: Food, Seasonal Celebrations, Tips - Angelina
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Sylwia Baran Biography

 

 

 

 

School is officially over! Well, at least for those who aren’t taking summer courses. But whether or not you’re taking classes this summer, it’s time to enjoy this nice weather! Summer parties are great because you get to hang out outside with your friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy the sun.

However, throwing these parties can get a bit pricey especially if you get a bigger crowd. Here are some ideas I have for throwing a great party without spending tons of cash!

1. Homemade Drinks

People are a lot more thirsty when they’re eating outdoors with the sun blazing down on them. It is important to keep hydrated, but buying beverages can put a dent on your budget. A great way to save is to make your own! Make your own lemonade and iced teas with this easy recipe that includes water, ice, lemons, and strawberries.

Pink Strawberry Lemonade Drink

Photo © craftaholics anonymous

2. Chinese Paper Lanterns

Chinese paper lanterns are a cute addition to any party. They run on batteries and create such a great ambiance. Plus they’re fairly inexpensive! Here are some lanterns that you can use over and over again!

White Paper Lantern String Party Lights

Photo © Paper Lantern Store

3. Appetizers

No one said you have to barbecue massive amounts of meat. I love to just make a few different appetizers and put them out and let people munch on those before the grilling begins. This way, they’re not as hungry by the time the meat comes around and you won’t have to buy tons of meat. Start with stick salads. This is essentially just cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil leaves. They’re delicious and my guests always love them! Fruit is always a great thing to play with because you can make all sorts of different shapes out of it, like this hedgehog made out of watermelon.

Lettuce tomato cheese salad on a stick

Photo © POPSUGAR

With these ideas, you can throw a fun and festive party without breaking the bank. Just allow yourself some time to get creative and you can come up with anything!

Twitt
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May 26, 2013

A Successful Summer

Filed under: Post Grad and Career, Seasonal Celebrations, Tips - Angelina
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Megan Lehman Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

In my previous blog, I told you all about how to make a great summer bucket list.  And now I am back to give you a little professional advice on how to make this summer work for you in more ways than just fun. With the collaboration of advice from local professionals, the following are a few sure ways to get ahead this summer.

1. Make A Goals List

Just like on a road trip, you may know where you want to go but unless you have a GPS or road map you are not going to know how to get there. Write down what you want to do. Set your goals high and motivate yourself to reach beyond what you think is possible. No one ever accomplished much if only reaching for the lowest branch.

Goal Checklist on cardboard

Photo © Cornflower Blue Studio

2. Make Contacts Or Build A Fan Base

Take advantage of all the free time you are going to have now that you won’t be working on papers and assignments for hours a day. Make some contacts in the field you want to be in. You have heard the phrase, “It’s all about who you know.”  That could not be any more true. Are you a blogger? Start blogging daily. Create a blog theme and begin making social network pages. Do what you can to build your readership and your fan base while you have the time.

Group Networking

Photo © Body&More

3. Shadowing

Now that you have your contacts, figure out how to make them work for you.  Shadow an executive, show them your work, do an internship. You have the power to make a difference in your future if you know how to work your sources to your advantage. Future employers are looking for ambitious, determined, and experienced employees. Make yourself that employee.

Two students job shadowing

Photo © The Chamber

4. Accomplish Something

Besides your big goals, make a few little goals that are not as related to the professional field you hope to find yourself in, like running a 5K or learning to cook.  Accomplishing small goals like this will build your confidence. Confidence leads to success. So break out the running shoes or check out what Paula Deen is cooking this week and accomplish something!

Girl learning to cook in kitchen

Photo © Self

Getting started is always the hardest part, but it gets easier once you get going. So brace yourself for the best and prep yourself for your future. Do you have any pieces of advice or stories about professional successes? Share them in the comments below.

Twitt
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May 23, 2013

To The Class Of 2013

Filed under: College Life, Education, Post Grad and Career, Tips - Angelina
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Serena Piper Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

Dear Class of 2013,

It has come to my attention that I might not be the only nervous college grad. While I have been pursuing my own options and feel comfortable with the ones I have to choose from, there is still a part of me that wonders where my path will take me. And I know I’m not the only one. To ease your mind a little bit, let me offer you some advice and comforting words.

Nervous Female College Graduate

Photo © All County Employment

A lot of us don’t do well with uncertainty. We like knowing what’s going to happen so that we are better prepared to face what’s coming. However, it’s the unknowing that is the greatest adventure of all. You’re free to explore all your options – and I mean every single one. If you don’t get a job in your area of study right away, don’t stress about it. It’s going to take a while. In the meantime, take a job doing something else you love. It’s not giving up and it’s not settling. You’ll have time to travel, volunteer, and figure out what your next steps are.

Graduation is an exciting time. Don’t let the challenge of finding a job in this tough economy put a downer on your celebrations. You made it through four years of brain boggling math lectures, huge research papers, hand-cramping notes, late night study sessions, and back to back finals. Enjoy the fact that it’s over (at least for those of you not pursuing grad school) and get excited for what lies ahead. We all have the potential in us to do great things. Now it’s about reaching out for those opportunities and pushing ourselves to our limits.

Group of College Graduates Throwing Up Caps

Photo © Toyota of Bowie

Congrats!

Twitt
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