The Organized Student: Making the Most of Academic Advising

The world of college has many unique things about it.  At all universities, when you register you are assigned an academic advisor.  This advisor is usually a faculty member of the department you are studying within. Throughout the past few years I found from talking to many people that they aren't really sure what to talk to their advisor about during their mandatory advising appointment. Your advisor is supposed to serve as a resource, someone who can guide you through your college years.  He/she is there to help you with the academic struggles and personal struggles that college can bring. In today’s post you can find some helpful tips and tricks to assist you with academic advising.

Know what you advisor can and cannot help you with:

What your advisor can help you with

Be an active listener and answer any questions you may have. Sometimes during academic advising you are dealing with cross roads in your major or life, and this person is there to help guide you.

Provide you with information about your university and all of the resources that are available to you.

Guide you through the academics of college. What classes fit into your major and which ones don’t.

Help you develop goals that you can achieve during and after college.

Treat you with respect, not like a child.

What your advisor cannot help you with:

Your advisor can be there to listen, but they are not a professional counselor. They cannot provide you with professional counseling services, but they are able to provide you with the proper resources to help you deal with any issues you may be facing.

Be available only when it is convenient for you. Your advisor is a faculty member with lots of things going on. You cannot expect to demand a meeting a certain day and time.

Not be supportive. Your advisor is there to help you, not tear you down. If you are having any negative experiences with your advisor, seek out another faculty member to serve as your advisor.

Do your part to make the most of your advising experience:

Schedule meetings. Don’t force your advisor to reach out to you when your scheduling date is approaching.  Utilize your advisor, by meeting with them more than just the mandatory semester appointment.

Be on time.  There’s nothing like starting a meeting off on the wrong foot.  By showing up on time or early you are demonstrating that you are a young professional rather than a child.  You are showing how you respecting them.

Come prepared! Do your research before hand. Know what classes you want to take and some possible sections you might register for.  It is best if you have a schedule pre made and then bring it show to your professor.

Ask questions. Your advisor will be able to answer your questions. They are there to help you. If you don’t ask questions to get the answers you need, then your advisor won’t know how to help you.

Be a self-advocate.  Doing all of these things will help you advocate for yourself. If you do not understand something, then ask your advisor to rephrase it in a way that is logical to you.  Additionally, get your advisor to help you get to where you need to be.  This person can help you find internships, a summer job, write a letter of recommendation, etc.

Good luck!

XOXO

Friday's Thoughts 10/23

Happy Friday! This week has flown by for me.  I cannot believe it is yet another weekend.  This week  was probably my lightest academic week since I was handed a syllabus. I enjoyed the down time by catching up on some much needed sleep and exercise.  This weekend is going to be a great one. It is my university's Homecoming Weekend, so I will be socializing with friends, participating in our parade, and enjoying the beautiful weather.  

Reading:  I've been catching up on my blog reading this week. Some of these are new blogs and others are those I have been following for a couple years.
{Prep in Your Step//

Watching: The back of my eyelids. I have been working on getting back on a regular eight hour a night sleep schedule.

Drinking: Apple Cider, the perfect fall drink. Hot or cold, I love it.

Wearing: Naturally curly hair.  This week I finally wore my natural curly hair for the first time since getting it cut.

Listening: TGIF Playlist (Thanks Spotify!)

Looking forward to: Coaching field hockey on Monday afternoon. The high school team I help coach has made it to district playoffs for the first time in seven years! Win or lose, it's been a great season and I can't wait to see what these girls bring to playoffs.

Loving: The Hydrangeas I bought during this week's trip to the grocery store.  Last week I ended Friday's Thoughts with "make sure you do something to treat yourself!" This week I took my own words of wisdom and treated myself.  I bought myself my favorite flowers.  Flowers are one of my favorite things! These were the perfect mid week/ mid semester pick me up that I've been needing.

Wanting: I want Halloween to be over. I am not a fan of Halloween. I don't like candy, dressing up, or  scary things. I think the holiday is overrated.

I hope you have a fantastic weekend. Make sure you do something to treat yourself!

XOXO

Weekly Goals

It's important to set goals.  They serve as a great motivational technique in all stages of life.  I use this for college, but my mom also uses this in her classroom and at home. In college, I like to set goals as benchmarks to help me reach a goal by a certain time.  These goals remind me to  do things I might forget to do otherwise, sometimes they are obvious things, and other times they are things I'd like to do but not sure if it's possible.  I begin each week by setting new goals.  Creating short term goals helps me get to tiny accomplishments that will eventually help me achieve larger goals.  

Goals can come in many different shapes and sizes. My weekly goals come in the shape of six square post it notes.  I create six goals each week. Usually these are things that would be on my to do list.  After I complete a task, I take the post it note off of my goal list.  The goal list is conveniently hung over my desk, so I am able to access it easily while working. These goals also serve as a great time management tool! 

How to create your own goal list:

• One: Purchase a small piece of poster board (11" by 14")
• Two:  Out line the layout in pencil.
• Three: Trace over the pencil in a fine tip sharpie adding any creative touches you wish.
• Four: Add your post it notes

XOXO

Friday's Thoughts 10/15

Happy Friday! The week has finally come to an end (almost- I still have two classes to get through)! This weekend is filled with coaching field hockey, sorority meetings, a little homework, and some fall fun. This is the first weekend in awhile that I will actually be on campus the whole weekend.  After being trapped on campus the first month of school due to sorority Recruitment, I've seemed to love escaping on the weekends to various places. Come back next week to read more about where I've been and what I've been up to! 

Reading: I am Malala written by Malala Yousafzai herself.  This novel is incredibly moving. I highly recommend it for everyone to checkout.  The story is about how Malala spoke out when the Taliban took over Pakistan.  In 2012, Malala was fifteen and almost paid the ultimate price by standing up for the women in her community.  This novel is all about her journey from living a life filled with fear in Pakistan to contributing to the United Nations in New York.

Watching: This video from Kid President about how girls are awesome. In the short clip, Kid President interviews Rachel Platten,  famous singer songwriter. (You probably know this song or this song of hers) This video talks about empowering and believing in ourselves.  It also talks about the importance of not being so hard on ourselves.  We need to take time to tell ourselves that we are good enough rather than beating us up about what we haven't done or aren't good enough to do. Check it out for a little positivity on this Friday afternoon.

Drinking: This past weekend my mom and I made pumpkin roll ups with pumpkin pie filling and homemade pie crust.  We had some leftover pie filling, so my mom invented a new drink.

Red rose tea+ half and half+ sugar+ one spoonful of pumpkin pie filling

Wearing: The chilly Fall weather seems to be making an increasing appearance here in South-Eastern Pennsylvania.  This time of year is my absolute favorite.  The fashion options might be one of my favorite things about the season.  I was excited to take out my clothes from storage and rediscover all of my boots, sweaters, and other clothing items.  It was like going shopping all over again. Lately, I've been playing around with prints and patterns.  Last week I wore this combination of the plaid and anchors with a simple dress.

Listening: This week I've found myself listening to Ellie Goulding on Spotify.  Her songs are so catchy and provide the perfect combination music for studying and being productive.

Looking forward to: Doing Fall things.  So cliche but it's so true. This weekend I'll be going to a corn maze with some of my sorority sisters. I'm excited to pull out my bean boots and vest to enjoy some quality time with some great people.

{Source}

Loving: I've really been loving all the inspirational quotes and images I've found on Pinterest lately.  You can find the ones I've shared on twitter or checkout my Pinterest board. Some weeks we just need a little more inspiration than others.  This week was one of those weeks.

Wanting: I've been fighting the urge to going on a shopping spree. It's been awhile since I've been shopping, and lately I find myself really wanting to shop online. I've added things to my basket, but I have yet to purchase anything. I'm trying to be good with money.

I hope you have a fantastic weekend. Make sure you do something to treat yourself!

XOXO

10 Facts About Me

1. I love fresh cut flowers. My favorite type of flowers are hydrangeas, pink peonies, and sunflowers.

2. New office supplies make me happy.  I love to color code and organize my school things, so new office supplies make me excited

3. I am a foodie. I eat just about everything with the exception of mushrooms.

4. I enjoy cooking and baking.

5. I think I might be addicted to shopping. I spent a ton of my money from nannying, in the summer, on clothes and other things.

6. I don't get myself enough credit. I have a hard time accepting compliments and owning the things that I do really well. I have a ton of self doubt.

7. I enjoy eating healthy, but I would eat ice cream everyday if I could.

8. I am an overachiever. I like to be incredibly involved and sometimes I don't know how to say no.

9. When I grow up I want to have a regular house and a beach house.

10. I love tea. I drink it (almost) every day, sometimes multiple times a day.

XOXO

October's Motivational Monday

We all know Mondays can be the ultimate struggle. This week Monday is a day filled with relaxation  for me, since it's my university's Fall Break.  However, I wanted to provide those of you who don't have Fall Break with a little Monday Motivation.  This month's motivation is centered around the following quote. 

{image from Pinterest}

A line in one of Taylor Swift's popular songs from this past year.  Shake it off. These three words have a great amount of meaning behind them. There are so many things that are worth shaking off in life.  It isn't worth our time to hold onto the little things in life that might be bothering us.  We cannot afford to walk around everyday letting the words of others tear us down.  Letting others bring us down prohibits us from succeeding. We cannot let the rude cashier at the grocery store get the best of our good mood. We cannot let the driver, of the car, that cut us off in the morning commute turn our morning into one filled with anger.  A few bad things in a day, should not turn our whole day into a bad one. It is how we react to all of these "bad moments" that dictate how the rest of our day will be.  Living a life filled with optimism requires us to shake it off frequently.  If we shake things off, then we will be able to live a happier life. 

XOXO

September in a Nut Shell

This picture pretty much defines my life the first five weeks of school, chaotic.

Two and a half weeks later and I'm back! September has been a whirl wind of a month.  The month has been filled with Formal Recruitment preparations, Sorority recruitment, meetings, establishing new semester routines, completing homework, studying, completing my first round of exams, starting  new field placement, a visit to Penn State, a wedding, and squeezing in a small amount of time to relax.  On top of all that, balancing my duties as Chapter President and taking eighteen credits has been quite challenging. Now that I am five weeks into the semester, I can finally say I have a grasp on my life again.  My blogging hiatus has come to an end, and I am excited to be posting again.  Some things to you'll find here in the near future include: mason jar recipes, a recap of Recruitment, more organizational tips, a glimpse into what I've been wearing lately and everything related to my favorite season, Fall. 

I hope you have a fantastic Tuesday!

XOXO

Assignment Sheet for Fall Semester

The Fall semester is always much more busy for me than the Spring semester. Due to this I like to make sure I begin each year really on top of things.  This is my fourth semester taking eighteen credits or more.  Managing six to seven courses plus labs can become a little bit challenging.  In order to prevent myself from forgetting any important assignments, I like to create a semester assignment sheet.  This assignment sheet contains all course readings, days of labs, days when classes are cancelled, online modules, exams, quizzes, homework assignments, papers, readings that go along with certain lectures and any other assignments.  The first week of classes I take the time to read through the syllabus for each class, and then I gradually compile all of the dates and assignments into one large document.  I know it's the third week of classes, so if you still want to create one of these it's still not too late! Below you will find the steps I take to turn six syllabus into one document.

One: Read through each syllabus 

Two: Order your syllabus in the order that you have your classes (example: 1st- MF 11am class, 2nd- MWF 1pm class, 3rd- MWF 2pm class, 4th- Tues/Thurs 9:30am class, etc.)

Three: Open up an excel spreadsheet or a word document.  I recommend using whichever one you are more comfortable navigating. Personally, I prefer to use word. 

Four: Create a table with four columns and lots of rows.  The number of rows will be adjusted depending on the number of assignments you have. 

Five:  Title the columns as follows: Due Date, Date Completed, Class, and Assignments.

Six: Begin by creating a row for each of the weeks. I usually include the week's dates and the week number in these rows.

Seven: Open up the first syllabus to the list of due dates and assignments.  Begin by entering all the due dates for week one for this class.  Once you have done this, then move on and complete this for each week of the semester.  

Eight: Repeat step seven until you have entered the dates for each of your courses.

Nine:  Bold any quizzes or exams. This will help them stand out more. 

I bring this sheet with me to every class.  If professors change any due dates, then I simply take some white out and adjust the due date.  As I complete each assignment I write down the date it is completed, and then I  use a highlighter to highlight that the assignment has been completed. This assignment sheet is helpful for planning out my weeks.  By referencing this sheet, I can easily view which weeks are going to be busier academically and when I need to start studying for quizzes and exams. 

If you have any questions setting up your semester assignment sheet, then feel free to email me!

Like these posts, view similar ones:Start of Spring Semester & Syllabus Organizational Tips

XOXO

The Essential School Supplies

Today I'm here to share with y'all my first post in the Bloggers Back to School linkup series. Nicole of Empire Styles and Cathleen of Classy Cathleen have collaborated to create this  wonderful link up. This week's topic is school supplies. I've said it before and I will say it again. I love school supplies. It's hard for me to go into my local Target without wandering down the office/school supplies isles.  I love to color code things and keep a neat calendar.  I like to keep my school stuff incredibly organized, which calls for certain school supplies. Staying organized in college looks a lot different than your high school organizational techniques. So how do I  stay organized in college? These items play a huge role in keeping my schoolwork organized. 

Agenda: This is where I write down all of my assignments, to do lists, meeting times/locations, and sorority events. My agenda helps me remember where I need to be and what I need to do on a daily basis. 

Folders: I have two folders. One that I use for my Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes and another one I use for my Tuesday/Thursday classes. I keep all of the syllabuses in these folders along with any papers I need for the week. At the end of each week, I empty my folder out and put the papers in my binder. 

Binder: I use one binder a semester. This binder usually isn't something that I bring to classes unless we are studying for an upcoming exam.  This binder contains all of my papers for each of my courses. 

Dividers: I place one divider for each class into the binder. I prefer to use dividers that have pockets in them because I can place papers that haven't been whole punched there.  At the end of the end of the week, I whole punch each of the papers and place them in their correct section. 

Notebooks: Since I don't bring my binder with me to classes, I use the notebooks to take all of my notes in. I usually write my notes during lecture and then re-write them when I am studying. 

Black Pens: I prefer to use G2 ball point pens for my black pens because they make my handwriting look more neat.  I like to use black pens for my lab assignments and to take notes. I also use them to write my to do lists as well. 

Highlighters: I use these for my agenda organization, for in class note taking and when I am studying. Using colors helps me remember what information is the most important. 

Colored Pens: These help to make note taking more interesting. I also use these to help me keep my agenda organized. I mentioned color coding at the beginning of this post, and these pens are basically what I use to color code things. 

Now that it's the second week of classes, it's time to start getting organized. I hope my list of school supplies helps you start your year off more organized than ever!

XOXO

What Every College Girl Should Know

A few pieces of advice I've collected, for college women, throughout my time spent in college. 

1. You may not like your roommate, which is fine.  All you need to do is learn how to live with her.
2. Nobody really cares where you went to high school, what clique you were in, or how many awards you won.
3. Chances are high that you will change your major. I promise you it won't destroy your college experience.
4. It's okay to not get straight A's.
5. Sometimes that paper you think deserves and A+ will get a B, and it's okay life will go on.
6. Tutoring is something that everyone uses, even the smart kids on campus.
7. Your first semester is one of the most difficult adjustment periods you will experience, in college.
8. You're definitely not going to stay in touch with all of your friends from high school.
9. Speaking of high school, you might miss it sometimes and that's okay.  It's all part of the transition process. However, don't let yourself dwell on the pass and miss out on the here and now.
10. There's a lot more to college than frat parties and football games.
11. You don't have to drink to be social.
12. First impressions are important, but your first thoughts about people aren't always correct.
13. It doesn't how well you know "that girl at the party", if she's too drunk help her! After all,  if by chance that was you, your friend, or your sibling you would want someone to help you.
14. Always charge your phone before going out. 
15. Never go out alone.
16. Create a budget, it's easy to spend too much.
17. Don't send a snapchat that you wouldn't want someone to screen shot.
18. Don't post anything on social media that you wouldn't want your grandmother to see.
19. Sometimes you have to cry to feel better.
20. 95% of the time crop tops are not a good look. 
21. Have self respect.
22. Don't change your morals because they don't match someone else's.
23. Get dressed for class. It makes you more alert and leaves a good impression on your peers and professor.
24. Talk to your parents! They can provide great advice and support.
25. Take lots of pictures (You don't need to post every picture you take)!
26. Unless you are 21, don't post pictures with alcohol in them. 
27. Red cups are not a good look for social media posts.
28. Get involved! 
29. Use an agenda. They help a lot.
30. Go to class. 
31. Spark Notes is not going to get you too far in college. Shocker, you have to actually do your own work!
32. Take advantage of all the opportunities your campus has.
33. Failure is a part of life, but remember to learn from it.
34. Try something new.
35. It's okay to have a late night snack every once in awhile just don't make it a habit.
36. Add the number for your campus public safety into your phone.
37. Leggings can be worn as pants, but not for every single occasion.
38. Pinterest is a great resource for just about everything!
39. Stand up for what you believe in. It's okay if you have to stand alone sometimes.
40. Splurge on something for yourself every once in awhile.
41. A little retail therapy won't kill you.
42. Be sure to eat a balanced diet.
43. Be active, it's good for your physical and mental health.
44. Balance work and play.
45. Don't go home every weekend.
46. Step outside your comfort zone.
47. Take time for yourself. Your mental health is important.
48. Take some time for reflection. It is important to realize what is and is not working for you.
49. Be kind to everyone without letting them walk all over you.
50. Have fun!

XOXO

Twas the Night Before Senior Year

Happy Monday! 

The night before school, I spent some time putting this post together, so that it would actually be the night before school starts. I wanted to share with you a realistic depiction of what my night actually was like.   Today is the start of my senior year of college. It is insane how quickly my time in college has gone by. Luckily for me, I get to have a second senior fall semester since I will be student teaching this time next year.  The summer has come and gone so quickly, and I cannot believe that it is time to start classes again. While I have been preparing by purchasing school supplies and decorating my apartment, I just am still not prepared to be in classes again. This semester is going to be a busy one filled with studying, sorority activities, and preparing for the real world. So what did the night before my first day of senior year look like?

1:00- 3:00 pm Attend a Greek Presidents' meeting to discuss the community and our upcoming semester.

3:15 pm Purchase a course packet at the bookstore. Buying professor's slides pains me, but it's what I have to do to be successful in the class.

3:20 pm Print PowerPoints and syllabus.

4:00 pm Unpack the rest of my clothes that I brought from home.

4:30 pm Go grocery shopping with friends.

5:00 pm Finish unpacking and get organized.

6:00 pm Eat dinner with friends.

7:00 pm Get school stuff together and hangout with roommates.

7:30 pm Take care of Presidential items.

9:00 pm Watch Tv and have a snack with the roommates.

10:30 pm Think about what to wear tomorrow and what my day will look like.

10:45 pm Bed!

For my first day of classes, I wore an older Lilly shift dress with a pair of jacks!

Here's to a fun-filled busy semester! Best of luck to you!

XOXO

Weekend Reads: Starting College

Beginning your freshman year of college can be quite intimidating.  I can remember moving in four years ago feeling a little uneasy not knowing what exactly college would be like.  Below are some articles that will help guid you through your first few weeks of college! 

11 Things I Wish I Knew as an Incoming Freshman 

10 Life Changing Tips for College Freshmen

9 Questions to Ask Yourself When You're Thinking About Continuing Your Relationship in College

8 People You Should Prepare to Meet in College

7 Healthy College Breakfast Recipes

6 Money Lessons You Should Have Learned Before College

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Rely Solely on Your Academic Advisor

XOXO

Don't Label Me Basic

Over the past year a term, basic bitch, has become an increasingly popular way to refer to women.  Today I am here to share with you why I am not basic nor a bitch. Yes, I enjoy my Starbucks, vests, leggings, spirit jerseys, sorority, Lilly Pulitzer, pinterest, essie nail polish, boots, Instagram, twitter, taking pictures of food, monograms, and brunch.  Apparently enjoying these things classifies me to be a basic bitch, but I disagree! 

For starters, a bitch is technically another term for a female dog. Last time I checked, I don't fall into that category.  So now that we have that cleared up, let's talk about this whole concept of being basic. In the past few years, the term basic bitch has been used to describe any female who enjoys things viewed as "mainstream". This makes women feel as though they are supposed to be ashamed for enjoying these things because it makes them too ordinary. What you consume does not define who you are as a person.  By no means can consumption determine character. Today's society is filled with consumption, which is fine but we cannot let that define us. Both men and women contribute to the consumer society. This basic society is described by several different media outlets here, here, and here. Essentially consumption is personal preference and shouldn't be anything more than that.

However, I am proud to like all of these things, which are all part of what makes me who I am.  I am not ashamed because while I like these things I am also a woman looking to defy gender roles and stereotypes. I am strong, I am intelligent, I am hard working, and I seek to be my own person. I like the things I like without needing others' stamped approval. This term is just another way for society to shame on women.

For instance, there is not such thing as a basic man.  The man that loves watching sports, drinks beer, indulges on a burger, and is a sports center addict. Society primarily crowns women with these lovely terms. 

The definition of Basic Bitch Courtesy of Urban Dictionary. 

What are your thoughts on the term?

XOXO

Summer Detox

Back in June, my mom and I did a detox together. This time we created it ourselves. It was pretty much free sugar, dairy, and red meat. Our meals were filled with greens and protein.  The meal plan consisted of clean eating for five days.  I finally completed a five day cleanse.  This was a great way to jump-start the summer. While I did not lose more than a few pounds, I loved the way I felt when the week was over. I felt like I hit the reset button and freed my body from all the junk and toxins.

So what did I eat?

Every morning I drank water with lemon juice in it.

Every day I drank 90 ounces of water

Monday:

            Breakfast:Oatmeal “cookie”

            Lunch: Veggie burger and grilled squash

            Dinner: Fish tacos with coleslaw and beans

Tuesday:

            Breakfast: Oatmeal “cookie”

            Lunch: Tuna, half an avocado, tomatoes and greens with honey mustard

            Dinner: Chicken with steamed kale, carrots, and hummus

Wednesday:

            Breakfast: Steel cut oats

            Lunch: Tuna, half an avocado, tomatoes and greens with honey mustard

            Dinner: Chicken, spinach, black beans, and coleslaw

Thursday:

            Breakfast: Steel cut oats

            Lunch: Turkey, avocado, tomato, and hummus

            Snack: Smoothie 

            Dinner: steamed kale with salmon

Friday:

            Breakfast: Oatmeal “cookie”

            Lunch: Turkey, avocado, tomato, and hummus

            Dinner: California roll (sushi)

XOXO