But I Love My Email Address
March 31, 2010
Everyone uses email in college. You will use your addy to stay in touch with family and friends. You will email your professors and most likely, they will email you too. It has become so popular that many professors even use email to forward coursework and send updates to students.
Most likely, your school will provide you with an email using your first and last name. Not all schools require that you use it. In some cases, it can be set up to forward to your personal email. If your professor asks for an email to contact students, he or she may allow you to provide any email that you wish. If that is the case make sure your email is appropriate. You may love your nickname or unique email address, but you do not want to be judged by it. What do you think your professor will think about you when he or she sees Crazywildgirl@email.com or Jasonthe Killer@email.com on your contact sheet? Ok, maybe it does describe you or your favorite movie. But it just isn’t a good idea to be remembered by your crazy email or worse, one that includes curse words, slang or nasty language. Believe me, they will remember you and your email addy.
Early Is On Time
March 5, 2010
A friend of mine always tells his employees, “Early is on time and on time is late.” If you know the rest of the saying, then you know that late is unacceptable. I totally agree. Of course we need to be 15 minutes early for job interviews, early to pick up a friend so they don’t have to wait and early for an event so we can get a seat. School should be included on the “arrive early list.” Unlike a party, it is not good to arrive fashionably late for class. In fact is a detriment. Think about what your late arrival is saying about your dedication to school. Some professors take it personally. I have even had a few that closed the door and made you come up to the front of the class and complete a sheet with your name and tardy arrival time. Embarrassing! Some won’t even let you in after the five minute mark. Might as well have stayed in bed. Now, think about what it means if you are in class with your notes out and pen ready before your peers. In addition to gaining a few brownie points, you may also gain a few opportunities. I have found that the top students tend to arrive earlier than the failing ones. They are definitely the students you want to join for a study group. Many professors arrive very early so you will have an opportunity to ask questions, chat and start (or develop) a relationship. Some of the most interesting things go on before or after class.
Texting A College Paper
March 5, 2010
We all love to TXT! There is nothing like texting lingo is there? I just did a quick search and found tons of lingo/abbreviation dictionaries online. Some have almost two thousand words/expressions! Texting has made communication much more efficient. But herein lies the problem: texting has made its way into high schools and colleges and instructors don’t like it one bit. It is a great way to get yourself a big fat “F.”
Texting lingo is not correct grammar so you must not, under any circumstances, use a single text message abbreviation in your class work. I mean, do you really believe that your professor knows all those abbreviations anyway? Your paper will be impossible to read and there is a good chance your professor will not be very happy with you.
But hey, if a little lingo does find its way into your research paper, you will catch it when you proofread, right? If not, that is another great reason to proof your work.
Why Proofread When I Have a Spell Checker
March 5, 2010
I us a program with a sell checker. Why could I need to proof red anything? Ok, do you get my point? Yes, your spell check program will check your spelling, but there is no guarantees that you choose the correct to, too or two when rushing to complete a paper. Even grammar checkers are not always correct, especially for more complex writing or writing that includes terminology for a specific field. Sometimes typos (e.g. word “sell” in the 1st sentence above) are actual words, just not the ones you want. In that case, the spell checker will NOT alert you because no words were misspelled.
Always proofread your papers several times. Don’t let your ego tell you otherwise. Professionals proofread many times and even have others check their work. Have a dictionary and thesaurus available. They are online for free. If you can, read out loud to yourself or others. I find that to be the best way to catch mistakes.
Always proofread, no matter what. It just doesn’t make sense to lose points or even a whole grade because a few sentences look as though they were written by a 5 year old.
My Professor Hates Me!
March 5, 2010
So, your professor is mean and he hates you. He never calls on you unless you don’t know the answer. When you ask a question, he seems cold. Even though your professor is nothing like that kind and loving kindergarten teacher you had many years ago, take a moment to think before you jump to conclusions. First, ask yourself if your professor’s actions are really aimed at you. Or is it that he or she just doesn’t have a warm personality. Not everyone is a big ball of fun. Sometimes people who want you to do well seem to lead with an iron fist. We used to call it “tough love.”
Also, notice how your professor communicates with others on the same days he or she seems to be mean to you. You just might find that your professor is having a bad week (or month or semester). They are human and go through family problems, divorces, etc.
Also, consider this: maybe you have you offended your professor in some way. Although skipping class, leaving after the break, crunching Doritos or walking in after the lecture has begun seem like little things, they can be very offensive and demonstrate to your professor that you do not give a crap about the class. Look at your mannerisms, attitude and even your dress. If you are passing notes and talking in class, you are sending the wrong kind of message. Wearing an offensive tee shirt also won’t help the situation. Neither will mispronouncing your professor’s name every day. Don’t forget about academics. Turning in garbage completed at the last minute is another sign that you don’t care. Believe me, they know.
If you just aren’t sure what is going on, ask a few close friends who will be honest with you. A friend of mine had a really negative relationship with a professor. I always thought he was fair and was always willing to help his students. In fact, the professor did something nice for me and I remember writing him a thank you note. Years later, that card was still posted up in his office. One day my friend told me about their poor relationship. After asking her several questions, I figured it all out. She told me that she had missed class a few weeks ago and when she arrived for the next class, she found that the professor had placed the class notes at her seat. He did her a favor so she could not understand why he was acting so differently now. I asked her if she thanked him before class or during the break. “Nope.” I asked her if she thanked him later or gave him a little thank-you note to let him know you got the notes. “Nope.” That was the problem. The professor was really old fashioned. He was old enough to be my grandfather (this was graduate school) and expected students to follow the rules of etiquette. She did not and their relationship suffered because of it.
If you find that your relationship with your professor headed downhill, do something immediately. We all have problems and if you have been late because of a problem at work or home, let your professor know. He or she may not be sympathetic, but at least it won’t look like you decided to hang out at the lounge instead of arriving on time. Stop any offending behavior. Meet with your professor during his or her office hours or schedule an appointment. You should be doing this anyway. Discuss the class topics or ask questions about the material. Make sure you read BEFORE your meeting. Let our actions demonstrate that you are serious about the class and doing well. Sit in the front. You should be doing that anyway, too. Provide as many opportunities as possible for your professor to get to know you. I cannot guarantee that you can mend a broken relationship or even get your professor to see how special you are, but at the very least if you do your best, your professor will know.
Where Is The Best Place To Study?
March 4, 2010
All college student should have a few good places to study. Everyone is different. Some students can study with noise and people around them. Others need silence and get very distracted by noises by the radio/TV, other students or even muted sounds coming from outdoors.
Don’t wait until the day before the test to find a spot. You just may end up going from place to place looking for everything you need. So here are a few tips.
1. Decide what you really need. This may not exist in the most convenient place (break room at work, dorm room, lounge).
- comfortable chair
- table/desk at the right height
- enough room for books, pencils, calculator, etc.
- total silence or low sound level
- no annoying sounds like the hum of lights, refrigerator, vending machines
- good lighting
- near a computer printer/computer lab
2.Once you know what works best for you, find several places to study. There is no guarantee your first choice will be available.
- library
- quiet room at home/dorm
- lounge area outside of class or in the hall
- coffee shop
- your office at work (only before/after work)
3. Have a plan. You should bring everything you need such as your syllabus, pens, calculator, notes, bottle of water, etc. It is a good idea to make a check-list so you don’t forget anything.
4. Don’t get off track talking to friends or family who are in the same room or who walk by. Say hello and let them know you will call or visit them later. It is study time!
Where Does The Money Go?
March 3, 2010
The ATM refused to give you anything or your bank statement is now in the red. How did it happen? At the beginning of the month, you had a few hundred bucks. This is a common scenario in college. Money just seems to evaporate. In a matter of days, you can blow through a lot of money and not even realize it. Let’s use Mark as an example. His parents gave him $100 for spending money. They figured it would last a month. (LOL) He could buy toiletries like toothpaste and school supplies if he even needed any. They figured he had everything he needed already. Well, the money was gone in less than two weeks. Let’s see where the money goes…
- $10.00 two trips out for a slice of pizza and soda
- $7.50 a cold soda right after biology or English class
- $20.00 five frozen coffees with caramel topping
- $10.00 used video game
- $13.00 chips, Juice and Deli Sandwich for late night studying
- $5.00 quarters for laundry
- $22.50 cheap dinner and movie for two
- $5.00 large box of microwave popcorn
- $7.00 new tee shirt
- $5.50 computer magazine
There you have it. A few snacks, cans of pop and tips to the campus bookstore can magically make your money disappear. It doesn’t take long. Believe me this is not just a college problem. Lot’s of people don’t realize how those regular trips for coffee and a muffin can add up to $30-$40 bucks a week or more.
Even if you already have money troubles, it is not too late to begin budgeting. You don’t need a fancy budget book. A simple notebook will do. Write down how much money you have coming in and decide ahead of time what it will be used for. Don’t forget to save funds for times when an unexpected expense comes up like an outing with friends or a study guide. You may have to limit your trips to the vending machine but it will be worth it.
If you really need something, decide if you truly need it. You can also take the time to look for cheaper options. Instead of going to a vending machine or convenience store, purchase snacks at a discount store or grocery store. If you are on a food plan at school, use it wisely. Don’t buy pizza for lunch if you can use one of the campus eateries. If you still cannot make it with the funds you have, maybe it is time to look for a job. Some campus jobs can be a lot of fun.
Don’t forget to secure you budgeting information. It is not a good idea to leave it laying around so your friends will know about all of your riches.
Skipping a Few Boring College Classes
March 2, 2010
Everyone does it right? Some classes are really boring. You stayed up until… Well, you never actually went to sleep. You didn’t finish start that paper. You have to do too much paperwork for the job. You would just rather do something or anything else.
Yes, it is hard to resist the temptation to sit in the campus lounge and watch soaps, play cards or just sleep in. But skipping class is a bad habit that you never want to start. Here’s why:
- Once the lure of the lounge takes over, you’ll end up having to drop the class before you know it. Then you will have to take it again! ugh
- Most classes have a strict attendance policy. And even if they don’t, there is a good chance your professor will know who is coming to class and who isn’t. Don’t expect to get the benefit of the doubt if you fall short a few points to get the higher grade.
- Students who don’t go to class never get recommendations from professors for jobs, internships or graduate school. Believe me when I tell you that others will know about you, even if you don’t skip out in their classes. Your professors are human and do talk to each other.
- You’ll have no “sick days” if you really do get sick or have an emergency.
- Not everyone will take great notes. If you skip out all the time, it will be unlikely that you’ll get all the information you need.
- Those hints the professor gives about the test or additional notes… well you’ll know nothing about them. Sometimes those little tidbits of information end up being worth a lot of point on exams.
- Although it may not happen frequently, you professor can have you removed from the class.
Moral of the story: JUST GO TO CLASS. Save your day(s) off for times when you really need them. And, be patient. Eventually, one of your professors will have a flat or get stuck in the snow. Let it happen naturally.
Eliminating All Night Study Sessions: part 1
March 1, 2010
If you are like most students, you have probably pulled off more than a few all-night sessions. Let’s be honest here. Your work may not be at its best and you feel horrible in the morning, right? Don’t forget about the afternoon crash when your eyes just won’t stay open. And when that happens you better not be in a class or worse, driving. Yep, I’ve been there many, many times.
I know, there is just too much school work, group work, labs, research, too many activities, weekend parties,upcoming exams, etc. Some students have children and others have jobs. Believe me, I totally understand. The dreaded all-nighters bring back bad memories. You are so tired that you would trade almost anything for a few hours of sleep. By 2:00 in the morning, you are hoping for a second wind. Sound familiar? If so, read on. Let’s see if we can stop the madness. I can’t guarantee that you won’t have to pull any all-nighters, but here are a few tips that will at least help you to find more time…
1. Love your calendar & check it often: If you know day 1, that you have a research paper or a group project due, write it in your monthly (or yearly) calendar. Check your calendar often. If you carry a pocket version, pull it out at least once a day to see what you have coming and to add a chore to your “to-do” list. If you keep a yearly poster sized calendar, make sure it isn’t hidden on the inside of a closet or in an area where you don’t see it regularly. Also, if you don’t have space for changes consider writing in pencil. Your professor or coach will, on occasion change the syllabus or your schedule.
2. Look for tidbits of study time: Think about all the times you spend chatting complaining after class with a friend, staring at the ceiling during your break at work, texting someone about, well nothing and procrastinating. All of those times represent precious minutes that you should be working on your academics. Review your syllabus, do some reading or write a few notes. Getting ahead = more sleep.
3. Class cancellation/early dismissal: When you get out a few minutes early or a professor cancels class (it does happen), use that time for studying, research or group work. Even if it is just 10 minutes, go and find a comfortable seat and get started reading a chapter or one of your research articles. As much as you might want to watch TV, hit the campus pizza spot or just go to bed, don’t do it. The few minutes gained here and there can add up to several hours of study time –time you won’t spend losing sleep.
4. Learn to say NO: Just because someone wants you to do something doesn’t mean you have to do it. Studying and completing your assignments are priorities. With a research paper and a test due in a few days, you may have to skip out on helping your friend move, going out with friends to meet people you don’t really like or baking snacks for your job’s lunchroom. When asked to do something decide if it is really worth your time. Although you may want to help, think about the hours you are taking away from your sleep because you will be behind on your work. Yes, some people may get upset. Just remind them that you are a busy college student and you have lots of assignments due. If they don’t understand, maybe it is time to find new friends.
Stay tuned for part 2. I’ve got more tips for using your time wisely so you can cut down or eliminate those dreaded all-night study sessions.
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