Students blog

After beginning at one school, sometimes students may feel the need for a change of scenery. However, picking up the life you built in one place and starting fresh somewhere else is daunting, but I am here to say that you’re not alone! I recently transferred from a community college to the University of Texas at Arlington, and I wanted to share some things I learned to help make that transition a bit smoother. While the first couple of weeks after my transfer were a struggle, I was finally able to get comfortable due to these 3 lessons:

Stick to What You Love

When I first moved to Arlington, I had to get used to a lot of new things like my new schedule, different weather, and unfamiliar scenery. Early on, I enjoyed this as it felt like I was discovering something new each day, but quickly, I started to feel overwhelmed and homesick. Thoughts like, “Did I make the wrong decision moving?” or “Will I ever get used to being here?” bombarded my mind. But rather than let my anxiousness get the better of me, I fell back on my favorite hobby: volleyball. After going to a local open gym, I found my worries washed away as I was having fun and doing something I loved. Simply put, change can be overwhelming, but when you find a way to insert the things you love into new situations, you can create some comfort for yourself.

It's Ok to Ask for Help

As a transfer student, I was very nervous about life as a new student on campus and moving in a day before the first day of classes did not help. At first, I walked around aimlessly across campus on my own trying to figure out where my classes were located and what food options were available to me. While I eventually figured things out, this process could have been accelerated if I just asked for help. Reaching out to classmates or even your university’s student center is a great way to get questions answered by people who already know what they are doing. Additionally, by reaching out to others, you might be introduced to resources you never knew existed on campus.

Relationship Building is Key

As a heavily introverted person, one of the things I dreaded most was meeting new people. Often during lectures, I found myself sitting at the very back of the classroom or closest to the door so I could avoid any interactions; however, I quickly felt lonely. This changed when another student named Diego sat next to me one day during a chemistry lecture. Getting to talk with him helped me build confidence in chatting with others, and eventually, I met a great new group of friends. Building new relationships is an amazing way to make your transition more enjoyable as you start to look forward to the next day and the events and activities you may participate in through new people.

Ultimately, the transfer process is pivotal in dictating how life at your new school will be. As a result, being smart about how you spend your time and approaching the first few weeks is critical to ensure that you get as comfortable as quickly as possible. While the lessons I shared above are not an exact science or step-by-step process, I hope they offer some insight that can make your transition smoother. From one transfer student to another, I wish you luck and want you to know that you’ll do great!

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The beginning of a new year is very exciting but can also come with a lot of pressure. People aim high, setting really ambitious goals for the new year. Setting goals (New Year’s Resolutions) for yourself can be a great way to keep yourself motivated throughout the year.

Last year I wrote out my New Year’s Resolutions for the first time and found it helpful in visualizing my thoughts. I came up with categories that describe my current life and then put a few goals in each of those categories. For example, I had an academics section, a health section, a career section, a relationships section, and miscellaneous. When making goals for each of these sections, I tried to come up with some smaller goals and some bigger goals. By completing my smaller goals, I worked towards completing my bigger goals. I also put a timeframe on my goals, so that they were measurable, and I had a way to track my progress.

My year last year felt more productive than previous years. I think that started with even making goals in the first place – I subconsciously was always working towards them. Making goals in different categories ensured that I devoted some time to categories that often were pushed to the side. I made it a priority to move my body and exercise a few times a week. This released significant amounts of stress for me because it took my mind off of homework or an upcoming test. I focused on trying to read more books in my free time, instead of mindlessly scrolling on social media. I love to read; I just hadn’t made it a priority before. I used to believe that I was too busy to read books for fun while at school, but I learned that you always have time if you make time.

Another goal of mine was to prioritize relationships. My goal was to call one sibling every week as well as one friend from high school during the school year, and one sibling and one friend from college during the summer. Holding myself to this allowed me to stay more up to date with friends who I don’t get to see in person as often as I’d like to.

I would strongly recommend making goals at the beginning of the year because it helped me grow a lot as a person and improved my quality of life. Organizing my goals into categories helped me stay on track long after the glow of the New Year’s holiday had faded away. I felt great, both physically and mentally, after making an active effort to spend less time on social media, read more, exercise more, and prioritize relationships. Make time for the things you enjoy!

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! 

Winter can be a difficult season. Long breaks and shorter days can cause us to lose motivation. It is known that screen time increases during the winter months, which can make winter blues worse. Here are tips that help me keep myself busy and motivated during colder months, without being attached to my phone.

Stay active

Staying active helps tremendously, whether to the gym, a coffee run, a Target run, or a quick walk around the block. I have noticed that my mood changes when I leave my house, making me feel less anxious and overwhelmed. For some people, self-care might be their go-to to helping feel recovered & overcome winter blues, for me it is the gym. The gym helps me feel strong and calm; it is a huge part of my lifestyle. Even in the winter when it is cold and snowy, I look forward to going to the gym because it is part of my daily routine.

Find a hobby indoors

Finding a hobby has also helped me with fight boredom and overthinking. I recently picked up adult coloring books; it helps time go by fast and it also helps me stay off my phone. Another hobby that has helped me stay disconnected from my phone is junk journal or scrapbooking. This is an easy way to print out memories from my phone and express myself. It is also a fun way to capture special events spent with my friends and family. Listening to podcasts has also encouraged my mental health and has helped to reduce screen time.

Adjust holiday expectations

Winter brings the holidays and with that, the exceptions set on social media can feel overwhelming. I have been a victim of falling for Instagram's “family activities,” “family vacations”, and the most famous “Elf on the Shelf”. Without proper help and income that is impossible to achieve. I have made peace with what I will do with my family and what I will not. Setting boundaries is the primary goal when it comes to adjusting holiday expectations. Setting boundaries is helpful to reduce stress and help be realistic with yourself. Lastly, it is okay to say “No”.

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! 

Washington, D.C., our nation's capital, is a vibrant and bustling city full of history, ambition, and opportunity. Recently, I had the privilege of interning in Congress and studying in this dynamic place. While it was a rewarding experience, juggling school, an internship, and the stress of election season wasn’t easy. Here’s how I found peace and balance in the midst of the chaos:

Connecting with Nature

Amid the fast pace of D.C., I found peace in the city’s pockets of nature. The National Mall, with its sweeping views of historic monuments, became one of my favorite nature escapes. Runs to the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise and sunset offered me a unique kind of serenity, while trips to nearby Maryland and Virginia introduced me to breathtaking hiking trails and beautiful landscapes. Immersing myself in these natural spaces reminded me to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the present. Whether it was by watching the Potomac River flow or strolling under trees filled with friendly squirrels, nature had a way of grounding me in the moment. It was one of my primary avenues of peace.

Finding Your Safe Space

In a city as fast paced as D.C., finding a space where you can unwind and recharge is essential. For me, that sanctuary was a cozy local coffee shop. It became my retreat - a place to journal, read, listen to music, and enjoy a warm cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Whether it’s a park, a library, or even your favorite room at home, having a safe space to decompress and reflect is key to maintaining balance in a high-stress environment.

Interpersonal Networking

Washington, D.C. is the city of networking, where every conversation has the potential to spark an opportunity. As intimidating as it may seem, I used networking as a tool to interact with others, make friends, and build meaningful relationships with individuals in similar situations as mine. Some of the most meaningful connections I developed weren’t forged in formal settings but through genuine conversations about hobbies, career journeys, and life goals. Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional. When approached authentically, it can be deeply fulfilling and transformative, even bringing a sense of joy and peace.

Embrace the Moment

Living, working, and studying in D.C. during an election cycle is a uniquely intense experience, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to witness history and be part of something bigger than yourself. I learned to embrace the city’s energy and cherish the moments of growth, whether that meant navigating my packed schedule, meeting new people, or simply taking in the view of the National Mall and the Capitol at night.

No matter how busy life gets, prioritizing your inner peace and well-being is essential. You can only thrive professionally and academically when you take the time to care for yourself. So, if you ever find yourself in D.C. or a similarly dynamic environment, remember to pause, savor the experience, and remind yourself why you’re there in the first place.

Washington, D.C. taught me so much about ambition, resilience, and self-care. It’s a city where dreams are sparked and connections are forged, but also the perfect place to find your balance and discover more about yourself. Beyond politics, I found peace, and that made all the difference!

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! 

In this world, you are given the opportunity to excel in your personal growth. Soaring among the rest may seem like a challenge, but college is a good opportunity for you to become your own Superhero.

Your first step in becoming this “Superhero” is to decide on a “name”: what you are interested in. Every college has many different organizations you can join. Usually, you can even create a club if one doesn’t fit into your personal interests. In this part of your Superhero journey, you are not only picking out your name, but you are picking out what you believe in and what you want to be known for, so think hard.

With your newly found name and passion, it will not be so hard to find the right group of friends that fit your needs. My college has a day at the beginning of each semester called “Get on Board Day,” where every organization is given the opportunity to showcase their group. During this day, you can talk to people who have interests like yours, similar mindsets, and the same passion for growing. You are also able to make new friends in your specific major and join group chats to ask about the classwork and plan events together. This gives you an opportunity to make friends you will see for the remainder of your college career.

Being a Superhero also means that you need to take time for yourself to recuperate and catch up on necessary schoolwork. You can fight crime in the daytime by being an academic weapon and going to classes, and then in the nighttime, you can conquer going to your organization’s meetings, but will you get tired? Of course, you will; this means you have to manage your time adequately. By doing this, you can choose when you want to designate time to study, go to meetings, and take self-care time. This can be accomplished by using a physical or digital calendar to track everything.

In college, sometimes we may forget that we are also human, and that Superheroes have rest days as well. Do you think that Batman fights crime every night? No, he still manages to go to meetings or do other fun things when he is free. If you can manage everything and give yourself grace, then you have successfully become a college Superhero.

Embark on your new journey through college by attacking your academics and making meaningful memories with friends, and at the end of your college journey, you have ultimately saved the world!

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! 

As a student, it can be challenging remembering to plan for events like birthdays or holidays. Especially if you are far away from home or busy studying for finals, finding the right gift for your friends and family can be a stressful task. Luckily, I have a list of solutions for last- minute gift ideas! Whether you are celebrating from a long distance, or you are looking for a way to show you care, I’ve got you covered! In this blog, I will be reviewing some of the best gifts with various price ranges from flower delivery to e-cards and more!

If you are celebrating someone who is not near, the first step is always a sweet birthday message. A phone call or voicemail will always be more sincere, but a thoughtful text message is also a great way to make someone feel remembered. The next step is a gift. Depending on how well you know the person, an eGift card may be the perfect way to show someone that you remember their favorite store or restaurant. They will also be able to use a gift card when they choose. For someone more special to you, consider a flower or cookie delivery service. These can be scheduled a few days ahead (or even the day of if you are lucky), and it is a surprise that will be memorable for years to come.

If you are low on money, but still want to give someone something special, do not fret! There are many options available to those on a budget. After all, it is the thought that counts. Consider getting together with other friends or family members to split the cost of a nice gift. When my older sister graduated college, I wanted to get her a designer handbag. It was her dream bag that she had talked about for years, but I couldn’t afford it on my own. I got together with my other two sisters and my mom, and we were able to split the cost and get it for her. I’ve never seen her cherish a gift quite like that one. Another great budget friendly option is coming up with a gift theme and getting a few low-price options together. For example – a spa theme might be made of a few facemasks, a headband, and some hand-written self-care quotes. Don’t be afraid to make things!

Lastly, sometimes you have the budget and find yourself near the person of the hour, but you simply forgot about their gift. Offer to take this person to breakfast! Many times, people will have dinner plans or night plans, but they find themselves with a lot of time at the beginning of the day. Offering to fill this time at a nice diner or brunch place is a great way to make memories, eat good food, and let this person know that they haven’t been forgotten about. However, if it is too late in the day when you remember them, you can find some valuable gift sets at department stores – these pair very well with flowers!

Hopefully you don’t find yourself panicking about gifts too often, but if you do, just remember to keep it simple and be thoughtful about what you know about the person. I hope that you can find some ideas that will help you from this blog. Good luck gifting!

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! 

As I sit and reflect on the person I’ve become, I realize the individual I once identified with feels like a distant, familiar stranger. “Creative” was never a word I associated with myself or imagined others would use to describe me. Yet now, creativity defines my world and has become an intrinsic part of who I am. However, this transformation didn’t happen overnight. The journey to discovering my creative side and, ultimately, my newest passion was anything but easy.

After walking away from football during my sophomore year of college, I felt lost and aimless. Football had been such an intrinsic part of my life that I never allowed myself to believe I could excel at anything else. For six months, life without football left me at my lowest point. I didn’t know who I was anymore—until I found my way back to my first true love: storytelling.

Storytelling is the fuel that drives me forward in life. I’ve always had an affinity for creative storytelling, whether factual or fictional. The very act of weaving narratives has always fascinated me. Although my life was deeply entrenched in the student-athlete lifestyle, I often turned to media and storytelling as my escape. When football was no longer part of my day-to- day life, I immersed myself in narrative storytelling more deeply than ever before. With my newfound free time, I had no idea what to do—until one day, my younger brother, a 2D animator, suggested I start making videos. With nothing to lose, I decided to take the risk.

I’ll be transparent: I don’t believe I found creativity—creativity found me. From the moment I dipped my hand in the cookie jar, I became obsessed. From writing scripts to learning how to edit, tapping into my creative side became more than just a hobby—it was therapeutic. It forced me to reflect and understand myself in ways I never had before, sparking the motivation to become the person I truly want to be. I fell in love with the introspection that storytelling required, because to tell great stories, one must first understand their own.

As time goes on, I see myself continuing to grow as a creative. I view it as my avenue to live a truly free life. But what this journey has also taught me is how easy it is to put ourselves in boxes, limiting our ability to think beyond those confines. Creativity shattered those limits for me, showing me that the capabilities of our minds are truly endless.

Creative storytelling helped me discover that we are not meant to be tied to a single, fixed identity—whether defined by society or by ourselves. We are far more nuanced, and our minds are filled with infinite possibilities. As an aspiring storyteller in all its forms, my dream is to travel the world and provide people with a comfortable platform to share their stories. Learning about my own creative abilities has inspired me to dedicate my life to one guiding principle: Chasing Infinity.

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! 

In this quick paced world, the workplace focuses mainly on results and productivity. Many times, mental health takes a back burner in employers’ minds which can lead to burn out and stress for employees. Temporary solutions such as caffeine breaks and mindful apps do not solve deeper problems. A more effective and long-lasting approach is animal assisted therapy, which uses interactions with animals such as dogs to improve emotional well-being in the workplace.

Studies have shown that simply being around animals increases the release of neurotransmitters associated with reducing stress and improving mood. Introducing trained animals to the workplace helps employees' mental health and fosters a better working environment.

Simply by petting a calm animal or just being around it can reduce blood pressure and stress hormones. If employees let workers relax on heavy days, it can improve their mental focus and emotional balance leading to increase productivity throughout the day.

Animals can also help build a sense of community. Sometimes the workplace can be lonely, especially in a competitive environment. Animals can serve as a connector in the workplace. The sense of connection can improve teamwork and make the atmosphere more like a family.

Animals can also encourage healthier habits. Workers who take time to exercise and get a short walk with the dog can also improve their mood. This allows them to get a much-needed physical activity and a mental break that can inspire connectivity, better focus, and improved problem-solving capability.

However, bringing animals into the workplace requires careful planning. Not everyone is comfortable around animals due to allergies, fears, or personal preferences. Companies need to create clear policies, designate specific animal-friendly areas, and work with trained therapy animals to ensure everyone feels safe and included.

The most common type of therapy animals are dogs. Affection from dogs is a proven way to reduce stress, and when added to the workplace, can drastically improve workers' mental health and overall performance.

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! 

Being stuck inside during the winter sometimes sends me looking for some unplugged activities. Thinking back to my summer as a camp counselor, the “it” way to pass the time was to make friendship bracelets! Whether you’re a seasoned bracelet maker or just getting started, I want to welcome you to the color world of friendship bracelets!

I’ve been making friendship bracelets for years and I can tell you it takes a lot of practice! The foundation of friendship bracelets is very simple: a forward knot and a backwards knot. If you know how to do these 2 knots, you can read what are called “alpha patterns” and make any design!

How To Do a Forward and Backward Knot

If you know what the number “4” looks like, you’re already 99% of the way there!

To make a forward knot: simply grab on to one string in your left hand - let’s call this String A - and the string to the right of it in your right hand - let’s call this String B. String A will form a “4” over String B. The end of String A will cross under String B to form the knot, and then you pull upwards to tighten.

To make a backward knot: simply make (you guessed it!) a backwards “4” where String B crosses over String A, the end of String B crossed under String A, and pull.

How To Read an Alpha Pattern

An Alpha pattern is essentially a visual representation of a bracelet design arranged in a grid format with arrows corresponding to either the forwards or backwards knot. There are 4 types of arrows to be aware of.