For many college students school has just let out or is soon to be let out. This leaves students looking around for something to keep them busy during the summer. 

Let’s face it, even though it is many young person’s dream to lounge around all day, that only leads to boredom.

In this blog post I will describe some options of things you can do to keep yourself productive this summer.  Note: These options may even help you with your career choice.

The first thing that comes to mind to all students is summer jobs. The typical ones that come up are the retail and fast food jobs. The ones that slip our minds are summer youth programs. These programs are for those who want to work with kids, most of the time you can find these types of jobs in your local community centers. Along with the pay you will get to do activities like camping, hiking and many other outdoor activities. The best thing you can get out of working for a summer youth program is investing in kids’ lives and influencing them to be where you are at right now, in college.

If you are looking to get away from your hometown (or home country for that matter) start thinking about study abroad. The best way to go about inquiring about studying abroad is through your school. I know that my school has classes that you can sign up for that do not start until the end of the semester. Although you may get a few homework assignments here and there before the trip it is a worthwhile way to get away from the classroom. Note:  Studying abroad through your school is a cheaper way to go because your school will secure discounts that quite possibly you could not.

Another option is a summer internship.  Internships are great ways to get experience for your future career choice. Many places offer summer internships and all you have to do is research and ask around. If you are in the medical field get in touch with hospitals and doctors’ offices. If you are having a hard time looking for internships that fit your needs, go to www.internshipprograms.com. This website has a wealth of information to help you find an internship in your home state or out of state and opportunities range from interests like programming to film/photography.

Whatever you choose, make sure it is right for you. If you are going to choose to do something this summer, commit to it because it will help you not only in your college years but in whatever career you are headed toward.

My freshman year of college is completed. The year was filled with a lot of ups and downs for me. Times where I thought I wasn’t going to make it, academically and physically. There were many times where I would breakdown because of the stresses of schoolwork mixed in with the chaos of dorm life. My only escape was to retreat back home to recharge before starting a new week.

Amidst all the negative things that have happened this year there were plenty of personal positives.  I was able to live in the dorms and bonded with a great group of guys who were all easy to get along with. As the year progressed I became better friends with the guys and an atmosphere of trust was created, enabling a way to talk about problems and challenges that being a college student brings. Another personal positive note was that even though my grades were not fantastically good, I managed to pass all my classes.

One thing I took advantage of at my school was the leadership opportunities; although I was very nervous to try something new I went all in. I would suggest this to anyone who is willing to get out of their comfort zone and make an impact on your campus. Getting involved in your school allows you to meet new people, have fun while making changes in your college community.

Now with summer starting, I am taking the chance to unwind. Trying hard not to think about homework and going to class. To all those who are finished with school for the summer, I recommend you do the same.

When it gets close to starting up the new semester start mentally preparing yourself to get back into the swing of things. Make goals for yourself that you want to accomplish, whether it be increasing your GPA (if it was not so great last year). Your goal does not have to be academic; it could be social like making a goal to establish a friendship with someone who you don’t think you could be friends with. Whatever you choose make it a positive goal that will ultimately benefit you and those around you.

So for all you college students have a great summer, relax, find some new exciting activities to do and keep checking back in for new posts.

Thanks for reading,

firstgencollegekid

While it may be tempting to look at how you will fund your education before choosing where to get your education, I believe it is best to choose where before thinking about how.  This is because worrying about finances can cause you to aim for less than the best fit for your continued education.

However, once you have identified your top choices, the next step is to learn about scholarship and other funding opportunities.  One of the best sources for information regarding long term planning for funding a college education can be found at http://money.cnn.com/pf/college/.

Some schools are needs blind which means they will choose to accept you without knowing whether you have the resources to pay.  Typically, these schools have many scholarships available and they want a diverse student body.  In other words, they don’t want a student body that is entirely affluent.

Other schools will address costs early on.

Most schools provide financial aid for students who are from low income families.  Some schools encourage students to ask friends and family for financial support.

Grants and scholarships are money you do not have to repay.  Loans are money that you and/or your family will be expected to repay.

 To learn whether you qualify to get federal grants or loans, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (ideally before February 15 the year you intend to start college).  This form will calculate your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).  It is important to share your FAFSA and EFC with each of the schools that you are considering.  Most schools use this information to assemble your financial aid package.  A financial aid package may include scholarships (academic, sports, music, leadership, early admission, etc.) grants, loans, a work study job and up front or periodic payments.

Scholarships are available directly from schools and also from community organizations such as chambers of commerce, rotaries, clubs and state and national organizations such as businesses, credit unions, professional organizations, etc.

There are also scholarships for descendants of certain families or cultures and members of faith based organizations.

Often the schools you are considering will have information regarding scholarships that are available to prospective and continuing students.

The key to funding your education is to ask and seek.  Ask everyone you know whether they know of scholarship opportunities.  There are many scholarships that go unused year after year simply because no one applies for them.  Plus, there are times when people you ask will choose to contribute directly to your education and some employers (even small employers) offer an ongoing education benefit to their employees and family members.

If you like to travel or are wanting to travel for the first time, you should investigate opportunities to study abroad before choosing a college.

Many college graduates report that studying abroad was one of their most memorable college experiences.  It’s not only a vacation, it can open a new way of life.

Most schools offer a chance to study overseas, but some help provide the language and culture training before you go.

As you review different study abroad options it is important to ask students how well the calendar of college and abroad programs meshed and whether all credits received abroad transferred to the college.  It is also important to look at destinations.  Some colleges advocate for destinations in first world nations, while others advocate for destinations in third world destinations.

Most schools will offer full year, semester long and summer or spring break study abroad options.  Some schools actually make travel experience a requirement of the major. 

Housing arrangements also vary widely from one program to another.  Some programs house you with other international students while some programs house you with a host family so that you will be more fully immersed in the culture and language.

If you are worried about the cost of study abroad, don’t be. Most financial aid offices have scholarship information and grant information for studying abroad. Check out this site for information on the many, many scholarships that are available http://www.studyabroad.com/forum/financial_aid.html

Now, you know what you got to do. Plan, pay and go! Study abroad is unforgettable and you will never regret a minute that you are exploring and having a great time. Have fun wherever you choose to go!

If you are going to play sports while attending university, then you need to choose a school where study and sports can be balanced.

Student-athletes need to be prepared to make sacrifices as they have tighter schedules than those students who don’t choose sports. If you are intending to major in something that is time consuming, be prepared to find that the demands of both sports and study will stack up high. You will be traveling and coaches will demand a lot out of you during practices. However, even though it may seem scary, don’t opt out and take a light load of classes for convenience. One problem that happens in many college teams is “clustering”. This is when a group of student-athletes major in the same thing so as to have a light study load. Surveys show that more than 40% of student-athletes cluster to make more time for sports.  The problem with this is that they’ve chosen to prioritize their sport over their studies and haven’t chosen a field of study that really reflects their individual non-sport interests.

Break the stereotype of the “dumb jock.” The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) has low standards for student-athletes. An article in USA Today showed that athletes only need to complete 40% of their degree course work by the end of their sophomore year, 60% the following year and 80% senior year. However, you don’t have to be one of these statistics. You can push yourself without breaking yourself to the point of giving up.  Communicate with student-athletes at the campuses you are considering and ask them how they balance their sport and study efforts.

If turning pro is your career goal, it is important still to have a backup plan. Less than ten percent of college athletes go on to the NFL, NBA, MLB, etc. I’m not saying you should give up, instead I am saying be realistic so that if things don’t go how you expect them you still will have a degree that can help you attain a job that you will enjoy and that will help you provide for yourself and a family.

Be the first to break out of the mold and set high standards. Don’t be easily swayed by peers to aim low and forget your college studies just so you can focus on the sport. Find a mentor that will keep you accountable to giving your all in the field and the classroom.  Most coaches will support you because they want to see you succeed in both areas. Choose a college where student-athletes have found strategies to excel on and off field.  Then prioritize and do your best and you will get what you want while playing sports in college.

The history of a college usually influences what it is today. If it started as an agricultural school, it is likely to offer fields of study that relate to the science and business management of running a dairy, cultivating crops or preserving foods today. If it started as a seminary for women in a year when women did not typically seek advanced education, it likely has an emphasis on empowering women in the marketplace today. If it started as a health professions technical school it likely offers courses in the most advanced health technologies today. If it started as a teaching school that explored emerging practices, it likely is an education research center today. If it started as a research facility for robotics, it likely has robotics courses today. If it started as a training center for astronauts, it likely trains future astronauts today.

While some may find history a boring study, when it comes to choosing a college, it should not be neglected.

The story below is based on a true story but the names have been changed for confidentiality.

When Tawnya’s grandmother passed away after a long and painful illness it sent the whole family into a tailspin. Grandma had been the spiritual head of the family. She was the one that family members went to when they wanted advice or comfort. With Grandma gone the family stopped attending faith based meetings and stopped celebrating spiritual holidays. Family traditions were dropped. Tawnya’s mother became somewhat bitter. Her father became mildly depressed. And her sisters became somewhat withdrawn. But Tawnya was impacted most of all.

18 months after Grandma had passed away, Tawnya was in college and hours from home. Then Tawnya began to eat less. She found it hard to get out of bed in the morning. She lost her motivation for school. She took less care of her attire and grooming.

Amy was Tawnya’s friend. Amy listened to Tawnya day after day as she became more sad, more irritable and more unfocused in her school work and even in her conversations. Amy was interested in the medical field and so watched many documentaries and television dramas about medical topics. One day she watched a drama about a teen who was suffering from clinical depression. This prompted her to go online to look up “signs of depression”. She found a list like the one at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression and realized that Tawnya was exhibiting nearly every sign of depression. She talked with Tawnya about this and asked Tawnya to tell her parents and to ask for help, but Tawnya did not act on what Amy told her. The next week Tawnya began to talk about wanting to be dead and having specific ideas about how she might take her life. This prompted Amy to call Amy’s mom.

Amy’s mom had worked in the medical field for years and quickly said, “Amy this is too big an issue for you to try to solve on your own. You need to involve a responsible adult from the college that Tawnya trusts.”
Amy contacted a favorite professor that both Tawnya and Amy liked and trusted. The professor agreed that it sounded like Tawnya was in trouble and committed to call Tawnya into her office to talk with her immediately.

When Tawnya got the call, Amy was in the room. Tawnya’s first response was anger. She asked Amy, “How dare you share my personal problems with someone else. I told you those things in confidence.”
However, Tawnya went that day to meet with the professor. The professor heard Tawnya out and then, while Tawnya was there, she phoned Tawnya’s parents.

Within that week Tawnya was seen by a mental health professional, diagnosed with clinical depression and started on anti-depressants. She told Amy that she was sorry she acted mad and that she was actually glad that Amy had cared enough to involve someone who could help her get better. Within two weeks, Tawnya was feeling better and showing more interest in eating, getting proper rest and doing well in school. Tawnya and Amy retained their friendship and Tawnya got involved in the crisis help line at school. When she tells her story, she talks about how important it is to get professional help for a friend who is suffering from depression even if it could mean the loss of a friend. Confidentiality and friendship are less important than saving someone’s life.

When choosing a college it is also important to consider living arrangements. Some schools require students to live on campus for at least their first two years while other schools have more students who commute from home than who live on campus. Some schools require first year students to live in dormitories while other schools allow for students to live in off-campus apartments. Some schools only provide housing for single adults while other schools provide housing for married couples and families.

Then there is tremendous variation in on-campus options. Some dormitory buildings have a kitchen and dining room in the building. Most have separate buildings for dining. Some have cooking facility within the building, others allow some cooking in the rooms while some require that all cooking occur in separate buildings. Some dormitory rooms house one student, some house two, some house three or four or more. Some are single sex as a whole building, others are single sex by floor and others are mixed on a floor. Some rooms have their own bathroom, some share a bathroom between two rooms and some share a bathroom for a full floor.

Then there is the Greek system. Sororities and fraternities vary so much in housing, study, storage and dining space that it is important to visit each one under consideration.

There is also extreme variation in architecture, layout and age of buildings. Sometimes within a single campus it is possible to choose from a neo-gothic castle-like dorm to a modern cement structure to an on-campus cottage that can be shared with people who have common worldviews or lifestyles.

When choosing a college it is helpful to list your top priorities and then to contact students who are at the schools you are considering. Most colleges have students who are happy to respond by email to questions from prospective students. Then when you learn of a school that has housing options that meet most of your top priorities, it is very helpful to go visit the school to check out the facilities for yourself.

Once you are accepted to a school, you can then list your housing preferences. You are not guaranteed of getting your first choice, but doing your homework and knowing your reasons for your housing preferences will help you get closer to what you want than if you don’t consider these things.

When choosing a college it is also helpful to look at all the courses that are available on campus. In this article I will focus on courses that will be outside of your major. This is because I’ve already addressed courses that would be in your major in the article titled “Degree Programs Offered“.

While your main priority may be to choose a school that will support your career path, it is also important to look at the school’s course catalogue to identify courses that you would want to take for pure fun. For example, one of my friends knew she wanted to be a pre-med major, but she also loves music and outdoor activities, especially swimming. So, she chose a school that had a strong music program including band and also had swimming courses and a swim team and a marine biology minor. While at school she then took all the pre-med courses plus scuba diving and marine biology and even got to swim with whales in the Florida Keys for a course that occurred over Spring Break and swim with another type of whale in the San Juan Islands in Washington State during a summer college course. Now that friend is graduated from college and from grad school and working at a job in the healthcare field that she loves, but she will be the first one to tell you that her work colleagues are more interested in her stories about swimming with whales in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans than in which experiments she did in her pre-med classes.

So while a college education should help you attain your career goals it also can provide you with refreshing activities that make for fun stories for the rest of your life.

Identity theft happens regardless of gender, age or ethnicity. In fact, a growing target is among university students.

Many people turn to identity recovery programs once they have become the victim of identity fraud. Or they may attempt to “clean up” the incident themselves. However, there are companies out there, such as ID Theft Assist, that have your back – not just when you or your family get hit but also prior to any id theft mishap. For just over $7 a month, you and your family can have the protection you need.

There are many identity recovery programs available. However, not all offer the same services so it’s important to look into what they provide. Do they file a criminal report and forward the report to creditors? Do they help replace your credit cards and id cards? Do they report fraud to social security administration? Do they assist with obtaining a real-time credit report? Do they offer cash advances? Do they cover your family members? ID Theft Assist offers all the above and more.

ID Theft Assist covers you and your family before and after any identity mishap. They provide unlimited phone support and in-person emotional trauma support that their competitors don’t offer. They actively monitor your credit and alert you of activity prior to any incident.

ID Theft Assist is worldwide with representatives in over 200 countries. Plus they provide language translation services.

For more information about this service, visit http://www.studentassistanceplan.com/idtheft.php.