Dealing With Change

Our blogs over the past few months show that college comes with a lot of “new:” new classes, new environment, new friends. For the first time you may really feel like an adult, taking charge of everyday choices you may not have thought about as a high school student. But without the familiarity and comforts of home, it may seem impossible to face all these changes, let alone handle them. However, with some perspective (and these handy tips from The Huffington Post), you’ll find you can handle anything this new phase of your life will bring.

Photo credit: The Huffington Post

Accept It: The first step is realizing that your life won’t be the same—and that’s okay! Denying or ignoring the change won’t make it go away. Focus on all that’s new and exciting at college—opportunities, friends, snacks at 2 am—instead of what’s at home.

Reflect: Taking a moment to pause and think about what’s going on is extremely important. Whether it’s talking with a school therapist or family member, going for a walk, or meditating, reflecting on what’s changed will help you sort through the chaos. It will give you the opportunity to figure out what about the change bothers you and provide different ways to look at the situation.

Baby Steps: Dealing and accepting change won’t happen overnight (or within the week). Take your time and slowly move through this process. Don’t get consumed by missing your old life and worrying about your future; take one day at a time and set small goals to accomplish so you can see the progress you’re making. If it helps, make a list of short-term and long-term goals to quiet the worry.

Find A Mentor: Having someone who’s “been there” before can be a huge help. Talk to a family member or friend about your worries and ask them how they got through it. Having someone on your side who understands and can give valuable advice will make the transition better.

Be Optimistic: A small shift in mindset can make a noticeable difference. Thinking in terms of positives rather than negatives will help you see changes as opportunities. Be optimistic in knowing that the confusion and fear won’t be permanent—they’ll soon be replaced with excitement and passion for everything you’re discovering!

Don’t get stressed if you seem to be struggling with change. Everyone’s feeling it, even if they don’t show it. Allow yourself to go through this process, and you’ll come out the other side ready to conquer the next four years!

Passion

When you’re in college, sitting in your first semester classes, millions of thoughts are running through your head. “She has a cool notebook,” or “I wonder what’s for lunch in the café today.” Do you ever really sit and think about what’s next? You have your major set, but is it the right one for you? Does this major help express your talent or passion? What are you great at and could see yourself doing for the rest of your life? These are the questions to sit and ask early on before getting into a major and deciding to change it at the last minute. Need help figuring out your passion? TGHT has you covered.  

Create a Career

Many people don’t know the difference between a job and a career. When choosing a career, you are choosing the kind of work you do based on your interest. It’s more long-term; even if you switch companies or organizations, you’re still in the same field. Do you want to jump from job to job without honing in on a particular skill-set or do you want to know all there is to know about a particular field and type of work? You’ll choose this path for yourself, and college will help you turn your passion and talent into a career you love.

When you speak…Listen

What do you enjoy doing? When you’re sitting alone, relaxing, where does your imagination lead you?  Take notes when you have free time and answer this question. It may be a tough one to answer, but everyday take notice of the things that interest you. 

Be Open

Yes, you’re in college and you have your major set. Even though you have your classes planned for the next year, stay open to new ideas. A new opportunity may arise where you can take an extra elective course. Take it! Find something that interests you and don’t be afraid to step out of the box.

 

Find a Mentor

Do you know someone in your family, community, or university that interests you? A person that talks about the same interest you have and seems so passionate? Don’t be afraid; express your interest in learning more and ask them to be your mentor. People are usually thrilled to teach someone or have a person to talk about their passion with. 

Photo Credit: Forbes.com

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within yoru the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Harriet Tubman

Perfect Study Spot

When making the transition from high school to college,  new ways of studying have to be put into place. High school provides you with lots of quiet time in your room, after school tutor sessions, or open book/open notes test. In college things, are quite different. You have more freedom, activities to get involved in, and no parents to answer to. You may think you can open your notes for a few in your dorm before the test or run to the library for an hour, but those two places are full of distractions. How can you find the perfect study spot without interruptions? TGHT has a few ideas. 

• Pick one indoor spot and one outdoor spot. Both locations should be noise free with wireless access if you need it.

• Your outdoor spot should be a nice shaded area with a great view. Enjoy nature while reading for your history class or reviewing for your next French oral test.

• Make sure the locations are "your" spots; always choose the same area. Let a few friends know where you are for safety reasons.

• A small coffee shop is also great for studying. They’re normally quiet and have great snacks. 

Photo Credit: HERE

Do you live on campus?

When you live on campus, life is so much easier, right? You’ll be in your dorm studying and preparing for the next day’s lecture...NOT! On campus, you meet tons of new friends, attend events, and get involved in thousands of other things that do not involve studying. 

• Find a study spot someplace other than your dorm room. Head out to one of the local study spots we discussed previously and keep your dorm room for last minute overviews.

• Instead of heading back to your dorm for a quick hour nap, spend that in between time studying. That hour or two before your next class starts is the perfect time for studying while your mind is fresh.

• If you have plans to visit friends or family on the weekend, plan accordingly. Make sure you get all studying done during the week in your designated locations.

Living off campus?

Living off campus gives you more freedom and more study spots to choose from, but commute times can throw your whole day off. 

• On campus study spots are a great idea, so find a location and stick to it. Just because your last class is over doesn't mean you must race home. Enjoy campus life for a few hours.

• Coffee shops near your apartment or house is also great for off-campus students. Make sure it’s not during peak hours and wireless access is available. 

• Public parks or flower gardens are great study spots. A nice scenery and just the right amount of serenity helps you stay focus. 

Where was your on or off-campus go-to study spot?

Homesick

When going off to college we automatically think our weekends will be spent studying, making new friends, and attending on campus activities. You’re so excited about learning your way around campus and making sure all financial aid paper work is in order, that being homesick is the last thing on your mind. Think about all the things you’re missing: a home cooked meal, privacy, less responsibility, and quiet time ….you should be worried if you don’t get homesick, LOL!

This can be a challenge for some, but let TGHT help you survive being homesick.

Photo Credit: HERE

Leave your dorm room: It’s okay to talk to your parents, skype your friends or talk on the phone to those you miss but being in your room is when you’re most homesick. Designate one day during the week where you’ll make those types of phone calls. If you’re starting to feel homesick in your room, head to your campus university center or coffee shop to mingle or do some reading.

Be sad and get over it: If you miss home, it’s normal to be sad. We’re pretty positive that other students are feeling the same way you are. Just remember, be sad for a day and that’s it! When that day passes it’s time to move on, get up, and get active. Join an on campus club, work out, attend an event, and make sure you’re getting the full “campus life” experience.

Make college home: Yes we all know college will never replace where you grew up, but you can always make some of the same memories. Think of it as a home away from home. It’s all about recreating those moments. Did you have great friends? Were you heavily involved in your community? Love for journalism? Meet new people, sign up for campus volunteer groups, or join the schools newspaper staff. Also decorate your dorm room similar to your room at home; this will help you feel more comfortable in your new space.

You’re not alone: Do you feel like everyone is adjusting so well to campus life and you’re the only one in your dorm room homesick? That’s not true at all; you’re not alone so take the time to reach out to others.  Have a “homesick sleepover” night and invite your new friends, make sure they bring blankets, movies, and snacks. Are you good at planning? Organize a day to go out and volunteer at a local shelter. This will remind you how precious family time is and how fortunate you are to go off to college.  

Make sure you’re keeping in contact with your high school friends. They may be struggling with homesick and need to hear your voice. Schedule a three way call once a week to update each other on college life and experiences or schedule a weekend visit and enjoy a different college atmosphere. Having those childhood friends close during your college years will help your transition even smoother.

Do you have any tips for a homesick college student? 

Why Your Teachers and Fellow Students Are Some Of The Best Connections You Can Make

Photo credit: news.rutgers.edu

It’s easy to forget that the real world exists outside of your college, whether they be ivy-covered or cinderblock. Your schedule revolves around three-hour classes, study sessions, the next sports game and what the dining hall is serving tonight. However, the real world is a little closer than you think. The people you see day-in and day-out could be your best connections when you begin building your bright future.

Take your professors. Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t plugged in five minutes before class starts and returned to the storage closet at night. They’re intelligent and enthusiastic human beings who are here to share their knowledge with you. And chances are, teaching isn’t their only job. Many probably teach part-time and still work or participate in their chosen field. They are the best in their industry—so take advantage of their presence! Ask them for guidance on a paper, or drop by their office hours for career advice. Get their email after the class finishes and file it away.  These experts are here to help you for the next four years—use their experience to help you learn and grow. You may not have such easy access to these kinds of people as you take your first entry-level job, so take advantage of their presence now.

Also, connect with your fellow students. You work together on class projects and in extracurriculars. You all bring unique skills to your institution.  You could be working with the next Marissa Mayer, Hillary Clinton, or J.K. Rowling. Friend your peers on Facebook and LinkedIn, exchange emails. Making these connections now will help you down the line; maybe the kid who made a PSA with you for your government class can help you film something at your future job, or maybe you can lend your scientific or literary expertise to someone else in your graduating class. Networking with them before you graduate will help you stay in touch so you can help each other.

Establishing these connections over the next four years will help you tremendously. Not only will you learn from the diverse voices of your professors and classmates, you’ll also establish a network of talented people as you begin your career.

Culture Shock

During the first week of college you’ll notice many different types of people. Culture shock can make you feel surprised, anxious, and confused and usually occurs when you’re exposed to a culture that is very different than yours. Are you a first generation college student? If so, this can be very hard for you because family may not understand the college transition.  International students also may experience culture shock because of the language barrier, different taste in foods, religion, and relationships.

Students who experience culture shock often try to isolate themselves by staying in the dorm, not attending campus functions, and even not making new friends. She may also spend a lot of time missing home and talking to family and old friends. Crying, over eating, over/under sleeping, withdrawal, or missing class are all signs of culture shock.

Photo Credit: www.petersons.com 

See this in your college roommate or friends, encourage and help them adjust to the new life experience. If you’re reading this and feel you’re experiencing culture shock build some strong peer relationships, find a mentor, join a student organization, get involved on campus, or write in a journal. Do not give up on your college education!

Being Yourself in a Diverse College World

One of the most beautiful aspects of college is the diversity it brings. You have the opportunity to meet people of all walks of life who all have a different story to tell. Everyone, no matter what city, town, or community they hail from, will at some point sit in the same class, same dining table, or join the same organization as you, and you get the opportunity to meet and develop friendships with these unique people. And let’s face it: in college, there’s a lot of pressure to become a lot of things. There’s pressure to become the most popular girl in your class. Pressure to become the smartest girl in your class. Pressure to become the most involved around campus. Or the prettiest girl. The list goes on.

You may be transitioning from a high school or town where the people dress similarly, think similarly, and out of habit, speak similarly, and many people are stripped from their comfort zone and placed into a world where they’re…different. You may not find many people who will think like you, speak like you, or dress like you, and that’s the beauty of it all. You’re uniquely YOU! Don’t succumb to pressure to follow crowds, dress a certain way, or become someone you’re not. Just like everyone in college comes with their own unique story and perspective to offer the world, so do you. You’ll eventually create a tribe of friends who need your unique energy, your unique personality, and will appreciate you just the way you are. Appreciate the differences you encounter, and learn from those you meet, but don’t give in to pressure to fit into any mold. Find your passions, distinguish your likes and dislikes, and get a great idea of what is important to you as you embark on a journey that will change your life for the better. Let this journey change you without letting it change YOU.

Love your differences and know that you have a lot to offer a friend, a college campus, and ultimately, the world. 

Tips For Staying Healthy and Happy in College

For an incoming freshman, one of the greatest perceived college fears is the thought of gaining the “Freshman 15.” Teen magazines and TV shows have instilled this fear in us since elementary school, to the point where it seems inevitable that we’ll suffer this fate. However, a 2011 study found that most college freshman only gain between 2.5-3.5 pounds their freshman year. While it also showed that students can consistently gain over the course of these four years, and even after they graduate, it doesn’t have to be this way. Follow these tips to stay healthy, energized, and ready to take on your first year of college!

Photo credit: health.downtowndevil.com 

• Know the culprits behind the Freshman 15: This is your first time living away from home, which means that you’re responsible for choosing what to eat, and when. College dining facilities have a variety of food options every day, and many of the tastier ones are higher in calories and fat. In addition, the stress, anxiety, and homesickness can lead to overeating or stress eating in some people. Knowing these causes will help you make informed decision about when and what you should eat, so you can eat smart and still enjoy a treat.
• Keep snacks on hand: To avoid that midnight run to the convenience store or that coffee break in between classes, stock nutritious snacks in your room that you can take on the go or enjoy in your room. If you have a mini-fridge, keep fruits and veggies chilled that you can eat alone or with hummus or peanut butter. Yogurt and whole grain cereal or bread are also good to have on hand. These snacks have proteins and carbs that will keep you fueled longer than something sweet or salty.
• Eat breakfast: Grabbing fruit, toast, a granola bar, or eggs before your 8am class will give you the energy you need for your day and prevent you from getting super hungry and overeating later.
• Scope out the cafeteria: Take a look at what your cafeteria or dining hall regularly offers at meal times and learn what items will be nutritious and satisfying. The salad bar is always a great place to start—grab some lettuce, veggies, and your favorite vinaigrette dressing. Look for food that is grilled or broiled, or in a light sauce. Creamy, richer sauces and crispy or fried items will be higher in fat. Fruit makes for a great dessert or snack, and you can grab one on your way out with a piece of bread for breakfast the next morning. Enjoy those tasty but rich foods in moderation as a treat at the end of the week or a night out with friends!
• Get active: While college brings a whole new meaning to the word “busy,” there are plenty of ways to stay active on campus. Join an intramural sport or see what your school’s fitness center offers. Take a walk on a treadmill or around the campus. There are many ways to sneak in a little exercise, like walking to class and taking the stairs. You can even do stretches in your dorm room! Being active will help you stay energized , balance your mood, and reduce stress. Exercise your friends for even more fun!

Remember—a number on the scale or a pair of pants doesn’t determine whether you “conquered” the Freshman 15. The most important part is that you lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle that keeps you happy and enjoying everything college has to offer.