Learning Commons Blog: Arabella Chamberlain

Showing posts with label Arabella Chamberlain. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Arabella Chamberlain. Show all posts

FLUNK DAY!: How Not To Flunk Out

by Arabella Chamberlain

Everyday is FLUNK DAY. Or so I've been told.

Since arriving back from Spring Break, everyone’s been wondering when will that blessed day come with an email saying “NO CLASS”. A day when (almost) all your classes are cancelled. Okay, except the occasional night class or evening exam. Nevertheless, NO CLASS.

But what is Flunk Day? A day of debauchery and chaos, celebrating the start of warm weather, sunshine, and summertime? Maybe to some. But how can you use Flunk Day to save yourself from flunking out?

Many students choose not to participate in the Flunk Day activities and some activities are illegal to others, but whatever reason you choose not to participate in the traditional Flunk Day activities this year, there are countless other great things to do.

If you're behind on homework, take some time on Flunk Day to catch up. Here are some other great posts that offer some good study tips and strategies:

Setting the Mood: Study Jams

On a non-academic note:

If you plan to spend Flunk Day doing some less crazy activities, the Learning Commons also has a ton of great alternatives! Things that might be planned include:

Guided Painting, board games, puzzles and more! More details will be available on Flunk Day.

Get outside and enjoy nature! You can always spend your Flunk Day just enjoying the nice weather - alcohol-free if you choose or legally should - and maybe take a hike or sprawl out on the lawn and catch some zzz’s in the sunshine. Even if you don’t spend your Flunk Day working on academics, don’t let the day pass you by!

Whatever you do, have fun, stay safe, and don’t FLUNK out!

Marching on from Midterms

by Arabella Chamberlain

So midterm grades are out, spring break is over, what now?

It can feel overwhelming, especially in the last leg of the semester, to look at those midterm grades and wonder if you'll ever be able to pull that grade up. Fear not, there are tons of resources available to put you back on the path to success!

To start with, if you are struggling in a class, a good place to start is to have a chat with your professor. Reach out by email and set up a time to meet or just drop by office hours - they have them for a reason! Ask about what you can do differently in the course to improve. Are you getting your assignments in on time? Is something hindering your ability to learn in the classroom? Have an open, honest conversation. Your professor can't help you if they don't know you need help.
Request a tutor - they're here for a reason! The Learning Commons has tons of tutors available for many classes and if there isn't a tutor, we'll work on finding you one! Tutoring is a great resource for working through homework and assignments, prepping for an exam, or just learning a new study strategy or two.
Stop into the Peer-to-Peer Academic Space. Trained tutors are available, staffing the P2PAS in the back right corner of Stewart Memorial Library from 12-9pm Mondays through Thursdays, 12-5pm Fridays, and 5-9pm Sundays. The staff are tutors for multiple courses and can help you get connected to the right resources.
What is you are struggling in more than one class? Meet with an academic coach. If things feel like they are too far off-track, set up a meeting with an academic coach to help you get organized and back on top of everything. These are professional staff members who are trained on how to set you up for success - use them as a resource!
Lastly, as the past couple years have shown, mental health is so important and comes before academics. If you are struggling, reach out for professional help. Coe offers a number of resources available on- and off-campus. Reach out to Cathy Muller, Coe's Student Care Coordinator & Counselor.

Many of the aforementioned resources can be accessed here, unless otherwise noted.

Request for Academic Support Form

Great Expectations

By Arabella Chamberlain

Just about a year into a global pandemic and where are we? As the weather warms, we seek the solace of sun and warmth, companionship from friends six feet away, and faces covered. But inherently, our lives are different than they were a year ago - even a few months ago.

As the world keeps turning, life has started to return to normal. Well, not really normal, more like a facsimile of the lives we once lived, filled with masks and vaccines. And where does that leave us?

We expected this to be over sooner. We expected things to be the same as they always were eventually. But they won't be.

That's okay.

Photo Credit

As our personal expectations of normalcy have waned, I found this to not be true in my experiences with academia. Professors were extremely generous our first semester online, as with the transitions to hybrid the second. But this semester, we find ourselves on the precipice of what life was like a year ago. Professors are starting to expect what they expected a year ago in class - attendance in-person, engagement, turning in assignments on time - and rightfully so. We're moving on. And strangely, things many of us never struggled with before have become a challenge to people everywhere. Expectations we used to accomplish without a second thought are now insurmountable when we can barely pull ourselves from bed.

It's been a long time since we have seen professors face to face (or mask to mask), been able to go to office hours, not had to deal with buffering Zoom connections. It's truly a privilege to be where we are, and perhaps we need to remind ourselves of that next time we want to rag on a professor for pushing us a little harder than we think we can handle. You'd be surprised how much you've already endured and walked away from - maybe with a little wear-and-tear, but you're stronger for it.

I wish I could tell you all the answers to thriving in a time like this, but I don't think anyone has those answers. This is just a reminder that you've already accomplished so much, and even when this semester tries to kick your butt, know that you can kick right back. I know what it feels like when everyone around you has great expectations. But be kind to yourself. You may not always put forth your best work. You might have rough times. It's alright. Anything worth doing is worth doing badly.

Remember to take a deep breath.

And get back up again.

Because you will not let anything stop you from succeeding.

Already Stressed?

By Arabella Chamberlain

Classes only just started. We can't be that stressed out yet, can we?

Raise your hand if you're already under piles of homework.

College is hard. No lie. You all know that. But this past year has been the hardest, guaranteed. There's a lot of pressure to still do well in classes, from professors to parents to peers. It can be hard to handle it all. I often find myself diving into my work, only emerging to eat. THIS IS NOT HEALTHY.

That's why this semester, it's time for a clean slate. Follow some of these tips below to help not only your grades but your wellbeing!

Get out of your dorm. Not the easiest to do in the dead of winter in the midst of a pandemic, but here we are. Being cooped up all the time is not great for anyone. Take a break and step outside. I know it's cold, but consider a nature walk with a friend or even just a walk around the quad once or twice. The benefits of being outside, even for just a few minutes are insane! Just remember to socially distance and mask up!
Talk it out. You're not the only person on campus in desperate need of some help with homework. If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your friends or other students in your classes. Expressing your feelings about your coursework might help others feel at ease and relieve some of your fears that you're all alone. Mental health is just as important as physical health - but we certainly don't treat it that way! And if you really think everyone else has got it down and you're the only one that doesn't, remember imposter syndrome is real.
Get a tutor! Coe's Learning Commons is chockful of useful resources, from supplemental instruction (SI) to peer tutors to academic coaches. Take it from me, I have survived some of my toughest classes by utilizing these resources. Fill out a Request for Academic Support to get started!

There are plenty of other great ways to tackle this semester. Poke around this blog for more if you get a chance! These are only a few things to get you started, but even just one small step to take care of your wellbeing can be a huge step to kicking this semester's - well, I probably shouldn't say that on a college-sponsored website.

Anyway, you got this!

Spooky Season: Be Advised!

by Arabella Chamberlain

Beware, advising season is upon us!

Sounds a little scary, right? It's not just me? You're not alone if you feel that way. You might be thinking, "I've barely made it through this semester and you want me to pick harder classes and take more labs next semester?" It can be daunting.

Some of us may have already met with our advisors, but for those of you that haven't - look out! Spring registration is fast approaching. Registering for classes can be pretty spooky,
but we're here to debunk some myths and get you ready for advising, registration, and anything in between.

MYTH 1: I'll just sign up for whatever classes I want when registration opens. Hate to break it to you, but in order to register for any classes, you'll need the approval of your advisor, but many of them are already in full advising mood and happy to schedule a time to sort out your schedule.
Photo Credit
MYTH 2: I have no say over my schedule and I'm going to be stuck in a bunch of gen-eds I don't want. NOT TRUE. Very few majors have strict plans for what classes and gen-eds to take when. Take a peek at the Academic Catalog for ideas on what to take this spring that might be exciting! Or look for a partial credit class like dance or choir that will broaden your horizons!
MYTH 3: My advisor will do all the work for me so I'll just take whatever they tell me. Also, NOT TRUE. On the flip side of our second myth, don't be so passive about your own education! What excites you? What drew you to your major? Come to your advising meeting with a list of ideas of what classes you want to take. This will not only speed up your advising but also be much more fun!

Registration for Spring 2021 opens the week of Nov 2nd. Hop on my.coe.edu for more information about when you'll be eligible to register. Don't hesitate to reach out to your advisor, the Registrar's Office, or the Learning Commons with any questions or concerns about advising and registration.

I know that advising season might have you a little frightened, but the only spooky thing this season is not staying masked up and socially distanced! Have a safe (and a little spooky) weekend and happy registration!

Making It Through Midterms: Academic Support

by Arabella Chamberlain

Midterms are fast-approaching, and this semester has already been pretty crazy. That said, fear not - the Coe College Learning Commons is jam-packed with resources!

Though midterms can be a bit daunting, going in with a plan can always help. Take some time before the crazy rush of midterms to schedule what exams you'll study for when, so you won't be overwhelmed. Take it slow and work in chunks on the material from the classes, changing it up every once in a while to stay engaged. Ultimately, you're going to get through this, just take a deep breath and go get 'em!

If you are looking for some extra help, it's never too early to ask! Below is a list (not at all comprehensive) of resources available from the Learning Commons:

Requesting a Tutor: Click here!

Tutoring is a great way to get one-on-one help with assignments, learn new study strategies, and prep for exams.
If you need a tutor for specifically for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Cell & Molec, BIO-145), please use this form to request support, click here!

Requesting a SpeakOut Consultant: Click here!

SpeakOut Consultants are great for helping with that nerve-wracking presentation coming up!

Already have a Tutor or SpeakOut Consultant? Click here for the tutor scheduling system.
Peer to Peer Academic Support: https://discord.gg/QU3FbxE

This Discord server is available for students to ask questions for common courses and topics. Students who have taken those classes host office hours to answer questions.

Supplemental Instruction: https://discord.gg/G4WACfQ

For courses with SI Sessions, this Discord server offers additional support to courses with SI Sessions. SI Leaders will host office hours to answer questions, as well as providing updates about their sessions occasionally.

Biology help: https://discord.gg/aDPsFNJ

This Discord server is a Biology-specific space to ask additional questions from Biology classes.

Schedule an appointment in the Writing center: https://coe.mywconline.com/

The Writing Center is a wonderful resource from first draft to final edits. Meet with a Writing Consultant to help with anything from brainstorming to proofing!
Photo Credit

Need other supports and don't know where to start? Check out the Request for Academic Support form, available here.

Know that the Coe College Learning Commons is here for you whenever you need us! Don't hesitate to reach out to us! Good luck with Midterms!

Back to School: Getting in the Zoom Zone

by Arabella Chamberlain

This year has been far from normal. A global pandemic, a "land hurricane" in Iowa, what next?

Things are finally starting to get back to normal though, as we return to classes, masked up and socially distanced. Even then though, a new challenge has approached 2020 - ONLINE CLASSES.

It's hard to find someone not in an online class this semester, even among those who returned to campus, which has brought on a plethora of new challenges as many of us find ourselves expecting Zoom Academy to look like this:

When in reality, it looks a bit more like this:

While I can't fix your connection issues, when you are on a video call for class, have you ever really looked around and considered the environment you're in? Back in the olden days of in-person classes, it didn't matter how messy your room was or the room lighting. But nowadays, every single virtual class you attend is a peek into your personal life!

True story, I completely forgot to pay attention to my surroundings last semester on a video call and I had some pretty embarrassing things in the background! Don't make the same mistakes I've made with online classes, follow these helpful tips for a productive, focused (less embarrassing) semester online.

Set up a space for all your virtual classes. Whether that be at your desk, on your bed, or in the library even, pick a spot to consistently attend your virtual classes in. This will help you stay more focused on a class by being in a familiar environment each time. Just like when you attended in-person, always get settled in for class on-time.
Wherever you set up, don't forget to remove or limit distractions in the background. If you're in a personal space, is there anything around you that you think will distract others or yourself during class? If so, it's gotta go! Try to have a neutral or uncluttered backdrop for video classes in your dorms. If that's not possible, consider a virtual backdrop! If you're in a public space, make sure you don't have random people who will be walking in camera view the entirety of your class. Try to sit with your back to a wall or in a space away from heavy traffic.

Focus on class while in class - not Snapchat! Just because you're attending class on your laptop or phone, doesn't give you a free pass to be on your laptop or phone while in class. Treat this just like a normal class - no Netflix or emails or texting while on a video chat! It's easy for things to get missed, especially when you're not paying any attention.
Take notes - even if the professor says the slides are on Moodle. By writing down notes while in class, it gives your brain time to process and absorb the information you're learning. Plus, you won't be able to remember every little thing the professor mentions that's not on the PowerPoint, so having a piece of paper and writing utensil handy will help keep you on top of everything.
Keep up with hygiene and self-care. Resist the urge to go to class in your pajamas or with your camera off. This will help keep you engaged and your professor will definitely appreciate it. You don't want to get distracted since your cameras off or something embarrassing ending up online if you accidentally turn your camera on though. So you don't need anything fancy, just try and remember to put on pants...

These are just a few tips to get you started. I know this year is a little crazy, but we're going to get through it. Let me know in the comments any study tips you have for this Fall!

Other resources:

How To Geek: 12 tips for video-conferencing while you work from home

NY Times: How to Pull Off a Professional Video Call From Home

The Verge: The do’s and don’ts of video conferencing

MIDTERMS: What to Expect When You Aren't Expecting...

by Arabella Chamberlain

You might be calmly thinking to yourself "Wow, the semester just got started... SO HOW IS IT ALREADY ALMOST MIDTERMS?!?!?!?" First exams have already come and gone and suddenly, they want you to take midterms??

It can seem crazy how fast the spring semester flies by. As soon as you start to settle into a routine and start to think you've got a handle on this semester, midterms slam into you like a tsunami. That 10-page paper is due, you've got 3 lab reports, and every professor is breathing down your neck about that upcoming exam.

When did all that happen?

While I don't know that I can solve the mystery of how midterms snuck up on all of us, maybe I can offer some help on what to expect when you aren't expecting midterms.

Did that first exam not go so hot? Make midterms better. Start studying as early as a week or so in advance. Even though you won't have all the exam material probably, it'll be easier to add a few new things to study as opposed to studying four chapters all at once! Here are some little study tips for "Improving Concentration" from Purdue University Academic Success Center:

"Set up an environment that is conducive to study. Plan your own quiet corner away from distractions. Include a desk stocked with all the tools you need, a comfortable chair, and good lighting."

TL;DR: Pick the right study spot!

"Study on campus. Stay on campus after class to avoid distractions in your room or dorm. When you’re done, go home and relax."

TL;DR: Go to the library or Stuart or Hickok... Just avoid studying in your room!

"Take care of basic physical needs. Be sure to eat, sleep, etc. first. Plan short naps and periods of exercise to revive you."

TL;DR: To care for your mental needs, don't forget to care for your physical needs.

"Do something relaxing before going to bed at night. This helps to keep from dreaming about the exam you have the next day and to relax instead. Try listening to music or reading some good fiction."

TL;DR: Before you go to sleep, do something relaxing. Don't end the night high-strung over the exam.

It's never too late to request a tutor. Do it. Really. Just filling out the tutor request form has no obligations attached. You never even have to use the tutoring, but filling out the form means you'll have easier access if you do decide you need tutoring.

Talk to your professors sooner rather than later. That one problem you didn't understand on the homework? Take it to your professor and ask for help. Not sure why your prof took points off of the greatest essay ever on the dichotomy of Hershey and Ferrero Rocher (humble brag)? Ask them now so you won't make the same mistake on an essay question at midterms.

However you do on your midterms, don't forget - this is just one exam. There will be others if this one doesn't go your way. If you notice a trend in poor performance on exams, don't hesitate to fill out the Request for Academic Support (RAS) form or stop by the Learning Commons.

More Resources:
Improving Concentration - Purdue University Academic Success Center

Make it Happen!: Getting Involved

By Arabella Chamberlain

Sometimes I just want to block all those constant emails about joining Anime Club or Physics Club's weekly reminder that they're having "Physics Ph-ridays" as I once saw their ice cream social called (who's in charge of marketing? They never run out of ways to hype this event). This is not because I have something against Anime or I'm lactose-intolerant, but simply because it's overwhelming the insane number of emails clubs send out hoping you'll join. Is it worth it?

Getting involved on campus can be daunting, even as an upperclassman. You've already got your friends and even though you might think that one club is super cool, you're worried you won't fit in or have time. It's understandable. But there are many benefits to joining a club or two on campus. Getting yourself out there opens up opportunities to meet new people, try new things, and can sometimes even lead to leadership. To quote the rather cheesy slogan, "Coe makes it possible... You make it happen" - when you go out and get involved!

Crash Course for Getting Involved:

Bring a friend... but don't let that hold you back from meeting new people! It can be easy to just stick close to your friend, but try to find someone you've never met or don't know as well to sit with. It might be out of your comfort zone at first, but who knows? Maybe you'll both make friends and can introduce each other.
Start small. If you're unsure if you'll like the club, just sign up for their emails or drop by an event they host. You don't have to go to their meetings right away! If you know someone already in the club, ask them what it's like at their meetings or meet some of their friends in the club.
Don't overcommit! It's just as easy to have the opposite problem of the Social Butterfly, which is jumping into one too many clubs and taking on every leadership position possible. While it's great to get experience as a club officer, try not to take on more than one or two officer positions at a time. Remember, academics come first and you can't do that if all your study time is spent in meeting after meeting after meeting.
Be open-minded. Try lots of different clubs - even ones you think you won't like! You might be surprised that the first club you try might not be one you stick with. You might give Math Club a try and realize you love their game nights (even though 58% of people there just want math culture points). You might join the Offstage Players and realize you have a call to the spotlight.
Have fun! The whole point of clubs in your college career is to give you opportunities to make friends, meet new people and do things you might never get to do again in your life. Many say "these are the best four years of your life," and who are we to disagree? We haven't seen the other side yet, but the grass might not be greener in the professional business world. I bet they don't have "Ice Cream Fri-Yays" (Did I mention the endless ways Physics Club markets?). Enjoy your time here.

Although I often just glance at all those emails from clubs, to quote the recent production of Sheltered on campus, "you never know what you'll find unless you look."

Get involved!

The Sophomore Slump: Your Community

by Arabella Chamberlain

When fighting off the sophomore slump, you might not realize how important your community is. The people around you, your support and your encouragement can have a big impact on how well you take on the sophomore slump. Getting involved in new things and staying in touch with old friends can truly be a make or break of your year. I've compiled a list below of some of the ways you can get involved on campus and find your place in the COE-mmunity. Clever, right?

Your COE-mmunity:

Student Senate: Want to have your voice heard on campus? Come to Senate meetings, Wednesdays 7pm @ Cherry Auditorium, even if you're not a senator. Or be bold and run for a senate seat! This is a great opportunity to meet people from all over campus with a plethora of majors represented. Make the changes you want to see on campus!

Greek Life: Might seem like it's not your thing, but don't knock it til you try it! Here on Coe's campus we have some of the best Greek life. With chapters from 4 sororities and 5 fraternities, there's definitely some place you can call home.
Clubs: Join a club! Coe has an insane number of clubs on campus and they're constantly emailing to remind you about all their events. Just try stopping by a meeting or two. Go to an event you wouldn't normally go to and maybe you'll find something you really like! Take the first step to getting involved and it's easier once you get started.
Volunteering: This is such a great way to reach out into the community. Whether on-campus or off, volunteer is not only good for those around you, but good for you! Reach out to local charities and volunteer-based organizations and see how you can help out.

Cedar Rapids: Take advantage of the amazing city we live in and explore Cedar Rapids. There are countless restaurants and shops and things to do in downtown Cedar Rapids. Visit a museum, stop by NewBo city market, shop at Raygun - don't miss out on the hustle and bustle of the city!
Theatre/Music/Arts: Speaking of downtown, take a peek at the nightlife. Music and theatre opportunities are abundant in this area. Head to a local show and support some artists. Be on the lookout for upcoming concerts and grab a friend to go! On-campus, there are plenty of things to do too! SAC is constantly bringing in artists to perform and TheatreCoe does amazing works - and in fact, has a show coming up! Get tickets at the box office in Upper Gage.
Sports: If you don't already play a sport, Coe has lots of fun intramurals you can join. Get active and get connected at the same time. Get in the team spirit and have fun! Or if you'd rather not be on the field, maybe even just go support friends in sports. Go Kohawks!
Res Life/Learning Commons: Don't ignore the resources just waiting there for you to use them. Check out some of the exciting residence life events that the residence life staff work so hard to plan. Or maybe stop by the Learning Commons just to chat with someone and get to know people who can help you succeed when times get rough.
Internship/Job/Research: Maybe you want to get a head start for after graduation. If that's the case, look into a local internship or job. Or maybe find out if any of your professors are doing research you can get involved in. These are good ways to make connections for down the road and helps to get a taste of the professional life.

No matter what way you get involved in the community, just make sure you get involved! The benefits are amazing and a great way to get over that sophomore slump. Find your COE-mmunity!

More Information:
Student Experiences in the Second Year

Do you feel you have a voice on campus?

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The Sophomore Slump: Your Voice

By Arabella Chamberlain

Have you ever heard of the term "Sophomore Slump"? Some people associate this with sports, others have never even heard of it. But what about in academics? Students on college campuses across the country struggle with their sophomore year of college - why is that? And what can we do to change that? In the following 8-part series, we're going to take a peek behind the "sophomore slump" and how to escape it.

Your Voice:

Have you ever felt like Ariel, washed ashore with no voice and unable to express your own thoughts and ideas? I'm about to get real philosophical with The Little Mermaid. One of the hardest things students can struggle with during their sophomore year is finding their own identity, figuring out who they are, becoming their "true self." Sounds cheesy, right?

It's true though. Everyone struggles to find themselves at some point, but in particular, angsty college sophomores faced with the crippling pressure of picking a major which could set you on the path to your future career... no biggie though, right? It's completely normal to be a little stressed when faced with this decision.

What can you do though to figure all this out then? Honestly, there's no magic formula or quick-n-easy worksheet to tell you who you are and what you want - if there was things would be pretty boring. But here are a few suggestions to help you find your voice without visiting an evil sea witch who wants to steal your prince.

Try new things: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort (sea)shell. Even if you feel like you've missed the boat to try out a new club or take a class in a different topic than you normally take, forget about that! Cast a wide net and just go to one meeting of that club you always thought looked cool, take a intro class to something you know nothing about to fill some Gen. Ed. requirements, and remember it's okay if you don't like it, but you'll never know 'til you try.
Speak up and reach out: You'll never find your voice if you never use it. If you just live your life as a passive observer, will you ever truly live? Speak up about the things your passionate about. Does something get you fired up to share with others? SHARE WITH OTHERS. Advocate and educate about things that matter to you. Inspire others about the things inspire you. It seems so simple, yet so many of us constantly find ourselves sitting on the sidelines when we could be jumping in and taking the plunge.
Write up a list of your interests: (Even the ones that seem to have nothing to do with your current major!) Grab a piece of paper and a pencil and start scribbling down things you find interesting until you're swimming in ideas. It can be anything from Biology and Accounting to Star Wars and baking. Try to see if things have any crossover. Can you combine your love of baking and Chemistry? Or what about your passion for writing and Star Wars? (Fan-fiction, here we come...) Figure out what your passionate about. And then...
Reach out to your advisors and professors: Find out what you can to pursue the things your passionate about. What can you do to include your interests in your education? Don't just pick a major that you think will be easy; pick a major that you know you'll still love years from now. There's an ocean of opportunities awaiting you. You can always learn new things if you change your mind further on down the line, but in this moment, where do you see yourself happy in a few years? Think about that when deciding your major. (And don't feel tied down - There's plenty of other fish in the ocean!)
Don't be afraid to go against the flow: Last, but most certainly not least, be true to yourself. Life is far too short to spend your time trying to live up to someone else's standards or focus on being someone else, instead of just being unabashedly YOU. Live your life, not someone else's life. Do the things that make you happy, inspire you, drive you. Follow your dreams - who cares if you don't have a road map? Make your own.

I know this may not help some of you, but to be perfectly honest, I don't have it all figured out either. Hopefully though, this offers some ideas to get you started, but I can't figure it all out for you. Only you can decide who you are, never forget that. If you didn't notice, I'm the kind of person who brings up The Little Mermaid once and then spends an entire article sneaking in water puns. Perhaps not all of you appreciated that, but so what? Cry me a river. Always be true to yourself.

More Information:
Student Experiences in the Second Year: Advancing Strategies for Success Beyond the First Year of College

Have you got it all figured out and you know exactly who you are?

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Back-to-School Blues: Starting The Year Off "Badly"

By Arabella Chamberlain

You made it back! By now, you're probably all moved in, unpacked, and have gone to class (hopefully...). But have the back to school blues already hit?

Coming back to school can be a hard transition for everyone. Yes, you're surrounded by all those friends you've been missing for months over the summer and you're seeing old faces and visiting the Library or sitting in the hammocks. But you've also left behind family and friends back home, the carefree lack of a schedule most days, or maybe that extra busy summer job... But hey, at least you're not broke anymore.

It can be easy to feel stuck in a rut when trying to get back into the swing of assigned readings and problem sets and 5-page essays. But don't let that stop you from making this year your best year yet! Even if you're the most organized and efficient and "on-top-of-it" student, here's some tips to guarantee this will be a school year to remember:

Get a tutor... the sooner, the better! (Even if you think you won't need it!) It's easy to think, "Oh, this class is gonna be so easy" when you're only a week and a half in, but by the time that daunting midterm rolls around, you'll wish you'd at least taken the steps to get a tutor. Requesting a tutor is the hard part (and it's not even that hard!), going to a tutoring session is the easy part! As long as you show up ready to work, your tutor is ready to help.

Grab a planner (or get your Google Calendar organized!) I can't even tell you the number of assignments and meetings I'd lose track of if not for the gift of Google Calendar and Tasks. I'm a pretty forgetful person... and it shows when I run into a meeting 10 minutes late! But if you can get into the habit of keeping a calendar, digital or otherwise, it'll be so much easier to figure out when you can stop by a professor's office or scheduling that tutoring session I just mentioned ;) . Don't take a simple planner for granted. It can be a lifesaver.

Talk to your professors! They have office hours for a reason. As much as I'm sure professors love sitting in their office grading papers nonstop, I'm sure a visit from a friendly face is a nice break from all those problem sets or essays on Tolstoy. Your professors have office hours for YOU. That's a time that they've devoted to helping out any students that need help outside of class time. Though it can seems daunting to knock on their door, stop by and have a chat, even if you're doing well in a class. The better a professor knows you, the better they can help you learn and grow.

Take a break sometimes. If you find yourself overwhelmed and feeling like you've got way too much on your plate, know when to say "no." Don't overextend yourself and regret not giving something your all. It can be easy to join this club and take on this job and volunteer this place, but you need to draw a line for yourself and know your limits. If you bite off more than you can chew, when are you going to have a chance to relax? When will you get the time to enjoy your college experience. Coe has so many amazing things to offer, but don't let that stop you from actually enjoying them. Take time for yourself.

All in all, whatever you do this year will be enough. Set goals and work for them, but if at first you don't succeed, don't let that get you down. Whatever little milestones you've accomplished along the way are still milestones - remember that! I recently heard an interesting little quote that I think sums up my approach to this upcoming year:

"Anything worth doing is worth doing badly"

-G. K. Chesterton

Keep up the work - good or bad!

What Time Is It?: How to Spend Your Summer Wisely

by Arabella Chamberlain

Summer break is so close you can taste it. It's starting to warm up and the freedom of Summer is right around the corner. Maybe you plan to kick back by the pool and enjoy some sun. Or maybe you'll spend your summer inside, curled up with a novel or two. But what are some ways to make your summer productive?

Get that practicum requirement out of the way early. If you're a freshmen or sophomore, summer is a great time to complete your practicum so you won't have to worry about it as graduation draws closer and closer. Upperclassmen, definitely get your practicum done over the break so you can spend your Junior and Senior years working on other things, maybe even studying abroad. Take advantage of your summer.
Do a May term. It's a little late now to do a May term this year, but keep this is in mind for next year. Get a Gen Ed out of the way and explore exciting, new places. Many professors have already started talking about their May terms for next year so maybe do a little research and plan your summer next year!
Photo Credit

Get a summer job back home. Need a little extra cash over the summer? Look into local summer work. Start reaching out now and looking for seasonal work at small businesses or go back to places you've already worked and see about temporary work. It can't hurt to ask and see what happens!
Catch up on some summer reading. Get a tan poolside. Get outdoors. Live your life. Have fun and enjoy your summer! Honestly, just do what you want to do this summer and that's the most productive you can be. See you next Fall!

Declaring a major: What am I doing with my life?

It can be daunting when one realizes that you don't go to college just for the friends and the weekends. In fact, sometimes it might even feel like, "what's the point of college anyhow?" This is a valid feeling especially after you pour yourself into class after class and you start to wonder what for.

Me, not fine with deciding my future: Photo Credit

Then, sophomore year hits.

"Declare a major," they said. "It'll be fun," they said.

But is it really? One of the biggest decisions of your life and "it'll be fun." I doubt that. Choosing a major is pretty intense to be honest. It's like saying "when I grow up, I wanna be" - *insert childhood dream* but instead of your parents reassuring you and saying you can achieve your dreams, they rip off the bandage and tell you could never be a *insert childhood dream* and even if you do, you won't make any money and it's a horrible business to get into. Phew. And I thought my parents were tough.

It could definitely be worse. You could be this guy:

Even more not fine with deciding my future: Photo Credit

But is choosing a major really as terrible as it seems? What can you do to choose the right major?

Things to do when choosing your major:

Talk to your academic advisor. They've gotten you where you are so far, why not let them help out a little more? Since they've already spent at least a year getting to know you and helping you pick out classes, they're a great resource to see what majors might be good for you. They may even suggest something you did even realize you loved. Say you took a bunch of English classes when you kept telling yourself to be a Bio major. Your advisor can help you spot these things.
Reflect on what your favorite classes have been. Think back on all the classes you've taken. Which have you been most passionate? Done well in? Seen yourself going into this kind of career? Looking back at past experiences can be really helpful to deciding a major. You wouldn't want to become an Econ major if you hated every Econ class you've taken.
Visit C3 to get an idea of what life after college looks like for your major. C3 is one of the best hidden gems on campus for where to get advice about after college. When you graduate, do you see yourself getting a job right away? Going to grad school? No clue? C3 can help talk you through the options with whatever majors you're interested in. Even if one major suggests you can't go straight into the workforce after graduating, C3 could probably set up a meeting with a Coe alum who did! Don't be afraid to go in and ask questions over in McCabe.
Remember, you can still change your major. Just about until you graduate, you can always change your major. You can even add majors sometimes. On the flip side though, don't get bogged down thinking you can't escape your poli-sci-history-psych-neuro-chem quintuple major. You don't have to do it all. If your major doesn't want to stick, you can still change it. Figure out what's right for you.

You'll find the right major. Cap believes in you: Photo Credit

Follow your heart. Cheesy, I know. But honestly, pick a major that will make you excited to be getting an education. Sometimes people around you can try to tell you that "you should do this" or "don't do that," but it's your life and you can't let others live it for you. Listen to your friends and family's suggestions, but remember, that's just what they are - suggestions - don't be afraid to go after your dreams. Because choosing a major is pretty major.

Be Advised!: Advising Season

by Arabella Chamberlain

Beware, advising season is upon us!

Sounds a little scary, right? It's not just me? You're not alone if you feel that way. You might be thinking, "I've barely made it through this semester and you want me to pick harder classes and take more labs next semester?" It can be daunting. So what's a good way to make sure your schedule isn't too crazy?

Don't schedule classes right over your lunch break. You'll be very hungry and there's probably at least one other credit you could take instead that doesn't block out your schedule from 10am-2pm. You can always grab Charlie's Pub if necessary, but you might get tired of that after 3 days a week, 14 weeks in a row.
Need a writing intensive course? Take it one at a time. Unless you're an English major who can't escape this (I commend you), only take one writing intensive course a semester. Try to space out your classes well so that you don't have 3 essays due the same day.
Keep that in mind for labs too. If you're a STEM major, your extra labs and things are bound to stack up and suddenly, you're not only in classes 4 hours a day - you're in labs 4 hours a day! Keep track of what classes have required labs and which ones don't while scheduling for next semester.

Look at your major and general education requirements before you head to your advising session so YOU have a good idea what to register for, not just your advisor who has dozens of other students to advise as well. Plus, it always helps to know if you're on the right track - before you get too far down the line.
Don't overload your classes unless you absolutely have to! If you stay on top of your classes, you shouldn't need to do this. Even if you aren't on top of it, it's better to be just a little short and fill it with a 0.2 or 0.3 credit than to be a little short and fill it with a 1.0 credit and a lab. Space things out appropriately!
Ultimately, take care of YOU! When making your schedule, don't just take only the courses required of you, but maybe step out of your comfort zone and take that art class you've been eyeballing since freshman year, or fill a Gen Ed with something new and exciting, not just some "Intro to..." class. Get into the nitty gritty of your education and experience all that college has to offer.

Happy advising!

Setting the Mood: Study Jams

by Arabella Chamberlain

Looking for some studying music? Look no further. Down below are a few playlists with some of my favorite cram jams. Whether you're bunkering down to write out that 5-page essay or getting hyped up to pull an all-nighter before a midterm (not advised), hopefully, there's something for everyone.

(Disclaimer: These are personal playlists and don't reflect the views and opinions of the

Learning Commons or Coe College. Some songs may contain explicit lyrics.)

Early Bird Pop

Jazzy Afternoon

Evening Country

Late-Night Indie

After Midnight Beats

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