By: Bailey G
Adversity Leads To Elevation
- Don’t Cram
- A very important tip that various students overlook is to not cram in everything at the last minute. It’s undoubtedly very tempting to leave studying for the last minute. Research has been conducted that suggests that cramming unfortunately does not improve long term learning. There is always the possibility of doing well on an exam or quiz when you cram it in but if the goal is to truly learn the material then the last thing you should do is save it all for the last minute. Also, the last thing you need in college is stress and cramming in studying time inevitably increases stress levels and may cause panic and anxiety attacks as well.
Girl upset from constant studying and lays to rest after studying, Image is from Pexels(Andrea Piacquadio)
- Plan ahead-and stick to it!
- Having some sort of study plan with set goals can allow you to feel more prepared and confident, which will allow you to have a roadmap to follow so you just aren’t all over the place. Managing your time goes a long way not just in college but also in many aspects of life. Planning ahead and sticking to your plan is a sense of discipline, completing your work even when you don’t feel like it. You most likely won’t be as stressed as if you were doing everything whenever you wanted to. Since everything is being completed with time, it will be easier for you to retain valuable information.
- Have a buddy system
- Your classmates are probably going through the same struggles that you’re going through. Reach out to classmates and form a study group to cover all of the material and brainstorm everyones thoughts and support each other through challenges. When you have someone to study with, you can explain the material to each other in different ways so you comprehend the material. You can quiz each other as well and build a network that can last beyond the class. Also, if you miss class one day you can contact a friend who will provide you with notes on what you missed out on. Having a friend can allow you to build up confidence and also develop a sense of belonging.
- Take Breaks
- There is only so much information that your brain can absorb at a time. Research has been compiled together to show that taking breaks in between study sessions boosts retention. A break can recharge your brain and body, which will increase your productivity. You are more likely to be focused and able to absorb information more effectively. With proper breaks, your health can benefit as well. You can reduce the risk of inflammation and decrease the risk of heart disease. Ideas can be taking a walk, putting on some music, stretching, chewing gum, calling a friend, meditating or eating something.
- Set Specific Goals
- Setting specific goals allows you to see how much progress you have made. An example of a specific goal can be “ I will study my chemistry homework everyday between 3 and 5 p.m. at the library.” Another big key is to make the goal measurable. You must plan to study a certain amount of hours or raise your predicted exam score so you can measure your progress. You also need to be realistic with yourself, if you study two hours for a class, increase your time by an hour or two, not by 10. When you set your goals, this also allows you to feel motivated, you are working toward something that will only better yourself. You develop discipline that carries to other areas of your life.
- Obtain Internships
- Internships are an amazing way to gain experience specifically in your field. You develop fundamental skills that you aren’t able to get in a classroom. It would be ideal to complete at least two-specific PR-specific internships before graduating
- Networking
- Join a student organization like the Public Relations Student Society of America to meet like-minded people. For Chico State students that are Public Relations majors, joining the Orion or Tehama Group Communications is crucial. With that being stated, you can also use your alumni network.
- Learn to become open-minded
- There are various career paths that you are to select with this field. You must also be engaged throughout classes, participate often and speak up. This isn’t really a major for those who prefer to remain to themselves. Public relations officials often work in groups.
- Build a portfolio
- Collect samples of your work, such as social media posts, press releases, and event planning materials. If possible, websites you have created would be great as well.
- Stay up-to-date
- You should read industry publications, follow relevant blogs, and attend webinars and conferences. You should also embrace social media and understand how to use it to manage a brand voice and communicate with your audience.