When you enter college it is okay to keep your past in the past. You can completely re do anything you wish you would or would not have done in high school. You can join the sport or club you never got a chance to join in high school. Always remember to be true to yourself and you will have the time of your life.  Do not be afraid of anything just live the life you would like to live. After all you only live once right?

Keeping in mind why you are there to learn and better yourself. The most important things you can do while you’re at college is to maintain a balance between your work and social life. Remember not to pretend to be someone you are not. You can start over and people will love you for you! So go ahead and enjoy your time at college and remember this is your fresh start to a happier life!

Everyone has heard about the Freshman 15 right? But is it true that many college students pack on 15 pounds during their first year at school? Studies have found that some students defiently not all first year students are likely to gain weight. It may not necessarily be 15 pounds exactly and it may not happen your first year.That might sound like fantastic news, but it’s not! Doctors are concerned that students who gradually put on pounds are establishing a pattern of weight gain that could be troublesome if it continues.

On avererage college students gain 3-10 pounds during their first semester. College offers many temptations! You’re on your own and free to eat what you want, and when you want it. You are free to eat french fries and ice cream for breakfast if you so choose. The worst time to eat salty or sugary foods is at night time and this is when most students have their snacks when doing homework. Many people may not get as much exercise as they did in high school either.

College is also a time of change, and full of stress. Sometimes people eat in response to anxiety, homesickness, sadness, or stress, and all of these can be part of adapting to being away at school.

So your wondering how on earth can I avoid gaining any extra weight with all of these circumstances right? Well I have some advice for you to try and I can guarantee you will not gain any extra weight. And perhaps beat the freshmen 15!

The best way to beat weight gain is to prevent it altogether. Good habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can do more than keep the pounds excess pounds

*try not eating when stressed, while studying, or while watching TV

*eat slowly

*eat neals at regular times and try not to skip meals

*keep snacking to a minimum

*choose a mix of nutritious foods

*skim milk rather than whole milks

*resist going back for additional servings

*avoid the vending machines

*avoid fast food

*keep healthy fruit and vegetables on hand in your room

*do not drink pop drink water

*atleast 30-60 minutes of exercise a day

*take the stairs rather than the elevator

*get enough rest

*keep booze to a minimum

When we are little we dream of becoming something special. Whether it is a doctor, nurse, councillor, horse trainer, or simply a banker we have the right to choose our paths in life. So what happens when your parents want you to go to one college and you want to go to another? Parents always wants what is best for their children but sometimes they do not realize what we really want for ourselves. Have you been catching heck for wanting to live your dreams? Or because you really do not want to attend the college your parents attended? You already have so many stresses in your life so why should you be forced to stress about his as well.

If your parents are the type who have a set plan for you and it is not at all what you have set for yourself you MUST talk to them. Please do not go to the college your parents want you to go to because they will be disappointed if you choose another. You need to do whats right for you. The hardest part is going to be telling them that you have other dreams.

You need to let your parents know that you respect their opinions but you have chosen otherwise. If they refuse to help you pay for college because it is not where they want you to go you do have options. You can talk to the college you wish to attend and see if they have any loans through them or if you have to go to the bank for one. You will be surprised to know just how many students have to take out their own loans for school.

If you do not have any money saved up I would personally suggest you take a year off after high school and get yourself a full time job. You will need to save up as much money as you can. This will be very good when you do go in to apply for a student loan because it shows that you are willing to work for what you want out of life.

Your parents will not be happy that you have chosen not to go where they would have liked but they will realize that you have your own goals and dreams. They had their own goals and dreams at your age as well. So if there is any advice you take in life please take the advice to do whats best for you when it comes to colleges. After all you will be the one going, not your parents.

I have made a little check list for you to follow! You will not be forgetting anything important and you will not be packing useless stuff that will just take up more of your tiny little space you are given.

- clothing(pack only clothes you will be needing do not pack anything you have not worn in years!)

-pajamas

-tooth brush & tooth paste

-facial cleanser

-lotions & face moisturizer

-deodorant

-make up (female’s who cant go without)

-feminine products

-shampoo & conditioner

-hair brush

-hair tools(blow dryer, straightner, curling iron, if you cant go without)

-q-tips

-body wash

-face clothes

-towels

-laundry basket

-laundry detergent

-bedding

-pillows

-razors

-hair supplies(clips, pony tails, bobby pins)

If you need to bring kitchen supplies you will need

-cup

-plate

-bowls

-cutlery

-salt & pepper

-pot & pan

-wooden spoon

-strainer (to strain your KD) haha

- paper towel

-toilet paper

- pens

-pencils

-calculator

-binders

-picture of your family or a photo albums for those sad homesick days

-laptop if needed

-cell phone charger

-a safe if you are going to be sharing a room(optional)

I hope this list can help you with your college packing! And hey when in need you can always call you parents!! They would be more than thrilled to hear from you. I promise.

Extra Curricular-

Having a resume with all the extra curricular clubs you have participated in, in college will make your resume/application look so much more presentable! And why not get those extra brownie points with your future employer?

Promote Awareness-

Clubs will help you promote the educational values of the field or subject you are in. Everyone can use extra information and it will be fun to learn new things. I promise!

Networking-

You will have the chance to meet and hopefully make friends with others who share the same interests as you do. Everyone can use a few extra friends who actually understand them!

Volunteer-

You will feel so great about yourself when you volunteer. It is truly the GIFT OF GIVING. This is the best gift of all.

Reassurance-

You can be reassured that you and the other people in your club will always be there for each other. This is kind of like a brotherhood/sisterhood.

Assistance-

Clubs will give your the chance to give or receive assistance with the subject you are dealing with. Who can’t use a helping hand once in a while? I know I can

Social-

Joining in these will give you a social life if you have been having troubles with this area. You will make tons of friends.

Growth-

Everyone in these clubs is going to praise you for your hard work and growth as will you do the same. A little self boost once in a while is a great gesture to give or receive! You will all be growing together!

Exposure-

You will have the opportunity to learn new and interesting while being exposed to your field/subject of the certain club you have joined.

Enrichment-

You owe it to yourself to give a club a try. The worst thing that can possibly happen is you will meet new poeple and have fun! That doesn’t sound to bad at all, now does it?

Now I have a list of some of the different clubs you can join. These wont be all at every college but I can guarentee you will find one for you!

ACADEMIC GROUPS

Anthropology Club

Creative Writing club

Minority association of pre health club

Physics & Astronomy Club

Science students club

ARTS & PERFORMING GROUPS

Art resources club

Celebrations club

Ceramics club

Chorus

CULTURAL HERITAGE CLUBS

Asian students association

Black students alliance

Immigration club

ATHLETIC CLUBS

Badminton

Basketball

Curling

Soccer

Baseball

Football

Swimming

Rugby

#1- THE LIBRARY

Let’s start with the obvious. For those of you scared of the library and the nerd persona consequences, consider this: It’s quiet. Those hardcore librarians accept nothing less. It’s comfortable you can find any number of cozy chairs, table arrangements, and nooks to set up your study time. And it has great information access.  And remember the “nerds” get the good grades. And the “nerds” go to the library!

#2- COFFEE SHOPS

Like most of us we need a little kick in the butt when it comes to studying. Or should I say a coffee! A coffee shop is perfect for studying, unless ambient noise is a distraction for you, like it could be for auditory learners. Most coffee shops have WIFI, so you can access info with your laptop. Many coffee shops have separate little booths for this use! So go ahead grab a java and get studying!

#3- A PARK

Yes you will need nice weather for this but so if you do you will actually be helping yourself get Vitamin D as-well as studying! Id there anything more relaxing then spreading a blanket down on the grass and studying? NOPE so go ahead and take advantage of mother nature! Like the majority of us you’ve been cooped up in a classroom and you need to see some green, consider taking yourself to the park for a study session common just try it. You could probably find an available signal for your laptop, and nothing says ambiance like chirping birds, wind rustling through leaves, and sun on your shoulders!

#4- SWITCH IT UP WITH THE CLASSROOM

I have a dozen tips for you college students. Follow these and you WILL save money

Tip # 1 : Make a Plan

The best way to manage your money over the course of a semester is to sit down and write out a budget. List sources of income such as scholarships, loans, money from summer jobs and cash from your parents as well as expenses, such as tuition, books and groceries.

Tip # 2 : Track All Money Spent

 Track your spending for two to four weeks to find out where your spending your money. For example if you love the coffee at a local coffee shop, is it necessary to spend all your money their in a week? No. So track your money.

Tip # 3 : Pace Yourself

If you spend all your money at the beginning of the semester, you could be really screwed later on. Give yourself a spending limit for each week. Stick to it and you will never starve!

Tip # 4 : Fun Money

You will need to have some money for yourself to enjoy yourself. Whether that means to go to a concert or go for a few beers you need the fun time too. Or you may burn out!

Tip # 5 : Keep Credit Cards Hidden

One way to spend all your money and money you cannot pay back is to keep a credit cards handy. Instead keep your credit card hidden and only use it if your in an emergency.

For those students who have spent all their student loan on drinking, partying, or shopping please be honest with your family and let them know. This may feel like the end of the world but the sooner you tell them the sooner they can help you. Please do not let it get his serious tho. Try my advice!

Once or twice a year a new group of young adults join the ranks of the free, breaking out of their parent’s nests to explore the world on their own and join hundreds of other young people at college. This is a time for college kids to find themselves, learn new things, and meet new friends. Unfortunately, for many college go-ers, this is also a time for experimentation with alcohol and drugs. As a parent of a college student there are things that you should know and things you can do to help your child make responsible decisions and avoid many of the problems associated with drinking while they’re away at school.

Many parents dont think there is anything they can do about what their child does while away at college. This is NOT true what so ever. Infact talking to your kids about making responsible decisions and their consiquences for their action will have a huge influence on them. Having a serious discussion about alcohol and its consequences or a phone call once a week to see how things are can make a difference for many young adults. At first they may blow you off and insist that you’re bugging(which is completely normal) them but if you are persistent they may refer to your advice one day when they have a choice to make: responsible or irresponsible.

Never never never come across as a strict parent. Always give them their freedom to make their own choices and I will you tell you they will be more responsible. They will feel as if you are trying to control them otherwise and WILL rebel against you.

Here are some helpful tips to help you and your college student in regards to drinking…

• Let your son or daughter know that you’re available if they need help, even if it is just to talk.(or if they need a ride)
• Talk about the facts of alcohol and effects of drinking as well as reasons not to drink.
• Tell them how to find help on campus for themselves or a friend.
• Make sure they know the penalties for underage or excessive drinking.
• Stay in contact once school starts. Ask how they’re feeling, ask about their experiences, roommates and friends and if they’re enjoying activities and classes.
• Understand the school’s parental notification policy.
• Try to add to their schedule at least one Friday class. Studies show that people who have no classes or activities on Fridays begin their weekend partying earlier than those that do.
• Attend parent’s weekends and events on campus.

Let your kids be kids. But let them know that you are here for them whenever they will need you most.

What is Test Anxiety?

Test anxiety is a type of anxiety that affect’s poeple before, during, or after a test. It is an issue that many poeple deal with at one time or another. Anxiety is a normal feeling that is part of life, and can not always but can serve as a good form of adrenaline. For instance if you get butterflies before making a speach or before performing on stage this is your adrenaline working. However, there are methods how to overcome nervousness and anxiety when they interfere with performance before, during, and after an exam.

Test anxiety can also be experienced at many levels. Slight exam stress can help by providing alertness, readiness, and helping you to concentrate. However, excessive exam anxiety can result in stress and will have a negative affect on your test performance.

Test anxiety, just like other types of anxiety, hits you like a wave. It will increase from the time you first recognize it, come to a peak, and then naturally subside. If test anxiety persists and becomes a problem for you, it is a good idea to seek assistance from the school counselor or other professional resource. Calming your nerves through learned techniques can ease the tension associated with test anxiety and can help greatly in overcoming test anxiety.

What Causes Test Anxiety?

There are so many obstacles that stand in the way of overcoming test anxiety.  The condition can be easily managed with the right care. It can be past experiences of blanking out on tests or the inability to think of the answers to questions that you know you know the answers too; this can bring on test anxiety. It could also be a lack of preparation for an exam which is a real reason to be worried about test performance.

Errors in time management, poor study habits, failure to properly organize material and cramming the night before the exam are also likely to increase test anxiety.If a test has been properly prepared for, the test anxiety may result in negative thinking and worries.

Focusing on past test performances, how friends and other classmates are doing, or the negative consequences of doing poorly are also major factors contributing to test anxiety. And we can all agree that we have done this. Us who experience test anxiety tend to be the type of people who put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform well. They often have unusually high expectations for themselves.

When poeple begin to experience low grades for the first time, normally in college or university, their image of themselves as a smart person begins to decline. They then put pressure on themselves to perform better, but often put off studying longer than they should.

Help for Test Anxiety

Test anxiety can be a real problem, especially when the stresses reach a height where the nervous takes over and the test taker cannot focus on the test questions. However, there are steps you can take to keep test anxiety at a manageable level and overcome nervousness .

Developing improved studying skills can make a huge difference. Along with study skills, a student can be taught effective study habits for tests, which can be a positive first step in overcoming test anxiety. Study habits have to do with planning (how, when, and where you study), time management, and organizational skills.

We have to make sure we are getting enough sleep, exercise, and eating healthy foods.

Well I have some good news for anyone who experiences test anxiety. It may be easily conquered if they are willing to follow some guidelines and practice some well established techniques.

Try these simple things:

• Relaxation
• Knowledge of testing conditions
• Adequate preparation through improvement of test-taking and study skills
• Effective health habits, exercise, and good nutrition
• Monitoring of thinking patterns and positive self talk
• Please talk to someone if you you need to

In today’s webinar, I argued that every classroom needs three digital spaces for sharing: a “home base” site (wiki), a newspaper (blog), and a “digital locker.” That digital locker is the space for sharing confidential information like student grades, taking quizzes and tests, etc. It’s NOT the space for creating and sharing digital curriculum. Those activities need to be done on the OPEN WEB, outside logins and passwords. Curriculum for the Technology 4 Teachers class I taught at UCO last spring is an example. Jim Askew’s amazing high school chemistry curriculum for students in Crescent, Oklahoma, is another. There are more examples, but there need to be MANY, MANY more. This kind of open curriculum sharing on the web needs to become the NORM, not the exception.