How to Juggle Full Time Work and Full Time School

How to Juggle Full Time Work and Full Time School

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This upcoming semester is going to make me pull my hair out, I can already tell. I just started a really great full time job that I love. When registration time came around I decided to just sign up for night classes, and with the grant that I have I am required to take at least 12 credit hours, so this next semester I will be working full time and going to school full time. I'll be honest, I am a little worried. I am not the best student to begin with, and I do not operate very well on little sleep. So what's a girl to do? How am I going to handle this? Well, I did some research and found some great advice, here it is. 

Online Classes

So many of the places that I researched through mentioned online school courses and it really does make sense. With online courses you have the freedom to take classes when you are available too. You can still work full time, and you can still get the sleep that you need. I have several friends that have children and jobs that are taking courses online. Online courses are allowing adults to separate their time between work, school and kids. If you're like me, and are struggling with the thought of working full time and going to school full time this may be a great option for you. (I'm considering it) You can also take a combination of campus classes and online classes which would work great for majors like mine (fine art) that require you to take some hands on courses. 

Get your Priorities Straight

There simply isn't going to be enough time to go around so you've got to really sit down and get your priorities in order. Write down all of your responsibilities, and make yourself a schedule for the week that you MUST stick to. In other words, procrastination is not an option. Decide what you can take on and what you can't and if it just isn't possible to do both work and school, you may have to work less, or take less classes if you can. Don't overwork yourself. Cut out the distractions. And buckle up it's going to be a bumpy ride!

Reward Yourself

Balancing work and play is important. If you work, work, work, you will easily get burnt out and your grades will suffer. Take time for yourself once in a while. Do something fun on the weekends, go to a movie or a concert (or a date) or if all else fails, take a nap! It is important to work hard, but don't lose yourself in the process, it is important to take care of yourself and have fun!

Well, I will certainly be taking this advice to heart; I sure hope some of it works for me. Most importantly I think as long as you remember that you are working toward your dream you will be ok, and so will I ... hopefully.

Surviving College: 5 Things I wish I was Better Prepared For

Surviving College

5 Things I wish I was Better Prepared For

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Starting college can be a terrifying and trying experience. Your schedule changes, you're surrounded by new people and places and you're living in a new place. If you are just starting school this article is for you. College life can flip your life upside down if you aren't ready. Here are the top five biggest changes you will have to face and the top five tips to get you through them. 

1. Suddenly, You're an Adult

Well, kind of. In all honesty I don't act much like an adult half of the time but what I mean is, you are suddenly totally responsible for yourself and you are held accountable for your actions. You are in charge of your finances, your grades, your car, your groceries, and your apartment. If you're used to living with mom and dad a transition to this can be quite scary.

 My advice: manage your time. Sit down and account for all of your responsibilities and plan out your week. Plan out your class time, your work time, and give yourself time for friends. If you budget out your time like you do (or should do) with your cash (and stick to it) you will find that everything seems a little less crazy. 

2. You're in a New Place

Most students have moved from their parents place to an apartment in a new place. This can make you feel totally insecure and nervous. Not to mention that college itself is like a whole different world and navigating through your campus can be overwhelming. 

My advice: Make friends. Making friends with roommates or fellow classmates can relive tons of stress and fear. If you have someone to discover the campus with you won't feel so alone and insignificant. You're new friend is probably coping with the same things and you can help each other. Better yet, find a friend that is further along in their college year to help you out. You can also utilize services that the school offers like tours and counselors.

3. You Have to Work Twice as Hard

Get ready for your workload to increase 10 fold! College classes demand more work. A good rule of thumb is for every hour of class account for 2 hours of studying. And if you are like me you will have to get a part time job to support yourself through college. You will be required to work hard at your job with as many hours as you can handle to support yourself. Combine work and school and you have a pretty heavy workload. 

My advice: Start small. Don't load the credits on your first semester. Try taking 4-6 credits instead of 12-14 and work your way up. Give yourself time to get used to the routine and work load of college and gradually increase to full time studying. If possible find a job working for your school. Universities offer many jobs for students and are very flexible with your class schedule and you won't have to commute. 

4. Your Learning Environment has Changed

In high school you get used to just sitting by as teachers lecture and give you assignments. In college the learning environment is a lot different. Professors lead discussions and expect you to contribute to the discussion. The coursework is harder and based on your ability to solve problems on your own. One of the greatest things you will learn from college is how to think cognitively and solve problems; unfortunately this can be hard to get used to. 

My advice: Make sure you go to your classes.

Seems pretty obvious right? That you would go to your classes in college? Yeah, just wait until you get going. Most professors don't implement a strict attendance policy so it can be easy to stay home from class now and again. (This goes back to the whole responsibility thing.) Get your butt to class and you will find that you catch on and get used to your new learning environment quick. 

5. College can be TOO Fun

I know this one seems kind of dumb but you'll find that it is totally true. Once you get settled in, you will start making friends, and going on dates, and going to parties, and forgetting about your homework (or just not caring about your homework). It can be really easy to get caught up in the social life of college and totally lose interest in your school work. 

My advice: Give yourself boundaries. You are allowed to enjoy your new found freedom, just remember that you're working for something bigger and better than that party this weekend. Try and get your homework done before the weekend and try not to get behind on your work and you should be fine. And remember, have fun! 

College can be scary and hard at first but once you get the hang of things you will find that you really enjoy it! Just hang in there until and you will get used to this new life soon. Be true to who you are, find some new friends and do your best and you will have a positive college experience and who knows you may even get a degree out of it!

Need a 4.0? No Problem, Here's How

Need a 4.0? No Problem, Here's How

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If you're anything like me, getting a 4.0 GPA is a long shot. I usually get all hyped up before a semester telling myself that I'm going to be the most magnificent student the world has ever seen, get a 4.0 and be awesome. Usually about a month into the semester I start skipping classes and caring less and less about my grades. Sound familiar? Try these tips (and stick to them) to keep your grades up and you may find it is a lot easier than it seems.

1. Classes: GO TO THEM

Attendance to your classes is vitally important. Most problems with students start forming when their attendance drops. GO TO CLASS. Professors will use information from class on the tests (that may not be found in the text book. Take notes and really make an effort to listen to the lecture, (I know it's hard) this will help you significantly when it comes to writing a paper or prepping for a test. And if you simply must stay home from class to finish that season of Glee than be sure to get notes from a fellow student, get the slides online, and skim the chapter in the textbook. Most importantly if you are like me and miss class every now and again it is important to get the info that you missed so you're prepared.

2. Friends: MAKE THEM

Making friends with fellow classmates can really save your skin. If you miss a class, or don’t understand the material a study buddy can be the difference between failing the class and getting an A. Find someone that you get along with that is willing to help. You must also be willing to return the favor if they miss a class or need help as well. Teaching others can help you retain information better so get together before tests and quiz each other. And who knows you may even get a date out of it!

3. Resources: USE THEM

College counselors, professors and friends all want you to succeed so let them help you! There are countless resources out there to help students succeed. If you are having a hard time grasping a concept, talk to your professor. Most professors are required to be in their offices 2-5 hours a week for this reason only, use this office time to your advantage! If that doesn't cut it there are labs, study groups and tutors out there. Most importantly you must commit to success, after you've done that it will be easier to commit to going to a lab or going to that study session. Make it happen!

4. Good Attitude: HAVE ONE

Your attitude about success is the absolutely most important part about getting a 4.0. Our brains function like computers, the information that you enter into your brain will determine the actions that you take. Tell yourself that you are going to succeed, tell yourself you are going to get an A on the test and if you are prepared, you will! This is your life; your success is determined by YOU and only YOU. You have already taken the first step by reading this article, now commit to success, set some goals and follow through! Good luck!

10 Smart Things to do to Keep your Brain Healthy

10 Smart Things to do to Keep your Brain Healthy

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Just like it is important for us to take care of our bodies, it is important to take care of our brains as well. You fuel your body with healthy foods and exercise. You can mold and define your muscles, and loose or gain weight to change your appearance. So what can you do to take care of your brain? Well, here are ten things to do to get you started. Follow these ten steps to take care of your brain and you may find that you are a better student, you may even learn something! 

 1. Work it out

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Your brain needs exercise just as much as your body does. It is actually possible for your brain to atrophy just like your muscles. You can exercise your brain by making it think. Make your brain think by doing a crossword puzzle or play a word game with a friend. Read an interesting book, (reading is a big one), watch a though provoking movie and get creative with a hobby. All of these things can stimulate and work your brain causing it to function better. If you are having a hard time with homework or an assignment try taking a break and doing one of these things. 

 2. Get Moving!

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Our bodies thrive on physical exercise, even our brains. When you exercise your heart works harder to pump the blood through your body increasing oxygenation in your brain which is, in a way, exercising your brain. It is a good idea to go on a walk in between classes or take a break from homework to exercise to get your mind working. 

 3. Challenge Yourself!

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Learning new things creates new avenues in your brain and challenges it. When you learn new information your brain becomes healthier. Try learning something new, go to a cooking class or learn yoga. Play chess with a friend or travel, after all "travel broadens the mind". It is important to be learning new things constantly for the health of our brains.

 4. Eat Brain Foods

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Yes, they exist. Brain foods are foods that provide vital nutrients to your brain. First of all always start your day off with a balanced breakfast. Eating breakfast wakes you up and gives you the nutrients you need to start thinking and functioning. Studies show that people that eat breakfast consume fewer calories throughout the day and have a higher functioning metabolism as well. Foods full of antioxidants like blueberries, and pomegranate are good for your brain along with fish, avocado, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. 

 5. Vitamins

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Your mom always told you to take your vitamins, and she was right. Your brain thrives on the nutrients in vitamins and supplements so make sure that you are putting them into your body. Omega-3, vitamin B, E and C, grape seed extract and plenty of water are only a few of the things that you should be mindfully adding to your diet to keep a healthy brain. 

 6. Avoid, Avoid, Avoid

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There is opposition in all things. Just like there are good things for your brain, there are also bad things for your brain. For instance drugs and alcohol can actually kill brain cells. You should also avoid or use in moderation substances like caffeine, hydrogenated vegetable oils, heavily processed foods and fast foods. And last but certainly not least, do not smoke. Cigarette smoking robs your brain of oxygen and can cause many problems. In fact, there are studies out there that link some Alzheimer’s patients to smoking.

 7. Protect your Noggin

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Protecting your brain from injury is definitely one way to keep it healthy and smart. Accidents involving your brain can be devastating to the way that your brain functions. Always wear a helmet and wear a seat belt. Be careful when playing contact sports like football and rugby. Repetitive injuries to the brain can cause serious damage that cannot be repaired.

 8. Chill Out

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 Stress can be really hard on your brain. It is in your best interest to reduce stress as much as possible for your mind and your body. Reducing stress can also improve your mental health and state of well being. If you're feeling like you’re close to the edge, try to bring the stress levels down a notch. Watch a funny movie, go for a walk or take a bath. Be positive and have fun try not to let stress bring you down and your brain will be a lot better off. 

 9. Stimulate your Senses

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Aromatherapy, massage, working in a garden and baking are all things that can stimulate your senses and influence your brain. When your brain is subjected to multi-sensory activities stimulates your brain and helps keep your mind sharp. For instance when you bake cookies, you combine the ingredients, knead the dough and smell the cookies. 

10. Be a Social Butterfly 

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Your brain is stimulated when you talk to friends and family. When you share experiences and emotions your brain gets stimulants that it needs. Having and making friends is also good for your mental health. Feelings of isolation and loneliness disappear when you surround yourself with loved ones.

 

Not All Jobs Are Created Equal: 10 Best Jobs of 2012

Not All Jobs Are Created Equal: 10 Best Jobs of 2012

There are a few jobs out there today that are absolutely golden. Not just because of wages, which is also important, but there are other things that make jobs awesome as well. The following list of jobs is ranked by the following criteria: work environment, physical demands, job outlook, income levels and stress. After all a job has to make you money, but it has to make you happy too. Here are the ten highest ranked jobs in the U.S. for meeting all these standards. 

1. Software Developer

Median Salary -$82,400

Top Pay - $118,000

Job Growth - 32% in the next 10 years

Any job in technology is a good one in today's day and age. Software developers design, debug, and test new computer applications. These guys are in charge of new computer software, apps for iPhones and tablets and many other things that keep technology the fastest growing enterprise. 

2. Physical Therapist

Median Salary -$75,000

Top Pay -$97,000

Job Growth -30% in the next 10 years

Jobs in the Health Care Industry are rapidly growing and they always will be because we will always need qualified health care professionals to help us. Physical Therapists work with patients to help their bodies recover. They also work with patients with chronic illnesses handle and cope with their pain.

3. Financial Advisor

Median Salary -$93,000

Top Pay -$200,000

Job Growth -30% in the next 10 years

There will always be jobs in the financial field as long as there is money, so this is a pretty solid field to work in if you are good with numbers. Financial advisors help people handle their money. They set up investments, retirement funds, insurance policies, and taxes. Most financial planners are self employed and work on their own schedules which can be another added bonus.

4. Civil Engineer

Median Salary -$74,000

Top Pay -$110,000

Job Growth -24% in the next 10 years

Civil Engineers are responsible for the design of our cities. They design and build tunnels, bridges, and sewage and water systems. As long as people will need places to live there will be a need for civil engineers so you can count on job security for sure. 

5. Marketing Specialist

Median Salary -$52,000

Top Pay -$79,000

Job Growth -28% in the next 10 years

Marketing specialists find the best ways to promote products or services. Online marketing is a big area in this field. Marketing specialists can work in broad areas or they can focus on a specialized field. 

6. Management Consultant

Median Salary -$111,000

Top Pay -$200,000

Job Growth -24% in the next 10 years

Management Consultants work with large companies. They come in and help the company cut costs and increase productivity. They do training for managers to better lead teams. Management consultants can come in and totally change a company for the better. 

7. Information Technology Consultants

Median Salary -$96,000

Top Pay -$154,000

Job Growth -20% in the next 10 years

IT Consultants improve and manage computer systems for companies. They handle all the computers for the company, all the updates and upkeep that are required and data management. 

8. Database Administrators

Median Salary -$86,000

Top Pay -$121,000

Job Growth -20% in the next 10 years

Database administrators handle the data for an entire company. They keep the data safe and accessible for those that need it. They fix data systems when they are faulty or break. Database administrators are high in demand these days because most large companies out there use internet based data systems that need to be handled. 

9. Financial Analyst

Median Salary -$62,000

Top Pay -$91,000

Job Growth -20% in the next 10 years

Financial analysts help companies handle their finances. They can be very important to companies when consulting about where and what to spend the companies money on to make it a more profitable business. 

10. Environmental Engineer

Median Salary -$81,000

Top Pay -$113,000

Job Growth -31% in the next 10 years

Environmental engineers solve the world’s problems like pollution, recycling and waste management. They come up with creative and innovative solutions to the problems that are out there. They use their knowledge to make the world a better place for all of us.

10 Worst College Majors: Labors of Love

10 Worst College Majors: Labors of Love

Earning your degree will change your life; it will undoubtedly make your life better however, it is important to decide what degree to get.  In a recent survey that the U.S. Census Bureau conducted it was found that even though having a degree is beneficial, not all degrees are created equal. Here is a list of the lowest earning college majors out there today. 

Now, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't choose one of these as your major. I'll be honest my major is on this list. I just mean to tell you that you better have a plan, because in all honesty these degrees aren't high earners. I guess there are just some majors out there that you do because you absolutely love the subject and not for the money. But remember, even though these degrees are low earning, you will probably be earning more with them, as opposed to not having a degree.

10. Health and Medical Preparatory Programs

Average Salary - $40,000

Programs like these are usually offered through community colleges or vocational schools. Students who participate in these programs definitely experience a lower tuition and get into the medical job field quickly. Unfortunately, the salary isn't the highest.

9. Visual and Performing Arts

Average Salary - $40,000

Have you ever heard the old adage "starving artist"? Yeah, you can pretty much expect that if you get this degree. Good thing artists don't do it for the money right? If you love performing or dancing than do it because you love it, not for the money. 

8. Communications Disorders Sciences and Services

Average Salary - $40,000

This job relates to teachers that try to help students with communications disorders like Tourettes and Aspergers. Students with these disorders usually have trouble reading and processing sound. Even though the salary isn't the greatest this job can be highly rewarding, and a rewarding job can be worth more than gold. 

7. Studio Arts

Average Salary - $40,000

According to the Georgetown report painters, illustrationists and sculptors don't see an increase in funds after they have earned their degrees. It usually remains about the same. Most artists are self employed and keep about the same salary even with a degree. This can make it hard to do what you love. 

6. Drama and Theater Arts

Average Salary - $40,000

 You really have to hit the big time to make any money in this field. Movie starts make a lot of money yes, but it is really difficult to get to that point. Just another field that you do for love that's for sure. 

5. Social Work 

Average Salary - $39,000

Individuals in social work see one of the smallest grossing salaries on the market. But, to most social workers it's not about the money, it's about helping others isn't it? It is also important to note that those who go on to get graduates degrees in this field see a substantial jump in salary. 

4. Human Services and Community Organizations

Average Salary - $38,000

This field relates to forms of healthcare like, social welfare, mental health and education. This job is rewarding and is focused on giving back to the community, even though it grosses one of the smallest incomes out there. 

3. Theology and Religious Vocations

Average Salary - $38,000

People in this field study and focus on the spiritual aspects of life. They teach others the relationship between the human and the divine, scripture study, and counseling. 

2. Early Childhood Education

Average Salary - $36,000

Teaching our future generations is indeed one of the most important jobs out there. Unfortunately the wages do not match. Definitely a labor of love, teachers enjoy influencing the lives of children. 

1. Counseling and Psychology

Average Salary - $29,000

Out of 171 college majors that were surveyed this one is the lowest. However, though the wages may not be the best but psychologists that work within schools see almost no unemployment. Talk about a stable job!