College Gloss: College

Showing posts with label College. Show all posts

How to Conquer a Quarter Life Crisis

With those late-night Sonic runs, house parties, all-nighter finals study groups, weddings and graduation, it’s pretty great to be a “20-something” from simple moments to the landmarks. However, this is also when a quarter life crisis may strike. A QLC can be described as a sense of panic that life isn’t progressing at a satisfactory rate (according to self-standard), whether it be in a relationship, career or with other goals. There’s nothing to fear, though. CG is going to help you conquer that quarter life crisis before it becomes a roadblock on the way to the next big moments in your life.

First, admit you’re freaking, even if it seems slight. Pinpoint the signs, so they can be addressed. Symptoms include:

Frequent nostalgia
Comparing current level of success to others
Regret
Increased insecurity with love life
Fretting about finances
Second-guessing career path

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to release fear of the future. According to Dr. Oliver Robinson, a psychologist from the University of Greenwich, “Early-life crises have three phases. They make you feel trapped, then they move to be a catalyst for change and, eventually, the building of a new life. You need to realize the need to take control and have some agency.” If dealt with effectively, a QLC can be good in the long run because people often redirect their lives in a positive way, Robinson says. So use this time as an opportunity to go back to the drawing board.

Take others out of the equation for a little while in order to best evaluate what direction everything is headed. So stay off social networks, and allow little outside feedback (right away). You’ll just be listening to your inner thoughts for some clarity.
Create a list of the hobbies that you enjoy and how to incorporate them in your daily life.
Reset some goals, it’s definitely okay to take on those ambitious goals over chunks of time; after all, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Now that you know you aren’t the first girl to suffer from a case of QLC, take a deep breath, realize you have time to achieve your dreams, and hit the reset button on life. There’s no time like the present to reassert your control and start checking off goals.

(PS: If you feel like your bummed-out mood will take more than a metaphorical chill pill, seek a professional’s opinion. A career guidance counselor or professional organizer could help you find control, or a psychologist could help find the root of your funk.)

By: Kiarra Sylvester | Image: Source | Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

4 Eco-Friendly DIY Cleaning Supplies

Every girl has a couple beauty secrets up their sleeve; however, it’s equally important to know a few cleaning remedies for the home. CG loves eco-friendly, green cleaners, as creating some of these homemade concoctions can not only save money but also can clear out a little extra storage space and lighten up the chemical load. (To get the best results be sure to shake mixtures before each use.)

Get started with this grocery list:

White vinegar
Dawn dish soap
Fabric softener
Baking soda
Olive oil
Lavender and citrus essential oil
4 spray bottles

Window Cleaner
Instead of purchasing a new bottle, feel free to use an old Windex (or any liquid glass cleaner) bottle. Fill half of it with white vinegar, then top it off with water. Add a teaspoon of Dawn soap, replace the spray bottle cap, and shake the mixture until it has an even texture.

Wood Cleaner
Mix 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 2 cups of water, ¼ cup of white vinegar in a new spray bottle. Last, add citrus-scented oil to scent as little or as much as desired.

Fabric Deodorizer
In a spray bottle, take ⅛ cup fabric softener, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, fill the rest with water. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Shake to blend.

Bathroom Cleaner
Add ½ cup of vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda, 2 liters water and citrus essential oil to a spray bottle. Shake, then use.

CG has provided a quick and safe ways to create some of the most popular cleaning supplies -- so don’t panic next time they run out, just add a few additional ingredients to the grocery list and make a fresh batch of whatever is missing. Be sure to do a test trial on a small area before completely misting everything down.

By: Kiarra Sylvester | Image: Source

How To Turn an Internship Into a Job

Internships, once an optional facet of college life, are now as standard and necessary as intro courses. According to Yahoo! Finance, the United States has become a “nation of interns.” Internships are not only necessary for getting your foot in the door at a company and developing a professional skill set, they also are mutually beneficial for the employer and employee; this professional trial run allows both sides to see what they will be getting if a long-term position were to be offered.

Most interns report for their first day of typically unpaid work with the hope that the position will eventually blossom into a full-time, paying position. Unfortunately, the amount of competitors coupled with the decreased amount of available employment opportunities often sends interns packing up their cubicles at the end of the summer with nothing more than a recommendation letter. Make yourself stand out in the crowd by following these steps to turn your internship into a career.

Put Up with the Tedious Tasks
Interning isn’t always fun. Sometimes, it can be downright tedious. In a perfect world, interns would be recognized and appreciated for all of the boring and monotonous work they do that keeps the office running. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. Interns are seldom paid and often talked down to and treated unfairly. In fact, don’t be surprised if your supervisor never bothers to learn your name. While this can be disheartening, try your best not to take it too personally. Interning is a game of survival of the fittest. Demonstrating that you can endure less-than-desirable situations shows your boss that you are resilient and will get your work done no matter what. Let them know what kind of employee they’d be getting!

Be, Be Aggressive
Co-workers can make or break your time at work. It’s not uncommon for interns to become close friends after a few months of working together. However, if you are serious about pursuing employment, remember that in this scenario, your friends also are your competition. While it’s unnecessary to display competitiveness at the "Hunger Games" level, it would be prudent to keep your eye on the prize. If you have a great idea in mind, whip up a proposal and present it to your boss on your own. Teamwork is undoubtedly important; however, independence and initiative can go a long way. Don’t allow personal feelings and relationships to dull your professional shine.

Go the Extra Mile
When you realize that interning is less Lauren Conrad in the Teen Vogue closet and more Anne Hathaway in the "Devil Wears Prada" (as in fetching Starbucks, not receiving glamorous makeovers), you might experience a decrease in the enthusiasm you initially felt when you were filling out the application. However, now is not the time to get complacent. Get to work on time or early, stay late to finish your projects if necessary, and always be alert and attentive. Put effort into everything that you are assigned, no matter how unnecessary it may seem. No task is too small. Displaying a strong work ethic when you are not getting paid will leave your employers with a favorable impression. Remember: you never know when you are being tested.

Make Your Intentions Known
When the time comes for you to transition from being an intern to an employee, it’s best to be forward and direct. Schedule some time with your boss to speak privately. Remember, this is not an interview. It’s simply an opportunity to throw your hat in the ring. Express to your boss that you’ve enjoyed your internship while noting what you’ve learned and how it has enabled you to grow professionally. Make a point to articulate the successes you’ve had as well, illuminating what an asset you’ll be to the team. It’s vital that you display how you’re an asset to the team.

If you find yourself at an internship that you truly love, it’s important to pluck up your courage and determination. While it may be intimidating to make that first step, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t try. Remember, you always miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. Put your best foot forward and work hard. Follow these tips and you’ll find that you’ll have an intern fetching you coffee in no time!

By: Adjoa Bruce | Image: Source

4 Tips for Creating the Perfect Fall Class Schedule

Summer is here, and you need to create the ever-so-daunting college task -- designing the perfect fall class schedule. The key to a successful semester lies in your schedule, as it dictates your university lifestyle and can either benefit or destroy your time management skills. College registrar systems frequently crash from student overload during class scheduling and counselors refuse to accept appointments, so start early to ensure you create the schedule of your dreams.

Below are four tips guaranteed to help you wisely craft your schedule.

1. Ask Around: Your advisor and classmates are two vital groups when creating a class schedule because it provides a better academic and peer perspective. You should always talk to your advisor to confirm your required core classes, milestones and academic plan. Schedule an appointment with your counselor at least two weeks in advance to ensure he or she will give you the appropriate time allotment for the guidance you deserve. On the other side, speak with your colleagues and inquire everywhere to learn what works, what does not and how to survive challenging courses.

2. Do Research: When selecting your class plan for the next few months, it is essential to conduct research on the professors and classes. Your friends can help steer you in the right direction, but completely anonymous stranger reviews and ratings can ultimately seal the deal. This website allows you to browse universities by state and easily search for instructors and their invaluable teaching assistants.

3. Extra, Extra: Before you decide to register in any “extra” or supplementary courses not required for your major, confirm you have both the available time in your scholastic scheme and financial resources to do so with your advisor and parents. Taking a variety of classes helps create a better-rounded woman prepped for nearly any situation with knowledge from different fields and eras. Exploring unfamiliar departments allows you to develop as an individual, foster personal areas of interest and become confident in your major and specific college selection.

3. Be Realistic: All of the aforementioned advice has no real substance unless you are realistic with your class scheduling. Take a moment and think about your learning patterns. If you are not a morning person, chances are you will not easily become one overnight and excel in 8 a.m. classes. Also consider your entire lifestyle including work, internships, extracurricular activities and social commitments.

We suggest you follow these savvy recommendations to succeed in the challenging balancing act of classes and social life -- good luck, gals!

By: Claire Walton | Image: Source

The College Girl's Guide to Makeup for Class

The middle of the semester is here and tests, quizzes and papers are becoming a normal part of the weekly routine, not to mention football games, work, and that little thing called sleep. Whew! With all this stuff going on, it can be really easy to let things like a makeup routine go by the wayside. Today I'm going to show you a really quick routine that will make you look wide awake and pulled together for that 9 a.m. math class. Did I mention it will take less than five minutes?

Tinted Moisturizer:

Tinted moisturizer is a college girl's best friend. It’s perfect because you can smooth it onto your face during the morning rush to class. Try to find one with SPF so that you get sun protection as well as a light coverage. I find that a tinted moisturizer is perfect for taking the redness out of my cheeks without looking completely made up for class. This one from Clinique gives skin a healthy glow, and the Aveeno tinted moisturizer is available at most drugstores as well!

Peachy, pink blush:

Blush is one of those products that really makes a huge difference in a little amount of time. All you have to do is sweep the shade on the apples of your cheeks and you instantly look radiant. Pink shades are the most universally flattering, but peach shades look give you a natural glow as well. Try blushes from brands like MAC, Benefit, Maybelline and NYX. Each brand offers a wide variety of formulas and colors. Our favorite? Beach blush from Cargo.

Eye shadow:

You don't have to get crazy and put six different shades on your eyes for class, but you can sweep a light shimmery brown shade across your lids for added dimension. You'll never have to hear the words, "you look tired" when you use this trick. If you're really in a rush, you don't even need to use a brush to apply this, just dab on the shimmery shade with your ring finger. MAC make some really great shimmery shades, but Physician's Formula and Covergirl offer some nude shades as well. A great affordable option is the Coastal Scents Original Palette.

Lengthening mascara:

If you only have time for one thing in the morning, mascara should be at the top of your list. It also helps to curl your lashes because it really opens up tired eyes. Mascara adds a subtle definition that's enough to give you the confidence to wink at the cutie in calculus without the added step of eye liner. I love drugstore mascaras because mascara has one of the shortest shelf lives cosmetics-wise (3 months, ladies!) It makes more sense to search for a less expensive option if you're going to be buying mascara four times a year. Maybelline Volum'express mascara and Covergirl LashBlast mascara are top choices.

Tinted Lip Balm:

Okay ladies, a show of hands: how many of you have gotten your hair caught in your lip gloss on your way to class? Been there, done that! Then on top of that, you have to make the super-flattering motion of getting your hair out of the said lipgloss. Has anyone else noticed that lip gloss acts like super-glue on hair? Just me? A tinted lip balm is the perfect solution to this common problem. The tint gives you color like a gloss, without the stickiness factor. Burt's Bee's makes great tinted balms in several colors.

By: Kelly Courington | Image Credit: 1

Summer: What To Do When Your ‘Hometown’ Doesn’t Feel Like Home

You just moved back home after an incredible year away at school. You had an awesome time on your own, got used to living by your own rules, and made new friends who made it hard to leave. You may be excited to live at home again (who doesn’t like home-cooked food or a full, stocked pantry), but you realize that the transition back home may not be so easy after all…

If you are anything like me, freshman year of college was a blur of new experiences, freedom, academics and opportunities. You go from anything and everything you have ever known and grown up with to something completely different. Now that the school year is over, you find yourself back to where you started, putting your college life on hold.

How do you connect your two different ‘lives’? Where does your college life meet your home life and how can you make the most of your time away from the pressures of school? Transitions can be hard, but keeping these tips in mind may make the collision of school and home a little less painful.

· Keep in touch with friends from home and friends from school. It’s important to maintain friendships in both places. Although it’s completely normal to feel lonely and isolated at home, use your time to re-connect with peers from your hometown high school or family members who may have become distant throughout the school year.

· Find something to occupy your free time- a job, new hobby, travel, etc. A little extra spending cash may come in handy back on campus, but a summer job may also give you something to put on a resume, work experience or a sense of accomplishment. Try something you have never tried before—sharpen your cooking skills or raid your mother’s scrapbooking closet; get your creative juices flowing!

· Bring a little bit of college life back home. Remember all those crazy pictures you took at football games in the fall? Post them around your room to remind you of your college memories. Also, try doing some of the same things you did on campus while at home. Was Sunday brunch with friends in the dining hall a ritual? Try meeting some hometown friends for brunch at your favorite local restaurant!

· Re-work your relationship and boundaries with your parents. Now that you have lived on your own, you may expect more freedom and less household responsibility. Remember, you still live at home and your parents may have the final say—but kindly remind them that your college experiences have made you a mature, responsible young adult, and that may, in fact, translate to a more flexible curfew.

· Enjoy time to reflect over the changes in your life and the path they may lead you toward. You went through a lot this past year. College years are tough. You learn a lot about yourself, your passions, and your sense of determination. Take some time to think about what this past year meant to you, what went well, and what may need to change next year.

My hometown will always be home to me. Although it feels like I have to balance two separate lives, the place I grew up in and the people I grew up around will always hold a special place in my heart. The people and places from my childhood made me the person I am today. Now, I am lucky enough to start a new journey in a new place—and balancing the two may be difficult, but it also makes me realize that home may not just be about a specific zip code. Home may be about the people I am surrounded by and the experiences that define who I am as a person.

By Meaghan O’Connor | Photo: aquietsimplelife.com

Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )