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If you have your sights set on a better future for yourself, then there’s a big change that college is going to play some role in that. But it’s not as simple for some young women to just get out and go to college. There are barriers, real and felt, that can get in the way. But you don’t have to accept them. Here, we’ll look at three of the biggest barriers to success in college and what you can do about it. Fear It’s perhaps the biggest emotional barrier to going to college. Some people have real fears about how they will be able to handle the lifestyle change. They might not truly know what they want to do with their life. They might have social anxieties and worry about a new environment with new people. They might fear the idea of failing, as well. It’s a good idea to hear some college experiences in order to do away with those fears. College is the place where a lot of us discover who we really are. With such a large community with all kinds of interest groups, it’s where we can find where we fit in. Through experiencing the courses on offer and the option to change majors, we can better figure out where we want to go. There are plenty of study groups to help you find your groove and perform better, too. Discrimination As a woman or a person of color, it’s important to recognize the reality of discrimination as it exists in the real world and, indeed, on the college campus. For one, it helps to get to know your rights. Particularly, things like your Title IX rights which can help you ensure that you’re not being barred from access to a class or to athletics activities, on which you can find more from Duffy Law. College is a great place for young women to get really educated on not only the ways that discrimination exists in the wider world but how to combat it, too. Cost Everyone should have access to the same opportunities in further education but unfortunately, that’s just not a reality yet. Instead, if you’re worried about cost you should look into the many different methods you might use to reduce those costs. Applying for colleges you’re more likely to be able to pay for, like a large public college, can help. But there are also grants and scholarships you can look at as well. These exist for people from all walks of life so you don’t know whether you might be able to get some assistance until you check things like the Scholarship Search. If you’re able to, it might be worth looking at things like 529 college savings plans, too. If you’re willing to take a gap year between high school and college, you make a big contribution. Whether you’re worried about the real fear of experiencing discrimination, of not being able to handle college life, or not being able to fund it, there are options. There are ways to break down those barriers and get the kind of experience you deserve. Hopefully, we’ve helped you find some of them.
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 You could be forgiven that letting your kid go on a field trip overseas will do nothing more than give them a good time where they can hang out with their friends away from the confines of school and home, but you’d be wrong. If an overseas field trip is properly planned, not only will your child have a fantastic time in a new exotic location, but they will also learn more about themselves, increase their knowledge and get their first real taste of independence. Not convinced? Check out these very real benefits of overseas field trips: Learn a New Language  Whether your kids already take language classes at school, or not, when they go on a field trip to a non-English speaking country, there are lots of opportunities for them to learn and practice their language skills, and because they will be surrounded by native speakers, it will push them to really work hard and do their best to communicate. It can really boost their grades which is what many parents go so far as to take out online secured loans to send their children abroad. If you want your kids to experience different languages and cultures, signing that permission slip might be one of the best things you do for them while they’re under your care. Get a Cultural Education Teaching your kids about other cultures and ways of life will help them to be more intelligent, accepting and tolerant individuals, but there’s only so much you can teach them from books and the internet. By letting them see a country for themselves when they will be part of it if only for a brief time, you can give them a real understanding of different modes of life. Meeting New People Kids tend to travel in packs. They make friends at kindergarten, and barring a few falling outs along the way, they tend to stick to the same crowd until they leave to college. Although there is nothing wrong with this, it doesn’t exactly set them up for college, when they will be forced to mingle with new people and make new friends. If they can do this in another country where the language and customs are different, they should have no problem doing the same when they get to college. Bonds Teachers and Students  Another great thing about kids spending time overseas with is that they get to spend more time with their teachers, doing new things that don’t involve homework, pop quizzes and less than inspiring lectures. This can help teachers build a stronger connection with kids, which may just motivate them to participate more in class and really listen to what their teachers say when they are back at school. Increase Motivation Although it is necessary to learn a language using books, tapes and verbal exercises in the classroom, there is no reason why it has to be boring all the time, and preparing for a trip overseas can be just the motivation that some students need to invest in the process. It might just improve their grades too. Expand their Worldview Wherever you live in the world, there is a danger of thinking that your country’s way is the only way, and even in a civilized country like the United States, this can be a bad thing. It limits your children and gives them a` narrow view of what is and isn’t possible. By seeing the world, with the guidance of their teachers, they can expand their worldview to encompass all kinds of wonderful things they might not have been exposed to at home, so even if they live their whole lives in their country of birth, they will be able to draw influence and interest from around the globe. This will make them better, more creative, well-rounded people. Boost their CV If your kid can show that they have participated in events outside the curriculum, including study abroad, special field trips, volunteering and participating in clubs, they will be much more appealing to colleges and workplaces when the time comes for them to fly the nest and make their own way in the world. In today’s very competitive world, you need to do anything you can to give your kid’s an edge over the competition, and a study trip overseas is just one of the tools in your arsenal. Tickle their Taste Buds  Here in the West, more and more of our children are living on a daily diet of fast foods soda and chips. It is contributing to an obesity epidemic that could cause them so many problems in the future, that we all need to do what we can to encourage healthy eating. Sending your kids on a field trip overseas, where they will experience new foods and new ways of eating can only help to encourage this. Taking a Break Although you are likely more interested in the academic and character building benefits of a trip overseas for your kids, there is nothing wrong with letting them have some fun and sending them on an overseas field trip is one of the most controlled ways of doing this. Sure, they’ll be away from school, and they’ll spend some time seeing the sights and goofing around, but their teachers will ensure that they’re learning and that things don’t get too out of hand. The fact that you trust them and you want them to be happy and have some time away from their busy schedules will also help them to appreciate you more and let them know you care. I know there has been some controversy about whether overseas field trips are safe or educational, but you shouldn’t pay too much attention to the scare stories and do something you will regret towards your kids. The average overseas trip is worthwhile. A level of independence and respect for other cultures is acquired and also a clear understanding of how the world is around us. Balancing the pros and cons will help establish a clear view of whether or not the kids are ready. Think it through!
A lack of confidence is a very common problem among young people today. Many students have grown up in a world where they are exposed to expectations of perfection from an early age, and this can affect their body image, as well as their self-esteem when it comes to excelling in exams or getting ahead in life. It’s brilliant to have goals, but if they’re not realistic, you’re always going to fall short. Confidence is hugely beneficial. It can give you the push you need to take your chances and make opportunities for yourself, and it can help you to feel less anxious and more comfortable. If you lack confidence at college, here are some tips, which will come in handy.Be realistic Body image is a real issue in our society, and the media is often vilified for encouraging young people to aim for something that isn’t achievable. So many girls spend their time looking at images of supermodels on Instagram and posting about summer body goals. But the reality is that very few people are born with bodies they can transform into catwalk-worthy physiques. If you’re short and naturally curvy, the truth is that you’re never going to look like a model, and that’s absolutely fine. There’s nothing wrong with being petite or athletic, voluptuous or boyish. We’re all different, and that’s what makes the human race so fascinating. If you look at shots online and images in magazines and they give you inspiration to shape up or get healthy, then this can be very positive, but don’t let them make you feel ugly or encourage you to take drastic measures like starving yourself to lose weight rapidly. When you’re setting targets, always be realistic. Think about the outcome you want, and work out how you’re going to get there. If you have a shot at hitting your goal, this will keep you motivated and boost your confidence. If you have unrealistic expectations, you’re likely to lose interest and think of yourself as a failure.  Treat yourself better Have you ever got frustrated with your best friend when she moans about feeling fat, or she gets upset because she hasn’t quite got the grades she wanted in a test? No doubt you were there to comfort her, reassure her, and tell her everything would be ok, right? Now, what happens when you have one of those days when you don’t feel comfortable in anything you try on, or you can’t find an outfit for the social? Do you get cross or angry with yourself or put yourself down? It seems to be an inherent human trait that we treat other people better than ourselves, and in most cases, we are our harshest critics. Next time you don’t feel great, you haven’t been offered the job you wanted, or your grades aren’t quite as good as expected, treat yourself as you would your best friend. It’s fine to have standards and expectations, but don’t be so down on yourself.  Enjoy some pampering We all have days when we complain about looking tired, or we can’t find anything to wear. If you’re feeling a bit low, a bit of pampering will always make you feel better. Get the girls together and go to the mall or try out some face masks at home. Read some reviews at Hair Styling Girl and treat yourself to some new curling irons or order some new makeup online. Do each other’s hair, and swap clothes or take a trip to the salon and try out a new hairstyle. Watch some tutorials online and try out some new makeup looks. These are really quick, simple, and affordable ways to pick yourself up and make yourself feel more attractive.  See the bigger picture It’s very easy to freak out and get caught up in moments when you’re young, and you’re suffering from a crisis of confidence. If you’re panicking, it can be really useful to see the bigger picture. You may be devastated about getting a B instead of an A in a test, but is it really the end of the world? The reality is that very few people get to where they want to be without having to overcome bumps in the road. Many incredibly successful people don’t have college qualifications. Just because you’re not a straight-A student, this doesn’t mean that you’re destined for failure. Next time you think the world is caving in around you, try and be rational, and focus on bouncing back and doing better next time.  Exercise Most of us think of exercise as a way of improving our physical health and getting lean, but it can be so beneficial for your mental wellbeing. If you suffer from problems related to body image, exercise can help to increase your confidence and make you feel more attractive. It can also reduce stress and anxiety, and lift your mood. When you work out, you can focus on something other than assignments, and you can relax and have fun. You don’t have to spend hours at the gym. You can dance, cycle, take a class, go for a jog or play team sports.  Adopt a healthy attitude to social media These days, most young people spend a considerable amount of time on social media. There are so many benefits of these platforms, but they can also be very damaging, especially when it comes to self-esteem. Social media can encourage us to compare ourselves to others, and it can also make us question our friendships and worry about things we would never even be aware of if it wasn’t for sites like Facebook or Instagram. If social media is getting to you, put your phone down, and stop using it so much. Don’t overthink what’s going on in your timeline, and use it only for the purposes which interest you, for example, keeping in touch with friends at different colleges.  Confidence is something that can make or break you, especially when you’re young. If you struggle with low self-esteem, there are ways of building confidence and becoming stronger. Be gentle on yourself, and don’t put yourself down.
If you’re currently attending or plan to attend college in the near future, then you may be asking yourself one simple question that will define who you are at your new school: should I blend in or stand out? Of course, some people have perky personalities and they just can’t help but stand out. Some people make a name for themselves by being different, and others like to blend in so that they hide among the crowd and don’t draw much attention. Whatever you pick, you should never forget the option of standing out to take on a more productive role at your school.
 Hosting clubs Many colleges offer after-school clubs and groups that you can join. If you’re passionate about a specific subject or want to show your fellow students the joys of a hobby that you indulge in, then setting up a club is one of the best ways to pique interest. Whether it’s a love for animated cartoons, painting or even a unique sport that isn’t on the curriculum, all it takes is a simple talk to a figure of authority, such as a teacher or a senior member of staff, and you could get your club up and running before the first week is over at your new college. College life doesn’t have to be boring classes that run back to back, and it doesn’t have to be a dull experience that is quickly forgotten once you graduate either. If you want to make the most out of your college years, then consider taking on a more productive role and give something back.
In today's hectic world it can sometimes feel as though dream jobs are hard to come by. The market is so saturated with people applying for the same roles that even if you are more than qualified, chances are another hundred people will be too. The facts are clear: there are simply more people than there are jobs, and this can be terrible for graduates looking to get their first step on the career ladder. It can also leave many of us feeling despairing, thinking we will never be able to land the career we have worked so hard for. But in order to achieve the things you want to achieve, you will need to make sure you are by far the strongest candidate for the role. Take a look at what employers DON'T tell you about finding your perfect job.Nail that resume Everyone knows that you need to bring your resume into an interview - it's also what can land you an interview in the first place. But surprisingly, many would-be employees are falling at the first hurdle when it comes to putting their experience down on paper. The first thing to note is having updated information on your resume. If you have been handing the same one out since your teenage years, chances are something is amiss! Start with your most recent employment and then work your way down - remember employers don't always want to know about a part-time retail job you had when you were sixteen! Also, ensure that your resume is professionally written, with perfect English and an easy-to-read layout. Even simple hints like this can significantly increase your chances of getting a callback or even landing the job. Let your personality shine With so many people these days having exactly the same experience under their belts, you need something to make you stand out. Sure, you could take on yet more work or do a voluntary project, but be mindful that your competitors may also have this idea too - and thus the cycle continues. One thing, however, that can differentiate you from your peers is your personality. You could have two candidates who have all the relevant experience for a job, but the employer is always going to pick the candidate who is more personable. Never underestimate the power of being pleasant, positive and having a 'can-do' attitude - it could be the thing that launches your career. Be mindful of your online brand It isn't just big companies that have brands these days, you know - individual people need them too. One of the first things a company will do before they get you in to interview is to search your name online, so you need to make sure there's nothing incriminating on there! Make your social media private if you feel you need to, and consider setting up a website or a separate Twitter account to showcase your professional work. This will show your prospective employer that you are serious about your professional image and it is also a good way to network, too.
styles, but there’s a lot more you can play around with. Decide which eyeshadows look best. Does your eyeliner look better with wings, or not? The only way to find out is to give it a go! Finally, be kind to yourself. This is important in all walks of life, and your makeup quest is no different. There’s no way you can know everything straight away. Despite what they would have you believe, your peers don’t know what they’re doing either! You’ll find what works soon enough. For now, though, have fun!
We all love bargains, and finding clothes at super low prices always feels like a great achievement! However, finding clothes that look great at reasonable prices isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Sure, sometimes you might get lucky and fall upon a bargain, but most of the time, you need to know where exactly to look for those low, low prices. Need some shopping inspiration? Here are our favorite tips for finding fashion on a shoestring budget.  Source:Pexels Shop In Supermarkets Do you need to pop to the supermarket to grab some milk and bread? Well, why not have a look for some affordable jeans while you are there too! Don’t worry; I haven’t lost my mind - I’m totally serious! Most big-name supermarkets now have their very own fashion lines and clothes brands and, you know what, they aren’t half bad! Whether you need new gym gear or a chic evening dress, you will certainly find what you need. They are often a lot cheaper than buying clothes from fashion boutiques and in department stores so your bank balance will thank you for shopping there!  Source: Pexels Look For Deals And Discounts On Fashion Blogs There are lots of popular fashion bloggers out there, such as Champagne Lifestyle. These blogs are great as the bloggers also fill them with lots of cool style tips and ideas. That’s not the only good stuff you will find, though. Some bloggers also run giveaway competitions in which you could win some designer pieces of clothing. Bloggers also frequently team up with fashion stores and brands and offer their readers special discounts to use when shopping online. So it’s always worth taking a peek at your favorite fashion blog to see what deals they are currently offering! Start Collecting Coupons Did you mom ever collect coupons to use in the supermarket? Well, now lots of fashion stores are getting in on the game and offering coupons for discounts on their clothing. You can find them at special coupon website, such as this one click here. If you sign up to the shop or brand’s newsletter, you will also receive them directly into your inbox. You will also find that the more you buy at a certain shop, the more coupons you will receive in return!  Source: Pexels Thrift Stores A few years ago, everyone was shopping in thrift stores and secondhand shops because vintage fashion was a really big deal. Well, it looks like that trend is set to take off once more! Yep - that means shopping in thrift stores is back in fashion! And that is great news for our bank balance! Most of these stores sell hand-me-downs and secondhand items, but some of the bigger ones now even have their very own lines of clothing. Do you always find it hard to find awesome items in these kinds of stores? There are lots of online guides that should give you plenty of tips! Too broke to buy new clothes? Not any more thanks to these great budget fashion tips!
One of the simplest, and yet hardest to deal with, facts of life is that everything changes, and that everything comes to an end. Here are some tips on how to cope when that happens. Moving House Image source Moving house is up there with the absolute most stressful things in your life. It may be a new start, but at the cost of vast expense and a whole lot of disorganisation for a long time. First of all, make sure that you budget carefully, so your finances don’t feel too precarious during your move. Secondly, make sure that you are as organised as possible and that you get packing as early as you possibly can. Hiring movers will also make your life easier. New Babies Image source There’s very little that’s more joyful than the birth of a baby - and frequently there’s very little that’s harder to deal with. Not only will you be exhausted pretty much all the time but your relationship and your life will have changed in an incredibly fundamental way - you and your partner will no longer be your top priorities, and the love you feel for this brand new wiggly pink baby will overshadow everything else in your life. This can be hard to cope with - make sure that your partner pulls his weight and that you take out time for yourself wherever you can. Being a well rounded person who gets as much sleep and rest as possible will make you a better mother. Relationships Ending Image source A relationship coming to an end can feel almost like a death as you struggle to deal with the cards that life has dealt you. You haven’t just lost a person you cared about - you’ve also got to deal with losing the vision you had of the future you would share together, and that’s a hard thing to do. If you were married, divorce mediation is a good way to make sure that things don’t get too heated or nasty, especially if you have kids, and it’ll also help to keep the costs down. Try to think of your relationship ending as an opportunity to find out who you are by yourself. Bereavements Death and the grief that comes alongside with it is one of the most bafflingly terrible things that anyone has to go through. Losing someone who’s close to you can come with a lot of other feelings that you might struggle to deal with. If you watched a loved one suffer through a long illness then chances are you’re exhausted and still dealing with that, and if it came as a sudden blow, the shock will also be hard to cope with. The best thing to do is to seek grief counselling so that you have someone to talk to. You should also make sure that you tell your boss what’s happened so that you can work more flexibly for a while and take the time off that you need. Give yourself time and space and remember that although the pain may not lessen for a long time, you will learn to work through it and live better. It takes time for pain to ease, for things to brighten up a bit, but there is always an answer. Believe that, always.
 Source: Pixabay Grab A Toy! One of the best ways to relieve stress is to focus on something else entirely which is why many relaxation techniques involve reading a book, playing a video game, watching a funny movie or just simply going for a walk. However, unless your boss is cool with you playing candy crush at your desk, you may need a more office-appropriate option. Stress relieving toys like stress balls, fidget cubes, anxiety busters, tangle therapy relaxers and mini desk sculptures can be found in thousands of offices. They engage the brain in simple tasks while reducing the physical feelings of stress such as feeling sick, sweating, light headedness as well as boosting blood circulation. Stress toys are also perfect for helping to promote concentration, reduce procrastination and keep you feeling level headed.  Source: Negative Space Consider Self Care Ever heard the expression making a mountain out of a molehill? Obviously, some situations such as losing your job, family breakdown, breaking up and moving house are particularly difficult, but it’s also good to take a deep breath, count to five and examine everything from another angle. Stress can have some surprising side effects including the early onset of wrinkles, gray hairs and even bald patches which may then need special treatment as womens hair loss can have a real impact on both self-esteem as well as lead to some pretty awkward questions. If you’ve been skipping meals, not sleeping at night or having one too many glasses of wine with dinner, then it’s fairly easy to assume you aren’t taking care of yourself.  Source: Pixabay Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts It’s hard to feel confident when it seems like your entire life is out of control, but it’s important you don’t listen to inner self-doubt. Even though you think you’ll never reach that deadline, get over your partner moving out or get back in the black after some unexpected medical bills eventually this too must pass. One tip to feel better is to write down everything you like about yourself, have daily affirmations that you say before work or think about what you feel is happening as opposed to what’s really going on. For example, you may believe that you're bad at your job but your boss is quite impressed with your work ethic!  Source: Chevanon Photography Build Up A Support System You know that glossy smartphone you take to work every day? Believe it or not, it doesn’t just send you irritating Facebook notifications you can also use it to phone family, friends and loved ones if you’re having a rough day. Honestly, no matter what problem you’re dealing with knowing that someone else’s got your back makes all the difference.
 The college experience should be all about working hard and partying hard, and there are lots of gadgets which can help to ensure that yours is the typical college experience only better. Check out this list of great gadgets every college student needs:Evernote Moleskine Smart Notebook What makes this notebook better than the competitors is the fact that it allows you to take notes using paper and pen and then turn them into digital notes in an instant using your smartphone. So, if you prefer to use pen and paper in class, as opposed to your laptop, this is a great solution that will give you the best of both worlds. A Surge Protector It’s every college student’s nightmare. You’ve worked all night on that all important paper. You’re ready to print, and then disaster strikes. A sudden surge of power renders your MacBook useless, and your work is gone forever. This could have been so easily avoided if you’d been using a surge protector. Every college student needs one. An External Hard Drive  The above scenario could also have been easily avoided if only you had backed your paper up on an external hard drive. Because you will be doing a lot of computer work while you’re studying, you should invest in a good 1tb external hard drive and make sure to backup any important documents at least once a week, or after every edit in the case of crucial work. OtterBox Phone Charging Case One of the gadgets for college students that will really revolutionize your life is the OtterBox. This amazing phone case will not only protect your phone from accidents, but it will double your battery life so that when you have a long day of classes, followed by a night of partying, you can still access your phone should you need it. A Wireless Speaker Wireless speakers make impromptu dorm parties much more fun. Everyone can take turns streaming their favorite sounds throughout the dorm, so you get a much more eclectic and exciting evening’s entertainment. A Bluetooth Coffee Machine Sometimes coffee is the only thing that keeps us college students going. Pulling an all-nighter becomes the norm rather than the exception, so what could be better than having a coffee machine that will brew your coffee on demand without you even having to take your eyes off your work? Nothing much, right? Kindle Voyage  With the Kindle Voyage, you could conceivably carry every textbook you need for your whole course around in your hand. No more bad backs, overfilled backpacks, and missing books – just switch it on, search for what you need and get working. Fitbit Flex If you want to avoid the freshman 15, you need to stay active, and what better to motivate you than a cute little activity tracker who sits right there on your wrist and lets you know how good or bad you’ve been? A Roku With a Roku, you can stream music, watch Netflix, rent movies and play games. It’s the perfect piece of kit for quiet nights in with your dorm buddies. Which gadgets have you found to be indispensable when you’re in college?
 Job interviews are a natural part of life and growing up, and they can be super nerve-wracking, understandably. Going into the interview room knowing you look the part can do wonders for your natural confidence, helping the rest of the interview to run smoothly. But when you’re fresh out of college, money can be a bit lacking, so trying to get the look can be full of hurdles. It’s a bit of a Catch-22 situation - you want the job so you can have money for nice things, but you need nice things for the interview to get the job. There are a few things you can do to look perfect for the job interview, without it costing the earth - just keep on reading to find out more. Consider your outfit Your outfit is the first thing to think about; everything else will stem from this. If you currently don’t have a suitable ensemble in your wardrobe, there are a few options. Firstly, do you know anyone who you can borrow something appropriate from? That is the easiest and cheapest option. If not, you could rent an outfit from renttherunway.com, or invest in your future by buying the perfect interview outfit - after all, you might need it a few times. Make sure it’s demure, appropriate for the role you’re interviewing for, and not too loud or “out there” - you want to demonstrate professionalism above all else. It needs to be comfortable too. If you’re uncomfortable in your clothes, you’ll look awkward to your interviewers too.  Don’t overdo your hair Hair needs to be well groomed, but not overdone. Keep it natural, and if it’s appropriate to the role then tie it back or braid it. Ensure it isn’t limp, lank, or overgrown. If you need to give it a gentle trim to ensure there are no split ends, follow this guide for the best way to achieve that freshly cut look, without the price tag. Avoid using elaborate hair accessories - they can be distracting to the interviewer and don’t necessarily portray a professional image. Choose natural makeup You want your makeup to look natural, not overdone, but wearing a bit of makeup can show you care about your appearance in a professional manner, which can be attractive to employers. Save money on beauty products by shopping online or making the most of the sales is simple, so it’s straightforward and inexpensive to buy a few pieces of makeup to achieve the appropriate look. Make sure your nails are also clean, well shaped, and painted a neutral and inoffensive color if it is appropriate for the industry.  Smell lovely Obviously, you don’t want to bring any horrible smells into the interview with you, but you equally don’t want to overwhelm your interviewer with strong perfume either. It needs to be subtle, so you don’t have to spend a lot on it - a drugstore brand is perfect - and it’ll be guaranteed not to offend. Your image is a massive part of the interview process, and first impressions really count, so make the most of them. Appearing professional, clean, and well turned out is the first step on the ladder to success, and you’ll feel so good about yourself you’re guaranteed to smash the interview too.
Accepting yourself as you are can be a hard task to master. We have been brought up with heavy social conditioning; the rise of celebrities on social media is doing absolutely nothing to help this cause. Perfectly photoshopped people are telling us to love our bodies and the flaws that we may have, without actually possessing any flaws themselves. In what seems to be a world full of perfect people, is it any wonder that we are... becoming so obsessed with our image as the main representation of ourselves? Don’t Judge A Book By The Cover There is so much more to life than how we look, but it does play a huge part. Sight is one of our most powerful senses, and we assess whether someone is a threat or not based on how they look. It’s why subcultures such as the punk scene started; they wanted to seem like a political threat purely based on the way that they looked rather than their personalities. The thing is, people can’t instantly assess our personalities - as soon as they look at you they can’t tell how kind you are, how many languages you can speak, how often you help those in need or any bad stuff that you may have lurking about. All they see is what you can present to them in how you look … first impressions can count for a lot. 
So you've made the decision to embark on a fitness journey. Firstly, good for you - in today's busy world health and wellness often gets overlooked, so deciding to set time aside to become a fitter version of yourself is a positive commitment. But it's not always quite as simple as deciding you're going to get fit and then immediately springing into action. If you've lived quite an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle for a few years now, changing all these habits is not going to be something that happens overnight. Additionally, you may find that you struggle to stay motivated once the initial 'honeymoon period' of your fitness regime has been and gone. But in order to create a real change to your lifestyle, it's something you need to stick at. Take a look at these following tips that can give your motivation |
 | by Iconic Chica Contributors |
It’s often a crazy feeling when you have finished your course. After all, you have worked hard for a number of years to finally get to this point. But once you have completed your course, it’s often tricky to decide on your next move. While some people want to go head first into work, for others, they want a bit of time off before they start their full-time job. Here are some things you should consider doing now that college is finished.
Do some traveling
It’s often a good time to do some traveling once you have finished your college course. After all, there might not be such a good chance in your life again to do some traveling. So now might be the perfect time to get some under your belt. After all, you are free to travel to your heart’s content before coming home to finally start a job. There are many benefits to doing some traveling. For one thing, it gives you some life experience and allows you a chance to stand on your two feet. And it can also help you to discover the real you. Often, people come back from traveling an entirely different person. Therefore, it might be worth doing some traveling after college to help you decide on your next move. And remember just because you are traveling, it doesn’t mean you can’t do any work. You might want to do some voluntary work which will look great on your portfolio.
Image Source: Pexels
Extend your education
Some people decide they haven’t finished with education after they finish college. For one thing, you might want to consider doing an extra course to help give you the skills you need when you start your work. For example, if you have completed nurse practitioner education, you might want to consider doing an extra course which provides you with some primary care skills. That way, you can impress employers when you go for interviews for jobs. And for some people, they tend to go on to do a masters. After all, it can give you the boost you need to help secure a job over others. And it can help you go into a particular area if your course at college was quite broad.
Start applying for jobs
You might want to set the ground running by applying for jobs straight away. After all, you don’t want to be left on the shelf while others are hired. And the longer it takes to get a job, the more likely other people will graduate who will take your position. Therefore, start going for jobs which fit your skills. You could also talk to a recruitment agency who might know about companies who are looking for graduates. They can also help to boost your interview skills, and support you through the process. And you could also consider getting into positions through a graduate program. As we said previously, it’s an excellent way to develop your career within a company. And you will learn valuable skills and get to try a range of things while in the program!
And remember to try and get some work experience. After all, it can give you the boost you need to stand out from other candidates.
 | by Iconic Chica Contributors |
We all know how important school is. It’s a place where we learn and socialize with our peers. But, at times, the distractions all around us can veer us off the studious path! You don’t have to stop seeing your friends or stop playing video games to be a better student, though. Here are some proactive things you can do to get your studies back on track…
Question Everything
You may start to annoy your teachers but question everything. If there’s even the slightest thing you’re unsure of, you must ask. Even if you want to ask about something related to the same topic, do it. It can seem daunting to raise your hand in class and admit you’re a bit confused, but the chances are other people are too. Asking questions is also a great way to learn. You’ll almost get a bit of one-on-one teaching to make sure you understand the point being made. Always question and be curious, it will make you a far better student.
Be Curious
Being curious is a great way to enhance your knowledge of a subject. If you spoke about something interesting in class, why not get a book out the library or watch a film on the same subject? Your curiosity could lead to further research outside of class, which will furnish you with some extra knowledge for exams and in the classroom. Ask a teacher if you need help finding sources to read outside of school hours.
Read More
Reading is hugely beneficial to any student. It increases our vocabulary, which is great for tests. It also gives us an entertaining way to learn about life. Plus, if English is your subject of choice, you’ll be getting ideas about how to create characters, landscapes, and scenes. If you struggle with long passages of complex words, consider using graphic novels. There are educational ones out there for any visual learners.
Take Care of Yourself
Being a great student is as much about what goes on outside of the classroom, as inside it. Make sure your lifestyle is a good one. Eating nutritious meals and exercising are great ways to destress after a long school day and refuel for the next. Don’t let stress derail your studies. If you’re finding yourself becoming overwhelmed take a walk or go for a jog to clear your head. If you have real difficulty dealing with stress, seek the advice of a counselor at school. They will be able to give you some learning aids to help.
Study Purposefully
Don’t choose to meet up with your study group unless you’re actually going to study. Only you know the answer to this, and in the end, you're only fooling yourself. Socializing is important, but when it's time to revise for an exam or do an assignment, you need to be productive. Working in groups works for some people, but not everyone.
Be honest with yourself about what works for you.
 | by Iconic Chica Mag Contributors |
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