College Chronicles by Charlotte G - The Final Installment

Thanks to Charlotte for the third installment of her blog highlighting academics, dorm life, and the joys (and challenges) of being a college student!

Hello again everyone! The last time we talked we were just settling in to the school year, and now look at us… our college year is rapidly coming to an end!!!

I am so proud of you!! You have grown and accomplished so much. However, the semester isn’t over yet! Some of us still have to get through finals and truck through the next few weeks. 

To me at least, spring semester is the most challenging. I am not sure if you agree, but when it starts to get nice outside and flowers start budding, my motivation wears thin. So as your mind drifts outside, I’m going to share some strategies on how to keep your stamina up, when all you truly want to do is enjoy the beautiful weather and be on a beach somewhere! So, here we go: 

1. Make a schedule and give yourself free time… cramming only makes your motivation low and stress levels high. 

2. Stressed or anxious? Go for a walk. Especially in the spring, it is so relaxing and grounding to breathe fresh air and let yourself connect with nature. 

3. Stay healthy. Most importantly make sure you are getting enough sleep. Without sleep, you will wear your body down which will only do more harm than good, especially for your grades.

4. Call your parents. Let them know you're hanging in there during finals week… they will cheer you on! 

5. Plan a post-finals trip or a fun activity with friends. With something exciting in the works, you will be able to push yourself to finish strong.

6. Remember, the end of the year doesn’t have to be a dreaded time, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. Not only are your parents and friends there for you always, but so is your school.

one More piece of advice

When it comes to packing up and moving out, many universities, including my own, have storage services that will keep students' belongings safe until the next school year. Parents, this is something I couldn’t recommend enough. It saves a lot of trouble and stress as it can be hard to lug a TV or dorm bed headboard all the way home and all the way back for the next year. I know my mother thanked her lucky stars she didn’t have to drive down to my school and pack up the car with all my stuff!

And lastly…

You will be okay, actually, more than okay! You should be so proud of yourself for finishing the school year. So enjoy your last days on campus and ace those finals: I just know you are more than capable. Happy summer!

Written by Charlotte G. | Blogging Intern | Keating Quigley

College Chronicles by Charlotte G - The Sequel

Here’s Charlotte’s second blog on academics, dorm life, and the joys (and challenges) of being a college student!

Hey, Freshman! How’s it going? I know my year had a crazy start, so I can only imagine that you felt it too!

I’m so proud of you guys. Can you believe it’s almost November? How time flies! For some of you, I know it’s been a hard adjustment, but I promise you, you’re not alone. Everyone is still acclimating, so don’t be afraid to confide in your friends: they’re possibly feeling the same way and would find comfort in a good heart to heart.

So now that you guys are settled in, it's time to talk about options for opening both your social and academic life. College, even more than High School, is a time to explore your interests. Luckily, joining a club, greek life, or athletics is easier than you thought! 

Getting involved in your campus community is something that I couldn’t recommend enough. Not only is it important to take breaks from academics, but it’s also essential to find people who share the same interests as you. I’ve been at College for over a year now, and I wouldn’t have had the same experience or met the amazing people if I didn’t join service clubs, IM sports teams, and also a sorority.

So let’s take a quick look at just some of the many opportunities at College…

Clubs and Volunteering

Clubs usually aren’t a huge commitment but are super fun. It’s such an amazing part of the college experience to be surrounded by a group that all want to participate in the same efforts as you. I love the clubs I am a part of, even though I was really nervous and hesitant to join. I especially love the Green Club, which helps make campus more sustainable (something I have been passionate about since my APES class junior year of High School). Clubs like the Green Club are just one of the many service organizations at colleges that embrace volunteering. It always feels fulfilling to give back to your college community and the communities surrounding campus.

Greek life

If it appeals to you, Greek life is a great experience, is an awesome way to meet new people and have a smaller sense of community on campus. At some schools, I know that Greek Life is considered to be “necessary.” However, being part of a fraternity or sorority is exactly what you make of it! If one chapter appeals to you because of their philanthropy, support, academics, and social scene, I recommend you take it into consideration!

Intramural/Club Sports

IM and club sports are another excellent way to get up and active at college. These teams are always looking for members and if you played a sport in High School or want to start playing a sport, be sure to try it out! Some schools have different requirements for their club teams. For example, I know the club women's lacrosse team at my school is more intense than our club women's soccer team, so they have more rigorous tryouts. Through research and word of mouth feedback, you can learn all about the sport you're interested in, and what it takes to get involved at your University. 

and finally…

Although it was challenging to get involved last year because of COVID, I have never felt such a sense of community as I do now at my school. Clubs are so happy to have new members, so go out and take full advantage of all opportunities at your fingertips. 

I know it can be scary to go outside your comfort zone, but the benefits outweigh the costs, and it's also important to take risks! Apply for a position, try out for a team, and stand up for what you believe. You won’t regret it.

Written by Charlotte G. | Blogging Intern | Keating Quigley