The Academic: Issue 6 by The Academic

The

Academic by students, for students

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

Dedicated to my mother, for being my rock; McKenna, for letting me cry at Waffle House; Sophie, for helping me get through this year; and myself, for graduating from high school and getting into my dream college. — Meadow To Annabel, Annabelle, Avery, Sam, and Sarah — thanks for endless “recon” missions, spontaneous walks around the fields, being the best “Smalls,” educational Rite-Aid adventures, countless trips to the Jig, and helping me manage all three sports seasons. Congratulations, you survived freshman year! — Sydney

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

Editorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Note WWWWWWW

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The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

Dear Readers, Welcome to the sixth issue of The Academic! As always, we are so grateful to have you here, and we thank you for taking the time to read an issue that we are thrilled to officially present. Rather than have our usual formal Editor’s Note, we have decided to write individual exposés to address certain topics we are passionate about. We intend for these rather serious pieces to mark the beginning of a new era for The Academic – although our content will largely remain similar to how it has been in past issues, we plan to shift some of our attention towards addressing matters that are important to both ourselves and to our staff and readership. In future issues, we plan to start including pieces in styles similar to opinion pieces you might see in a newspaper. These pieces may take form in reader submissions, so be sure to follow us on all al of our social media accounts for the latest updates! That being said, we hope you enjoy Issue 6.

Best, Meadow and Sydney

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

WE ARE

an exposé on a modern student’s biggest challenges.

Meadow Pendley @medscottie

We are students. Okay, yeah we are, but what else are we? We are people who are constantly putting in too much for something that doesn't require our 110% effort. We are people who are applying to colleges and facing the rejection or celebrating the acceptance. We are people who want more than what our grades earn us. We are people who desire more from our lives than going to school. But, why do we do this? Why do we feel this drive to get out of school? Why do we say “I’m ready to leave” when talking about school? High school is supposed to be the best four years of our lives, right? Students are always told to get an A in every class based on those cheesy posters, but frankly, I am content with a C in my AP Government class and lucky if I get a B. I love government, but I hate the class. The teacher is boring, and as a result, I struggle to remain interested in the class itself. Students in my school are always told to report bullying. I've been bullied for so long, and each time I try to talk to someone about it, it goes unnoticed. So, my torture, whether it’s being called fat, ugly, feminazi, or a disgusting lesbian, continues. Students are always told to keep quiet during class. When there’s a class discussion, no one talks without raising their hand. The teachers wonder why, but continue to ingrain silence into us the next day.

BECAUSE WE ARE PEOPLE WHO TRY

And yet we still go. Why?

Because we are people who try, despite the difficulties, to keep our heads held high. Because we are people who want so much more than this mundane day-to-day life that school gives us. Because we are persistent. Because we are students who keep going when the days are long and we are tired. Because we are warriors. We are fighting for our education, for our rights, and for our freedoms. We are doing our best to protect ourselves, our families, and our friends. We are dedicating all of our time and energy to our futures, as we strive to create a better day, a better life, and a better world for all.

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

WHAT IT MEANS to be a student

Sydney Gerbel @boardingschoolblr

Being a student is not about getting good grades. Nor is it about pleasing your teachers, doing your homework, or getting into the right college. When we peel away the complicated layers of the façade surrounding our education, what we find burning in the heat of its core is perseverance. There is a reason why we sacrifice sleep for a few extra moments of precious study time. There is a reason why we wipe away our tears when the demons in our heads decide that their time to prey has arrived. There is a reason why we, the community of aspiring scholars, grind through each class, each test, each setback we face in life. We are not only cramming for the A+. We are not only applying se to the Ivy League schools. We are not only striving for recognitions such as Cum Laude, Valedictorian, or honor roll. Being a student is about so much more than that. We, as individuals, are working for so much more than that. Our international community has a tendency to place value only on those at the top. The men and women in the highest ranks of government, the early decision Harvard acceptees, the CEOs of mega corporations — these are the people who fit today’s image of success. These people must have done something right, haven’t they? They must have cracked the code for perfection, an abstract logarithm that we, the regular people of the mortal world, can only hope to stumble upon someday. Although this explanation may be easier to accept than reality, it is simply not true. But if that’s not true, what did they do to arrive at the positions they hold today? These successful individuals worked hard. They did not accomplish their goals by slacking off. They did not break barriers and glass ceilings by keeping quiet. They did not climb their respective corporate ladders by taking the easy way out. Of course, there will always be a handful of outliers — the college acceptees with generations of legacy, the CEOs that receive entire companies from their parents, and the like. These people have bypassed the oppression that is “the system” of modern society, and often never take the time to realize just how much of an advantage they have in the game of life. With hundreds of thousands of people being added to the world each day, the statistical Wi probability of making our dreams our reality is decreasing at a concerning rate. Yet, despite having all odds stacked against us, we prevail. We win that game, we earn that medal, we ace that test. Why? Because this generation of students, often doing everything they can to make ends meet, are willing to — and often have to — do whatever it takes to carry on.

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

On the other hand, falling just short of a goal is a sensation many know all too well. Between letters of rejection, failed assessments, and general losses, the student community has become well acquainted with the face of failure. But if we know it so well, how do we continue to persevere? How do we recover from the trials and tumbles of scholarly life? Today’s students are living through an era of constant impossibility, where anxiety reigns over the human mind, acceptance rates are lower than interest rates, and leading figures of all genders, backgrounds, and political parties dance upon the fine line between genius and ludicracy, stumbling towards the latter more frequently th than ever before. What keeps us on our feet in a world as unpredictable as ours? What motivates today’s students is a message that has practically been engraved in our skulls. We are the generation that has been raised with a “you can do it” philosophy, as our role models tell us that our dreams are not far beyond our grasp. Therefore, when we fall, we refuse to lay motionless on the ground.

We pull ourselves back up. We never back down. And this, the same sense of perseverance that has pushed countless others towards greatness, is what being a student is all about. Whether or not we notice the way in which it courses through our veins is not important. What is important, however, is that it’s always there. It is with us through sleepless nights and stressful days. It is with us through every victory, every loss, and every stalemate. Most importantly, it will be with us on the day when we can look in the mirror and tell ourselves “I made it.”

That is what it means to be a student.

WHAT KEEPS US ON OUR FEET IN A WORLD AS UNPREDICTABLE AS OURS?

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The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

art director reflection

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The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

When I saw the first issue of The Academic pass my dashboard, my heart jumped. At the time, I was a second-year graphic design major in a typography class that had just started a studyblr. Naturally I was curious about the design aspects of an online magazine written, organized, and designed by students, for students. To be honest, reading through it only made me more excited as this was an actual, full-fledged magazine. But, to my surprise, there were no graphic design students. The opportunity of collaborating with a team to design a magazine sounded like a fun free time project, and I thought design students would have absolutely jumped at the chance to join! A s I was thinking about the design aspects of the magazine, I remembered reading a post that they would like some constructive feedback. In response, I sent a message to Edye, an Editor-in-Chief at the time. I introduced myself as a Graphic Design student and offered my experience to give feedback. Of course, I was having a heart attack as I waited for a response. Thankfully, instead of offending her and coming off rude, she happily expressed her gratitude for me to send feedback to the magazine’s email! That’s when I pulled out the magazine on issuu.com, my tablet, and the screenshot shortcut keys. They had made this part pa of the process to apply for the “design advisor” position as well, so I sent everything I could think of to hopefully become a part of the team. After sending my feedback, I had just sent my designer application as well with my portfolio of projects I had worked on. As I hit the send key, I got a message from Edye stating how she and Meadow wanted to recruit me for both positions immediately. I was smiling ear-to-ear, and my tiny fingers probably struck the keyboard too hard with excitement as I happily accepted both positions… and the fun began! Becoming the Design Advisor, with the title now revised to “Art Director,” of the magazine has been such a great experience. Whenever anyone asks about it, I get excited. The potential I see in other designers and teaching them the wondrous world of design — along with making friends that hate bad kerning as much as I do — are beautiful things that happen when working with a team like this. Even though it’s extra work, it’s also extra practice which is extremely helpful as a budding designer. Every layout I make, look at, and critique makes me one layout closer to becoming a better designer. Maintaining the position of Art Director over these designers has helped me become a more confident leader, made me trust myself and my design skills more, and reinforced the teachings of my professors… sometimes too much as I start to accidentally quote them. Ever since joining, I have been a part of five issues now, and each issue keeps getting better! The expanding staff continues to wow me with their limited experience, and yet amazing layouts. Recruiting new designers, seeing new designs, expanding their concepts, and investing our time into something we can all be proud of and put in our portfolios is an opportunity I’m so glad I jumped on.

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

MEET THE

Staff

What are you looking forward to this summer?

@medscottie Georgia, USA 17 years old Joined Issue 1

Meadow Pendley Editor-in-Chief, Writer, & Editor

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to go to the beach with my friends and turn 18

@boardingschoolblr Illinois, US 17 years old Joined Issue 1

Sydney Gerbel Editor-in-Chief & Writing Director

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to going home and spending time with my family.

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

MEET THE

Editors

Samantha

Alex

@collegerefs Illinois, USA 20 years old Joined Issue 3

@idlestudy Washington D.C., USA 16 years old Joined Issue 5

I’m looking forward to going to Disney World for my 21st birthday!

Interning, playing in pit orchestra, and finally getting some time to read!

Editing Director

Editor

Carolyn

Isabel

@studiix California, USA 17 years old Joined Issue 3

@studyscribbles Virginia, USA 20 years old Joined Issue 3

I’m looking forward to seeing old friends, traveling to Taiwan and Korea, graduating, and finally getting to read for leisure again!

I’m looking forward to getting an internship and hopefully travelling!

Editor

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

MEET THE

Editors

Samantha

Rawan

@studynest California, USA 16 years old Joined Issue 6

@rawanexplores Toronto, Canada 20 years old Joined Issue 6

I am looking forward to hanging out with my friends, relaxing.

I am looking forward to finally going home to my family and also working on my French.

Editor

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The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

MEET THE

Writers

Grace

Barrett

@intellectus Ohio, USA 17 years old Joined Issue 3

@kabelevsky Arizona, USA 16 years old Joined Issue 5

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to graduate from high school!

Going to Philadelphia International Music Festival as an orchestral flautist!

Writer

Abby

Michael

@universi-tea North Carolina, USA 18 years old Joined Issue 6

@darrengreyblog Texas, USA 16 years old Joined Issue 6

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to have all of my friends home for a few months!

I am looking forward to continue writing my novel.

Writer

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The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

MEET THE

Writers

Gabby

Cailee

@collegerefs Texas, USA 20 years old Joined Issue 5

@cskyestudy Canada 22 years old Joined Issue 1

I’m looking forward to going to Disney World with Sam for her 21st birthday!

I’m looking forward to traveling and exploring parts of the world I’ve never seen before!

Editor

Nadia

Lily

@gardenofideas North Carolina, USA 16 years old Joined Issue 6

@inteqrals North Carolina, USA 17 years old Joined Issue 6

I’m looking forward to relaxing and focusing on my goals!

I’m looking forward to seeing my family in China and getting ready for college at MIT.

Writer

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The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

MEET THE

Designers

Allyson

Candyce

@allydsgn Texas, USA 20 years old Joined Issue 2

@graphis Texas, USA 16 years old Joined Issue 1

I’m excited for the amount of time I’ll have to pursue fun things like video games, Tumblr, and other design ventures!

Switching to online school and catching up on sleep!

Art Director

Assistant Art Director

Nicole

Joanna

@successstudyblr Ohio, USA 19 years old Joined Issue 6

@studybuzz Jakarta, Indonesia 15 years old Joined Issue 1

I am looking forward to warm weather and spending time with my family at home!

I’m looking forward to participating in a math summer program and starting fresh with a new school!

Designer

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

MEET THE

Designers

Lia

Jennifer

@julyjournal Toronto, Canada 21 years old Joined Issue 6

Jakarta, Indonesia 15 years old Joined Issue 5

Exploring the city and creating a design portfolio!

Moving to Singapore, starting IB, and turning 16!

Designer

Claire

Jocelyn

@celer-iter Massachusettes, USA 18 years old Joined Issue 5

@obsidianstudy Taiwan 17 years old Joined Issue 4

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to finally becoming an adult and graduating from high school!

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m definitely looking forward to heading back to the States for university.

Designer

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The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

MEET THE

Designers

Maxine @academyeon Manila, Philippines 16 years old Joined Issue 6 Looking forward to new opportunities, travelling, and sleeping!

Designer

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The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

Table of Contents intro.

Academic

1-6

Dedication

Making a Four Year Plan

ii - iii

7 - 11

Editors’ Note

Are You Ready for Finals?

12 - 14

Art Director’s Reflection

Freshman Year of College: Preparing for the Big Move

v-x

16 - 17

Meet the Staff

How to Write a Lab Report

18 - 21 Cutting Costs: Saving Money on Textbooks

22 - 24 Study Resources for your Core Classes - Part 1: Math

26 - 31 Skills and Resources for Online Studying

32 - 37 Staying Productive Over the Summer

38 - 42 Tips for Studying Abroad

43 - 46 Packing Up: Preparing for College

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Lifestyle

Fun

48 - 53

66 - 71

Resumes Done Right

Book Reviews

54 - 55

73 - 76

Setting Up and Maintaining a Bullet Journal

Ramen Recipes

56 - 58

77 - 80

A Quick Guide to Personal Hygiene

Five Fun Ideas for Summer Hobbies

59 - 62 Can Art Help you Learn?

63 - 64 New Year, New You: Making 2017 the Year of Achievement: Part 2

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The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

Education

FILLER

is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Nelson Mandela LLLLLL

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The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

Making a Four Year Plan Written by Abby | universi-teA edited by isAbel | studyscribbles Layout by Allyson ArrogAnte | Allydsgn

Deciding what classes to take each semester can be tough. Sure, you might have a whole folder full of papers telling you what you can take, but how do you know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the right schedule for you? With the help of your advisor, a little organization, and some planning, you can create the perfect schedule for the next four years of your schooling.

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

Making a Long-Term Plan If you know your major right from the start, then you can begin planning for all four (or more) years at once. If you’re not sure of your major yet, you’re not alone! Start by planning the first two years, which are often made up of general education requirements and a couple of electives to explore different subjects. After that, you can begin to explore the latter years, which will focus on your major. If you have a major in mind, look online to get an idea of the graduation requirements. Typically, there are a few classes that are required before you can declare your major, and then a set of guidelines in order to complete the degree. The class list usually looks more or less like it’s written in another language if you don’t know how to read it. The first step is to figure out what all those class codes mean. You can probably figure out that ENG 232 is an English course, but which one? Grab your laptop and visit your school’s website to get an idea of exactly what each class is. Make notes along the way as to which classes seem interesting, as most sections will have many more options than you have the time to take. From there you can make a semester-by-semester plan so that you will have a better idea of what to tell your advisor. How can you make an effective four-year plan? Find out which classes are required for all majors or are prerequisites for higher-level classes and prioritize those first so you have more flexibility later on. Determine whether courses are offered only in fall, spring, or during both semesters and plan accordingly. If there are sequential year-long courses, try to take them consecutively one year. Typically, you will have a lot of flexibility with elective courses, so keep an open mind but have an idea of possible courses you can take from your online catalog search.

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

Many universities often have a website with online reviews, like ratemyprofessor.com. There you can find more information about each class, like the average GPA, workload, and class structure. A class might sound interesting, but if the professor is dull, the workload is insane, or everyone fails, you might want to reconsider. As far as class structure, some professors have classes that are solely exam-based, whereas others might also have homework. If a class is taught by multiple professors, reviews can help you pick who will suit you the most. An important thing to keep in mind is your workload for each semester. Though you most likely don’t have a choice as to how many credits you will need to take in order to finish on time, you can lighten your load by being strategic about what types of classes you take together. Everyone typically has “easy classes” and “hard classes”: if you schedule a semester of all difficult classes you will likely become overwhelmed, while with all easy classes you will not feel challenged enough and may even find yourself falling behind. A good mix of easy and hard classes will allow you to devote your attention to the more difficult courses without falling behind. You should also keep in mind the type of assignments classes will require. If possible, plan your classes so that you will have a variety of homework each semester. Some courses are reading heavy, while others may assign problem sets. Just like in high school when you couldn’t take all your English classes in one year and all your math classes in the next, you should spread out classes that are similarly structured so that you never find yourself with five ten-page papers due in the same week. After taking all of this into account, write out an outline of your classes each semester so that you have something to work off of when scheduling classes in the future. The plan that you’ve made will change over the years – things will have to be moved around if classes are full, if they’re not offered that semester, or if there are time conflicts. You will be able to adjust accordingly after registering for classes each semester. By making a plan you will be better prepared for the future and can really get the most out of meetings with your advisor.

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

Meeting with your Advisor Meeting with your advisor before each semester is important to staying on track, even if it’s not required by your school. Be sure to bring along a folder with all of your planning materials, as well as a notebook to make notes of anything important that they mention. Universities often list class times online a few weeks before registration begins, so check it out and see what they offer before meeting with your advisor. Your university may have software to generate class schedules to make sure you don’t have time conflicts with classes. It helps to have an idea of what you want (like if there’s a certain teacher you want to be sure to get, or if you want to avoid early classes), even if though you may not end up with the exact classes you choose. Keep in mind which classes are your priority classes — are there prerequisites you have to take this semester? — versus elective classes that are more flexible. Write down any preferences you have in your notebook so that you can remember what to tell your advisor; they can usually work something out if you have strong preferences about a certain class. By showing your advisor the outline that you’ve made the two of you can be on the same page when it comes to planning classes. You may want to give them an extra copy of this plan or email it to them so that they can keep it in your file. Keep in mind that you might not be assigned an advisor who is familiar with your intended area of study, but getting a trusted adult’s feedback is always helpful. They might be able to direct you to someone else who is more qualified to help you. Once you declare your major, typically in your second year, you will have an advisor who can more readily help you. They can help you adjust your plan so that you will be able to effectively conquer your college career.

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Registering for Classes So, you’ve made a plan and met with your advisor, but what happens when it’s actually time to register? A few weeks before registration opens, you should receive an email telling you when you will be able to sign up for classes – don’t forget to check your student email while you’re on break! Mark that date and time in your calendar, set an alarm, and do whatever you have to do to make sure that you don’t miss it. Registering as soon as your time slot opens increases your chances of getting into the classes that you want. Be sure to have a list of all the specific classes you want that semester, including times and professors, plus backups should your first choices be full. If your school gives you a live feedback of the availability of the class, you can keep an eye on the classes you want to see if they fill up before you register. If a class you want happens to be full before you get the chance to register, you will have more time to find a backup. People have varying opinions on how to handle waitlisted classes. Sometimes you can get in easily just by showing up on the first day and talking to the teacher, and other times you’re left with an empty space in your schedule. It’s best to play it safe and send your advisor and the instructor of the course an email to get an idea of your chances of getting in. Large courses often follow the tenpercent rule – take 10% of the maximum class size, and if you’re within that number on the waitlist, you have a pretty good chance of getting in. Keep in mind that there is a high rate of turnover in the first few weeks of school, so don’t give up hope quite yet!

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

By creating a strategic four year plan you can be sure that each semester will build seamlessly upon the last; this gives you the flexibility to take electives you enjoy, knowing that you have time to take them alongside required courses. Having a plan also means that you and your advisor will always be on the same page, and you can skip the confusion and get the most out of your appointments with them. If you take the time now to create a plan, you will appreciate it for it for years to come.

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The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

I am not going to pretend that I am above procrastinating, not doing the review packets, or calling the activity of binge-watching on Netflix while reading a textbook “studying.” I am not joking when I say I did the bulk of studying for my AP U.S. History test the night before the exam. I am not making anything up when I say that I studied for nine hours the night (or morning, really) before my chemistry final. But for me to say that those nine hours were worth the grade I ended up receiving on the final would be a stretch. It’s taken me two and a half years of high school to realize that cramming the night before is not the most effective study strategy — my transcript’s paid the price of that seemingly intuitive lesson. Unless you fall into the small percentage of people who can get away with glancing over the study guide a few times five minutes before the final, taking notes on every lecture since the beginning of the semester is probably not going to pay off if you start them the night before. Luckily, here are some strategies to help you avoid studying for your exams be the night before in a mess of tears and old lectures.

Revision Schedules Revision schedules can be extremely helpful if you have more than one or two exams at the end of the semester. Make a list of topics you need to cover for each exam, including how long you think you’ll need to cover each of them, before mapping them out on a calendar. Be honest with yourself when you’re scheduling each topic. Revision schedules are meant to cut down on the stress of studying for exams, and falling behind on a topic is likely to elevate your anxiety instead. If you’re preparing for more than three exams, it’s more than likely that you’ll have to study multiple subjects in one day. Don’t overbook yourself — it’s okay to not study math one day because you have enough Spanish as it is. Remember that what your classmates can do in a day might be different from what you can do; just because they study three subjects one day does not mean you have to — or that you necessarily should.

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Study Strategies When I started high school, I was under the misguided impression that the only effective way to study was alone with minimal noise and my phone and computer turned off. I thought that nothing would stick in my head if I kept taking breaks. It also didn’t help that I, like many other students, was one of those people who found middle school classes easy with minimal effort, and I was suddenly faced with the insurmountable task of reviewing a large amount of information without ever having actually studied before. For my first set of high school finals, I followed the advice of teachers and parents — both of whom regularly reminded me that ad technology had no place in a study environment and nothing could ever get done efficiently if I worked with friends — and studied by reading the textbooks and checking off points on a study guide. This turned out to be the worst possible advice they could ever give me. Most of my finals came back with mediocre grades, and I was devastated. However, when second semester came, I decided to try the complete opposite of what most of my teachers preached: I studied on a Skype call every night with a few of my best friends who had the same class as me, did all my work on the computer, and took breaks almost every twenty minutes. This had the best effect on my history exam — two friends and I held a four hour-long Skype conference and wrote a forty page study guide together, which ended in all three of us acing the final. st However, it is important to remember that whether you study in a group or alone depends on how you work best. Some people might find that studying with friends keeps them on-track and interested during their study sessions, while others find that having a study group is distracting. Ultimately, your study environment is entirely up to you and what subjects you’re studying. Study guides are an incredibly versatile and helpful study tool. Your teacher or professor almost always gives you some sort of resource that provides enough material for you to start a study guide with, such as a syllabus or a review sheet that lists everything you need to know. It’s likely you were given a list like this at the beginning of the year. If you’ve lost this, ask your teacher for another copy as soon as possible! The object of creating a study guide is to compile everything into one source, so it’s much more efficient than simply re-reading every handout or assigned reading you’ve received over the course. I make my study guides by as gathering relevant materials, highlighting and annotating them, and then taking and organizing my notes in a comprehensive format.

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Some might argue that study guides should be done exclusively by hand since you’re more likely to remember the material if you write it down by hand. However, if you’re in a time crunch or you simply prefer to, it’s okay to use your laptop or tablet. There will probably come a time when it really isn’t feasible to handwrite all of your notes, and if you have multiple subjects to cover, it’s far more efficient to just type your study guides and print them out. Keep in mind that while writing study guides and taking notes on your computer prevents your hands from cramping, you still need to take breaks — your eyes will thank you (and your hands and wrists, fellow nee students with carpal tunnel issues). A more visually-oriented variation of the study guide is the mind map — a favorite of mine, since it combines diagrams and doodles with note-taking. I also like to break down my mind maps into smaller versions and draw them on index cards — this way, I can also take notes in an outline format on the lined side of the index cards. Here’s another thing I wish I’d known when I was a freshman: simply memorizing things will not get you anywhere. I walked into my math final under the impression that I knew all the material, but I didn’t — I’d memorized the mathematical processes and procedures without actually comprehending any of them. The second I reached a problem that was different from what I knew, I started spiraling and ended up spending all my time worrying about that one problem. STEM-oriented subjects in particular are all about learning to apply the proper procedures, so make an effort to actually learn the concepts behind different processes. That said, some subjects require you to just know the material by memory. In classes that rely heavily on knowing vocabulary, like the social sciences, sciences, and languages, flashcards can become incredibly helpful. If you’re not into carrying around a massive stack of index cards, make a Quizlet, which also offers alternatives to the typical flashcard routines, like games and sample tests. You’d be surprised at how many friends you can make through Quizlet, too — my class of 50 has become incredibly tight-knit thanks to our three year-old Quizlet group where we’ve shared vocab and study guide answers for every test, ever. we Another tip I learned while studying for my AP United States History exam last year: stop trying to learn history by the dates. Exact dates are not important. Think of history as a series of events relative to each other instead of memorizing dates and years — it is much easier to remember the historical significance of an event if you know what came before and after, rather than simply knowing it happened between two dates. Try making timelines, focusing on the order of events rather than the dates as you list events.

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A lot of teachers have told me that you have to minimize distractions while studying, which for some reason has become synonymous with no background noise and no breaks. Background noise is up to you — I listen to classical music that I’m familiar with so I don’t get distracted as easily, but I also know people who actually study better when they listen to music with lyrics. In addition, I put on TV shows that I’ve watched many times over — background TV isn’t for everyone, but I find it much more bearable to study in terms of episodes than hours. As for taking breaks, studies have shown that the brain stops absorbing information after the first hour, which means whatever you study after the first sixty minutes is probably not going to be remembered. Many students use the Pomodoro technique to study because it keeps their minds from burning out completely. Another popular study session structure is 45-50 minutes of studying, followed by 10-15 of break. Regardless of how or when you choose to take study breaks, make sure you truly take a break: stay hydrated, take a shower, lie down for a quick nap, go out for a walk to clear your mind, or check your phone. Your brain deserves a break. Exam season can be an incredibly stressful time of year, but remember that it’s not all about the grade. Regardless of what you end up getting on your test, you learned new material and put forth a lot of effort into preparing. Be proud of yourself for everything you’ve done.

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THE EXPERT IN ANYTHING WAS ONCE FILLER

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University Level Research As you go into college, you’ll realize that although the experiments you perform in your lab classes require lab reports similar to the ones you created in high school, the research you conduct is extremely different. This makes research reports have a significantly different structure. Now, getting into the research report part. Such reports are the seemingly terrifying 50 page reports filled with beautiful images, hundreds of references, and pages upon pages of information. Do not let the length of the paper bring you down. Instead, let’s go through the essential parts of a research report. •

• •

• • • • • •

An abstract is a one page summary of your project including basic background information, what you studied, procedures you performed, and the results. The information in your abstract must be concise and brief. The title should be detailed but not suffocating. The introduction should contain prior research and is about four pages. Before anything else, it is extremely important to do literary research, looking for any information from other projects that may help or are related. Once your information is gathered, you can write the basics behind your research, such as the project’s major aspects and its importance. The objectives is where you talk about what and how you will investigate. A short paragraph will suffice. In materials and methods, make sure to cover all of the measurements, kits, softwares, procedures, organisms, important materials, and advanced equipment used. Results is where you collect and analyze all data. In discussion, unlike results, you discuss how your findings can change the field of study. The discussion is where you analyze everything and go deeper into your data. In the conclusion, wrap everything up. Talk about future studies that can continue your research. If you found some other interesting aspects while researching, speak about and expand on them. References cites absolutely everything you might have even glanced upon during your project; the scientific community is very strict on proper credit! Remember that this is just a simple layout; it covers all of the important parts in a completed research report. However, if your professor, advisor, or teacher has specific template, make sure you follow it. Lab reports may seem daunting and often intimidating, but using these guidelines can earn you the grade you deserve.

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Cutting Costs: Saving Money on Textbooks Written by Gabrielle DronG | colleGerefs

edited by samantha mitchell | colleGerefs

L ayout by nicole Dinan | nicoleDinan

At the beginning of a semester, students often will spend a lot of money purchasing textbooks for their new classes. The cost can add up fast and make this an overwhelming process. Before spending an exorbitant amount of money, there are a lot of things one can do to reduce the cost. Tips for Obtaining Textbooks 1. Never buy textbooks from the campus bookstore unless it is absolutely necessary. The bookstore is always overpriced, and you can often get a better deal elsewhere. 2. Unless there is reading assigned on the first day, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy your textbooks until you get the syllabus. Often teachers will change a book, or even eliminate a book that you need. While you may need a book the first week, waiting a little longer is better than spending $80 on a textbook that you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even need. 3. Email your professor and ask if either an older edition or the ebook version of the book is acceptable. Often they will not care, and it will be significantly cheaper. 4. Check your campus library! Sometimes the library will contain the book that you need, and you can utilize that if the book is just too expensive. 5. Always try to buy or rent online.

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Buying vs Renting Before committing to buying a textbook, consider whether renting the textbook is a better option. It is important to consider these things before deciding: 1. Will you use the textbook again? If you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need it again then it is better to buy. For example, an Italian Language textbook would be vital to keep if you decide to continue language classes. This also goes for books that apply to your major that you believe will be helpful in future courses or in your career. 2. Do you take care of your books? If you rent, you need to make sure your books will be returned in good condition. If you are notorious for losing or ruining your books, perhaps this is not the best option for you. 3. Will you be able to make a profit off of this? If you can sell a book you bought for the same price or even a little more, then it may be better to buy it and sell it after the semester is over. However, remember that if you try to sell a book back to the bookstore, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be offered far less than what you originally paid for the book.

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Renting Pros

Cons

•

Always cheaper than buying

•

No need to find someone to sell the book to at the end of the semester

You won’t be able to make a profit from selling it to another student

•

You can write and highlight in rental books

You may need to pay a fee to keep the book longer if you need it later

•

Shipping the book back is easy and free

You need to remember to ship it and other rental books back during finals week, which can be overwhelming

Buying Pros •

Cons

If you really loved the book it is yours to keep

•

You can utilize the book for future reference instead of returning it

•

You can sell the book and possibly make a profit depending on buyback value

•

More expensive than renting

•

You may only get a small amount of money back when you sell it

•

If you bought the book early then decided to drop the class, you cannot return it for the same price

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Helpful Sites to Buy or Rent Textbooks 1. Bigwords — allows you to compare prices on books across multiple websites for renting, buying, ebooks, etc 2. Half price books — sells cheap books and also will buy any books you have 3. Chegg — good prices for buying and renting and often has multiple editions of books you need 4. Amazon — Amazon’s rental program is easy and straightforward, and there are multiple companies to buy used books from through here

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FILLER

Margaret Fuller LLLLLL

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Staying Productive Over the Summer Written by Barrett Yueh | kaBelevskY & Joanna tasmin | studYBuzz edited by alex Johnson | idlestudY L ayout by nicole dinan | nicoledinan

While summer break can be a relief for everyone, it’s difficult to feel productive when you’re not constantly churning out work to meet deadlines. However, it’s a great time to catch up academically and integrate new habits into your daily routines so that you’ll be prepared when the next school year begins.

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Getting in Shape Academically Summer break is best known for lazy days filled with late starts and trips with friends and family. Although it isn’t best known for catching up on schoolwork, staying productive during the summer is an option that has become quite common among students who want to accelerate their studies, discover their passion, and learn a few new things! This option will definitely keep you occupied over break, while still allowing enough flexibility that you won’t be burned out by the start of the new academic year. Whether it’s an online class or preparing for a standardized test, there are endless options over the summer to keep you on track for school once fall rolls around. Summer classes are a great option for students who want to learn in a classroom setting and are on a budget. By taking classes nearby, at a local school or college, not only will you save money you might otherwise be spending for vacations and college later on, you’ll also be acclimated to studying productively for class once they start back up in the new academic year. You also get to pick classes you want to take, so it eliminates a good amount of stress associated with the regular school year — which also means there are endless possibilities for flexible schedules. Managing summer classes and a summer job or socializing with friends isn’t difficult at all, since you get to craft your own schedule. Attending summer class is also a great path for students who wish to accelerate their study in a certain field— they allow you to take AP, advanced, or dual-enrolled classes you otherwise wouldn’t be able to without doubling up on classes during the academic year. Summer programs have become increasingly popular to students who wish to explore a field of study in depth or discover tertiary education options available to them. A majority of programs involve high costs, although financial aid is often available and there are several selective programs that are free to attend. There are a wide variety of program types, from pre-college classes to field-intensive programs.

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Some examples of these programs include: •

Math and science camps: Geared towards students who are interested in these fields, such camps and programs often involve rigorous discussion of undergraduate and graduate-level topics that allow students to get a taste of research and learning in these fields. Often hosted in college campuses or dedicated laboratories, these programs are beneficial for those who would normally not have access to mentors and like-minded peers. Examples of such programs are the Ross Mathematics Camp at Ohio State University, the Research Science Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Summer Science Program at various locations.

•

Pre-college programs: These programs are appropriate for students who want a taste of residential and academic college life. Similar to summer classes, such programs involve taking classes in different fields of study. The main difference between the two is the setting and environment; these are often residential programs held at college campuses, and you’ll be surrounded by peers from around the world. Although most programs in this category are costly, there are a good number that offer financial assistance. These include the Harvard Secondary School Program, the Columbia High School Program, and Summer@Brown at Brown University.

•

Humanities and art camps: For students who enjoy humanities or the arts and want to immerse themselves fully in the creative process throughout the summer, consider these programs. Costs for these programs are often high as they involve creative supplies and intensives with professionals, but they are beneficial for students who are serious about pursuing studies in these fields. Programs may center around journalism, fine art, classics, and many more — the Interlochen Center for the Arts Summer Camp, Performing and Visual Arts Camps at New York University, and Telluride Association Summer Program.

There are multitudes of summer program options available, but for those who prefer more relaxing schedules, preparing for standardized tests is another great alternative to lazing around during the summer. For the ACT and SAT specifically, check out our articles in Issues 3 and 4! Although this may seem quite dull compared to the other two options, studying for these tests over the summer frees up your academic year to study for classes and extracurricular activities.

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Regrouping Mentally While summer is a great time to lounge about and catch up on all those episodes of your favorite TV show that you missed during the school year, it’s a good idea to remain active and productive in preparation for the upcoming school year. Cleaning your room or study space is an excellent way to remain productive while entertaining yourself — nothing is quite as amusing as flipping through old picture books, trying on outdated clothes to see if they still fit, or testing out all the pens you’ve collected from the most random places. Organize a roomcleaning schedule and set a goal for each day; a thorough cleaning of your room probably won’t happen in a single day. There are differing opinions on the most effective way to clean and organize your room, and everyone chooses a different method based on how much time they spend in their room, what they do in their room, and their general style. Some of these methods include: •

A utilitarian view — as you go through each item in your room, ask yourself: What use do I have for this? What function does it serve? If I put this in storage, donate it to charity, or throw it away, will I be missing whatever function it serves? This is especially relevant when organizing your closet — a great way to measure how often you actually wear clothes is to hang up your clothes backwards but put back clothes you’ve worn hanging the right way. After a few weeks, you can see which items you never wear, based on whatever clothes are still hanging backwards, which can then be put away or donated.

•

The KonMari method — this method is based heavily on sentimental value of various items. As you go through each item in your room, ask yourself: Does this give me joy? If not, you can probably put it in storage or throw it out.

•

An aesthetic view — if you don’t spend a lot of time in your room but still want it to look nice, this might be a good option for you. As you go through each item in your room, ask yourself: Do I like the way this looks? Does it contribute to the appearance of my room? If not, you can probably keep it in a drawer or closet, put it in storage, or get rid of it altogether.

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•

An efficient organization — most students generally follow this style of organization when cleaning their rooms since it’s more efficient and practical. If you like knowing where everything is, organize things by lists and systems, and alphabetize your bookshelves, then this is your style of organization. Things you use frequently should be kept most accessible — either on your desk, in your top few drawers, or in the easiest shelves to reach.

Cleaning your room or study space also helps to brighten your mood and make you feel much more motivated. Other things you can do to freshen up include changing your bedsheets, repainting your room (although this does require a budget and quite a bit of preparation), rearranging your furniture, or simply dusting. Summer is also a great time to catch up with hobbies you might have neglected during the school year. (Check out our article on summer hobbies for more!) Start a new project — open a new sketchbook, start writing a thousand words every day to work on your novel, or begin learning a new language. By integrating a fun, non-academic activity into your daily routine when you still have time, it will become easier to retain this habit when school resumes. Letting your creative juices flow, in particular, is an excellent way to express yourself emotionally without becoming socially exhausted, especially if you’re the introverted type.

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Despite all urges to laze around, staying productive over the summer is a great way to complete work that you might not be able to do during the regular year. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s integrating small habits or committing to a multi-week summer program, summer is a great time to unwind and relax from the pressures of school while still maintaining your productivity!

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Packing Up:

Preparing for College WRITTEN BY SYDNEY GERBEL | BOARDINGSCHOOLBLR & GRACE | INTELLECTUS EDITED BY ISABEL | STUDYSCRIBBLES L AYOUT BY CLAIRE WANG | CELER-ITER

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Cover Letter or Objective A cover letter is a formal letter that accompanies your resume. The purpose of a cover letter is for you to explain to your potential employer what assets make you the right candidate for a job. It is also a chance for you to introduce yourself in a more personal way, so the employer has an idea of your enthusiasm regarding a job. You don’t need to include specific skills in a cover letter. You can discuss more universal skills, because most jobs require you to work closely with others (cooperation), to evaluate and fix unforeseen issues (problem solving), and to become a proficient employee with ease (quick learning). Every job comes with its own distinct requirements, but these are adequate traits in any scenario. A cover letter should be about half a page long, and you should customize the letter to suit each job you apply for. Include a header with your information on the right hand side, and the employer’s information on the left-hand side. Don’t send the same cover letter to every potential employer! If you aren’t going to provide a cover letter with your resume, you’ll include an objective instead. The objective is a brief explanation of why you want the job and how you believe you would benefit from the work (and vice versa — how you would function as an asset to the business.) Being specific is important here, but keep in mind that this section doesn’t need to be longer than three sentences. Be concise and direct!

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Education For high school students, include your high school name(s), what month and year you began, followed by the word “present” so your employer knows how old you are. It should look something like this:

High School Name

August 2014 - Present

Postsecondary students should also include your high school education. However, your resume should instead include the year you started, followed by the year you graduated.

High School Name

August 2011 - 2015

Listing your postsecondary education requires a few extra details. These consist of where you go to school (current and past if you’ve transferred), your entrance year, your current major(s), and current minor(s), if applicable. If you’ve switched majors, simply add them under your current one. An example:

Postsecondary Institution Name September 2015 - Present B.A, Psychology

If you have attended multiple schools, they should be presented in reverse chronological order. Always list your current education first and your earliest education last. However, you don’t need to list your elementary education. For post-secondary students who have almost completed their degree, the high school you attended need not be included. The longer you have been out of school, the less relevant it becomes.

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Experience This section will include your past work experience and volunteer experience. Formatting will look similar to your education section. For each job, include the business you worked for, the location you worked in, the job title, the starting and ending month and year (or “present.”) Additionally, you should briefly describe your work duties. For example:

Business Name Job Title • Work duty 1... • Work duty 2... • ...and so on.

City, State July 2016 - Present

Don’t feel obligated to describe every single detail of work you did at any job. The most essential work will suffice! Use the same format for any volunteer work you want to include, and place it beneath your past experience. Keep in mind that it’s not necessary to list all of your experience. Conciseness is key – a longer resume does not necessarily equal a better resume. Many people make the mistake of thinking that a resume is set-in-stone once it’s complete, but that’s not the case. If you are applying for two jobs that are completely different from one another, you should tweak your resume to better suit each position.

Skills and Abilities [Optional] Since we’re on the topic of detailing resumes for certain jobs, let’s talk about an optional section: skills and abilities. It’s beneficial to add a list of skills to your resume because not every job requires the same capabilities. This list can be used a more specific indication of what you, as an employee, are able to do in the workplace. If you’re applying to a technical position, you should mention the skills you already have. • Coding languages (e.g. Java, Python, R) • Language proficiencies (e.g. French - professional working proficiency, Spanish - limited working proficiency) • Software competencies (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Mathematica, Matlab, Photoshop) • Technical abilities (e.g. cell culture, PCR, spectroscopy)

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References [Optional] Finally, the end of a resume. Typically, this section is a list of references or a sentence like “References available upon request”. Some job applications require letters of recommendation to be submitted separately by your reference; if that’s the case, this section is not relevant. While they are sometimes optional, references are a strong component to have on your resume in the event that your employer needs them. By automatically including references, you save your employer the extra step of having to contact you in order to ask for them later. A reference is someone who can vouch for your skills, typically by providing you with a letter of recommendation. A suitable reference is someone who knows you well enough to discuss your capabilities at length. Since an employer will use your references to find out if you’re a good fit for the job, anyone who interacts with you frequently on a personal and professional level is a valid choice. Appropriate people to consider as references are past employers, club organizers, former teachers, sports coaches, or even family friends. You cannot use a family member as a reference. me If you want a more detailed explanation on how and who to ask for letters of recommendation, check out Get a Job, Step Zero: Internships from our fifth issue! I know this is a bit of an information overload, but trust me, once you sit down and start organizing these components, it becomes far less overwhelming. If this is your first time writing a resume, ask a parent or any adult with experience to look over it with you and discuss any changes that need to be made. If it’s not your first time, my advice is the same — ask an experienced friend or adult for some insight and you’ll be on your way. The internet has plenty of sample resumes you can reference as well. Even though resumes are important, they are not the defining factor in getting a job. Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect resume, so try not to put too much pressure on yourself. I hope this article has encouraged you to go out and apply for that job you’ve been thinking about, I know you can do it!

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Setting up and Maintaining a

Bullet Journal

You probably know what a bullet journal is. In case you’re unsure, a bullet journal is a sort of medium for planning and organizing your life based around rapid logging. While gazing upon many, you might wonder to yourself, “How do they even manage to open a journal once a day?” or “Where did they even start?”

Materials Needed

To start a bullet journal, you need a journal or a notebook. The most popular types are the Moleskine large notebooks and the Leuchtturm1917. However, you can use any notebook you’d like such as the Mead 5 star, Muji, or even that half used composition notebook from a year ago. You’ll also want something to write with. Again, these are completely up to you. You can use a variety of colors and brands to your heart’s content.

Setting up and Layouts Because bullet journals are so diverse and personal, you can design any layout you wish. The daily logs will likely take up the majority of the space in your journal. For example, in my bullet journal, I use my very first page for an introduction into the new year, and I have an index page with a legend for all symbols and color coding. Then, I have a yearly spread with all 12 months drawn out using small calendars with events written in. After that, I draw a monthly calendar on the left page with a monthly list on the right page. For each week within the month, I make a weekly to do list on the next right page while leaving room for decoration on the left. Finally, the rest of the pages are used as a daily log from Monday to Sunday.

A bullet journal is a sort of medium for planning and organizing your life based around rapid logging.

We have more information on designing your bullet journal in Issue 1’s The Bullet Journal. 54

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Maintaining your Journal If bullet journaling isn’t addicting for you since the beginning, that’s completely okay! It can be tiresome to design a journal and write in it over and over. One way I remember to write in my journal is by having trackers for almost everything so that every time I complete something, I have to write in it. Another way I remind myself is by keeping it outside of my backpack and near me. When commuting, I keep it in my hand so that I’m constantly reminded of it. Also, when I’m sitting at my desk, I always have it open to the current week so that I constantly see it. I do this because if I shove it in my backpack, it becomes forgotten really quickly.

Depending on your layout, filling out a journal daily can either be quick and easy or too time intensive to keep up with. Try to go with a layout that lets you fill in daily entries easily and is quick to set up earlier in the week. If it takes too long to fill out, you’ll be unmotivated to log after a long day. If it takes too long to set up, then you’ll be unmotivated to make the layout if you happen to have an eventful and tiring weekend. Losing momentum for your journal could possibly mean losing the drive for a bullet journal at all. If you’re not one for drawing, then using photos, washi tape, and stickers are a quick and easy alternative to personalize your daily log at the end of the week! Just remember to make your bullet journal tailored to your lifestyle.

Keep your bullet journal in a dedicated protective case. If your journal isn’t properly protected during a storm and you’re commuting, you risk losing your whole journal in a single morning. In your case, you can store writing tools for on the go journaling. Another tip is to make sure that you have a spare sheet of paper if your pages tend to let ink through; if you use markers to decorate and color, make sure they don’t bleed to the page under it.

That’s about all of the tips I have for now! For more resources, check out the bullet journal official website and Tumblr under the tag #bulletjournal or #bujo.

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A QUICK GUIDE TO

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Taking a 40-minute bath with a fancy Lush bomb may sound pleasing, but bathing yourself in scented water isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only aspect of maintaining good personal hygiene. Smelling nice is pleasant, but your skin, hair, nails, and teeth need to be taken care of as well. However, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to note that every individual is different, so personal hygiene routines vary. Looking up a guide on personal hygiene may seem easy enough, but creating a routine that is customized to your body will be much more beneficial. Here is some information to help you create a personal self-care routine.

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ALL ABOUT

SHOWERS One of the biggest concerns that comes up with showering is how often you should be doing so. Many people are convinced that showering once — or sometimes more — a day is ideal, but in reality bathing yourself too often can lead to the loss of your body's natural oils. Unless you tend to sweat a lot or live an active lifestyle, you might want to consider showering every other day. No matter how often you shower, ev though, how you shower is more important.

How much of the products you use in your hair is a major key in how dry or greasy it becomes. If too much is used, shampoo products can make your hair feel dry and conditioning products can make your hair turn into a lumpy, greasy mess. For a happy medium, charcoal hair products are a great choice as they help lock in moisture while also helping your hair stay voluminous. They come in many varieties, so you should vo be able to easily find a product that suits your needs.

In regards to hair, how often you need to shampoo and condition your hair differs between everyone. While you may believe washing your hair every time you shower is needed, some individuals — like myself — find that shampooing their hair less often than they do condition results in a better outcome. The best way for you to find this ratio of shampooing to conditioning is through experimentation. It took awhile for me to th figure out that shampooing about twice a week while conditioning nearly every time I shower works for my hair, but your results may differ.

You should keep your hair’s thickness level in mind when considering how much and how often you should be using your hair products. In general, thicker hair tends to need more product, but adjust your usage accordingly for a perfect fit. Carefully consider what each product does to your hair and use trial-and-error to find an in-shower routine that works for you.

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HEALTHY SKIN Showering will only help your skin so much. While it helps to get rid of dirt that’s on your body, only using harsh soap can cause your skin to develop acne and become dry and rough. If you’re already experiencing such symptoms, or would like to prevent this from happening to your skin, there are some steps you can add to your skin routine to help:

•

For your body, using lotion regularly is your best bet. Regardless of its price, lotion will help your skin become more hydrated over time. The strength of lotion varies between products, though, so make sure to do your research and find a lotion that is good for your body. As a recommendation, I enjoy using Suave®’s cocoa butter and shea lotion; it’s gentle on the skin, spreads easily, and lasts the whole 24 hours as per their claim. If you’re looking for a lotion of higher strength, Suave®’s advanced therapy lotion is a great choice.

Rinsing your face off with water every morning and night can help the state of your skin. If you need more intensive care, though, there are face cleansers, masks, and moisturizers available. Like hair product, charcoal face cleansers and masks can help get rid of dirt, impurities, blackheads, and other types of acne. After using a cleanser or a mask, moisturizer can help lock in your face’s natural oils and will leave your face feeling soft and refreshed. Whether you’re dealing with impurities, blackheads, acne, or are simply looking for moisturization, there is a product out there for you. If you’re unsure of what type of product you need, try talking to your doctor or an employee at a local outlet.

Now that you know more about personal hygiene, it’s time to make your own self-care routine. Everyone’s body is unique, so it makes sense to create your own routine rather than copying a others word-for-word. Whether you change one tiny thing or start an entire new procedure, your body will thank you.

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We’re all guilty of it — we get bored in class, and we start to doodle. It passes the time and keeps us grounded. Numerous studies have proven that drawing and coloring can relieve stress. However, many people criticize art for being trivial or pointless, and many say careers in art are not worth pursuing. Art and music programs are constantly at risk of being cut, because they are not “essential” to education. But is art really a useless skill? Visual note taking is increasing in popularity, and even if fancy notes aren’t your thing, in you can still utilize art as a way to learn. This article will cover two things: first, how to begin, and second, how it can help.

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

What is Visual Notetaking? Visual note taking, as described by Scholastic, is a way to synthesize information by using images to convey information simply and effectively. Also called graphic visualization or sketchnoting, the practice consists of drawing banners, letters and objects to allow for information recall. Core77.com goes into detail about how to begin your sketchnoting journey, and how to make the most of it. The site identifies a few key elements you’ll use to begin your notes: 1. Text, of course! 2. Containers — These are things like boxes or clouds that enclose words for emphasis. 3. Connectors — These are the lines and arrows you see in flowcharts. 4. Icons — These are small images that represent concepts and ideas, such as a lightbulb to represent a question or definition. Icons don’t have to be perfect or even coherent as long as they make sense to the student creating them. There are other elements that you can include in your notes such as color or shading, but these are personal preferences! Coloring an outline made by yourself or someone else is also beneficial in its own way.

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

How can it help? Sketchnoting can be used to learn grammar rules, compare topics, expand vocabulary, and take notes (Murray State University, 2013). It doesn’t require any artistic skill, it’s fast, and it’s completely personalized in a way that helps the student. So, why are people so dismissive of this technique?

Drawing diagrams is especially useful in the three basic sciences: biology, chemistry, and physics.

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As someone who prefers outlining their notes, I will admit that I was skeptical of visual notes at first. They didn’t always help and I regularly changed or forgot my system. However, while sketchnoting may not be effective for every class, there is no denying that drawing is helpful in certain subjects. Drawing diagrams is especially useful in the three basic sciences: biology, chemistry, and physics. According to scientist Kim Quillin, using visual models is fundamental to teaching subjects such as biology. The article titled “Drawing-to-Learn” states that drawing is a process integral to the practice of science, used in the generation of hypotheses, design of experiments, and interpretation and communication of data. This is why in physics it helps to visualize a problem before attempting it. For example, I participate in Science Olympiad, and drawing diagrams pa helps me remember what certain anatomical structures look like. Reproducing a model of an organ is more effective than just examining one.

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

Coloring is also a pastime that is increasing in popularity. This change is not without reason; apart from reducing stress, color gets our attention — a bright field of flowers would catch our eyes sooner than a plain gray wall. The impact of attention on memory is discussed in a 1974 study by Frank H. Farley and Alfred P. Grant, amongst other studies. Clinical interventions involving color have revealed that color improves memory in Alzheimer’s re patients and people with learning disabilities (Dzulkifi). Some illustrators even create coloring books specifically for learning science! A popular example and one of my personal favorites is the Anatomy Coloring Book by Wynn Kapit. Kapit’s book in particular has readers color in the name of the structure and the structure itself. This allows for visual association and kinesthetic learning, as promised in the book’s summary.

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Clinical interventions involving color have revealed that color improves memory

If you’re still not convinced, I have one final argument: it has been proven that when you are happier, you are more productive. So, if you love art, why not integrate it into your studies somehow? It doesn’t hurt to try new things, and you may just discover a new method that works for you!

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

New Year, New You: Making 2017 the Year

of Achievement PLWW 2

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It's officially May. Four whole months have passed since you read the first installment of this series (if you have not, check it out in Issue 5!), complete with countless assignments, assessments, and maybe even an all-nighter or two. Throughout all that chaos, have you remembered the goals you set back in January? Have you made progress towards them? Have you achieved any yet? Now that one third of 2017 is under your belt, it is time to assess your progress.

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

A great way to stay on track toward your goals is to have helpful tips written down or strategically placed reminders in your room, planner, locker, or phone. For example, if you are training for a physical goal, such as a faster running time, try moving your equipment to a space where it is both visible and easily accessible. If your running shoes are hidden in the back of your closet, you are much less likely to take the time to look for them and use them. On the other hand, if they are conveniently placed by your door, you will be much more likely to make an effort to go out and train.

Getting Back on Track If your answer to any of the questions above was no, you have probably joined the thousands of people who lose focus when it comes to their New Year’s resolutions. It happens to the best of us: plans are forgotten, momentum is lost, and life often gets in the way of progress. However, simply getting off track is not justification for abandoning your goals — it is not too late to get back on the path to achievement! la

Visualization

The first step to getting back on track is finding exactly where you began to fall off. Did an obstacle pop up in your life? Did you somehow lose motivation? Did you simply forget your goal? Regardless of your situation, always remember that the mistakes you may have made are not worth feeling guilty over. We are only human, and making mistakes is a basic principle of human life. As cliché as that may seem, it is the simple truth.

Visualization can be a helpful exercise when you are looking for some motivation. Try to picture your future self after having achieved your goal. How does it feel? What benefit has it had on your life? Stay realistic when doing this. For many people, focusing on the big picture when setting goals can help make the small steps towards it less daunting. For example, say you wanted to achieve a certain grade in a class. When you get tired from studying or doing your homework, take a step back and remember why you want to put in so much effort. Odds are that the class is important to your graduation requirements, whether you are in high school or college. Of course it is important to successfully fulfill your requirements, but consider what other positive outcomes you could bu have from doing well in that class. Will it come in handy later in life? Could it help you make honor roll or a dean’s list? Will a solid understanding of the topic now help you out later on things like AP tests or SAT subject tests? Think about the opportunities that could come from achieving your goal, and use them as motivation to stick with it. If you believe that achieving your goal will have a positive benefit in your life, consider why that is. Finding the root of your inspiration can help you self-motivate enough to get moving towards achievement!

Once you have found the culprit, the sooner you start taking strides towards your goal, the more likely you are to find momentum to carry you to the finish line. There is no better time to restart your progress than right now.

Planning for the Future Whether or not you have fallen off track, there are still eight months left in the year. Look back upon the plans you made at the start of the year. If you think they are still useful, try to stick with them and follow through with your original plan. Consider what you can do to improve them, and feel free to revise them as much as you need to in the future to make them realistic and useful to you in your everyday life. us

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

In the winter I plot and plan. In spring I

FILLER

H ENRY R OLLINS LAYOUT BY ALLYSON ARROGANTE | ALLYDSGN

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

FILLER

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

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The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

five fun ideas for

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The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

If you are an aspiring musician, but simply never had the time to take all the classes you have wanted to, consider taking advantage of your free time during the summer to expand on your knowledge. You can learn a new instrument, improve your singing abilities, or even learn how to compose! If you already play an instrument, try learning one in the same family — saxophonists are often easily able to learn clarinet — or you could simply branch out to a tenor rather than an alto. Depending on the school you attend, they may have instruments and books which they can lend you during the summer, mitigating the cost. YouTube and other online websites also provide a treasure trove of resources with tutorials, fingering tr charts, and other guidance for learning a new instrument. For more established players, community bands offer a fun and pressure-free way to stay involved in music.

Should you want to challenge yourself more, it is also fairly easy to master the bare basics of piano or guitar. Both of these instruments may require lessons if you want to progress beyond a basic level, but also provide a fun and entertaining hobby to make your summer more fruitful and enjoyable.

On the other hand, if you are learning an instrument for the first time, consider a simpler instrument such as the recorder or ukulele. Both are fairly inexpensive, very easy to pick up, and also have numerous tutorials and other information in print and online.

Resources for aspiring composers are also abundant, for both those focusing on classical music and aspiring songwriters. Websites such as Noteflight, Flat.io, and MuseScore provide simple layouts for trying out this new hobby, and when coupled with instructional books, are an excellent way to both entertain and occupy yourself the summer.

Beyond instrumental music, singing takes little skill to start, but plenty of time to master. Practicing for some time each day — whether from a book, or using online resources — will help you improve and will provide you with tangible and satisfying results.

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

writing

Summer provides you with the sheer amount of time you need to sit down and write a masterpiece, compose poetry, or even keep a daily journal and hone your skills. If you intend to write a novel over the summer, be sure to plan it out beforehand to stay on task. Groups like Camp NaNoWriMo also exist for those trying to start the hobby of writing with less pressure than during the school year, and websites like LitLift, Story Planner, and Hiveword are excellent places to start. Another excellent method to enhance your writing ability and make it a consistent hobby is to compose a certain number of words per day, whether on paper or digitally. This method is an excellent way to ensure that you keep your creative juices flowing, or that you journal daily to create yet another variety of memory of your summer.

miscellaneous Of course, beyond these more common ideas, there are an enormous variety of other hobbies which you can just as easily take up. Try cooking more often, building kites, challenging yourself to read more books or watch more documentaries, or even creating jewellery. Summer is a wonderful time to explore new things without the constraints of the school year, and opportunities for new hobbies abound!

The Academic - Issue 6 - May 1st, 2017

spring is nature’s way of saying, FILLER

“let’s party!” - ROBIN WILLIAMS -

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