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AC ADE M IC the
by students, for students
The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
To my mother, who has been through hell and back, and my dad, who hits 50 years old today. — Meadow To all of the campers I worked with this summer — thank you for reawakening the child inside of me. — Sydney
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Editors’ N OTE The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
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Dear Readers, Welcome to Issue 7 of The Academic. We are thrilled to have you join us, whether this is the first issue of ours that you have read or the seventh. We strongly feel that this summer’s publication is unlike any other issue we have released so far. We have worked alongside our 23 staff members for the past three months writing, editing, and designing this issue, and we are proud to finally present it to our readers all over the world. Words cannot express our perpetual gratitude for your continued support. The aesthetic for Issue 7 was heavily influenced by Grecian architecture and the ocean. We believe that this is apparent in the incredible designs our team created, and we hope you love them as much as we do! Summer issues are especially exciting for us to create, and this one was no exception. Conflicting life forces contributed significantly to Issue 7’s challenges, but we believe that we have completed this new issue to the very best of our abilities. Many of us even feel as though this is our best issue yet! We are consistently impressed by the work our highly motivated team creates and feel that each issue we make surpasses its predecessor. Feel free to let us know what you think by contacting us on any of our social media platforms, which are linked on the last page of this issue. We sincerely hope you enjoy Issue 7, and we cannot wait to get started on Issue 8. See you again on November 1st!
Love, Meadow & Sydney iii
The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
meet the staff What class are you looking forward to most this coming school year? Why?
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editors in chief Sydney Gerbel boardingschoolblr
Meadow Pendley medscottie
17 Chicago, Illinois Since Issue 1 I’m excited for a class called Conict in the Modern World. I love learning about current events!
17 Georgia Since Issue 1 I'm excited for a leadership seminar at Agnes Scott! I hope to be in one focused on women and social change; I shadowed this class on a visitation and loved it.
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The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
editors editing director
Samantha Mitchell collegerefs
Alex Johnson idlestudy
21 Illinois, USA Since Issue 3 I’m looking forward to my senior honors Sociology seminar. It is the last Sociology course I need for my degree, and I’m excited to wrap up everything I’ve learned into one class!
17 Washington, D.C. Since Issue 5 I’m looking forward to a new class called AP Research! I’m not even really sure what it is, but it's a lot of independent study and it's taught by my favorite teacher! I’m super excited to be able to do some in-depth work on subjects I’m interested in.
Samantha Olivares studynest 17 California, USA Since Issue 6 I am looking forward to my intro to computer science class because I am planning on majoring in that area.
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Amanda eruditekid 15 New Jersey, USA Since Issue 7 I’m really excited for my Digital Photography class because I've always been interested in the subject. Learning about the process from setting up a shot to editing a picture will be fascinating!
Carolyn Hsu studiix
Rawan Mostafa rawanexplores
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17 Southern California Since Issue 3 I’m looking forward to my writing studio class next semester. It’s the only non-art class I have, but writing has always been a passion of mine–especially when art schools like to emphasize creative freedom more than anything else!
20 Toronto, ON, Canada Since Issue 6 I’m looking forward to my Magazine Layout class next year. It will be great to know about design in the context of writing and magazine production.
The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
writers Grace intellectus 17 Ohio, USA Since Issue 3
Barrett Yueh
I’m looking forward to taking credits for my major because I finally get to explore my passion for history!
kabalevskys 17 Scottsdale, AZ Since Issue 5 Chemistry, because I love my teacher so much.
Gabby Drong
Abby Cantrell
collegerefs 21 Chicago, IL Since Issue 5
universi-tea 19 North Carolina Since Issue 6
I’m looking forward to my Psychology seminar class, which will prepare me for my thesis in the spring!
I’m looking forward to finally getting to explore my major in my news writing class.
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Cailee Dela Cruz cskyestudy
22 Saskatchewan, Canada Since Issue 1 I’m excited for my Introduction to Screenwriting class! I’m looking forward to getting started in a new field.
Nadia Bey gardenofideas
Silvia hollohat
16 North Carolina, USA Since Issue 6 I’m looking forward to Theory of Knowledge because I’m interested in learning about the way people think. I’m also looking forward to taking online classes!
18 Downeast Maine, USA Since Issue 7 Chinese! I've been teaching myself Mandarin since freshman year, but will be taking it in an academic setting for the first time in college next year! I have been waiting for this for years.
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designers art director + assistant
Elena Ton
Allyson Arrogante
allydsgn
20 San Antonio, Texas Since Issue 2 I’m looking forward to my independent study! It’ll be cool to make my own project and apply everything I’ve learned and more!
lostlxmb
18 Since Issue 3 I actually don’t know my class schedule for next year, but I am excited to take more art classes at UC Davis!
Candyce Zotz
scholarc
Jennifer Liu
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15 Jakarta, Indonesia Since Issue 5 Visual Arts — I look forward to the production process of my artworks and learning different forms of art!
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16 Frisco, Texas Issue 1 Honors Pre-Calculus! I love math and I’ll be one step closer to taking AP Calculus BC my senior year.
The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
Jocelyn Tsai
obsidianstudy 17 Taiwan > USA Since Issue 4
I’m heading off to college, so I’m not quite sure what classes I’ll be taking. Pe Perhaps a programming or coding class?
Nicole Dinan
nicoledinan successstudyblr
Joanna Tasmin
studybuzz
Lia Ngo julyjournal noeu
21 Toronto, Canada Since Issue 6 I’m looking forward to my independent study course in which I will be working on various projects for my portfolio! It’ll be exciting to challenge myself by having total creative freedom.
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19 Westerville, Ohio Since Issue 6 I’m looking forward to taking Infographics and Web Design, because these are the first classes that are actually specific to my major.
15 Jakarta, Indonesia Since Issue 1 Theory of Knowledge, because I’m interested in philosophy and its applications in different subject areas (especially math)!
The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
Maxine Romualdez
academyeon
16 Manila, Philippines Since Issue 6 Physics — I’m praying that I enjoy this branch of science more than the last one I took up!
Dinda Isni diaxlr
17 Indonesia Since Issue 4 I’m just excited to be starting university as a med student!
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L ayout by Allyson Arrogante | allydsgn
table of contents The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
ii Dedication iii Editor’s Note iv - xii Meet the Staff 1 New Year, New You:
Making 2017 the Year of Achievement, Part 3
2 - 3 Study Resources for your Core Classes Part 2: English & Foreign Language
4 - 7 Power Points 101
Making Slides That Present What You Want Them To
9 - 12 Stationery Catalog: Pens 13 - 18 Utilizing Roles in a Group Project 19 - 23 Dear Girls
Getting Distracted from your Goals
25 - 29 Setting up a Study Space for You
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30 - 32 Surviving in Competitive Environments 33 - 36 Upgrade Your Notes 37 - 41 College Profiles 43 - 45 Dining Hall Hacks
Eating Healthy at School
46 - 48 Learning How to Cook 49 - 51 Stress Management Tips 53 - 56 Dealing with Roommates 57 - 62 Owning It Assertion and Confrontation
63 - 66 Smoothies 67 - 69 An Interview with Studyquill 70 - 73 Study Playlists
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New Year, NEW YOU : Making 2 0 1 7 the year of
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It’s officially August, and you know what that means: the back-to-school craze has begun! As you purchase pencils, choose classes, and savor your last days of sleeping in, remember to keep working on your goals. It is definitely a good idea to evaluate your progress before the new school year begins so that you can troubleshoot any problems you may be having and construct a plan for staying on track for the rest of 2017.
Plan AHEAD It is in your best interest to make a thorough, yet manageable plan for progressing towards your goals. Once you get back into a regular school routine, it will be all too easy to forget about those goals you set way back in January. Try to create a plan for staying on track as soon as possible. You’ll thank yourself later! Think of a time to work on the goal. If you’ve been struggling with one in particular, it might be time to let it go. Stick to the one(s) that are most important to you, regardless of how hard they are to achieve. Schedule a regular time to keep chipping away, and you’ll hopefully find yourself at the finish line in just a few short months.
Use WEEKENDS Wisely Few people actually enjoy doing work on the weekends, but just a few minutes of focus can add up to major progress. Although it isn’t the most ideal way to spend your precious days off, think about how you will keep moving toward the finish line. You could even integrate your goals into your weekend homework routine by considering a certain amount of work (such as reading 30 pages or exercising for 20 minutes) to be an assignment. When the going gets tough, take a step back and remind yourself of exactly why you have set these goals. Try to channel the motivation you had in January, and use it to help you finish this final push. Good luck!
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Study Resources for your Core Classes Part 2:
English & Foreign Language
Written by Grace | intellectus
Edited by Carolyn Hsu | studiix
Layout by Nicole Dinan | nicoledinan
English and foreign languages can be confusing, but they don’t have to be! They don’t have the numeric rigidity of math or the formulaic process of science, and there is less room for interpretation than art. Despite the challenges they present, both are vital skills in the real world, and being able to speak multiple languages is an incredible boost for any resume. With the right attitude, dedication, and resources, you’ll be well on your way to achieving great things in both subjects!
Knowing what your teacher is looking for
tips or old essays. If all else fails, try setting up a meeting with your teacher to get some pointers. Remember that if they seem to be marking your work especially strictly, it’s because they expect a high quality of work and want to see you achieve your best.
Because English and foreign languages can be so daunting, it’s very important to know how your teacher grades essays, short stories, poems, and other types of writing assignments. Carefully check rubrics for your assignments, and save those in case none are provided later in the year. If your teacher is the type who wants you to “learn by doing” and doesn’t provide rubrics, try asking older students who have had that teacher for their
Making use of online resources All languages also have a plethora of resources available outside of the classroom, and making use of these will truly help you go above and beyond. For English, there are sites which can help you with every aspect of essay composition, from research before prewriting to minor grammar points on your final draft. Check your library for access to journals and database, and subscriptions to websites, like NoodleBib, which help you format your references. Once you’ve assimilated all that information into an essay, tools like the Hemingway App and the Purdue Online Writing Lab can help you format your essay with the perfect MLA heading and alert you to issues with passive verbs.
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Foreign languages have an equal, if not greater, variety of resources available. Websites like Duolingo and Lingvist can help give your grammar a better foundation, while Quizlet, TinyCards, and Memrise all help you to learn vocabulary. Each individual language also has plenty of specific resources which can easily be found with the help of studyblr masterposts and Google searches.
Practicing outside of class Aside from vocabulary words, both foreign languages and English are difficult to study for in a traditional sense. Instead, practicing — which doesn’t have to mean writing timed essays at home — will give you a great foundation.
Lastly, if at all possible, try talking with a native speaker of the foreign language you’re learning. If you can’t find anyone to talk to in person, try using one of the variety of apps and websites designed specifically for connecting learners and native speakers, such as Speaky, HelloTalk, or WeSpeke.
Reading a lot of varied books for English and foreign languages will improve your literary knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension. In language classes, try working your way up by first reading kids’ books and then moving on to chapter books, and finally books you would read in your native language when you feel ready. Regardless of which language you’re reading in, keeping a list of new vocabulary words can be an excellent way to keep a record of your learning.
Getting extra help If you’re really struggling in your English or foreign language class, don’t be afraid to go to tutoring. It’s not embarrassing at all to admit that you need a little more help to understand the material.
Audiobooks are also great in either subject, as they give you the opportunity to hear native accents. The same goes for watching your favorite TV shows and movies in the language you’re learning, which is not only an immersive experience, but also enables you to have some fun while practicing. Your library might give you access to online services with free audiobooks, ebooks, movies, and music.
To find a tutor, try asking your teacher in case there are older students who can help (often at lower rates than professional tutors), looking through your school’s tutor directory, or finding out if your school or library has a peer tutoring center, where you might be able to get help for free. When you attend tutoring, make sure to bring the materials you are having trouble with and specify the issues you’re having. A tutor will be able to help you the most if you are completely open about what troubles you are having, and they can get a better idea of what your teacher is looking for if you can show them rubrics and graded work. Ask as many questions as you need to make sure that you get the most out of every tutoring session. By using these tips and all of the resources available, you’ll be much closer to success in your English and foreign language classes. They might seem challenging at times, but if you work hard, ask your teachers for help, and use online tools, you’ll certainly make it through.
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The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
Powerpoints 101: Making Slides That Present What You Want Them To Written by Silvia | hollohat
Edited by Alex Johnson | idlestudy
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Layout by Nicole Dinan | nicoledinan
The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
At some point, you have probably both given and been given Powerpoint presentations. As they add an invaluable visual dimension to spoken presentations, they are ubiquitous in academia and beyond. Clearly, a well-designed powerpoint has enormous potential to enhance a presentation; the downside is that they often overwhelm or seek to replace their presenters. If you have been given Powerpoint presentations in class, you may also have struggled to transfer a dense paragraph of information to your notes before it is switched into oblivion. The common tendency to include excessive content on slides is a natural consequence of the dazzling array of options provided by software such as Powerpoint, combined with the medium’s differences from the sort many of us are used to dealing with. When we write an essay, a term paper, or answers on worksheets, we must include all the information we wish to communicate. In the case of a Powerpoint, this is not so. In addition, we must give far more thought to visual impact than we otherwise might. At its best, a powerpoint presentation is aesthetically pleasing, simple, and clear, so that the audience can easily absorb the information it presents without diverting their attention from you, the presenter. A face-to-face connection has unique persuasive and informative power; in order to take full advantage of it, you and your well-practiced speech should be central to your presentation, clarified and illustrated by the visual contents of your presentation.
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Simplicity
Clarity
A simple slide with one central point is more visually striking and easily read than one which crowds a lot of information together. Keep text to a few keywords, upon which you can elaborate as you speak. In addition to making it easily readable, this will allow you to use a larger font size, ensuring that everyone in the room can read it. Limit your color palette to two or three colors; using different configurations of the same colors in individual slides will retain visual interest as well as overall consistency. Similarly, as a general rule, don’t use more than two fonts, and avoid elaborate scripts. Try to include only essential information on diagrams, and present information as accessibly as possible. It is easier, for example, to absorb information in a bar graph than a crowded table, and a pie graph composed of flat, labeled colors is likely to be clearer than one with gradients and drop shadows.
Going hand in hand with the elimination of unnecessary content is the optimization of what remains. If you use diagrams, try to choose — or make — ones which minimize small text, confusing lines, and excessive colors. Illustrations are often already complex by nature; this should not be exacerbated by a busy, confusing style. Choose colors that are clearly distinguishable from one another and easy to look at. A quick Google search for “color palettes” will turn up numerous websites to help choose an attractive color scheme. Contributing to visual clarity is textual clarity. As speedy transmission of information is paramount, presentation slides don’t generally need full sentences.
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Interest
Presenting
Judicious use of high quality images serves the dual purpose of adding visual interest and illustrating subject matter. While they should not be overused, they can make otherwise boring slides memorable. Keep in mind what you wish to emphasize. A single bright color in otherwise drab surroundings grabs attention, emphasizing the text or imagery which uses it. Large, bold elements such as dark block letters draw attention away from small, fine ones. Text is best broken into easily comprehensible units. Depending upon context, a sprinkling of humor can be a great tool for connecting to your audience and aiding recall.
However well your slides are designed, your presentation will fall flat if you do not communicate effectively when you give it. Like designing slides, speaking in this context is a skill which is rarely focused on by schools, compounding the naturally stressful nature of speaking about a complex subject to a silent room. Practice is essential to overcoming this difficulty. Before giving a presentation, ensure that you know the relevant topics thoroughly. Try discussing it in front of a mirror, then with someone you trust to give you thoughtful feedback, such as friends, teachers, or family members. Focus on speaking as naturally as possible, and making eye contact. An easy way to give the appearance of making eye contact if you are not comfortable doing so is to look just over your audience’s heads, or at such points as eyebrows. If you usually speak quietly, make sure you are clearly audible throughout the space where you are presenting. Leave pauses after important points and emphasize key words. In many respects, giving presentations is similar to taking tests, and you can use similar techniques to prepare; eat a nutritious breakfast on the day of, make sure you have water — especially if your presentation will be long — and take a few deep breaths before beginning.
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My friends always tease me for owning more than ten kinds of black pens and having a different opinion about every single one of them. But my pen-hoarding isn’t unjustified: every pen has a unique set of qualities, from how long it takes the ink to dry to how long I can write without my hand cramping. When I go pen-shopping or decide what pen I want to write with, I follow a list of criteria and related questions to help me weigh the value of my pen. I usually evaluate five main qualities: • the pen’s longevity • what the pen feels like in your hand • the quality of the ink • the type of pen • the tip of the pen Since obviously there is no single pen that fits every one of my needs, I use a variety of pens that I choose from depending on the circumstance. It might seem ridiculous to be so picky about little details, but as someone who writes almost exclusively in pen and hand writes all her notes, I’ve developed a personal comprehensive list of pens based on their best qualities. (Note: The Academic is not being paid to advertise these pens.)
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If you’re looking for a trusty felt-tip pen, try: The Stabilo fineliners in point 68 or point 88. These are affordable, with a large range of colors. They last a long time, but be warned that these tend to bleed through paper and the tip wears down quickly. 2. If you’re willing to invest a little bit more for longevity and to protect the back of your paper, try the Staedtler Tri-plus Fineliners. These are also available in a variety of colors, but they’re much more expensive than the Stabilos. However, I’ve owned a set that has lasted me nearly two and a half years now, and they all still function perfectly. These are also a good investment if you’re an art student.
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If you’re looking for a smooth pen, try: The Muji gel pens in either 0.38 or 0.5. These pens are staples amongst many students, and for good reason. They’re reasonably priced, reliable, and versatile pens that last a decent amount of time and rarely skip. I have used these pens both for note-taking and in my art class. If you want an even finer tip, you can even get these pens in 0.25. 2. The Muji oily ink pens in 0.25 also make a good go-to pen for smooth writing. They are pricier than the gel pens, but the ink is high quality and the pen almost never skips.
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3. Pilot G-2 pens are another classic pen amongst many students. I’ve received mixed opinions on these pens, but as the first gel pens I’ve ever owned, I have a soft spot for them. They last longer than the Muji pens with regular use, but they tend to skip a little bit more. 4. A Lamy Safari fountain pen is also a worthwhile investment. The price range varies, but it’s a long-lasting, refillable pen, and it’s a good place to start if you’ve never used a fountain pen but are seeking the consistency and flow of the ink. These pens also come in a variety of colors, so if black isn’t your taste, there is a color out there for you.
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If you just really like the feeling of ballpoint indentations in your paper, try: The Pilot Frixion pens have the added perk of being erasable. This makes them a great pen if your teachers require you to do calculations in ink, or if you tend to make a lot of mistakes when you take notes. 2. If you’re like me and absolutely need to have an alarming stash of Muji products, try the Muji 0.5 hexagonal ballpoint pens. In my experience, these pens tend to skip a lot more frequently than the other pens and they can be uncomfortable to hold after a while, but there is nothing more satisfying than feeling to the pages of my notebook, which have all been covered in words from this pen. 3. The Papermate Inkjoy pens are reliable, comfortable to hold, reasonably priced, and come in a wide range of colors. They’re pretty much the skeleton key of pens — if you don’t have the money to buy five different kinds of pens, I’d suggest investing in these. 1.
If you looking for a large range of colors, try: The Muji 0.5 clear ballpoint gel pens are nice because they combine the ink consistency of other Muji pens with a standard retractable ballpoint style. The clips also open, so you can conveniently hold your papers together with your pens. Unfortunately, the full set is a bit pricier, especially given that they don't last very long, but if you want individual colors instead of the full set you’ll have to go to a Muji store. 2. If you like your Mildliners to match your pens, the Zebra Sarasa pens pens are probably the perfect fit for you. There is a massive range of colors to choose from with these pens, and although they are on the higher end in terms of price, they last a decent amount of time. 3. The Pilot Juice pens are a cheaper alternative to the Muji ballpoints. They have nearly the same inkflow and design, with another impressive range of colors, but they’re about 75% the price of the Muji pens and last just as long, if not longer. 1.
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You certainly don’t need to spend exorbitant sums of money on your stationery — something as simple as a five dollar pack of thirty Bic pens is a good investment as long as you can read your notes. However, if you’re looking for specific qualities when you select a pen, it might be worth considering some of these pens. And with the start of a new school year coming up, why not treat yourself to a high-quality pen to make your note-taking experience even more fun?
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Utilizing Roles in a Group Project WWWWWWW
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Group projects have been known to infest the academic scene with burnt-out students, grievances towards freeloaders, and bossy perfectionists. The phrase “group project” announced from an instructor makes dedicated students shiver in their boots as they are paired with peers that are infamous to never get work done. How do we make this inevitable part of our academic careers less frightening? One thing you can do to help your team is assign group roles.
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Really? Group Roles? Yes! Something as simple as delegating group roles can be applied to any project and can help tackle the intimidating, stigmatized group project. It is obviously not an end-all solution for every situation, but it does help motivate, simplify, and conquer projects that you would rather not do alone. To really understand the benefits of roles, we have to talk about why these projects are so annoying in the first place. To break it down, there are three main categories of challenges that arise from group projects: coordination, motivation, and creativity.
Coordination becomes more of an issue the bigger the group is. Coordinating schedules and tasks can get frustrating if not well-organized or if someone in the team doesn’t do their job. Also, teamwork becomes more difficult when there are hurdles outside of our control such as language, geographical, or cultural barriers.
Motivation starts to dwindle in some students when they are put into a group project for a variety of reasons. One reason could be because the student believes they can leave most of the work to the few, diligent students in the team. This results in free riding, which creates a negative atmosphere in the group. Social loafing, when a student doesn’t complete their work because they assume others will do it, happens as well. A lack of responsibility escalates, leading to conflict within the group. When a group has internal conflict, then motivation for the group to succeed dwindles while frustration rises.
Creativity, contrary to popular belief, can slightly suffer in different ways when having to think with other people. When we’re in groups, we tend to conform to what the majority of the group agrees with, and we get more committed to something the group agrees on — even if it’s ineffective. We assume that our individual beliefs, attitudes, and ideas are obvious when they actually aren’t. This lack of communication can lead to concepts for strategies not unifying with the other components of the project and not fully understanding the project’s aim or purpose.
Now that we know exactly why some groups just don’t work, we can talk about how group roles are here to help! The roles used to help combat these issues include Facilitator, Recorder, Explorer, Harmonizer, and Goal Keeper. With these roles, we’ll discuss what each role entails, what kind of person should be in this role, and what additional roles you can take on. Based on the members and project, you can customize these roles by adding some, taking on multiple, or changing up the duties. It is up to you, your team, and the project you are facing!
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The Facilitator This member is responsible for being a facilitator — who would’ve thought? They moderate team discussions and ensure that the group is staying on task. They are in charge of distributing the work and acting as the team’s spokesperson with other groups and the instructor. They summarize the group’s activities and conclusions and can be seen as the “leader,” but should not be treated as a heavier vote unless the team agrees to this being a leadership position. If everyone in the group agrees to having a leader or a project manager, then they would most likely hold the Facilitator role. This is a very important role to make sure you assign correctly since it is not a role to take lightly. Having unproductive meetings can lead in falling behind schedule, or failing to delegate tasks correctly could overburden a team member or cause internal conflicts. This role should belong to someone that is good at compromise, confrontation, and leading conversation. It should also be someone that is on mostly good terms with everyone in the team. They will also have to know the skills and limitations of their team members to correctly delegate tasks. If you are in a small team, it is preferred that whoever is in this role could also take on the Harmonizer or Goal Keeper role. As the moderator, you can keep the conversation productive and positive by being the Harmonizer, or be in charge of moving the conversation and group mindset forward as the Goal Keeper. If you’re the leader of a group with unorganized people, then you can take on the Recorder role. Be warned it is a lot of the work and is not recommended unless you don’t trust the other team members with the Recorder role, and you have been designated the leader.
The Recorder This role is responsible for taking notes, holding onto records, and filling out paperwork. During meetings, they should be taking notes about the team’s discussions and decisions. Outside of meetings, they hold onto all necessary records for safe keeping and bring these records to whenever necessary as deemed by the group members or instructor. They ensure that the group is aware of time constraints, deadlines, and meeting times. Because they are aware of all deadlines and delegated tasks, they also record when members are late for meeting times or submit anything late. Keeping tabs on all of the members can be beneficial when trying to report a team member’s inactivity or freeloading. The Recorder can be responsible for gathering materials needed for the project, but that is the group’s decision. Like the Facilitator, they are an ambassador between groups and the instructor, but the recorder is usually reporting what has been documented, not presenting the group’s ideas and conclusions like the Facilitator does.
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The Recorder is a key role in staying organized, therefore an organized individual with an eye for detail should be in this position. This person is organized to the point that you can trust that they will not lose documentation, and they can organize notes, papers, and decisions in a way that is accessible to everyone in the group when needed. The attention to detail will be crucial if the documentation or meeting notes are to be helpful. If their notes are usually small phrases that do not mean anything outside of context, then they will not be a helpful Recorder. If you’re expected to report your project’s process, then it is even more crucial that th the Recorder does not lose paperwork and keeps it organized. Being the Recorder is a time consuming role and does not necessarily need to — or should — be paired up with another role. If you must assign another role to the Recorder, then assign the Goal Keeper role. Because they are aware of deadlines and tasks, it will naturally let this person make sure that team members stay on tasks on goals, and not get caught up in details. They could also be the Harmonizer, but since the Harmonizer is the backup member that takes on additional tasks when needed, it could immensely stress out a busy Recorder. Only trust a Recorder to also be a Harmonizer if they have the time to be that additional role.
The Explorer This role is probably the most fun and creative, unlike the Recorder that is very objective and the Facilitator that is more serious. The Explorer is responsible for seeking untapped potential in situations and people. They explore ideas and encourage imagination, alternative perspectives and ideas, and play the role of Devil’s Advocate. They raise constructive objections that help build a better solution. Do not mistake this as a role to be annoying or counter-productive. This role is to help growth in a conversation instead of saying “yes” to the first idea that comes to mind. A person in this role should not be afraid of confrontation and should be somewhat well-versed in — or at least better associated than their team members — debate and other perspectives. They should think progressively and not be afraid to rock the boat. This person should be easy to compromise with and should not be too stubborn, but stubborn enough to push something that could lead to a better answer for your group. This role can easily be paired with other roles except for the Harmonizer. The Explorer is specifically meant to cause a little bit of chaos for growth; it does not fit to have the Harmonizer — the role meant for compromise — also be this role since an identity crisis will occur frequently. This role will also not work with Goal Keeper since the Explorer will get caught up in details quickly and often when thinking of ways to improve the group’s solutions.
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The Harmonizer As you can probably assume, the Harmonizer tries to maintain group harmony. This includes creating a positive, collaborative atmosphere for the team and working out compromises to reach consensus on issues. This person is also the backup member that fills in for miscellaneous tasks or missing members when necessary. This role is rather straightforward, but has a very unpredictable workload since you never know when you’ll be needed. The person in this role should be flexible in matters of time availability, skills, and opinion. This member should be the most open-minded of the group — much like the Explorer, but not in the creative way and more in the way of finding ways to make everyone happy — and should be a generally nice person. This role is about positivity, so try to have an optimistic person open to compromise. A s the Harmonizer, you will usually be able to take on any other role except for the Explorer like we previously discussed. The Explorer is designed to create new and different solutions, not to compromise and combine them like the Harmonizer. The Harmonizer could take into account the Explorer’s new ideas when making compromises, so these roles work best separated.
The Goal Keeper As the Goal Keeper, your job is to help the Facilitator in making sure the discussion stays on track. This role specifically makes sure that the group focuses on the most important issues instead of getting distracted by small or insignificant details. The Goal Keeper also ensures that each member understands what’s being discussed and the conclusions that the group has reached. This role is similar to how the Facilitator will moderate conversation, but the Goal Keeper isn’t fully directing the conversation like the Facilitator would. As the Goal Keeper, this team member will have to be present and paying attention in meeting discussions, which can be harder for some and easier for others. The Goal Keeper should also be good with re-iterating concepts and conclusions. Since this role is rather simple, it is commonly paired with every other role except for Explorer. Since the Explorer likes to delve into the details that could be improved, the Goal Keeper would keep that person in check to make sure the group, as a whole, isn’t deviating too far from the main conversation or getting caught up in something that hasn’t even been decided in the first place.
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Roles, delegation, and organization is vital in a group project. When a group is unorganized, documentation becomes easily lost, scheduling becomes harder, and meetings become less productive — leading to wasted time. Delegating tasks to each of these roles will help a team divide and conquer projects that would ordinarily be too big for a single person to take on. Assigning group roles helps in giving freeloaders something to do, makes the controlling perfectionists let go of some of the tasks as it’s not in their job description, and gives a sigh of relief to the passionate students that typically end up doing all of the work.
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The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
DEAR GIRLS getting distracted from your goals WRITTEN BY BARRETT YUEH | KABALEVSKYS EDITED BY CAROLYN HSU | STUDIIX L AYOUT BY DINDA ISNI | DIAXLR
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The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
Dear fellow girls (and everyone else, but mostly girls), He’s not as great as you think he is. In the words of Michelle Obama, “There is no boy cute enough or interesting enough to stop you from getting your education.” I adopted this philosophy the summer before ninth grade, vowing never to allow myself to be as weak as my middle school self, who spent three years chasing after a boy instead of studying. Girls — especially those beginning high school and are only just starting out on the rocky road of teenagerhood — this piece of advice will change a lot of things: Life gets better when you stop thinking about them as a love interest. Believe me. My mother told me this year after year as soon as I started middle school, and I never really listened to her until now. Not to be dramatic, but I basically spent this entire year chasing after a boy. When I think about the things I did because of him, they’re obviously not all bad. I didn’t really change my personality negatively — in fact, crushing on him probably benefited me in some ways. But I definitely wouldn’t say that obsessing over him and what he thought of me was positive and at times, it sent me on downward spirals that affected my health and already dismal grades. I liked this boy — and maybe I still do, a little — for a multitude of reasons. He’s smart. He was the concertmaster in the school orchestra. He ranked 6th out of over 500 in the senior class. He’s starting his freshman year at Vanderbilt with a major in political science. He might run for president one day. He thinks it’s cute when girls can speak multiple languages. He loves the arts so much more than the sciences. He likes to listen to Mahler symphonies at night when he’s feeling upset and tired. We share a lot in common, which is probably why I started crushing on him in the first place. But these things about him wouldn’t change if he were my boyfriend or someone else’s. It doesn’t matter whether he’s dating me, another girl, or another guy. He’d still be the same person, with these same qualities. Just because he might date another girl doesn’t mean we can’t still text each other at 2:00 AM with burning questions about classical music.
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The idea of having a boyfriend is appealing because we view it as a status symbol. It fulfills our own personal desires for validation, telling other people that we are something to be coveted and admired. When my friends talk about their boyfriends, it establishes that they are attractive, with lovable personalities and qualities. But no matter what people might tell you, you don’t need a boyfriend for that. You don’t need a boyfriend to be an attractive person or have lovable qualities. A boyfriend is not the only person who can care about you. Having a boy friend is, for a number of reasons, much more fun than having a boyfriend. It’s important that you have someone who cares about and notices little things in your mood and well-being who isn’t connected to you romantically. The probability of a messy break-up happening between the two of you when you’re friends is much lower than when you’re a couple. Last month at orchestra rehearsal, he saw me noticeably upset due to an English paper I was working on. He came up behind me, rubbed my shoulders for a few seconds, and asked, “Is everything alright?” I nodded. He clapped me on the shoulder and left. A couple minutes later, I started tearing up, the inevitability of another late night and the stress of approaching exams finally beginning to show itself. As rehearsal was resuming, I heard him call my name from across the stage. When I turned around, he raised his eyebrows at me and mouthed, “You okay?” Even though I clearly wasn’t okay, I wiped my eyes and nodded again. I didn’t want to rope him into feeling bad for me. Most of the time, people don’t feel like dealing with someone who’s completely losing it. If they run to comfort you, it’s probably because they feel bad and obligated to, or because you’re “friends,” and they’ll pat you on the back simply and say, “It’s okay,” twenty times. I figured this boy was no different and that he was more invested in returning to rehearsal on time. Instead of waving it off, he crossed the stage, touched my shoulder, turned me around, pulled my laptop out of my hands, and wrapped his arms around me. Needless to say, I started sobbing into his shoulder. And instead of leaving me alone,
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he sat me down, rubbed my back, and handed me a bottle of water. He didn't simply sit by and watch, either — when he saw my hands shaking, he opened the water and held it in between sips for me. Knowing that neither of us were supremely interested in pursuing anything, it felt so much better to cry into his shirt. I wasn’t worrying about whether he would find me too much to handle. I wasn’t afraid that he would break up with me because he found my emotional instability unattractive or weird. Later that night, he texted me to say, “It’s pretty clear you’re going through a rough time right now, which, considering your baseline, means you’re wading through some deep stuff. I just want you to know that I care for you and want the best for you.” He followed this up a few weeks ago, when we were talking late at night and he said, “Sometimes I feel strong affection towards you as a sibling, and sometimes it feels like romantic love. Mostly I just want you to know I care a lot about you.” Should I have been crushed that, despite his confession of what sounded somewhat close to love, he basically compared me to his sister? I could have been — even though I told myself over and over that I wasn’t interested in him, I often let him distract me from my work. But it was a bit easier for me to bear that “like a sister” comparison when I was already bordering on the same mixed feelings as he was: I feared the loss of our friendship more than I coveted the idea of dating him, which is why I never told him I liked him. Finding out that we shared that same friendly but deep affection and respect for each other finally convinced me fully that it was okay to just be friends with him. fo When you decide that you’re just friends, the fear that anything you do might be perceived as desperate or trying too hard to impress disappears. The day after our conversation, I wasn’t so cautious around him at our Junior Statesmen meeting at lunch. I asked if he wanted to come to chemistry with me afterwards. He did. He hugged me before he left for his class. Instead of thinking, “He’s hugging me! Is everyone seeing this? I hope someone says we’d make a cute couple,” I was thinking, “God, I hope everyone can see that we’re really, really good friends.” Later that afternoon, he texted me to say, “You seemed happier today. It was cute.” I felt good about af that message not because he was complimenting me, but because it told me that he was tuned into little details about me and cared how I felt. As soon as I stopped thinking about him in terms of “crush” and “boyfriend,” I felt better about myself. I liberated myself from the constant pressure of doing something
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that would attract his attention, which by extension liberated me from constantly wondering what he thought about me. And perhaps most importantly, I was able to fully enjoy his value as a friend. Sure, maybe I’m romanticizing and glorifying this idea of having a boy friend a little. But seriously — you get to appreciate someone so much more when they’re not just a crush. It was gratifying so many months ago when people would ask if we were dating, but now I find it just as satisfying to tell them, “No, he and I are just really good friends.” So believe me when I say this: life gets better when you stop thinking of them as a love interest. It’s still okay if you let yourself get distracted. I went through the first two years of high school thinking I would never let such a thing happen to me, and here I am, getting over this boy. Over the course of the last school year and this summer, I’ve come to realize that I feel the most comfortable with boys when I ask them for advice, not validation. The boys that I will probably never date — whether it’s because of age, distance, or some other factor — have all given me some of the most meaningful advice in my life. Don’t ever let yourself think that your crush or boyfriend is more important than your aspirations for the future. Remember Michelle Obama’s words — she’s right, you know. as You are so much better than to simply be someone’s girlfriend. Let people know you by your name, not by your boyfriend’s. Good luck this year in school! — Barrett.
!
g o g
s irl
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The qualities of the optimal study space, in many aspects, vary from one individual to another. People learn and focus in radically different environments. Everyone has access to different resources. Your preferences, moreover — for music or silence, warmth or coolness, bright or soft light — will affect how you choose to use them. Some ideals, however, are universal. Of utmost importance is the elimination of distractions. A custom-built library will do you no good if you spend your time checking your feed or texting. Unless commotion helps you concentrate, make an effort to stay away from hectic communal spots or TV screens. Charge your phone somewhere else, or install an app which restricts your access. If you have family members or friends in the habit of disturbing you, establish your study space as one where you are left alone. It is necessary to have access to essential resources. A good source of light such as a window for the day and a desk lamp with a good bulb for the evening is vital to enabling work as well as creating a pleasant environment. If you are using your computer or other electronics, you probably need an electrical outlet and an internet connection. Equally important are a comfortable desk and an chair which encourage good posture as well as comfort. If your chair gives you cramps after an hour of sitting, you're not going to enjoy spending hours there reviewing. In order to avoid having to stand up frequently to search for them, it is helpful to locate a receptacle such as a shelf or cupboard for books and supplies nearby.
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Keep in mind the activities you associate with places. A simple relocation can improve concentration enormously, because if you make a habit of doing things in certain places, your brain will remember this and you will feel like continuing the activity whenever you return. This is why when you go to bed, you might feel sleepy, or why when you sit down on the couch, you might turn on the TV without thinking about it. You naturally build automatic sequences of behavior when you repeat them over and over. Optimally, you will form just this sort of association between your study Op space and doing work so that it is natural to open a book when you sit down. Try to separate your study space from your other daily activities. When you have selected somewhere to work, be it the end of the kitchen table or a quiet room, all the supplies necessary to studying should be consolidated and organized there. You probably carry many of these, such as pens, notebooks, and a laptop in your backpack. Others might include heavy textbooks, filler paper, highlighters, and something to occupy your hands with if you are prone to fiddling.
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In addition to such necessities, there are many ways to make your study space cheerful and comfortable. A cushion can double as a splash of color and a comfortable addition to your chair. Tea lights or fairy lights, cheaply bought after the christmas season, can contribute both to lighting and, less quantifiably, to atmosphere. An easily cared-for plant such as a succulent can add a bit of nature to any space. Setting Handcrafts, a great occupation na for study breaks, make lovely, personal decorations.
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When you sit down, keep a glass of water at hand to stay hydrated, and a healthy study snack. While such delicacies as parfaits or sushi are both aesthetically pleasing and delicious, they are also apt to distract you or ruin your papers should you spill them. Finger foods such as granola, pretzels, or dried fruit allow you to nibble without giving them too much attention or leaving splashes on your papers. When you have established a sustainable study habit, it is not difficult to transport its framework wherever you go. It is possible to study virtually anywhere without much equipment; a good pair of earphones can give you the sounds or absence there of you need, and a few pens, papers, and your water bottle are all you need carry to take notes, fill out a worksheet, or memorize a vocabulary list.
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competitive surviving in
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environments
Before we even reach middle school, every student hears these words at least once: “we’re all winners!” In a society where we place emphasis on being our best and raising the next generation to be better than the last, everybody wants to be on top — but we learn at a young age that not everyone can be. We are first introduced to the concept of competition through spelling bees, talent shows, and science fairs, and it only gets tougher after elementary school. Students are encouraged to “find their passion” as soon as possible, and are often pressured to specialize in certain activities. As we get older, things we do for fun such as playing an instrument or ac participating in sports become more selective. Competition is everywhere whether we are applying for jobs or scholarships, auditioning for marching band, or submitting a portfolio for review. Even in environments that are not designed to be competitive, such as classrooms, students can feel alienated if they struggle in certain areas where their peers excel. The pressure to be perfect is pervasive in every walk of life — but how do we get off this insidious path and back to greener pastures?
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Prepare yourself beforehand Preparation looks different for every student. You may need to study more if you’re participating in an academic competition, or you might have a pre-game ritual during a sports season. As soon as you find out information that is relevant to your goal, you should start preparing as soon as possible. Write down ideas, set up a binder or notebook to store information, or watch videos to learn new facts or see what wh previous competitors have accomplished.
Work with a team This may seem obvious if you’re an athlete, but working with others can improve your experience in the long run. Most schools and workplaces aim to cultivate cooperative competition, where team members push each other to be more productive. Unfortunately, some environments tend to foster individualism, and giving or receiving help from the competition is seen as wrong. This is the opposite of the truth, and there are many people who can assist you tr including coaches, teachers, trainers, fellow students, and family. They may serve as mentors on your journey and/or provide emotional support or resources to help you succeed. Having a support system may also be necessary if there are a number of barriers between you and your goal. The Washington Post reports that 70 percent of kids stop playing sports by age thirteen due to fewer opportunities to play because of socioeconomic status. There are also class disparities in other activities such as Speech & Debate or robotics, where students often have to pay for travel and supplementary materials in addition to hefty tr registration fees. However, the increasing success of online fundraisers shows the power of communities coming together to help one another, and proves that collective efforts yield the best results!
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Motivate yourself and we need to challenge the idea that making mistakes means you don’t deserve to be where you are. Making it to the school spelling bee was a symbol of my perseverance and strength in the class spelling bee, and that strength took me further in the future; I won the school spelling bee on two subsequent occasions after my initial mishap.
It is difficult to tackle challenges head-on when we are not motivated to do so. Many people emphasize the importance of discipline in academia, but entering a contest, applying for college, or performing at a sports event are not like completing an assignment. While forcing yourself to sit down and work is sometimes necessary, if you’re constantly wishing you were somewhere else, you may need to reevaluate your motives. Remember why you started in the re first place: are you trying to attend your dream school? Do you want the scholarship that comes with a certain award? Do you want to receive recognition for your art or writing? Are you doing this for someone else, and are you happy to do this for them?
Taking risks is the only way to foster growth. This will be an anxiety-ridden feat, and sometimes doubt will rear its ugly head. However, even if things don’t go your way, you will surely walk away with new knowledge and a story to tell. So, go ahead - try out for that sports team. Enter that art competition. Apply for that literary magazine (and/or The Academic!). Remember not to beat yourself up for any shortcomings. an
Even when you remember what your goal is, you may run into moments of self-doubt or frustration. This is when you make incentives: if I finish this task, I can spend time on social media. I can watch TV or Netflix. I can bake myself a giant cake.
And lastly,
Be kind to others who are going through this fight with you
Listening to music or writing down affirmations can also keep you on track.
This may refer to the people on your side — friends, family, and teammates — or people on the other side. Competitive environments can take a toll on one’s health, especially if you have been competing for a long period of time. Don’t take out your frustration on others or take advantage of them for your own personal gain.
Don’t be afraid to take chances When I was in third grade, I entered the school spelling bee. My first word was simile, and it caught me off guard because I couldn’t remember how to spell it! I stood at the microphone for a long time, fearful of messing up. Instead of taking the chance of being wrong, I opted to say nothing at all.
Always remember to thank the people on your side for the hard work they do, and celebrate how far you’ve traveled together. Competition can sometimes bring out the worst in us, but it can also bring out the best in us. It cultivates creativity as well as challenges us to improve ourselves and our work ethic. We can learn from our mistakes and learn how to communicate our needs and wants in order to get the th best outcome. Most importantly, we form important connections with others that lead to happiness, success, and growth in the future.
My spelling bee experience was not unique in our overly competitive society. Environments centered around winning at all costs send the message that anything less than first place is not good enough. This motivates some people to lie, cheat, and steal in order to get ahead. Feelings of inadequacy fester in those from all walks of life, and dually so for members of less privileged groups such as women and people of color. In Reshma Saujani’s TED Talk, wo she describes how the girls in her coding class would prefer to have nothing to show than present a code with mistakes in it. This story is similar to my day at the spelling bee —
So maybe the statement is true: we really are all winners in the end.
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upgrade your
notes WWWWWWW
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The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
You’ve been taking notes for as long as you’ve been in school, but have you ever wondered if you could make them better? Despite being such a basic part of learning, taking effective notes can be challenging. Whether you can’t keep up with your fast-talking teacher, you have a hard time distinguishing the key points from the rest of the material, or you simply write your notes and forget them, there is a way to upgrade your notes so they work for you. When taking notes, you have a lot of options before you even start writing. There are two main styles of notes: handwritten and digital. Handwriting notes is the more traditional method, and is said to improve the retention of information because it forces you to slow down and process the material as you write. Taking notes digitally has become popular recently, largely due to the convenience of carrying one laptop vs. five notebooks to school each day. Each method has its merits, so the option you choose is ultimately a matter of preference and determining what works best for each class.
handwritten styles Outline style notes are the most basic and common type. Main topics and points are listed next to numbers or bullet points, with supporting information indented below them. This method works well for anytime that you need to quickly make notes without taking time to set them up. Outline notes are tried and true, and work well for most applications. Cornell style notes require a bit of prior set up, but they can be very useful for complicated subjects that require reviewing your notes shortly after class. With a ruler, the page is divided into three sections — the first, a long and skinny portion on the left side of the page, is for main points and keywords. The largest box is next to the keyword section, which is reserved for the main portion of notes taken in-class. Below the two of these is a section for you to summarize the lesson after class. Because this method forces you to critically review your notes twice in order to identify key points and provide a summary of the information, it can be very beneficial in helping you to retain important information. Mind maps are great for connecting complicated ideas. They take longer to write than linear styles, and may be best suited for taking notes from textbooks when you can take your time creating them. Mind maps begin with the central idea or main point in the center of the page, and branch out into supporting ideas and evidence, connected by lines and often supplemented with illustrations or graphs.
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digital styles There are a number of different apps and methods that allow you to take notes digitally. By taking notes on your laptop or tablet, you open of the possibilities of easy storing, searching, sharing, and collaborating. Different apps cater to different needs, so it’s definitely worth it to do some research before downloading. One option is to forgo the app route altogether and use the word processor that you already use for papers and essays. You can take outline style notes without too much fuss, and organize them by creating a file for each class and clearly labeling each file. You can search within documents, but that’s about the only special feature that this basic method offers. Google Docs is another easy way to take notes that you’re likely already using to some capacity. While it doesn’t have many formatting options, it makes it super simple to collaborate and share notes with classmates and team members. You also don’t have to worry about files taking up space on your hard drive, me and you can easily view files from any device. If you choose to got the app route, OneNote is a popular option because it allows you to draw and highlight along with a number of other formatting options. Like Google Docs, you can easily view and search for notes on any device that you have downloaded the app to. Another app is Evernote, which allows you to add photos and more to your notes, but the most interesting feature is that you can search everything, including handwritten notes. Many Evernote features are reserved for the plus and premium plans, which start at $5 a month. If you want a lot of flexibility and have files and other materials you want to include in your notes, the charge could be worth it. On the other ma hand, Simplenote takes a minimalist approach to the notetaking game. All the features are completely free; you can take simple notes, search through tags, and sync across devices in a straightforward and no-frills fashion. Most apps offer trial periods or free access to their basic features, so you can test them out before making the commitment to upgrade.
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With so many different styles and apps to choose from your notes can finally get the upgrade that they deserve. Experiment with different styles for different classes until you find the perfect system for you so that you can finally get the most out of the most old school study method there is.
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COLLEGE
PROFILES WWWWWWW
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Allyson Arrogante | allydsgn
University of the Incarnate Word Basic Info
Financial Aid Information
a. Medium-sized (about 4,500 students on main campus), about 60% female b. Private catholic university c. San Antonio, Texas
The school offers merit-based scholarships by considering your weighted GPA (which includes GPA multipliers from AP and other advanced programs), SAT (critical reading and math) scores, and/or ACT scores. There are also Athletic, Catholic High School, and Performing/Fine Arts Scholarships available. The average cost for full-time tuition is about $27,000 per year and the merit scholarships are renewed every ev year as long as you maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Popular Majors a. b. c. d.
Nursing Business - They have a 5-year Masters program Biology and the general sciences The graphic design major is small but is very involved in local events and is well known in local competitions for awards, participation, and attendance.
The Presidential scholarship ($12,000 per year) High school GPA of 3.9 ACT score of 26 OR SAT score of 1186 ii. The Dean’s Scholarship ($11,000 per year) High school GPA of 3.74 ACT score of 23 OR SAT score of 1077 iii. Distinguished Scholar Award ($10,000 per year) High school GPA of 3.57 ACT score of 20 OR SAT score of 952 iv. Achievement Award ($8,000 per year) High school GPA of 3.29 ACT score of 18 OR SAT score of 865 i.
Living Requirements You do not have to live on campus for any given amount of time.
Why do you love this school? Even though this school is easy to get into and has many opportunities for financial aid, it is a beautiful university that tests your diligence and offers a great college experience. As a private catholic university, the faculty are heavily concerned with personal growth, diversity, culture, and faith as well as education. The university also supports all kinds of faiths, not just Catholicism, since there are many transfer students from sister schools around the world. If you're religious, you can attend mass in the school's chapel and the university provides time for religious holidays and practices. However, you are never pressured to participate or looked down upon if you're not religious. With the average class size being about 20 students, it’s easy to reach up professors, make friends, concentrate, and ask questions. The campus is lively with events, but isn’t too distracting or big to the extent where you feel like a number rather than a name. Specific majors are also very well known in the San Antonio area and local businesses will specifically pull students from the school’s programs.
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Gabrielle Drong | collegerefs
University of Dallas Basic Info
Financial Aid Information
a. Small (about 2,800 undergraduates) (56% female) b. Private liberal arts school c. Irving, Texas — about 10 minutes from the city of Dallas
The school offers merit based scholarships based on high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores. i.
Popular Majors
ii. iii. iv. v.
a. Business b. English c. Biological Sciences
Living Requirements
Trustee's Scholarship ($30,000 per year) Full tuition for students with a 1600 SAT or 36 ACT President's Scholarship ($24,000 per year) Provost's Scholarship ($22,000 per year) Dean's Scholarship ($18,000 per year) Founder's Award ($8,000 per year)
The school also offers other scholarships based on specific departments, IB students, children of an alumni, study abroad scholarships, and many others.
All freshman and sophomores must live on campus.
Why do you love this school? The University of Dallas is an accredited college that is heavily focused on shaping well rounded students. Much like certain Ivy Leagues, students are required to study the Core, which are specific classes in English, History, the sciences, Philosophy, and Economics. These courses are significant and incredibly insightful no matter what your major may be, allowing one to learn to think differently and look at subjects in ways they haven't before. The University of Dallas also has a strong study abroad program and almost all students participate in it. With their own campus in Rome, the university provides up to 18 credit hours abroad of Core classes, meaning that students won’t be behind and need to stay for an extra semester if they decide to go to Rome. th With a 10:1 student/faculty ratio, you are well known and understood by your professors, and it’s hard to feel lost or forgotten.
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Amanda | amandaengineers
Texas A&M University Basic Info a. Over 66,000 students b. College Station, Texas
Why do you love this school?
Popular Majors
Texas A&M is especially great because of its traditions. The school is known for things like Midnight Yell, Silver Taps, Bonfire, and Muster. We also have the Aggie Ring, which is earned after completing 90 credit hours. It is said that the ring makes way for many job opportunities, because you basically wear your credentials on your hand. We also have ha a great Alumni network. A&M is also a very friendly campus: once you're an Aggie, you're family.
a. Dwight Look College of Engineering i. over 15,000 students b. Mays Business School
Living Requirements None, unless you're a Terry Scholar or in the Honors Program.
Financial Aid Information Financial aid and merit scholarships
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Hannah Leigh | nightsnaps
Azusa Pacific University Basic Info a. Total enrollment: 10,020 b. Private university c. Southern California
Why do you love this school? The community atmosphere of APU can’t be beat. As part of a student body of approximately 5,000 undergraduates, you get really close to people and have at least heard of everyone you aren’t friends with. There’s a way for everyone to get involved, whether it’s clubs, residence life, or your major. The student-to-faculty ratio is pretty low, so almost all of your yo professors will know you by name. It’s also easy to get involved in fun stuff outside of your major. For example, I’ve been a TA twice for the
Popular Majors a. Nursing b. Psychology c. Business
Living Requirements Freshman & sophomores who don’t have home addresses within a 20 mile radius must live on campus (but there are ways to get around the rule. We have a big commuter presence on campus!)
History & Political Science department, and my majors are Elementary Ed & Humanities.
Financial Aid Information APU is around $38k/year, but luckily they are very generous with financial aid, grants, & loans. I finance over 75% of my education on merit-based scholarships, take out a small loan each year, and pay the rest as I go. It’s super manageable and they are willing to make a plan with you.
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L ayout by Allyson Arrogante | allydsgn
The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
Dining Hall Hacks: Eating Healthy at School WWWWWWW
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Dining hall, cafeteria, lunchroom — regardless of what you call it, the choices you make there have a considerable influence on your health. In fact, if you’re looking to make a few lifestyle changes, this is the perfect place to start. A healthy life is equal parts diet and exercise, meaning that multiple decisions at mealtime can impact your body both mentally and physically. Here are some pointers for any student struggling with their food choices, whether it’s at high school or college. You’ve heard it a million times: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Whether you’re rushing to pick up a quick meal on your way to class or taking your time to sit and enjoy it, having a healthy, filling breakfast can get you on track for a great day. As your body wakes up, the food groups you should be looking to cover are fruits, protein, and dairy. If you’re in a hurry, do yourself a favor and avoid the classic “cereal in a cup” breakfast. Eating too much sugar at breakfast will likely cause you to crash not long after. The last thing you need is an accidental nap na in your morning class! Instead of the high-sugar cereals that you can find in countless dining halls, try to grab whole-wheat toast, a piece of fruit, or even a healthy yogurt that you can eat on your way to class. Your body will show its gratitude as you find yourself alert and focused when it matters most.
Dining hall hack: If you have a mug or cup around, bring it with you to breakfast and make your own parfait. Layer yogurt, fruit, and granola to your liking, grab a spoon, and enjoy on your way to class!
Few students have a large amount of time for breakfast — sleep is important, we get it! However, if you can find some time to sit and eat a proper meal, your breakfast options increase tremendously. Although not every cafeteria has options that allow you to construct your own unique breakfast, many have tools such as sandwich stations, cereal bars, panini presses, and blenders. If you have access to these items, take advantage of them so that you can create a healthy culinary masterpiece of your own.
Dining hall hack: Try making your own breakfast sandwich with an English muffin or toast (whole-wheat if possible!), eggs, cheese, ham, or whatever else you like! Making your own is typically much healthier than buying one from a fast-food restaurant. If your dining hall has a panini press, try making your sandwich into a crispy, warm meal.
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As you eat your breakfast, remember to hydrate. Water is essential for countless bodily functions, and it can also help you perform your best by keeping you awake and attentive. If you live in a hot climate or lead a more active lifestyle, water is an even more crucial part of every meal.
Dining hall hack: Try giving your water some flavor by adding fruits like lemon slices, pineapple, or even strawberries. Make sure you wash the fruit before putting it in your water!
When lunchtime rolls around, it’s easy to gravitate towards carb-loaded comfort foods like pizza and pasta. Instead, get creative and try building the perfect salad. Don’t limit yourself to what’s at the salad bar — you can find great additions elsewhere, such as turkey from a sandwich station or even fruit and nuts from wherever they are located in your dining hall. A personalized salad is often times more delicious and exciting than a plain, pre-packaged one you can find in a cafeteria. If you eat dinner at school, make sure your plate has plenty of protein and vegetables to help your body recover from the day. Take your time eating, too, as eating slower is beneficial to healthy digestion. If you sit down to eat dinner, you have an opportunity to reflect on your day and possibly even chat with friends and classmates. As always, avoid sugary drinks at dinner and stick to water or milk. If you’re still hungry between meals or after dinner, sugary desserts like ice cream and cookies are unfortunately everywhere in school dining halls. As tempting as they can be, you should try your best to avoid them. We all need our sugar fix every once in a while, but if you’re committed to eating healthy in your cafeteria, don’t let your sweet rewards become part of your routine. If you’re craving sugar but still want to avoid the processed junk food, try curing your sweet tooth with some fruit. Berries, such as strawberries and raspberries, make a great after-school snack or dessert replacement. Also, be sure to drink a glass of water with your treat — it will keep your body running smoothly as well as fill you up and curb further cravings. ru
Next time you find yourself in your school’s dining hall, remember these tips and don’t forget to be creative!
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Whether you're going to college, already there, or you’re simply interested in learning how to cook for yourself, acquiring the skill to cook is essential. Going into college, I knew absolutely nothing about cooking and had to learn soon after I got off of the school’s meal plan. Although it may seem challenging at first, cooking for yourself is definitely possible!
Stick to Basics
When buying food, make sure to find some meat such as chicken or ground beef or a vegan substitute, along with other simple foods such as beans, rice, cheese, tortillas, veggies, fruits, lettuce, potatoes, and a pasta. This way you can have a nice mix of protein and other foods. When I first began to cook, I had no idea how to even cook chicken, but it requires no work at all. It can be easily done by baking it in the oven or simply putting it in a pan on the stove. Because chicken is so easy to make it is difficult to mess up and undercook it. I still would recommend checking it with a meat thermometer, however! I recommend having one main dish that needs to be cooked for your meal, such as your pasta or your protein. It helps to have a side that can be easily prepared such as a salad so you do not need to cook multiple things at once. The times that I messed up in the beginning were the times I was too distracted on making other foods. Once you become comfortable with creating your meal, I definitely recommend cooking more at once!
Instructions
I learned how to cook simply by googling “easy ways to cook potatoes” and looking at directions. Having a set time to cook your meal, whether on the stove or the oven, makes all the difference. I had clear and easy instructions and all I had to do was follow them. The internet is definitely your friend and can help immensely with recipes. Places like allrecipes.com have thousands of great recipes that are perfect for beginners. I also recommend reading the pe comments on certain recipes because people adjust them or suggest a better cooking time.
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Apps There are multiple apps that exist solely for assisting with cooking and are great for beginners. •
BigOven — features numerous recipes, a space for a grocery list, and a weekly organizer that helps plan for meals. You can also connect with friends and family members and look at what they’re making.
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Yummly — tailors recipes to your specifications whether you are vegan, have a food allergy, don’t like certain ingredients, etc.
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SideChef — great for beginner cooks; provides step by step instructions with photos, videos, and timers. It also converts the ingredients based on the serving size you put in
Don’t be Afraid! Cooking can seem daunting, and you may be afraid to mess up because of the amount of money that you spent on buying food. However, you will never know how simple it can be until you try. If you’re afraid to cook you may be missing out on a great meal. Remember to keep the benefits in mind. If you’re cooking for yourself you will eat healthier and save money. Taking the first step can be difficult, but there are resources available everywhere for di first timers. By starting with easier recipes and slowly building to larger or more complicated dishes, you’ll come to understand your preferences and strengths. Good luck and happy cooking!
Ask for Help
I would not have been brave enough to begin cooking if it wasn’t for my roommates. They showed me their secrets and easier ways to make certain foods. Calling parents to ask them for a recipe and instructions will brighten their day while also giving you something tasty to enjoy. I absolutely recommend asking someone who can guide you through the process and be there so you know you’re doing everything right, such as a roommate or friend. Just their ev presence can make you feel more confident and you can ask them about any questions you might have. You also can have a meal together after and have some bonding time.
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?!# s t re s s
management tips As the new school year approaches, stress becomes an inevitable part of life. Since we could all use a little help in overcoming stress, we asked the following question to readers and staff: What do you like to do when you’re feeling stressed?
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The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
sydney’s tips •
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Write it down. When you feel like your thoughts are running a million miles an hour, take a few minutes to write down everything you’re thinking and feeling. You can do this any way you’d like — personally, I separate a piece of paper into the following categories: “school,” “friends,” “work,” and “miscellaneous.” I then jot down my thoughts in the appropriate section. With this th method, you’ll find that all of your thoughts and ideas are organized, making this strategy both calming and efficient!
Get outside. There are countless studies that show that our bodies and minds react positively to being in nature. Weather permitting, try going for a walk or just taking a few deep breaths outside the next time you feel overwhelmed. Bonus points if you bring a friend, family member, or even a pet!
— boardingschoolblr
abby’s tips
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Plan your day. If you’re stressed because you feel like you have more things to do than you have time to do them, a quick planning session can make a huge difference. Once you can see how all of your tasks fit together, you can get to work without worrying that you’re forgetting something important.
•
Talk it out. Whether it’s your best friend, your mom, or your dog, talking to someone about everything that’s going on in your life can be really therapeutic. They can offer advice or just let you vent, but either way, talking about your worries out loud can help you to let go of some of that stress.
— universi-tea
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allyson’s tips
•
Create a list. If you’re feeling stressed because you’re overwhelmed from all of your assignments or random tasks that you need to do, then it’s best to list them out! Seeing everything broken down into tasks will help you determine what to do first and how much time everything will take. Laying it out will ease the idea of being overwhelmed, especially once you stick to your game plan and start checking off all of your tasks! ga
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Get clean. Physically cleaning can also help clean out your mental clutter! Clean off your desk or workspace and only have out what you need. Then freshen up in the bathroom with cold water or a shower to help you stay awake and feel ready to tackle anything.
— allydsgn
barrett’s tips •
Talk to your teachers. If you get stressed easily or have anxiety or depression, talk to your teachers. Explain what’s going on to them — they might have been in your shoes, or at the very least they’ve had other students working through the same issues. If you explain that you’re trying and that you’re not just blowing off their class, teachers are more likely to accommodate you through late deadlines and, in some ac instances, extended or postponed tests.
•
Get yourself some music. Whether you prefer to play or listen, music is a good way to allow yourself to take a step back from your work and relax. At my highest stress levels during my junior year, I spent hours at a time pounding out my angst on the piano. Although I wouldn’t recommend crowding out your studies with listening to music or practicing your instrument, it’s a healthy way to calm yourself down in and reset your brain.
— kabalevskys
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The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
L ayout by Allyson Arrogante | allydsgn
The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
Dealing with
Roommates Living with roommates can be a drastic change for many, as one is used to their own methods, quirks, and schedules. When two or more people are living together, differences may cause frustration and can quickly lead to an unhealthy living situation if issues aren’t resolved. In order to make living with others easier, there are many things that should be taken into account. WWWWWWW
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Respect
It’s important for there to be a mutual feeling of respect for the roommates in the space, which means that everyone’s preferences and lifestyles should be respected. For example, if a roommate can’t stand a messy kitchen, others should recognize that and take care of their dishes in a timely manner in order to make everyone happy. Doing dishes immediately has no negatives; it helps maintain a good environment and keeps all other roommates comfortable. Respect also includes having respect for the shared living space. If all the roommates respect the apartment or dorm, then the roommates will take good care of it and make sure not to damage, ruin, or let it become overly messy. In order go to understand each other, it is necessary to sit down with everyone and establish their likes and dislikes, their cleanliness preferences, and any other concerns they may have. These might include feeling uncomfortable if there is alcohol in the space or other similar situations. While not everything can be catered to, compromise will help everyone feel comfortable and have established boundaries for shared living.
Issues
When people live together in a shared (and often small) space, there are bound to be issues and problems that arise. It is vital to confront these issues immediately and come up with a solution. Confrontation always helps, as it will allow one to express their frustrations, understand where the other person is coming from, and work on doing better. Passive aggression makes it hard to live with someone and creates an uncomfortable environment. The space should be welcoming to come back to at the end of the day, not a place that causes stress. While it seems scary to tell someone that they are doing something that bothers you, it can only help the situation. They may not realize what they were doing, or that it even upset you. The mutual respect held for each other will allow both people to move on with no hard feelings. Confrontation must be face to face and should be a conversation rather than an accusation. Leaving notes or dropping hints about behavior does not work, and often will lead to hard feelings because of lack of communication. If a roommate does not listen after confrontation, especially multiple times, try to recognize where they are coming from. However, if it is something that bothers you greatly and they aren’t willing to compromise, it may be wise to think about a new living situation for the next semester or once your lease is up. A roommate that is not willing to listen will only result in an uncomfortable living situation and lead to disagreements and resentment.
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Friendship vs Roommate
Sometimes one may room with a close friend, or a roommate may become a good friend. While this is perfectly fine and often incredibly fun, it is still important to recognize that those roommate duties still exist. When people become close, it is easier to slack on certain chores or responsibilities because they are your friend. However, lack of accountability will still create issues and will build resentment. Instead of only having a roommate problem, you may also have a friendship problem. It’s important to remember the distinction between the two and always be courteous of your roommates. If any issues arise involving the roommate relationship, it is even more important to try to look for a resolution in order to make sure it does not affect the friendship. Maturity and self-awareness really help, and if both parties acknowledge the possible difficulties there it will improve both relationships.
Chores
Every roommate should have equal responsibility when it comes to chores in order to ensure that the same person isn’t doing more work than they should be. In my apartment, we have a chore wheel — all four of us are in a rotation for specific weekly chores such as cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming, washing the floors, etc. That way all of us will end up doing the same chores at some point, balancing out the extra work. For daily chores we each have specific duties that remain the same. When there are four people in an apartment it can quickly become messy, and so we have a rule that every person must do their own dishes. By the end of the day there should not be any dishes in the sink. This prevents the build up of dishes in the sink, mold, and frustration of not having any silverware. Everyone holds each other accountable in order to make sure that chores get done in a timely manner. In order to make sure that everything is running smoothly, monthly roommate meetings are very beneficial. During roommate meetings, discussions about chore adjustments, rent, and personal issues can be brought up and spoken about in order to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Often roommate meetings will bring up concerns that can be easily solved when they are talked about. By providing an open and honest environment for constructive criticism, it is possible to inspire change or fix problems without upsetting or offending anyone.
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Understanding
A mutual understanding must be present in an apartment. Often it can be hard to remember to do certain chores or duties, especially during a busy week. In my apartment, we have a calendar in the living room where everyone writes down their test dates. When the week of their test approaches, everyone knows that the other person may be spending a lot of their time studying and so often we will help out with some of their chores in order to make their life easier. If a roommate is sure that they just will not have time to do their dishes, it is their responsibility to ask another roommate to do it for them in order to ensure that it will be done. That way there won’t be any confusion about what is going on with chores. do
Costs
Whether it be rent, food, toilet paper, electrical bills, or other fines, there are many costs that go along with shared living. For rent, it is important that everyone pays on time, so online automatic payments ensure that no one can “forget.” If rent is given to the roommate who is on the lease to pay, then it must be given to that roommate several days before rent is due in order to ensure they do not have to pay it out of pocket. For things such as food and other communal objects such as dish soap, sponges, etc, the app Venmo is incredibly helpful. The app allows for immediate payment to someone and has been utilized by my apartment multiple times. Paying things back quickly avoids resentment that can arise from ap unpaid debts, as well as eliminates the awkward need to confront a roommate about money. Living with roommates can be challenging, but making an effort to be considerate and understanding can go a long way and create a fun and inviting environment. By simply being cognizant of your actions and doing chores on time, frustrations and disagreements can be cut down considerably. This will make for a great semester that’s considerably less stressful, as well as foster great relationships between you and your roommates.
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&
owning it:
Assertion Confrontation Written by Cailee | Cskyestudies edited by Rawan | RawanexploRes Layout by allyson aRRogante | allydsgn
Many young people struggle with being assertive and handling confrontation. Is there a way to talk about a problem without sounding rude? Can we be assertive without being bossy? Can we confront people in a manner that won’t result in the end of a friendship? The answer to each of these questions is yes, and I’m here to tell you how that’s possible.
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“
It starts with confidence. First, let’s explore why it’s so hard to be assertive. The short answer is fear. We’re afraid of making bad impressions. We worry that we’re being too demanding, and we’re scared of being rejected. These concerns are understandable but overcoming fear is a massive hurdle that you need to face. You can’t be intimidated by everything if you want to take charge. It starts with confidence. I know that word reeks of arrogance, but that’s not what we’re talking about here. Contrary to popular belief, confidence is not conceit. Take the traits of a good leader: strong, determined, and ambitious. One word that sums them all up? Confident! In order to be assertive, you have to believe in yourself and learn to act with intent. Although confidence doesn’t simply appear overnight, there are small changes you can make that will gradually build it up. Start with something simple like body language. It makes all the difference when you want to assert yourself. Eye contact is a good place to start. It may feel awkward at first, but eye contact indicates that you’re invested in a conversation. Being attentive is important because if you want to be heard, you have to hear others too. If you’ve mastered eye contact, try a handshake. Rather than waving at people when you meet, flash a smile and shake their hand. It’s the easiest way to demonstrate that while you are friendly, you can still be taken seriously. Similarly, if you want to build up your confidence, you need to find the courage to say no sometimes. If you’re used to being the person who always says yes, it might be difficult to let go of your obligations; but don’t be afraid to put yourself first! Maybe you don’t want to go to the movies with your friends this week, so why should you? Say no and if you feel guilty, take a rain check. Like anything else in the world, learning to be assertive takes time and practice. Part of that time and practice can be spent learning how to navigate confrontation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it.
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Step 1: Know what you want When it comes to asserting yourself, you need to have a clearly defined message, as well as a clearly defined expectation. Consider why you want to confront someone, and what you want to happen as a result of the confrontation. Do your best to narrow down the issue at hand, because the clearer the issue is, the more certain you’ll be about how to resolve it and get the results you desire.
Step 2: Practice what you want to say I’m not saying you need to memorize a script, but there’s no harm in going over what you want to say during a confrontation. Whether you choose to talk to yourself in a mirror or write out your thoughts, having a rough idea of what your end of the conversation would look like will help you approach the situation with confidence.
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Step 3: Express your feelings and concerns As soon as you realize that asserting yourself is an “all or nothing” action, the pieces start to fall into place, but not before the tough part of doing the actual confronting. Here’s a rule of thumb for handling confrontation: the “I Statement.” The “I Statement” is a method of communication that focuses on the speaker’s feelings and concerns rather than the listener’s actions. In other words, instead of pinning the blame on the other person, you should first talk about how the situation affects you, and further explain yourself after. Human nature deems that people don’t respond well to accusations. Rather, people are receptive to impact. When you start the conversation with how you feel as opposed to what a person did to you, people are more likely to listen and attempt to understand the situation. Steering the conversation in this direction compels people to evaluate themselves so you don’t have to do it for them. It’s effective, not invasive! For example, say you’re trying to confront someone who belittles you, and you want them to know that you deserve respect. Instead of saying “Hey, why do you always treat me like a kid? I hate that,” you can try using an “I Statement” and say “It’s upsetting when you talk down to me because it makes me feel incompetent.” See the difference between those two approaches? The first one doesn’t explain anything, it’s merely a pointed finger and a pout. On the other hand, the second one expresses the cause and effect of the problem. An “I Statement” allows both the speaker and the listener to participate in a productive confrontation.
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Step 4: Resolve the issue Once you’ve said your piece, it’s time to consider the listener’s reaction and come to a conclusion. This is the moment when you need to remember what your intentions are. Is resolving the issue as simple as accepting an apology, or do you need to come to a compromise that will prevent further problems? Keep in mind that a confrontation concerns both parties involved, and thus, both parties should offer solutions to the problem. A person can’t hear your thoughts, so if you know exactly what you need in order to improve the situation, it’s important that you let them know what it is.
Turning the Tables: How to be Confronted The most vital aspect of being confronted is listening. When someone approaches you with a problem, let them finish speaking before you jump to your own defense. Be as attentive and calm as you can, because the fact is, you’re being confronted because someone felt they needed to confront you. If you can respect that, the conversation will sail much more smoothly. Your second job as the listener is to explain yourself once the situation has been laid out in front of you. At this point, explain what happened, not why it happened – the problem can’t be solved if you make excuses. Remember what I said about impact? Here, it’s important to note that intent and impact are not the same thing. Although you may not mean for a situation to spiral out of control, it’s impossible to know exactly how events will turn out. When you’re being confronted, you need to take responsibility for what happened, apologize, and offer a solution. Let’s look back at our example from earlier and flip over the scenario. This time, someone is confronting you because they feel you’ve been treating them poorly. Naturally, you might feel defensive and say “I can’t believe you’d say something like that. I’ve never done that to you. I think that’s ridiculous,” which won’t fix the problem. Instead, you may respond with “I understand where you’re coming from, and I’m sorry that I’ve made you feel that way. I’ll be more considerate in the future, but is there anything I can do right now to make it up to you?” The difference between those responses is monumental. Every confrontation should be treated as a discussion, not an accusation.
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At the core, both assertion and confrontation are matters of communication. Once you know how to express your thoughts and feelings clearly, it will be a lot easier to become the confident, self-assured person you want to be. Like I said before, it takes time to develop these traits, so be patient with yourself. Don’t be discouraged if things go wrong. Call it a lesson learned and try again next time. The world is on your side!
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Smoothies Smoothies are a great on-the-go breakfast or snack — they’re healthy and totally customizable to your unique tastes, and not to mention crazy easy to make. Here’s a roundup of The Academic staff’s favorite smoothies for you to try! WWWWWWW EEEEEE
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CJ’s Summertime Smoothie Submitted by CJ Serves:
Ingredients • • • •
Seedless watermelon Frozen strawberries Strawberry yogurt Ice cubes (optional)
watermelon
1. Using a spoon, carve out at least five chunks of watermelon. Place 2. the pieces in your blender with any remaining watermelon juice. Blend the melon for a few seconds, then turn off the blender and shake it. Repeat until the watermelon is completely liquefied. 3. Add a handful of frozen strawberries and two or three large spoonfuls of strawberry yogurt. If you prefer a thicker consistency, add a few ice cubes into the mix and blend until smooth. 4. Pour and enjoy! CJ says: “This refreshing smoothie is perfect for a summer day. I love way it tastes — you notice the watermelon flavor first, then taste the strawberries. You can even drink this in other seasons when you’re craving a taste of summer. Enjoy!”
CJ’s
strawberry
Sydney’s Cleaning out the Fridge Smoothie Submitted by Sydney Gerbel | boardingschoolblr Serves:
Ingredients
1. Empty the two yogurts into the blender. (Remember to recycle the containers!) • Two 4-ounce individual yogurts 2. Add a handful of your favorite berries. • 8 ounces of iced green tea 3. Pour in the cold iced tea and blend until smooth. • A handful of berries 4. Enjoy! green tea
Sydney says: “This smoothie is perfect for using up food that’s nearing expiration or just taking up too much space in your fridge. Personally, I use raspberry yogurts, my favorite peach iced tea that comes in a can, and five to ten strawberries. My go-to breakfast smoothie is perfect for making a snack or a small meal when you’re crunched for time.”
’s Syd
berries
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Silvia's Silky Fruit Smoothie Submitted by Silvia Zeamer | hollohat Serves: 1. Peel the banana and slice it into your blender. 2. Cut the tofu into small pieces and add it. 3. Cut an avocado down the center, open it, and remove the pit. Use a spoon to transfer the flesh from the shell. If you aren't using the rest of the avocado, sprinkle it with lemon juice to keep it fresh. 4. Add fruit or berries. Some of my personal favorites include: blueberries, mango, strawberries, raspberries, and pineapple. 5. If you want your smoothie to be sweeter than the fruit is naturally, add a spoonful of sugar, honey, or maple syrup. A dash of cinnamon is also optional. 6. Blend! Silvia says: “I love my smoothies to be thick and, for lack of a better word, smooth. This recipe fulfills both of those criteria, but it also adapts to what I happen to have; leaving out an ingredient won't destroy it, and you can easily adjust it to taste. I also find the inclusion of tofu makes it quite filling. I like to make it before school because it does not take long to make, and I can put it in a bottle to take with me.”
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Ingredients
• One banana • A quarter pound of unflavoured tofu • A quarter cup of yogurt • ¼ Avocado • A handful of your choice of fruit banana
’s Silvia
avocado
The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
Smooth Mango Submitted by Alex Johnson | idlestudy Serves:
Ingredients • • • • •
Greek yogurt Frozen mango chunks Mango nectar Vanilla ice cream (optional) Ice
’s Alex
Blend for a sweet, tart, and smooth treat.
mango
Raspberry Chocolate Submitted by Alex Johnson | idlestudy Serves:
Ingredients
• Frozen raspberries • Spinach
chocolate
• Raspberry ice cream • Dark chocolate chips
’s Alex
1. Blend 2. Drizzle with chocolate syrup or dust with cocoa powder for a tasty treat!
raspberry
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An Interview with Studyquill Written by Grace | intellectus
Edited by Sam | collgerefs
Layout by Nicole Dinan | nicoledinan
This issue, we interviewed Jasmine, a high school freshman from California who is known for her study-themed blog, Instagram account, and YouTube channel: all of which draw iconography and inspiration from the Harry Potter series. She’s a popular member of the studyblr community, which is a group of blogs that revolve around the practice and aesthetics of studying!
G:
So, you’re clearly a Harry Potter fan! Did your love of the series have any influence on your decision to create a studyblr?
J:
I suppose it did — I ended up on Tumblr because of the fandom, but the decision to make a studyblr wasn’t based on Harry Potter. However, once I made the blog, my theme or “branding” was heavily based on Hermione.
G:
Since joining studyblr, you’ve definitely become a cornerstone of the community. What’s your favorite aspect of the community?
J:
Aw I’m honored to hear that! I like how accepting the community is, in every aspect. One [thing] that really struck me was how friendly people are regardless of age — I started my blog when I was 13, and no one was ever rude because I was young.
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The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
G:
J:
G: J: G: J:
Is there anything you’d want to change [about the studyblr community]?
There are some people who only wanted to make a studyblr to be “famous.” I don’t think it’s morally wrong to want attention, but it is when one does rude, dishonest things to get it — things like attacking bigger blogs out of jealousy and harassing them for shoutouts.
And in addition to your blog, you also run a successful YouTube channel, Instagram account, and still manage to achieve in school. How do you balance it all?
I make incredibly detailed to-do lists and then, to quote Nike, I “just do it!”
True words of wisdom! Speaking of school, you’re a high school freshman, right?
Yes!
G:
Has being younger than a lot of the people in the studyblr community been a challenge at all?
J:
I don’t have as much experience as most older bloggers so my advice can’t be quite as helpful. Some people on YouTube have given me a hard time about being young, but overall everyone has been welcoming regardless of my age!
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G: J: G: J:
As a freshman, what are your best tips for someone entering high school?
This kind of makes me sound like a suck-up, but get on your teachers’ good side at the beginning of the year! Start out strong with doing your work and studying to succeed on tests, and if you slip up towards the end your teacher will probably be more forgiving. Also, for general life advice, I think this year is good for trying many different things to figure out what you like to do.
Great tips! Thank you so much for answering these questions for us! Is there any final advice you’d like to give to the readers of The Academic?
Hm, I can’t think of anything specific! Thanks for the opportunity.
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study playlists
WRITTEN BY NADIA BEY | GARDENOFIDEAS
EDITED BY SAMANTHA MITCHELL | COLLEGEREFS L AYOUT BY ELENA TON | LOSTLXMB
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INSTRU MENTALS
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R&B HIP HOP
EDM DANCE
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POP
The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
ALTERNATIVE
JAZZ
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The Academic - Issue 7 - August 1st, 2017
L ayout by Allyson Arrogante | allydsgn
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Issue 7 | August 2017 @theacademiczine
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