Longhorn Life: 2012 Resolutions

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JANUARY 20, 2012

an advertising special edition of The Daily Texan


LONGHORN LIFE

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Friday, January 20, 2012

Editors’ Note

T

he holidays are long gone, you’ve said goodbye to your high school friends and your syllabi have probably already made their way to the bottom of your school bag. It is our pleasure to welcome you all back and to introduce ourselves as Longhorn Life co-editors for the spring semester! We’d like to kick off with some tips, tricks and ideas for starting fresh and keeping your New Year’s resolutions. If you want to pretend the first three weeks of January didn’t count, we promise we won’t tell! After all, you didn’t have the supreme guidance of Longhorn Life until this very moment. For those of you who vowed to eat healthier, we’ve got plenty of

FIND US ONLINE!

good-for-you food options (page 6 and 7). Hoping to make 2012 your most fit year ever? Be sure to take a look at what’s in Karla Avila’s bag on page 3. If you’re looking to save money (or you spent all of it last year), we’ve got some great tips on pages 8 and 9. Or, if overcoming clutter is your goal for the year, flip over to page 11 to check out what psychology professor Sam Gosling has to say on how to get — and stay — organized. We hope you find all of this helpful and that 2012 turns out to be a little easier than it was for

longhornlifeonline.com

LONGHORN STUDENT STAFF Special Editions Editors Christine Imperatore Emily Morgan Writers Sylvia Butanda, Alison Killian, Channing Holman Photographers Katrina Funtanilla

John Cusack in the movie. Whether this is our last year on Earth or the first year of the rest of our lives, our advice to you is to live it up! Have fun, study hard and most of all be adventurous! — Emily Morgan & Christine Imperatore Special Editions Co-Editors

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Longhorn Life

Friday, January 20, 2012

Noise

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Compiled by Sylvia Butanda | Photos by Christine Imperatore

Student chatter around the 40 Acres

What is your new year’s resolution?

LOVE THAT!

Sarah Garza corporate communication junior

Hope Beckham

women & gender studies junior

“To stop procrastinating and spend more time with family and friends.”

Andrew Lenz

rhetoric & writing junior

“To focus on school more and maybe quit smoking.”

Even if you’ve resolved to pinching pennies this year, you can still look cute! Take a cue from Sarah’s outfit. It’s fashion forward but all of the pieces were purchased at walletfriendly retailers.

Jonathan Shie Plan II biology senior

“To finish my senior thesis and learn to shop and cook for myself.”

Wearing: Forever 21 jacket (swiped from her sister), top, necklace and jeans; Payless shoes, Walmart belt, Target bag

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Longhorn Life

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SPECIAL TO 2012

Friday, January 20, 2012

What’s in your bag?

A few days and events this year only come around once in a blue moon...

FEB. 29 LEAP DAY Do you ever feel like the year is just dragging on? This year, it’s actually kind of true. One year on Earth is actually 365.2422 days long. And to balance out our calendar we observe 365 days each year, except for every four years when we have 366 by adding an extra day in February.

JULY 27-AUG. 12 SUMMER OLYMPICS IN LONDON It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since Michael Phelps’ recordbreaking eight gold medals. This year, the Summer Olympics make their way to merry old London with lots more excitement and metallic swag.

NOV. 6 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Will Barack rock the vote once again or will a new face be moving into the White House? New members will be elected to Congress this year as well.

Karla Avila

DEC. 21 THE APOCALYPSE?

education sophomore

Have you been wishing you didn’t have to pay off your student loans? You may be in luck! Errr—kind of. Some people believe, based on the Mayan calendar, that the world is going to end this year. Hopefully, this won’t happen and we’ll all live to get those high-paying jobs we’ve been promised after college… — Christine Imperatore

Someone will know the answer. You.

Based on the contents of her bag, Karla has got the right idea for staying fit and healthy. If you’re trying to get in shape this year, packing healthy snacks and

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workout gear, like Karla, will make your transition from school to gym easy. Even more good news is that going straight from class to workout will eliminate any temptation to veg on the couch that may come from going home in between.

Think you’ve got better stuff? Let us feature your bag in our next edition! specialeditions@ texasstudentmedia.com

TRENDING IN 2012 Pantone, the world authority on color, has named Tangerine Tango the official color of 2012. From fashion accessories to home décor, this orange hue is expected to be red-hot this year, giving Longhorn fans just one more excuse to rock the school color. Not that we needed one. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy,” said Leatrice Eiseman, director of the Pantone Color Institute. Aside from being incredibly fashionable, Tangerine Tango is sure to brighten up your year and keep a smile on your face. If you’re looking for some more trends in the coming year check out these lists: Hottest Destinations travelchannel.com/photos/2012-hottest-destinations Top 3 Unusual Hobbies weekendnotes.com/top-3-unusual-hobbies New Varieties of Flowers harrisseeds.com/storefront/s-257-new-2012-flowers.aspx New TV Series craveonline.com/tv/previews/178801-2012-tv-preview — Christine Imperatore


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FOOD LONGHORN LIFE

M

ost new year’s resolutions incorporate edibles: to eat healthier, to go vegetarian, to eat with more variety. Whatever yours may be, these foods are a must-have in 2012. And this list has a variety of tasty things, so you’re sure to find a favorite in here somewhere.

12

FOODS

Alison Killian

LONGHORN LIFE

to TRY, EAT & LOVE in

2012

Friday, January 20, 2012

Good eats on a student budget

APPLE BUTTER

A more tangy and healthier alternative to regular butter or margarine. Like jam, spread it on your toast or bagel for extra flavor.

BAKED MAC & CHEESE

Cooking this dish in the oven leaves a crunchy crust on top to contrast the gooey goodness of the mac and cheese below. Baking it is an easy way to make a large quantity while still adding flair.

PHOTOS BY KATRINA FUNTANILLA/LONGHORN LIFE

EGG IN A BASKET

Most associate this quickbreakfast dish with the UK, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it over here in the U.S. Simply cut a hole in the center of a slice of bread, stick it in a greased frying pan, and crack an egg in the center. Then, flip it once the bread browns to cook the other side. You’ll have a 2-in-1 breakfast in less than 10 minutes.

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LONGHORN LIFE

GRANOLA

This crunchy good-for-you snack comes in many varieties. Pick a flavor and eat it alone, or top off your favorite breakfast food. Plus, it can be easily found in any supermarket.

CRANBERRY SALAD

FRUIT SALAD

Buy it in the store or make your own. The sweet flavors of the fruit swirling together in a bowl satisfies a sugar craving while keeping it healthy, too.

CHICKEN ALFREDO

The white sauce coupled with the pasta and chicken yields a simple taste for picky eaters, and it’s very easy to make at home.

No need to wait until dessert; the tangy-but-sweet blend of cranberries and marshmallows makes it suitable to eat during the meal of any family get together. It’s easy to make in bulk, too, so you can share.

KIWIFRUIT

The supple flavor of this fruit is usually added-on to a meal. By itself, it’s chock-full of vitamin C and potassium. Kiwi can be difficult to get ahold of, but it is well worth the trip.

SCONES

Grab your favorite flavor on

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the go. These little pastries are a hefty snack and go well with much needed coffee or tea for those 8ams.

New to the area

Sweet Ritual Desserts

PARMESANďšş CRUSTED CHICKEN

Look for this dish next time you go out. It has all the flavors of traditional chicken parm minus the sauce. The breaded chicken can stand alone or sit on top of pasta.

PB & BANANA SANDWICH

Widely known as a favorite of Elvis Presley, this quick-fix lunch can fill you up. Peanut butter goes with everything, right?

RED VELVET

This dessert is a nation-wide favorite; chocolate without the strong cocoa flavor paired with cream cheese icing. Anything red velvet does the trick.

Opening in December and operating inside Daily Juice’s Hyde Park location, Sweet Ritual Desserts is one of the newest sweets dealer in the campus area. Sweet Ritual offers a variety of drool-worthy desserts to please all Longhorns’ diverse tastebuds. Try the chai latte with hemp seeds or the lavender chocolate milkshake. But what you’ll really want to check out is Sweet Ritual’s list of piled-high sundaes. Don’t bother resisting the Glitterbeast, a sundae that includes salted caramel sauce, strawberry sauce and edible glitter.

Location: 500 Duval St. Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. MondayFriday; 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. SaturdaySunday Contact: sweetritual.com From smoothies and coffee to sandwhiches and salads, Sweet Ritual Desserts serves up great treats in a great spot for studying, visiting or grabbing a quick caffeine pick-me-up. — Channing Holman

RECIPE: Home cookin’

C

hristmas has past, and while most are excited to return to UT’s bustling campus, a barren pantry and empty fridge could have you singing the home cooking blues. But, there’s nothing better than a good casserole to remind you of why you miss Mom after all. Here’s to hoping this easy (and cheap!) family favorite warms both your heart and your stomach.

KING RANCH CHICKEN CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS: 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded 10 corn tortillas 1 onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, diced 2 c. shredded cheese 1 can of cream of mushroom soup 1 can of cream of chicken soup 1 c. chicken broth 1 can of Ro-Tel 1 tsp. chili powder

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DIRECTIONS: Cook chicken in frying pan, using salt and pepper to taste, then shred. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine soups, broth, Ro-Tel and chili powder. Place a layer of chicken in greased glass casserole dish. Add layers of tortillas, onion, bell peppers, cheese and soup mixture. Repeat layers 2-3 times, ending with cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until brown and bubbling. — Emily Morgan

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LONGHORN LIFE

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Friday, January 20, 2012

Try multitasking your resolutions with these two-in-ones Christine Imperatore

is chock full of fundraisers, pick up sports teams and common interest groups just waiting for you to get involved. You will meet new people and be able to add a few lines to your résumé. As an added bonus you might even learn a new skill! For a list of campus groups, visit deanofstudents. utexas.edu/sa/vieworgs.php or to find things to do in Austin check out austinlinks.com/organizations.html.

LONGHORN LIFE

A

college student’s life isn’t exactly a goldmine of free time and by the end of winter break, New Year’s resolutions may seem impossible to fulfill. The art of multitasking is certainly something college students have perfected over the years, so why not apply that concept to living up to those resolutions. There are certain lifestyle changes one can make that have more than one major benefit.

GET ACTIVE

COOK MEALS AT HOME

If you resolved to eat healthier and save money this year, home cooking could be the perfect solution for you. Rather than heading out for pizza or a burger every time your tummy grumbles, try out a healthy new recipe at home. Making your own meals, whether it’s from scratch or with the help of a few pre-made ingredients will cost you less and help you eat a more balanced, lower calorie diet. To get a head start on this lifestyle change, set aside some time to save a few recipes that sound good to you so you’ll be ready when you need them. For ideas, check out eatingwell. com, delish.com and foodnetwork.com.

CHRISTINE IMPERATORE/LONGHORN LIFE

SAVORY SAVINGS : Prepare meals at home to help save money and stay fit this new year.

JOIN A CLUB OR STUDENT ORGANIZATION

If your friend list and résumé were a little lacking last year, you might try joining a club to improve both

of those areas. Especially on such a large, diverse campus as UT, the possibilities are endless. And you do not have to limit yourself to campus groups only. The city of Austin

A lot of people resolve to be healthier and stress out less every year. If these are two things on your agenda for 2012, getting active could be the key to accomplishing both. Exercise is a pivotal part of reaching or maintaining a healthy weight but it also helps to relieve the tension brought on by a busy, stressful schedule. Elevating your heart rate for just 20 minutes a day can keep you on the healthy track. Take some time for yourself each day and find an energetic activity that you enjoy. Austin has so many outdoor attractions and fitness clubs, you’re sure to find one that sparks your interest. Livestrong. com has some great tips for living an active life.

Spring into the semester mentally prepared to tackle your goals Channing Holman LONGHORN LIFE

Is your New Year’s resolution to get good grades already seeming like a challenge? Don’t feel defeated by the size of your class or your professor’s track record on giving out C’s. Get mentally prepared now by properly man-

aging your time, stress management and setting goals. It’s a hard knock life out there if you’re unemployed and degree-less, so prepare for the worst before it gets to that point. “It’s helpful for students to think about what they want to accomplish. They should look at their strengths and weaknesses from the fall and assess the areas

where they want to grow and develop,” Counseling and Mental Heath Center Associate Director Jane Bost said. The best way to start is to look at your grades last semester and see the areas that you excelled in versus where you struggled. To prepare for the semester, students should visualize what they want their semester to look

like and set attainable goals to achieve. “The easiest way to manage your stress is through time management. Manage your time. Separate study time from social time,” Bost said. Taking classes at UT is hard enough, but poor time management can make your time evenmore difficult than necessary.

Get a planner and keep it with you at all times. This reduces over-commitment, which leads to stress. Then, prioritize events that are more important than others. For example, the big test coming up is way more important than that frat party you’ve been looking forward to. Continues on next page


LONGHORN LIFE

Friday, January 20, 2012

MONEY SAVERS!

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Continued from previous page

Emily Morgan LONGHORN LIFE

2012 may be the end of the world, so you definitely don’t want to miss out on any of the festivities this semester. However, you don’t want to go spend-crazy yet, just in case you do end up having to pay back all those college loans. Here are some new ways to curb your otherwise bank-breaking practices without cutting out any of the fun.

THE EPICUREAN

For when extreme couponing seems like the only other option. EAT OUT WITH FRIENDS: Eating out is not necessarily the cheapest option, but websites like Restaurant.com and Groupon are making eating out more affordable by providing discounted gift cards to local eateries. Join the Restaurant.com mailing list and receive promotions for $25 gift cards for only $4. MAKE YOUR COFFEE: Five and six dollar lattes can start adding up quickly. Consider investing in a coffee pot with a timer so that your coffee can be ready the moment you wake up. BUY STOREBRAND: You may not want to buy a no-name television, but knock-off brands could be the next best thing to couponing when it comes to grocery shopping. Many stores offer their own brands of popular products and they’re often just as good for a fraction of the price.

THE SHOPAHOLIC

For when self-control in the stores isn’t quite working out. GROUPON: Groupon’s new ‘Goods’ section will help you save on anything from iPod docks to Shake Weights. Join their mailing list to receive daily discounts and specials. CHECK OUT RESALE SHOPS: Resale stores like Buffalo Exchange and Second Time Around Boutique are the perfect option for when you just need a new outfit, offering consigned brand-name merchandise at discounted prices. PROMO CODES: Free shipping or 10 percent off could be just what you need before committing to any online purchase. Luckily, RetailMeNot.com provides consumers with an updated list of promo codes and discounts for thousands of online stores.

THE PARTIER

For when Sixth Street has you feeling robbed. PARTY BEFORE YOU GO OUT: Drinks at bars and nightclubs can cost you upwards of $12 each. Drinking with friends beforehand means you can cut costs without sacrificing the fun. BUY THE CHEAPER STUFF: After college you’ll have all the time in the world to brush up on your fine liquors and spirits (granted the apocalypse doesn’t happen). So for now, stick to the domestic brands— they’ll save you money and still do the job. HIT UP THE HAPPY HOURS: At UT, everyone knows it doesn’t have to be the weekend to party, and several bars around Austin would agree. Consider taking advantage of mid-week drink specials like these: • Tuesday 7 p.m.-close: $1 beer nights at Cain and Able’s West Campus • Thursdays 2-6 p.m.: 99 cent margaritas at El Arroyo • Wednesdays: $1.50 domestic drafts and wells at The Library

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to find out about the real issues on UT campus

Allowing yourself enough time to study and focus on school work will help reduce the stress significantly, but don’t forget that seeking support from friends is equally as important. “Sometimes students need to reach out for help to manage their stress. It helps to talk to someone - a friend, counselor or pastor,” Bost said. We all need our “me” time, but too much isolation is hard for some to deal with. Talking with friends releases built up stress and emotions and offers an outlet for you. Crying it out is a good stress reliever, but having a shoulder to cry on makes dealing with the situation bearable. If you are not comfortable talking to friends about your problems, writing them out is also a means for releasing your feelings. But, friends can often give you that laugh you needed, but couldn’t quite find under that mountain of stress. What makes us unique are our different personalities, therefore we all handle stress differently. But, no matter the student, UT has several programs and organizations to help students excel. “Really reach out and

utilize your support systems. We have the Sanger Learning Center, the CMHC and so many great resources on campus for students to get involved,” said Bost. It is important to take advantage of these centers early in the semester before the support groups fill up. Experiencing new things is a huge part of growing up, but they are not always pleasant adventures. Managing your stress will keep you calm even when you think your life is slowing falling apart. Stop yourself, relax and cope with your problems with minimal stress. If you still feel overwhelmed, visit the CMHC website or make an appointment in the CMHC for more tips mentally preparing for the semester. The CMHC also hosts Stress Set towards the end of the semester in the Flawn Academic Center to help students learn how to manage stress in healthy ways. “None of us are perfect and none of us can get it straight the first time, that’s normal. Set achievable goals and reward yourself. Learn from your mistakes. Take this semester as an opportunity to grow and learn from your mistakes,” Bost said.

“ FAILURE “ Check our website to stay up to date on current events around the globe!

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Longhorn Life

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our campus Meet the... Staff Ombuds

Jennifer Graf Sims Staff Ombuds Officer [6 months at UT] Longhorn Life: What is your job, in a nutshell? Jennifer Graf Sims: Our office tries to help the UT staff solve problems and do conflict resolution, depending on what the specific issue is. And, since our office just opened in July, this is the first time that the staff has had

To

representation in terms of having an ombuds officer. LL: What services do you provide to staff members? Sims: We are an alternate resource for staff to go to when they’re having problems. So, it could be anything from a minor issue like not getting along with a co-worker to a bigger issue that might need to be brought to the President. Our role is often that of a mediator, but more often we actually do a lot of coaching. Staff can use us as a sounding board and I use the knowledge of UT’s policies and procedures to tell them what

their options are and then help them weigh pros and cons. But most importantly the services are personalized, confidential and offered in both English and Spanish. LL: What is your professional background and how has it brought you to where you are today? Sims: I have degrees in anthropology and psychology as well as community and cultural psychology, which I feel is particularly well suited to this position because it is nice to be a part of this community and actually work to make a difference here. Professionally, I have

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Friday, January 20, 2012

A spotlight on UT faculty and staff been an ombuds for about five years and I’m a certified ombuds practitioner. But prior to becoming an ombuds, my background was in alternative dispute resolution, where I would mediate and facilitate mediation on public policy in the state of Hawaii. And from that I became more interested in this profession and served as ombuds at both the University of Hawaii and Bridgepoint Education in San Diego. LL: This is the first staff ombuds position at UT. How do you plan to pioneer this role? Sims: Mostly, [Staff Ombuds

Office Coordinator] Cynthia [Ivey] and I are trying to get the word out and have the staff feel happy with the services we provide. I am also excited that we’ve moved offices and have started establishing ourselves on campus. In the future we’re looking into doing some training seminars for staff members. Cynthia has truly made a world of difference in helping do all this. LL: How are you enjoying Texas, so far? Sims: Well my husband’s family is from Houston, so it’s nice to have Continues on next page

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LONGHORN LIFE

Friday, January 20, 2012

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Expert Q&A

STAFF OMBUDS: Cynthia Ivey (left) and Jennifer Graf Sims (right) run UT’s first-ever Staff Ombuds Office, which started in the fall. Ivey, who graduated from UT in 1990, has worked at the University for 14 years. Sims moved from San Diego, Ca. this June.

Psychology prof. discusses mental connection to one’s space, stuff Alison Killian LONGHORN LIFE

F

EMILY MORGAN LONGHORN LIFE

with us. They can give us a call at 512-232-8010. They are also welcome to stop by, but because we’re a small office we do appreciate a phone call. We also have an email, staff@ombuds. utexas.edu, but because we’re a confidential service, phone calls are always best.

Continued from previous page that insight into where he came from. But I am definitely enjoying Austin. It’s a quirky and fun town to be in. LL: Lastly, what’s the best way for UT staff members to get in contact with you? Sims: We welcome anyone who wants to come and speak

— Interviewed by Emily Morgan

UT Research Briefly

Educational disadvantages associated with race persist in Brazil, according to professor’s study

In February, Population Research Center affiliate Leticia Marteleto will publish a study that investigated educational inequalities in Brazil. Marteleto found that despite a slight decline in the disadvantages for black and mixed raced students, the gap between them and white students is still considerable. According to the study, white students are likely to finish one more year of primary education than black or mixedrace students. — Christine Imperatore

or many people, the New Year brings about vows to get organized or clean out their space. What many may not realize is that the way in which you set up your space and arrange your stuff actually has an effect on you mentally. Professor Sam Gosling of the Department of Psychology has done a great deal of research on this matter and even published a book, “Snoop: What Your Stuff Says About You”. Gosling answered our questions about his area of expertise and how we can be successful at getting organized for the New Year without totally messing with our heads. Longhorn Life: Your book “Snoop: What Your Stuff Says About You” focuses on the “psychological footprints” left by people in their various rooms, and the relationship between those spaces and the individual’s personality. What sparked your interest in this topic? Gosling: I think most of us feel we get a sense of what someone is like after spending time in their space. I wanted to find out if those intuitions are true. And if they are true, when, why, and how are they true? LL: According to the notion

of reciprocal determinism, a person both affects and is affected by their environment. So, how would a student physically changing their environment dorm room, apartment, etc. – to become more organized affect them mentally? Gosling: Students can do some things to become more organized but remember, our personality has a large genetic component and major personality changes are quite hard to bring about. So we have to implement small changes that can be sustained in the long run. So students must try to establish habits that are viable within their life. What’s viable will differ from person to person. For some people, those will be things like trying to put things back in their right place after using them or using a filing system. Things like this require that you establish an organizational system. But we can’t simply become organized by getting a bunch of filing supplies from office depot--those items have to be paired with establishing new sustainable habits. LL: In what ways can students physically organize themselves to increase their productivity? Which, if any, do you think work most effectively? Gosling: Unplug the Internet. LL: How is “spring cleaning,”

as in a total purge of unneeded clutter, beneficial to students? Are there any negative effects? Gosling: Spring cleaning can be effective in that it makes finding things more efficient. But it is also important to take care of one’s psychological needs so getting rid of stuff that connects one psychologically (e.g., photos of loved ones, mementos, etc.) to the space could potentially have a downside. LL: Getting organized is a tough task for a lot of college students. From a psychological standpoint, do you have any tips for students looking to better organize themselves? Gosling: As noted above, avoid huge steps because those are unsustainable (because they disrupt too many other things). Focus on establishing small changes in habits. LL: In addition to first getting organized, are there some techniques students can use to help them stay consistently organized throughout the entire semester? Gosling: Have a place (e.g., a phone, a notebook) where you write everything down. It’s easy to think you’ll remember everything when you hear it but these things fade fast and get replaced by new things to remember.

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