Ask Ablaze Ask Ablaze Ask Ablaze

Written by Mckenna Norris

Designed by Sydney Barney | Photography by Leigh

Shields

We asked college students to submit questions via Instagram Story stickers. College is full of new, exciting, and fulfilling experiences. However, college also opens a whole new set of challenges. Ablaze is here to help with advice on everything from self-care to academics.

What’s your go-to self-care activity? Any tips for finding stress relief?

Dear Self-Care Enthusiast,

A self-care activity I typically enjoy is a spa night. I find that taking the time to do my skincare routine is cleansing for my mental and physical health. My skincare routine starts with doublecleansing my face with a cleansing balm and a scrub. Then I love making a “skincare smoothie” where I add hyaluronic acid, caffeine drops, and other serums to my moisturizer for a nice glow. After I go in with all of my serums, I put on my under-eye masks and use my ice roller for about 15 minutes. I find that taking a simple 30 minutes to do your skincare is very grounding and relaxing, as it’s the only thing you have to focus on for the time being.

My biggest tip for stress relief is to take things one day at a time. Telling myself that I can only control the present has helped me to stay centered. It’s important to try to not worry about things that are several months away. The future is not as intimidating when you take everything day by day. Enjoy the moment you’re in. I find the best way to refocus yourself on the present is by utilizing your senses. A trick I learned from my therapist, the “5-4-3-2-1 technique”, helps ground me. You simply acknowledge five things you can see around you, four things you can touch or feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.

XOXO, – Ablaze

Any tips for balancing a school and social life in college?

Dear Worried Student,

Setting priorities and deadlines in advance is one of the best ways I have found to balance my school and social life. A bit of preparation allows me to stay on track with my classes, as well as to catch up with my friends and family. My favorite way to organize my busy schedule and stay on top of things is to use a website called Notion. It has thousands of templates you can use and personalize to fit your custom schedule and to-do lists. I find it extremely helpful to motivate me to finish my checklist and stay balanced with extracurriculars and school. It’s important to have a balance between social activities, academics, and extracurriculars. Allow yourself to have time to relax and enjoy your college era.

XOXO, - Ablaze

What’s your favorite way to stay involved on campus?

Dear Extrovert,

One of the benefits of going to a large SEC school is that there are so many different ways to get involved on campus. Joining a club can seem intimidating, but the experience can be so rewarding with the opportunity to meet new people or find a new passion. One way to ease the anxiety of joining a new club is to ask a friend to join the club with you. If you can’t find someone to join with you, reach out to the people in charge of the club and ask what to expect at the first meeting. They will be happy to help support you. If you are having trouble finding the right club for you, the Student Life Department and Center for Student Engagement are knowledgeable of every established club on campus and can help you find a club to join.

XOXO, – Ablaze

What is the best way of finding work experience?

Dear Scholar,

Finding work experience that coincides with your major and fits within your schedule can be overwhelming. However, UTK has numerous resources that you should take advantage of to find experience that will boost your resume. Talk to your teachers and advisors to see if they know of any opportunities geared toward your interests. Positions on campus are willing to work around your academic schedule. The Center for Career Development is a great resource that the university offers to find positions that can work with your school schedule, interests and accessibility, such as location and requirements.