Studentstuff.com

Whether it is summer or winter, I see all sorts of students flashing their toes, followed by the slip slap sounds of the ever-favorite flip flop sandal. They’re like the socially acceptable slipper. People slip them on because it’s quick, and (I suppose) comfortable to wear. And, because of their popularity, there are numerous colors and styles for everyone to choose from.

I was talking with a friend who is now in Law School, and she told me there were no professors from college who remembered her well enough to write her letters of recommendation. This was causing her more than a few difficulties with internship applications. Some people can go to college for four whole years without connecting with a professor, and only realize how important those relationships are after they graduate. Others, like me, send annual Christmas emails to our favorite professors and consider them dear friends and mentors long after we’ve tossed our tasseled caps. But for less extroverted students, here are five things you can do to start good relationships with your professors

There have been so many articles lately about ditching idealism for hard-nosed practicality in college. Even though you have every reason to focus your energy on preparing for a career, from financial to the increasing competition in your chosen field (which should be business or engineering according to the practical-minded), consider these reasons for why you should use college to expand your mind while exploring your career options.

“Due in a week,” I smile and hand the freshly printed yellow receipt to the patron across the counter. “Have a good evening,” and they take their movie and walk out. This is the familiar routine of working at the public library. Of course, some materials are due in four weeks, or two . . .

I will pass this wisdom down to you as it was told to me. I was just starting my first year at UCLA when a recently graduated friend told me the secret to pulling off an All-Nighter and staying awake until the end of class the next day – only to be used as a last resort of course. I don’t know how scientific it is, but I can tell you that this method worked for her, and it worked for me.

Laptops – they are a quick means to take notes, look up information, and even play a game of solitaire or IM with buddies in the middle of a teacher’s lecture. Let’s face it, when students pop open their laptops in class, very few, if any, actually use their personal computers for homework’s sake. So, why are laptops allowed in the classroom then?

Are we students nothing more than a commodity, a wad of cash in the pocket of our colleges and universities who tempt us with promises of prestige and then toss most of us aside in order to foster younger, fresher meat? It’s hard not to see myself this way: as someone who was duped into doing what I love (writing) and having to make incredible sacrifices for a paltry salary. I’m not bitter about it…yet. Then again, I still believe there is hope for me, for my work, and for my inability to not share my passions with others.

The scenario: You’re in a women’s boutique, blanching at the price of the jeans you just have to have, and debating whether you’re bank accountant can take the blow. Then, you hear it. The saleslady saying, “I think you’re in the wrong place” to a young African American woman a few clothes racks away. But it doesn’t stop at one comment. The blatant racism continues until the woman is frisked and verbally harassed. Do you keep your eyes glued to those jeans? Walk out of the store? Or step in?

What would you do?

Although there are a handful of options when it comes to paying for college, the two most common picks are always student loans and financial aid. Unless you come from a wealthy family, affording an education does not come easy. Even if a student manages to land some grants and scholarships, that money still won’t cover all of the expenses a student needs.

Tuition, units, books, miscellaneous materials, and the cost of living in a dorm can really make students struggle. No wonder there are so many options for paying for school. So, what really is the best way to pay for your college education? Although many people turn to student loans, I say it is much wiser to look into a combination of all other possibilities in order to avoid putting yourself in-debt.

My interning days are (hopefully) over, but a classmate of mine is in her junior year and gearing up for the biggest internship of her life. The one she’s set on, is the most amazing opportunity I’ve ever heard of and I thought I should share it with my fellow students. Check out the information, and if you think she’s worthy vote for her this year, because next year it could be you and that would be pretty awesome.