Making the best of college
Making the best of college: majors, study abroad, internships, jobs, roommates, study tips, thesis writing, and more. For high school graduates and university students.
I was careful to pick books that I think are a good fit for the pre-college mind. These may not be the most comprehensive or challenging offerings from their respective genres, but they all have the potential to strike the balance between accessibility and depth that is crucial before launching a college career.
Read MorePart of success is luck: happening to cross paths with the kinds of people you want to work with and learn from. But a considerable aspect of that “luck” is also doing the work and being prepared: taking initiative to follow up on the opportunities around you.
Read MoreThe last Sunday Dinner featured one adaption of a simple enchiladas recipe. This second variety is a creamy adaptation, also brought to you by the inestimable comfort food cooking duo, Christine and Big John.
Serve with extra cheese for extra deliciousness.
We can take inspiration from witnessing the methods employed by the greats. Hence the mysterious title, the nun and the rockstar. Stick with me.
Read MoreIt’s important to develop ways of coping when you’re down. I suppose each method will be unique to the individual, the situation, and the options available. But here’s a quick list of some of the coping methods I’ve used over the years… I hope they might be helpful to anyone out there who’s stuck in the doldrums, as I have been.
Read MoreTV will not help you with your studies.
It will not build a network.
It will not provide those once-in-a-lifetime stories college years should provide.
All that being said, I still believe that college students should watch TV.
Read MoreToday's recipe comes again from the fabulous Christine and Big John. What's more comforting than enchiladas? Spice it up and enjoy!
Read MoreEven if you’ve been asked to give corrections, remember your friend's delicate emotions. Critique in a spirit of encouragement and giving. If you’re not mindful of this, you risk the writer thinking that you’re being hypercritical instead of helpful. Be gentle, particularly with first-time editing.
Read MoreWorried about being prepared for college? I was. In fact, I wrote an email to a professor during the summer before my freshman year, requesting a list of books to be read before I showed up for the first day of class.
This is my list of suggested readings for incoming college students, regardless of their major or interests. This represents a well-rounded and ambitious list...
Read MoreI spent hundreds of hours in the Oregon State Penitentiary, first as a student, then as a teacher’s assistant and program coordinator. But that first day, on entering the prison, that Dostoevsky quote was certainly on my mind. What did this massive building say about our society? And how would I fit into the smaller microcosm of the classroom?
Read MoreToday's recipe comes from my dear friend Stephanie, who is a master of all things culinary and who previously brought us the delicious "Mac and Cheese Quinoa." Enjoy!
Read MoreI would encourage all college students to think broadly about their job options at college. Consider what interesting things you might witness on the catering team for your university events company. Think boldly about how your skills might apply in various departments on campus—research, IT, writing, organizing, networking, etc. Be careful, of course, to maintain your focus on your academic goals. But get out there and find out just how broad your opportunities are.
Read MoreChoose a peer editor who is intellectually invested and capable of providing useful feedback relevant to your writing topic. Find someone with knowledge and writing skills equal or superior to your own...
Read MoreIt is both cliché and generally accurate to assume that most college students don’t have much money lying around. This can be a serious limitation during your college years (and, with student debt, possibly a debilitating factor later), but it can also be a hidden opportunity.
If you learn to live on less for your daily expenses, then while you’re in college and for the rest of your life you’ll be able to prioritize the things that are actually important to you.. You choose your own priorities.
Read MoreToday's recipe is again brought to you by the inestimable Aunt Mish, who has supplied many of my favorite pre-meal munchies for family occasions going back as long as I can remember. This Kahlua and pecan brie recipe is as easy as they come, and would make an impressive offering for a potluck meal or an evening get-together with friends. It's one of those perfect recipes that looks impressive without being too complicated--perfect for a reluctant cook like me.
Read MoreAdvice for college and university students. Roommates, majors, study abroad, travel, essay writing, study tips, admissions, professors, internships, and mentoring. Make college an amazing experience.
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