Michael Kirst's Blog, page 7

PDF Tools with Multiple Features and Functions for Students and Teachers

BY DAVID GUTIERRREZ

 

To be successful in the academic environment, it’s vital to have the right tools besides all the other necessary skills. As the majority of the student’s and teacher’s work is online, finding the adequate tools which will improve the quality of your work is no longer a recommendation but an imperative for everyone who wants to succeed in this environment.

One of the problems you might stumble upon is when dealing with PDF documents. How to modify these files or convert them into other formats is among the common questions. Not to mention that strict deadlines only increase the level of frustration when you’re unable to access an important file.

Luckily, there are plenty of PDF tools in the market that will help you manage any PDF file you get. In this article, we bring you only the ones that are very beneficial for students and teachers.

 

#1 Adobe Reader XI

You’ve probably already heard about the robust Adobe Reader. It’s one of the best quality tools when it comes to viewing and printing your PDF files. You can also interact with the content within the PDF files, including multimedia. Other features you might find useful are adding and verifying a digital signature, creating and filling out PDF forms, annotating on these PDF pages and so on.

 

#2 Total Mail Converter Pro

This tool easily converts MSG and EML to PDF, DOC and all the other file formats. Unlike the other email converters which only extract and save files in the original format, Total Mail Converter Pro also converts attachments. If you received an email with a file in the attachment, this tool will convert the message and the attachment into PDF. It will save you hours you would usually spend on doing this manually. This way, students and teachers could invest their time into more valuable assignments.

 

#3 Doro PDF Writer

If you’re looking for a perfect tool for printing PDF files, Doro PDF writer should be your choice. Unlike regular printers, it’s installed as a virtual print driver that can convert printable documents and images into PDF format. You can even set the author name and protect it with a unique password before you decide to convert it. One of the abilities that are very helpful for both students and teachers is the enabling and disabling copying, pasty and printing of the documents.

 

#4 PDFTK Builder

Preparing various materials and gathering them in one place is usually a time-consuming action, especially if we’re talking about the PDF format. With PDFTK Builder, you can reorder or merge selected pages in a snap. Moreover, you can split and rotate pages or even add stamp and encryption to your PDF file. Regarding the benefits of this tool in education, it’s really helpful when you need to gather all of your notes into one document or rotate pages when creating your own study material.

 

#5 jPDF Tweak

Just like the above-mentioned tool, jPDF Tweak lets you merge, split, reorder and rotate the pages of your document. You can even add watermarks and encryption, and also digitally sign your PDF files. You will find numerous features for attaching files to PDF and editing metadata. It’s very useful as it provides truly a lot for one tool, but keep in mind you will need to have Java 5 to run it.

Conclusion

You won’t make a mistake by choosing any of the PDF tools on our list. The only mistake you could make is ignoring the potential of these tools and spend unnecessary hours managing all of those PDF files you need for your studies. Choose the ones that suit your preferences and start investing that time where it could be truly beneficial for you!

David Gutierrez has worked in the field of web design since 2005. Right now he started learning Java in order to get second occupation. His professional interests defined major topics of his articles. David writes about new web design software, recently discovered professional tricks and also monitors the latest updates of the web development.

     

Things You Should Know About Sports Scholarships

BY MELISSA BURNS

 

Many young people dream of getting sports scholarship, play their favorite sport, and later become rich and famous. However, before you start dreaming big, it is important to check out the realities about these awards. The following are some important things you should know about sports scholarships.

The odds of getting big sports scholarship are very minimal. A stunning fact is that only one percent of high school sports athletes get these scholarships to continue at good universities and colleges. The odds are terrible so even odds converter cannot help you get such scholarship because luck is very much involved in this matter. Even those that get these scholarships later end up a bit disappointed knowing that the amount received is not as high as they expected.
Full sports scholarships are very rare to find. They cover only the biggest and most popular sports. Also these scholarships are usually very small. All other sports beyond the most popular ones are regarded as equivalency sports. The main athletic association dictates how much money can be spent on a program and coaches can slice and divide these awards as they wish, which often leads to very small scholarships.
Do not fall for sweet words and flattery. Usually coaches tell young athletes that the university they work for has a lot of scholarship money to give out, but often that is not the case. They will say or do anything to attract a young prospect, so take everything that is said with a dose of doubt.
Verbal commitment to a sports program does not mean anything. There are many coaches that tell young high school athletes that they want them badly for their team. Then these kids can say they commit verbally, but that is not a guarantee that they will end up at that university. The coach can easily change his opinion and say that they do not want the young athlete later. Then you cannot do anything about it.
Playing sports at college requires hard work, strong commitment and discipline. Many college athletes do not have enough time to do anything else in their young lives besides sports. The hours they spend on training and playing are often insane. The rigorous regime is not for everyone and many students find it very difficult to balance between sports and their studies.
Videos of you playing sports are not very helpful. This is a sad fact, but close to the truth. Coaches do not want to watch hours and hours of lengthy videos of high school athletes performing sports. Yes, they are checking videos of top athletes, but only for a minute or two. If you send a ten minute video of your sports skills to the coach, chances are high that the coach will not see it fully. A much better thing to do is post your video on YouTube and if you are that good then someone will likely notice you and approach you.

Knowing what’s vital to focus on increases your chances of getting that scholarship you’ve been eyeing for a while. Being persistent and dedicated to building your young sports career is the way to go, however, don’t be unrealistic. Pay attention to how others are getting their sports scholarships and learn from them.

Nothing is impossible but before getting all of your hopes up, make sure you truly do your best while playing because with or without that scholarship, you want to grow up to become a respected sports professional.

Melissa Burns graduated from the faculty of Journalism of Iowa State University. Nowadays she is an entrepreneur and independent journalist. 

     

Questions to Ask a Potential Roommate When Living Off Campus

BY ELAINE THOMPSON

 As you leave home for college,don’t forget the most important part of finding a comfortable living situation away from campus—finding a roommate you get along with. After all, there’s no RA to make sure your new roommate follows the rules, and it’s a lot harder to get out of a lease with a landlord than it is to switch dorm rooms.

The following are ten questions you should ask to make sure your roommate is the right match.

How much time do you like to spend at home?

When looking for a roommate match, it’s important to figure out if your lifestyles and schedules mesh. If you’re a homebody who likes to hang out with a roommate at the apartment, choosing a roommate who’s always on the go may not work out. But if you like to stay home and like your alone time, a roommate that’s out and about could be the perfect match.

Early to bed, or late to rise?

Another lifestyle question. If you’re an early riser and your roommate is up until sunrise, you can expect some disturbed sleep. Likewise, if you like to stay up late and your roommate is demanding quiet hours after 8pm, you’ll find yourselves at odds. Apartment living isn’t quite as up-close-and-personal as dorm living, but you’ll still be sharing a space, so matching up sleep schedules will save a lot of headaches and a lot of cranky mornings.

How often do you check in with roommates?

Are you someone who checks in with your roommates often, or do you tend to keep to yourself? Are you looking for a roommate who’ll keep tabs on you and one you can keep tabs on? You should find a roommate with a similar stance on this, so that you can come to an agreement on how long without contact before getting worried. California is a safe state when it comes to missing persons, but you definitely don’t want a roommate who’s not going to notice you’ve been gone days at a time.

How do you feel about smoking, drinking, and recreational drug use?

For some roommates, drinking in the apartment, smoking in the apartment, or drug use in the apartment can be a dealbreaker. For others, not having a welcome home for these activities is a dealbreaker. Make sure you’re on the same page when it comes to these “recreational pursuits.”

Do you play a lot of video games?

You might be surprised to know that gaming can actually have a huge impact on life at home. Video and computer games, especially ones that use streaming and have chat features, can use up a lot of your wifi bandwidth. Having a roommate who is constantly pwning n00bs while you’re studying can be especially annoying when your laptop screen is stuck on the spinning wheel of death right as you’re trying to submit an assignment.

What is your romantic situation?

Having a roommate with a significant other often means basically having two roommates for the rent-paying price of one. If you’re opposed to someone always having “company,” be up front about that before signing a lease—and do them the same courtesy by sharing your own relationship status.

What are your feelings on pets?

Another thing roommates need to agree on right away is the presence of pets in your place. Besides obvious lease rules about owning a pet or the added cost to rent if there’s a pet in the house, if you’re allergic to dogs or cats and your potential roommate has a furry friend, that obviously won’t work. Beyond allergies, some people just don’t like dogs or cats—or prefer them at a distance. Get animal-aligned before moving in.

What are your feelings on having a gun in the house?

Some people like to have a firearm in the house for safety, for recreational shooting, or for hunting. Others are vehemently opposed to having a weapon at home. This is an often-over-looked point, but a huge safety step when you’re living with someone new. And you should definitely make sure that if your incoming roommate does have a firearm, that it was legally obtained including a background check.

Do you plan on having friends over often?

Are you a social butterfly who likes your living space to be a hub of activity? Or do you prefer to keep the party away from where you sleep? If you and your roommate have conflicting ideas about residential socializing, it can make things pretty darn uncomfortable.

[Your question here]

Of course, only you can know best who you’re going to jive with and how you want to be able to mesh with your roommates. While it’s always a good idea to ask the basics and make sure the person you’re going to be living with will keep your home environment a safe space, it’s important to ask questions that communicate your personal values as well. The better aligned you and your off-campus roommate are, the more harmonious life will be.

Finding a roommate who matches you on every little quirk is impossible. But by asking insightful questions (and picking up on their general vibe) you can take some healthy steps to ensure that your off-campus experience will be safe, freeing, and fun.

 

Elaine Thompson is a graduate of Westminster College in Salt Lake City where she got her BA in Communication. Alongside a fulltime job, Elaine enjoys the hustle and writes for multiple online publications.

Majoring in Communication Systems? – Future Looks Bright for You!

BY EMMA BONNEY

 

Because technology is evolving, and many jobs today are expected to become obsolete, students have legitimate questions in terms of what career paths should they consider. Well, communication systems and technology graduates are those who can consider themselves lucky! Why? Because of the incredible potential the field has.

Companies all over the world have tens, dozens, maybe hundreds of employees. And apart from making them more productive and business-ready, they also grow ventures’ communication vulnerabilities. But let’s see what career opportunities communications systems majors have after finishing their studies.

Network Systems Administrator

As a network systems administrator, you will have to plan, implement and troubleshoot and maintain communication systems for different companies and other establishments. Companies all over the world rely on the services of such professionals to keep their communication channels up and running. Your main work environment will consist of local-area networks – LANs – or wide-area networks (WANs), but also database systems.

As a network systems administrator, you will also have to provide support to users, and since we know that not all employees are very tech-savvy, this will happen a lot. You will also have to ensure high levels of network security for the company you work for, and this may be the most important aspect of your job.

With a similar job, you will enjoy an annual wage of about $100,000, with an average annual growth of 8%.

Corporate Communication Security Expert

As we can find from the host of one of the best interview podcasts out there, communication vulnerabilities within big companies are growing by the day.

As a corporate communication security expert, you will have to have more than great computer skills. You will also need impeccable interpersonal skills and be passionate about social influence. You will also have to have a good knowledge base in terms of social engineering. How can you help organizations and ventures with all these skills?

Social engineering skills will help you test a company’s vulnerabilities by trying to trick employees or members to give out confidential information. It has been proven on multiple occasions that when data leaks within companies emerge, there are rarely hacking attempts. In most cases, we are discussing about employees unable to protect confidential data and documents on their computers. The most severe scenario? An employee will write down their passwords on a sticky note and leave it in plain sight.

The average wage you will be recompensated with for all your hard work can reach well over $110,000, annually.

Database Administrator

As a database administrator, you will have to ensure proper functionality of company databases. This will include making sure the design, development and maintenance of the database is never overlooked. You will also have to make sure all authorized individuals have easy access to databases and when the situation asks for it, you will also have to ensure you develop and implement all the necessary database security measures.

You will also have to tackle database malfunctions and bugs. With all that responsibility on your hands, be ready for a wage starting from $90,000.

Computer Support Specialist

Online, on the phone or offline, computer support specialists have to ensure all employees within a company receive the necessary computer support when they need it the most. Apart from offering advice in terms of computer usage, computer support specialists will also have to come to employees’ help with advice and guidance in terms of network issues and software problems and dilemmas. You may find a similar job under the technical support specialist name.

In some other cases, you will have to offer support to external users. This is a frequent scenario within software development companies. In this case, you will occupy a helpdesk position designed to offer clients of the company all the necessary support when interacting with products or systems developed by them.

To get a similar job, you will need different degrees and certifications, depending on the specifics of the job and company. You can be asked to make proof of anything, from a certificate or bachelor’s degree.

Computer support specialists usually have a wage starting from $60,000 a year, with an estimated growth of over 10% annually.

Tips to get your dream communication systems job

Although formal education is important for a professional like yourself, you will also have to be up to date with the latest developments in the field. Make sure you use all the necessary tools, from online courses and training programs to listening to podcasts on the topic and finding a mentor. Everything will help you grow into the professional you dream and will guarantee a positive academic and career trajectory.

With so many security vulnerabilities, companies need specialists able to help them identify and fix them. Going for a Communication Systems major will help you get closer to becoming one of their reliable collaborators.

A bit about myself:

Emma Bonney is a successful blogger whose articles aim to help readers withself-development, Women’s Empowerment, Education, entrepreneurship and content m

7 Important Things to Pack and Bring to College

BY LORRAINE McKINNEY

You are getting ready to go to college. All of the admission papers have been signed and all of the financial aid has been taken care of. Now all you nee to think about is what you will be bringing to college. Here are seven important things to bring to college.

1. Notebooks – While some people like to take notes on a laptop, it is actually better to write your notes down on paper. Writing your notes puts the information into your brain more solidly. Reading over them later helps you to remember them better. Invest in notebooks that have good covers that will last. One notebook, at least, per class is probably what you will need.

2. Backpack – Unlike high school you will be carrying your books and notebooks around all day to each class. You will need a sturdy backpack to carry all of your supplies. Some students use small backpacks that can be wheeled around campus, but those can get in people’s way. A sturdy backpack that fits you will be your best friend at college.

3. Mini fridge – A mini fridge is a necessity in a college dorm. You can store drinks and snacks there in case you get hungry after the dining hall is closed. You will need to check with your college administration but normally most colleges allow you one mini fridge per room. Stock it with healthy snacks to keep your brain functioning during your all nighters. If you are wrapped up in reading and forget to eat dinner you will have food right there for you.

4. Shower caddy/shoes – Dorm life will be easier if you purchase a shower caddy and shower shoes. A shower caddy will help you tote all of your shower necessities including shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, and more to the dorm shower. If you step in the shower without your caddy you will have to go back to your room and get your necessities. Shower shoes will help keep fungus and other gross things from getting onto your feet. Good shower shoes are also a necessity.

5. Laptop – Some schools supply laptops or computers. “You can use those or bring your own from home. Your own laptop will be accessible twenty-four hours a day every day. Computer labs usually have limited times when they are open and accessible. Also bring along a hard drive and jump drive to backup your papers and other important information,” suggests an expert at VelvetJobs.

6. Laundry bag – Whether you do your laundry at home or on campus you want to have a laundry bag and good detergent. A laundry bag will give you a place to keep your laundry and to store it before you wash it. You do not want your laundry to pile up on your floor. That will not make you a good roommate.

7. Bedding – You will want to bring along a bed bug proof mattress pad to discourage the little things from eating you alive. Along with the mattress pad you will need an extra long twin sheet set. Bring a pillow that works for you. You do not want to wake up with a sore neck the first day of classes. A good warm blanket and a throw will round out your bedding needs.

Going to college will be a fun and exciting time. You will make new friends and get to know your roommate. It can be a stressful time too if you have not prepared ahead of time. Make sure you are prepared with these essentials and you will have a great time in classes and in your dorm.

 

Lorraine McKinney is an academic tutor and e learning specialist.

 

Advice on How to Manage Student Loan Debt

BY KATHLEEN BROWN

 

It’s hard to celebrate the fact that you’ve just graduated when you know there is a hefty student loan debt bringing you to reality. Unfortunately, for the majority of students, student loan debts are the only way to a diploma, so it’s not a surprise that many of them are actually struggling with paying it off while also maintaining a good quality of their lifestyle.

Is it possible to have fun, create memories, and make the most of every moment while there is such a financial responsibility hanging over everything you do? According to research published in Forbes, there are 44 million borrowers who all together owe $1,5 trillion in student loan debt only in the United States.

If you’re among those 44 million borrowers, you could probably use some useful tips and tricks on how to manage your student loan debt while still living your life to the fullest.

  Focus on Budgeting

We can’t talk about successfully repaying your student debt loan or even managing your overall finances without knowing how to budget. Understanding your income and expenses is vital if you wish to make plenty of healthy financial decisions in the future:

 

Start by determining your monthly income from all of your sources. That can be anything: money from your part-time job, scholarships, loans, grants, money from your parents, etc. After your graduation, this will probably be just the money from your full-time job and your parents.
List all of your expenses and be as detailed as possible.
Include your fixed costs as well as those that vary from month to month.
The more expenses you add throughout the months, the more aware you will be of how much money you actually have at your disposal.

  Be Smart About Your Money

In general, you should make smarter decisions when it comes to your finances:

 

Start thinking where you could save money and determine which expenses can be lower. For instance, you can be smarter with your money by finding an ATM company that you can trust and which is affordable for you.
You can replace some of your hobbies and activities with cheaper options.
Instead of going to the gym, you can start jogging in the park.
Instead of going to the cinema, invite your friends over for a movie.

There are plenty of ways to replace your habits and interests, you just need to write them down, find the alternative solution, and stick to it.

Continue Living like you’re In College

After you graduate, you might be fascinated with all that freedom, but keep in mind you need to be responsible and smart with your money if you want to pay off your student loan debt.

How about continuing living like you’re still a student? Not having your apartment but sharing it with roommates will cut down your expenses significantly. When it comes to food, try to cook at home as much as possible and avoid restaurants and fancy places.

Invite your friends for a Friday dinner and prepare a meal for them instead of meeting them in the restaurant. You can save money also by creating a cooking schedule with your roommates or finding supermarkets at low prices.

Conclusion

All in all, your entire lifestyle should be focused on saving money for paying off your student loan debt as soon as possible. You can still enjoy your time with your friends and family, but you need to plan everything accordingly. Always make sure that all of your expenses are added to your budget so you can manage your financial situation successfully. Without planning, it will be hard to pay off your debt in time.

Byline:Kathleen Brown is a passionate entrepreneur and enjoys writing articles, overviews, and analyses about everything going on in the industry with a single goal of sharing her expertise with students.

 

 

TOP USEFUL YOUTUBE CHANNELS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

BY JAMES CLARK

 

Since the first year of its existence, which was 2005, YouTube has become one of the most popular platforms within the whole world. People use it for different purposes, including educational.

Many students share their stories on the Internet. They say that YouTube is the platform for everyone. They use it as both entertainments when having free time and platform, where they can improve their knowledge and skills. There exist plenty of YouTube channels (check this ), but not all of them are useful. It might be difficult to generate the Top of YouTube channels for students of all categories, but here the most common are gathered.

ASAP Science has 8 708 034 subscribers and it highly popular among those, who are interested in science, biology and other disciplines like these. The channel was created by Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown, who often participate in videos.

CrashCourse has 9 529 315 subscribers and contain short educational videos (each about 12 minutes) on different topics such as ‘European History’, ‘Engineering’, History of Science’, ‘Recess’, ‘World History’, ‘Biology’, ‘Ecology’, ‘Literature’, ‘US History’, ‘Psychology’, ‘Astronomy’ an many others. Various experts participate in the creating of channel’s videos.

Khan Academy has 4 924 342 subscribers and specifies in such topics as economics, mathematics, grammar, physics, biology, history, chemistry, finance, and others. The main aim of the organization founded by Salman Khan is to educate student all over the world. They release scientifically based videos for up to 10 minutes, but strongly informative.

Kurzgesagt (which means ‘in a nutshell’ in German) has over 9 070 000 subscribers. They say about themselves that they “explain things with optimistic nihilism). As for now, they produce one video per month, but the videos are of high quality and really worth seeing. The topics of the videos are “Medicine&Biology”, “Human Stuff”, “Futurism”, etc.

Numberphile has almost 3 billion subscribers. It is owned by Brandy Haran, who loves numbers and shares different life hacks connected with them. He often creates videos themselves, but also he invites other people, who can cover the topic of the video.

Smarter Every Day has over 7 000 250 subscribers. The videos are between 8 and 20 minutes. The creator of the channel aims at teaching people. The owner of the channel encourages people to leave comments or write him directly. The topics are various.

TEDEd Student Talks has 33 084 subscribers all over the world. The language of the channel is English, so this is easy to access for any person in the world. The channel was created as a youth and education initiative after famous TedED and TEDx Talks. They aim to sparkling student ideas all around the world. The videos are inspiring and the creators of the channel are open for comments. You can join the discussion at any time.

Vsauce has 14 556 318 subscribers and, as you can see, is highly popular over the world. It is translated into different languages by other users. On the channel such topics as ‘Culture’, ‘Space’, ‘Physics’, ‘Language’, ‘Technology’, ‘Art’, etc. are covered. There also exists a project called ‘Mind Field’, in terms of which Michael Stevens, the creator, works with famous researches in leading universities and they turn science fiction into science fact. He travels a lot, so the videos now are more interesting and useful.

As a bonus, we would share information about another channel on YouTube, which is not educational or scientific, but rather helps to boost your learning skills and create the atmosphere for studying, which is important for every student.

Thomas Frank has over 1.4 million subscribers and produces videos not about the subjects themselves, but about how to learn them effectively. His videos are simple tips of self-organization, time management, skills of learning loads of information, preparing for exams and fighting procrastination. He releases videos on average once a week. His videos also contain information about building social skills and ways of self-motivation.

The style of every channel is unique and stylish. All the creators have prepared the user-friendly interface of the videos. Surely, our aim is not to promote the channel, but to help students in their search of additional platforms, which can assist in becoming professional.

Bio

James Clark

James is an expert publishing consultant with more than two decades of experience working for individual authors, literary agents, and publisher clients, including Scholastic, Hay House, HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill Education, and others. He develops the tactics for media projects as well as consults on marketing and publishing strategies for external agencies, most of which are social media.

 

Can You Start Doing Freelance Work in College?

BY ANTON LUCANUS

Picking up a freelance gig while in college can help you find some fantastic opportunities. You’ll get a chance to make more money, you’ll gain some (hopefully) relevant career experience before you graduate, and you’ll make more connections, which could turn into friendships or future professional references. And thanks to the prevalence of the gig economy, there are a wide range of jobs you could potentially pick up.

The question is, is it feasible to become a successful freelancer while you’re still in college?

The Logistics of a Freelance Business

 Every freelance business is a little bit different, but there are a few key logistical areas you’ll need to consider before you move forward:

Timing and commitments. The biggest factor here is timing, and the level of commitment required by the gig. Obviously, you’re going to have a full class schedule and tons of homework to contend with, so it’s ill-advised to take on a gig that might interfere with those responsibilities. Thankfully, most side gigs automatically come with a flexible schedule; you can work as many hours as you’d like and schedule those hours as you see fit. However, this isn’t always the case. Consider whether your gig will have you working for an established company (like a ridesharing service) or whether you’ll be starting the business on your own, and just how much control you’ll have over scheduling.

Paperwork and legality. You won’t encounter many legal barriers in your way of running a side gig, but depending on the nature of your business, you may need to get some paperwork in place. For example, if you’re selling food or establishing a physical location for your business, you may need a business license, permit, or special certification. Otherwise, you may need to put together some paperwork for your clients, including contracts specifying the nature of the work you’re going to provide and invoice templates you can send when your work is finished.

 

Revenue, expenses, and taxes. Next, you’ll need to think about the money you’re going to make in relation to the expenses you’ll face—as well as whether or not you’re going to owe taxes on your profits. Some side gigs are going to require upfront expenses; for example, you might need to buy a lawnmower and other tools if you want to start a landscaping side gig. In some cases, these expenses can compromise the profitability of the entire operation if you aren’t sure how to manage them. Also note that you may be required to file a Form 1099 with your annual tax return, depending on how much money you make and what your expenses were, paying taxes on the income you made.

Possible Freelance Gigs for College Students

The ideal freelance gig for a college student is one that allows for flexible scheduling and variable hours, so you can make it work within the confines of your existing class schedule. You’ll also need something that’s open to people with limited professional experience, and preferably, something that provides you with experience you’ll need in your future career.

These are some potential options:

Tutoring. Assuming you have a solid understanding of at least one subject that most students struggle with, you could employ yourself as a student tutor. You’ll remain in an academic setting, meeting and working with fellow students, and you should have practically unlimited scheduling flexibility—especially if you share a similar class schedule with your tutees.

Graphic design and photography. If you’re studying art, design, or photography, you can take your burgeoning skills to real clients. For example, you could photograph weddings or other major events, or start designing logos and marketing materials for local businesses.

Writing. If writing is closer to your skill set, you could try writing for some extra cash, providing blog posts to online businesses or possibly starting a blog of your own. You may also be able to write for a local paper.

Physical chores. Don’t forget the possibility of physical tasks and chores. For example, you could help people maintain their lawns and plants, or you could clean houses for some extra cash. These tend to be in high demand, though you may have to go off-campus to find clients.

Planning and organizing. You could also try to use your planning and organizing skills in a freelance capacity, helping people plan major events or declutter their dorm rooms.

There isn’t a limit to what kind of freelance gigs you can take on as a college student, but some will definitely be more advantageous to you than others. Experiment with some of the gigs you think might work best for you, and don’t be afraid to drop something if it isn’t generating enough of a profit, or if it’s taking too much of your time.

Byline – Anton Lucanus is the Director of Neliti. During his college years, he maintained a perfect GPA, was published in a top cancer journal, and received many of his country’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarships. Anton writes for The College Puzzle as a means to share the lessons learnt throughout his degree and to guide current students to achieve personal and educational fulfilment during college life.

 

 

Do’s and Don’t’s of Sending Your Kids to College

BY BRETT CLAWSON

Going to college can be a great experience. It can be a great time in a young person’s life where they figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives. It can provide some of the best memories in a person’s life. While college is great, if may not be for everyone. It’s important for parents to know the do’s and don’t’s of sending a child off to college. There a number of things a parent can do to help their child’s college experience. However make a wrong move can also make college an experience they do not enjoy.

 

Don’t Let Your Child Get Buried in Debt

 This tip should be a no brainer at this point. No college degree is worth going deep into debt for. There many ways to pay for an education without student loans. First and foremost as a parent it is a great idea to encourage your child to do well in high school so that they may be eligible for scholarships. There are so many scholarships available and if your child works hard they really are attainable. Second, encourage your child to go to an in state school to make it more affordable. Finally, let your child know that good old fashioned work is a great solution. Many students work a part time job while going to school. Even if the process takes a little longer because you are paying out of pocket, it will be well worth it if you can avoid student loan debt.

 

Do Encourage Your Kids to Take a Gap Year If Needed

 Graduating from high school is a major accomplishment. Not every person is ready to take on college as soon as they graduate. It is important for parents to be aware of this fact and encourage their children to take a ‘gap’ year off if needed. Taking time off is a great way for some students to clear their mind and decide what they want to do with their life. During that time off they may get some needed rest or simply decide that college is not for them. Taking this route may often come across as lazy or as if the child is not going to make anything of their life. The truth is a gap year may be just what they need to get things together and get on the right path.

 

Don’t Assume College is the Only Way

 Many people have had it engraved in their head that in order to be successful they must go to a 4-year college. While this is a popular statement it is not an accurate one. There are many high paying jobs that do not require a college degree, per se. Some of these jobs include electricians, web developers, and even computer technicians. A number of people go to technical college after high school, or they go straight into the workforce. Parents should not be alarmed if their children want to go down this road. Instead they should encourage them to find a field that they are passionate about, but they should be sure to understand all their options before deciding against college.

 

Do Help Your Child Move and Stay Connected During Their Journey

 Going to college is a big transition. Parents need to help their child with this transition as much or as little as the child needs the help. Consider using a universal roof rack cross bars to help bring their luggage to campus. It might also include not calling them as much to give them the space they need as they adjust. Staying connected to your child is an important job for a parent during this time. Not every child will need the same thing but rest assured they will need some help at some point.

Byline:  Brett Clawson is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in Business Management. He enjoys researching emerging business trends and sharing their impact on business and the industry as a whole. He believes that the best way to influence others and share his knowledge with the world is through his writing.

 

 

Likely Challenges Faced by College Students Who Travel

 BY LESLIE WILDER

College life bears some of the best experiences of life’s journey. But it is also a crucial stage that sees the transition from childhood to adulthood. The life of a college student is not easy, as they juggle their career with the need to socialize.

The path towards success is always not as easy as it seems. Students actually have to cross many hurdles before they achieve their goal.

What poses potential problems in a student’s life who travels and at the same time pursues a degree?

Let us find them out here.

The call of nature is hard to ignore

For students who are travel buffs, it is difficult to resist the temptation of travelling. The unforgettable charm of nature gives them lucrative reasons to travel. At the same time, due importance has to be given to education. Getting a college degree is not something you should take lightly. The regular course of study compels students to be present. The challenge lies in balancing passion and need.

College expenses

Pursuing any college degree demands a handsome amount. Keeping the expenses in mind, many students opt for part-time jobs or get involved in slots. This need for pocket money works as a driving force for them to take up work.

Work and study compatibility

Working from a very early age is not something we always choose willingly. Sometimes such situations arise where we have to work to sustain the family even while continuing to pursue studies. Or if a student chooses to relocate or spend a significant amount of time outside their hometown, in such a case a regular college course may pose as a problem.

Adjusting to different environments

While we are in an institution it takes time to adjust with the ambience of the place. Often we change the institution which then includes change of the entire settings including the mental set up. So whenever you are traveling outside make sure you are going back to the roots.

Feeling stagnated with studies

Life is too short to be stuck with one thing. For all those who want to go for all of it, it’s hard to be satisfied with one thing – be it education be it a job. There is nothing wrong in longing for more. If there is a scope to do both study and things you love, it will be a cherry on the top. But the challenge here is to juggle both sides, to strike a balance.

Making effective use of time

A full-time college course requires a lot of time and attention. We hardly get any time for our loved ones. We feel there is so much to do in so little time. Juggling the college with social life.

Maintaining attendance at college

For the wanderer at heart denying the passion is hard. As it is said time and tide wait for no one. This fleeting time once gone is gone. Students who want to make the most of it find it challenging to balance the urge to travel and the need to attend college. Regular college courses lay a lot of emphasis on the attendance that leaves students in a dilemma.

Career woes

Students who are just about to enter adulthood remains unaware of the scenario of the real world. They put behind the struggles of a stable career, job and indulge in momentary pleasure by travelling. Ultimately this poses a great threat to their growth in the future. There should be a balance between the two that will enable a healthy lifestyle.

Quenching restlessness

Students are young and energetic. Not being able to vent the energy in the right direction makes them restless. Pursuing a college degree requires dedication and patience. The urge to travel sometimes hamper their regular course of study.

Juggling assignments and prep time

Students’ life is the most difficult. Assignments, exams, lectures leave them exhausted. The physical and mental fatigue affect their personal and social life. It’s hard to take out time even for the things they love the most. Whereas traveling takes time and leaves you physically exhausted. It is important for them to learn the art of time management so that there is a happy balance.

Travelling expenses

College expenses already is a lot to bear. And traveling nowadays is nothing less. For an ordinary college student, the travel expenses might seem a bit too much. Cost cutting from the monthly budget may, therefore, be necessary.

Choosing the right track

Staying motivated in the class and attending classes with seriousness if affected when the heart is not at peace. If the soul is restless it will be difficult to make life choices.

Looking after health

Another barrier in travelling for a college student is your well-being. Health comes first. The long tiring trips may take a toll on health and it may indirectly affect studies.

Choosing the right friends to travel with

A friend in need is a friend indeed. Travelling while studying means gaps in the study. A friend intervenes here. A trustworthy companion can help you fill the void by supplementing the missed lectures and classes.

Taking time off for oneself

The humdrum of daily life makes people so busy they hardly get time for themselves. The college and travelling together takes up so much time there is hardly any time left to spend with yourself.

 

Leslie Wilder a creative writer & blogger, who is residing in Nashville U.S.A, Tennessee, I’m also a self-proclaimed happiness junkie, and someone you would generally consider confident and well balanced.