Classy Co-Ed’s Guide to Awesome Advising Appointments

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably trying to figure out what exactly you’re going to have to do to graduate on time (although I don’t know why anyone wants to leave college), get a good job or into graduate school, and all that good stuff. And if you’re even more like me, you probably need a little help. That’s where advisors come in: they’re a great resource for every classy co-ed if you know how to ask the right questions. I asked my advisor a few questions about how to have more productive advising appointments and now I’m passing that advice on to you.

• Do a little research- it helps to have a general idea of what you want to know. If you’re going to your advisor for advice on how to get into grad school for example, do some online searching to see what kinds of schools you think you want to go to. If there’s a class you desperately want to get into that’s full, go prepared to tell him or her exactly why you would be an asset to the class and why the class would be an asset to you
• Ask specific questions to get specific answers- I once went into my advisor and literally asked if I could switch from pre-med to pre-law and that was the only question I’d come prepared with. The answer? “Yes” and that was all. Which didn’t help me with what I actually wanted to know: what should I do to make the switch happen and still be successful? Make a list beforehand of what exactly you want to know. Write down any answers you don’t think you’ll remember later.
• Make sure you’re going to the best advisor for your questions- At Mizzou, I have two advisors specifically assigned to me (one in each of my majors), plus an Honors College advisor and the pre-law advisor. I didn’t even know there was a pre-law advisor until I was considering a double major, and found some things about law school on the Political Science website. Sometimes it helps to just dig around and send some e-mails to feel out the resources your school offers.
• Bring any important documents with you- If you want to discuss your chances of getting into a major program, internship, or graduate school, you’ll probably need copies of your transcripts, recommendation letters, test scores, etc so your advisor doesn’t have to waste time looking things up and he or she has all the information.
• Try to get to know your advisor and maintain a relationship with him/her- the more you get to know your advisor, the more he or she will know (and care) about you too. Your advisor sees lots of students who just pass through, asking requisite questions and never pausing to learn his or her name. Some advisors are really cool people, and if they know you, when opportunities come across their desks that would be perfect for you, they’ll let you know and maybe even write you a recommendation letter.

Kat McClain is an intern at College Lifestyles ™. She attends the University of Missouri-Columbia, is a member of Alpha Chi Omega, and is extremely excited about the start of football season. Go Tigers! She also enjoys reading magazines, watching trashy TV, and listening to the new Katy Perry cd.

7 Strategies for Conflict Management During Recruitment

Recruitment can be a stressful situation for everyone involved.  Long hours and approaching deadlines can sometimes produce tense situations.  However,  utilizing the following seven strategies for conflict management can prevent unwanted stress and negative energy:

1.  Give yourself time to calm down before approaching conflict.  If you do not take time to cool down, you are more likely to say and do things that you will regret later.  Several relationships experience conflict damage from snap decisions.

2.  Once you have given yourself time, choose your best method of communication but talk about it.  Though face-to-face interaction is a more direct method, E-mail or a phone call can serve the same purpose if you have a problem controlling your temper.  Use previous experience to determine the best method.  It might also be wise to explain to the other party involved why you chose that method of communication.

As a side note, using Facebook or other social networking sites to vent is probably not the best way to cool off.  These sites are public, at least to your friends, so airing out on these sites can lead to even more conflict.

3. Tone can completely change the intention of what you say in a conversation.  Keep a tone that implies you are seeking information versus accusing the other person of doing something wrong.

4.  Using tact means avoiding phrases, sentences, and even entire conversations that are offensive and/or demeaning.

Example:           

• Not using tact – “Okay, so I hate to say this, but you are really hurting the group.  Like seriously, GET IT TOGETHER!”

• Using tact – “I’ve noticed that you seem distant, and I think it may be affecting your performance.  Would you like to talk about this issue?

5.  Pretending that an issue does not exist could potentially cause a problem to grow.  Instead, being truthful will create an atmosphere of respect and trust.

6.  Give and take can help prevent conflict.  On the other hand, always giving in can lead to negative results.  If an issue is important to you, let the other person know and then work to meet somewhere in the middle.

7.  In general, learning to tolerate the differences in each other will foster teamwork and cooperation.  Different beliefs, backgrounds, and interests make your chapter unique and are an essential part of your identity.  So embrace them!

Kristin Studle is a senior at Western Kentucky University where she is majoring in Interactive Advertising and minoring in Sociology.  She is also a proud member of Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity, and she admits that she bleeds red, buff, and green.  In the little spare time that she has, Kristin likes to watch musicals, read, and try to make a positive impact on the world around her.

Texting While Driving: It’s As Dangerous As You Think

Texting while driving—I’m sure most of us have done it.  And although it seems like a momentary distraction, it can lead to a lot more trouble than you would think.  Here are some facts to think about next time you start texting while you’re driving, and also, some easy ways to avoid doing it.

The Facts:

• Talking on a cell phone causes nearly 25% of all accidents these days.
• Four out of every five accidents are attributed to distracted drivers, whereas drunk drivers account for one-third of all accidents nationally.
• Studies have shown that texting while driving causes a 400% increase in time spent with eyes off the road.
• Texting while driving is about six more times likely to result in an accident than driving while intoxicated.
• In 30 states, and Washington, D.C. texting while driving is actually illegal.  Even if no one gets hurt, you could still get in trouble with the law.
• When composing a text message, your attention is taken away from driving and focused on the message instead.  This makes it harder to process what is happening on the road and slows reaction time.

Ways To Avoid It:

• Use a Bluetooth.  There are many different options today that can allow you to both talk on the phone and drive at the same time.  This is perfectly legal and much safer.
• If you’re with a friend, hand your friend your phone and have them do your texting for you.  That way, you can still have the texting conversation you want to have while driving.
• Text or call whoever you’re speaking to at the time and tell them that you’re getting in the car. That way, they’ll know not to try to contact you for the time being and you’re less likely to get distracted.  Or, put your phone on silent, so even if you get a call or text, you won’t be able to hear your phone.
• If you decide that you really need to text, pull over to a safe place where you’re not blocking traffic, keeping yourself and others out of harm’s way.

Here is a hilarious PSA from the stars of the NBC show Community discouraging texting while driving: Don’t Text and Drive

Lana Schwartz is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM) and a proud sister of Kappa Alpha Theta.  She is so excited to be back at the University of Delaware in only a week!

CL’s Guide to Freshmen Fun: Movie Marathon Madness!

For many freshmen, college is the first time being away from home.  Being in a new place with new people can be overwhelming and make you want to go home to find comfort.  If you’re too far from home to travel back and forth every weekend, try to find some other people that will be staying the weekend as well.  Think of fun activities to do to keep you entertained! Plan a Movie Marathon Madness weekend!!!

Step One:

Pick a theme for your movie marathon! Fun themes could include 80s (Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, St. Elmo’s Fire), The Object of My Afflecktion (all Affleck movies like Paycheck and Pearl Harbor (Ben) or Ocean’s 11 and The Last Kiss (Casey)),  Chick Flick Fab (13 Going on 30, 27 Dresses, The Devil Wears Prada, etc), X Marks the Spot (All Mark Wahlberg films like Fear, The Italian Job, The Departed), Fun Fiction (Twilight, Harry Potter, Avatar, X-Men), Back to the Good Ol’ Days (Mighty Ducks, Now and Then, Sandlot, Radio Flyer),  Dance the Night Away (Dirty Dancing, Take the Lead, Center Stage, Bring It On), or Cruisin’ for a Bruce-in’  (Bruce Willis movies like The Sixth Sense, Die Hard, The Kid, The Fifth Element).

Step Two:

Invite everyone you know (or want to know) from your dorm floor or building, people in your classes, or just your suitmates! If you don’t have enough movies to fit into your theme, ask around your floor to borrow some DVDs from others and invite them to join in on the fun! If they decline, put a post-it note on the inside of the movie case with the name and room number of the person you borrowed it from and return it with another post-it inside like this one from Karen!

Step Three:

If you want to go all out with your theme, put together outfits to coordinate with the Madness!  Check out local thrift shops to find pieces of clothing to make your 80s outfit (leg warmers and off the shoulder shirts), your favorite childhood outfit (overalls and sideways hat), or just a character from your favorite film (Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) from The Fifth Element, Hermione (Emma Watson) from Harry Potter, or Evelyn Johnson (Kate Beckinsale) in Pearl Harbor).

Step Four:

Make memories! Take pictures so that you will remember the fun outfits, great movies and new friends you’ve made.  Post the pictures on facebook so that others will want to join in on the fun next time!

This is a great way to make new friends and enjoy being at school on the weekends! It’s also a great way to take a break from all the studying during the week.  What kinds of things do you do to take a break from studying? Take a look at Kaitlyn’s newest post for another way to relax!  Leave a comment below or tweet at us (@collegelifestyl) to let us know what you do on the weekends!

Becky Alberico is an intern at College Lifestyles ™. She is a Communication Studies major at Edinboro University of PA, and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau! Becky would dress in her dragon costume and pretend to be the Chinese Fireball that Viktor Krum faces while watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, while fellow intern Kaitlyn would dress as the Prince of Thieves while watching Alladin with her friendly monkey, Abu.

CL’s Guide to Freshmen Year Fun: Name Hunt!

One thing to remember when you’re a freshman is this: you are not alone.  All of the other freshmen are in the same boat; they are away from home, they don’t know many people and they are just as nervous about starting college as you.  Take this opportunity to be the outgoing, fun, friendly co-ed in your suite or on your dorm floor.  Get a small group or the whole floor together and go snap pictures on a fun camera phone scavenger hunt!

Here’s how it works:

1. Divide everyone into two groups (if you have more than 10 people, divide into more groups with even numbers).
2. Put everyone’s names and phone numbers in each other’s cell phones.
3. Designate a specific time and place to meet back with all the groups.
4. Find a place on campus that corresponds with the first letter of everyone in your group’s first name. For example, Becky found the Bursar’s Office.
5. Have another member of the group take a picture of that person with their cell phone, and then send the picture to the other group(s)! Once one group has found that place, the other groups cannot use it, so be quick!
6. The first team back with all of their pictures wins!

Didn’t win? Not possible! Everyone is a winner! Not only do you get to find your way around campus while meeting new people, but you also have a fun way to remember names and get everyone’s numbers so you can plan more fun activities!

Are you an upcoming freshman? What are you looking forward to most? Are you an upperclassman? What fun things did you do when you were a freshman? Tell us your favorite dorm activities! Tweet at us: @collegelifestyl!

Becky Alberico is an intern at College Lifestyles ™. She is a Communication Studies major at Edinboro University of PA, and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau! Becky remembers her freshman year like it was yesterday- full of interesting people, movie marathons and new experiences!

Need snacks to eat after your scavenger hunt? Check out Emily H’s latest post here!

CL’s Ultimate Cover Song Playlist

Are you in need of some new music?  I am too.  I love my old tunes, but I’ve been getting a little bored, and need an update.  What a better way than to put a new twist on your old favorites?  I asked my friends and followers and came up with a list of cover songs that every classy co-ed can enjoy! Check out CL’s Ultimate Cover Song Playlist.

1. Adele – Make You Feel My Love (by Bob Dylan suggested by Rachel)
2. John Mayer – Free Fallin’ (by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers suggested by Kristy)
3. Allison Crowe – Hallelujah (by Leonard Cohen suggested by Briana)
4. Ben Folds – Golden Slumbers (by The Beatles)
5. The Wallflowers – Heroes (by David Bowie suggested by Christina)
6. Jimmy Robbins – You’re Not Sorry (by Taylor Swift)
7. Fuel – Daniel (by Elton John)
8. Kelly Osbourne – Papa Don’t Preach (by Madonna suggested by Shelly)
   

   Adele

9. The Cast of Glee – Poker Face (by Lady Gaga suggested by Karen)
10. Bettie Serveert – Lover I Don’t Have to Love (by Bright Eyes)
11. Dave Matthews Band – Down By the River (by Neil Young suggested by Branden)
12. Fall Out Boy – Beat It (by Michael Jackson suggested by Emily)
13. Kathryn McPhee – Somewhere Over the Rainbow (by Judy Garland suggested by Lucy)
14. Ron Pope – Little Wing (by Jimi Hendrix suggested by Ron Pope)
15. Melissa Rebronja – Wonderwall (by Oasis suggested by Nicci)
16. Jem – Yellow (by Coldplay)
17. Alicia Keys & Adam Levine – Wild Horses (by Rolling Stones)
18. Regina Spektor – Chelsea Hotel #2 (by Leonard Cohen suggested by Backseat Goodbye)

There you have it! Go to itunes and download these classics with twists!  I hope this helps your iPod get a breath of fresh air!

Did your favorite cover songs make the list? What would you have put on this playlist?  Let us know! Tweet at us: @collegelifestyl!

For more new music, take a look at my last post: CL’s Ultimate Summer Road Trip Playlist!

Becky Alberico is an intern at College Lifestyles ™. She is a Communication Studies major at Edinboro University of PA, and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau! Becky likes the original versions of these songs, but LOVES these remakes! She thinks her iPod will be very happy with these new additions!

CL’s Guide To Sleeping Soundly

It’s summer, and that means many of us have the opportunity to do something that we don’t get to do much of during the year: sleep.  Between our busy social lives, building our resumes, and of course, academia, sleep always seems to come last on our to-do-lists.  It’s summer now though, and even with a slightly less hectic schedule, there are more opportunities to catch up on the six to eight hours of sleep that you should be getting nightly.  However, if you’re still experiencing difficulties getting yourself on a regular sleep cycle, here are some tips to help you sleep more soundly at night.

1. Avoid drinking caffeine in the late afternoon and evening.  We all look to coffee to boost our energy in the morning, but consuming it closer to when you fall asleep at night will make it that much harder for you to catch some z’s.
2. Try to avoid exercising before bed.  However, exercising earlier in the day will help you get to bed later that night.
3. Make sure your environment is a comfortable one.  Any kind of light or noise can detract from your sleep experience.  That means falling asleep with the television or the lights on is out.
4. As hard as it may be, don’t take long naps during the day.  Taking long naps can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.  Attempt to limit your naps to 20 or 30 minutes long.
5. Get into a routine.  Getting into bed every time at the same night will help you to fall asleep at the same time, and wake up at your goal hour in the morning.

Although it might be hard to stick to some of these guidelines, sleep is your body’s way of maintaining itself.  Not getting enough sleep now can lead to some major problems down the road.

Lana Schwartz is an at intern at CollegeLifestyles (TM) and a sister of Kappa Alpha Theta.  She is an English major at the University of Delaware and she loves to sleep!

CL’s Ultimate Summer Road Trip Playlist

It’s road trip time! But before you go anywhere, run to the store and grab an itunes giftcard because you’re going to need it!  Get ready to download the best songs for your road trip playlist! These jams have to keep you energetic and singing one, five or twelve hours into your trip.  Here are my picks for CL’s Ultimate Summer Road Trip Playlist.

1. Ace of Base – The Sign
2. Ke$ha – Dinosaur
3. Marc Cohn – Walking In Memphis
4. R. Kelly – I Believe I Can Fly
5. Jonas Brothers – Australia
6. Matt & Kim – Daylight
7. The Rocket Summer – Brat Pack
8. Tupac – California Love
9. Backstreet Boys – Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)
10. Hanson – Man From Milwaukee
11. Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
12. Justin Timberlake – Seniorita
13. Rihanna – Shut Up and Drive
14. New Kids on the Block – Step By Step
15. Regina Spektor – Folding Chair
16. Eddie Money – Take Me Home Tonight
17. Jay-Z ft. Kid Cudi – Already Home

One or two classics thrown in with many favorites! Check these out for your next road trip!

What songs made it onto your playlist? Let us know! Tweet at us: @collegelifestyl!

Becky Alberico is an intern at College Lifestyles ™. She is a Communication Studies major at Edinboro University of PA, and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau! Becky cannot wait to see the cornfields and flatlands between Pennsylvania and Iowa with fellow intern Kaitlyn in less than two weeks!

Check out Hillary’s post about what kinds of snacks to bring with you on your next road trip!

Le Chaim! American College vs. Israeli Army Service

A classy co-ed in college vs. a classy co-ed in the army
“American College vs. Israeli Army Service”
The distinguishing question youth must figure out for themselves.

By Carly Bassen
carlybassen@yahoo.com

Many believe that the youth shapes the future of a country’s well being.

As I recollect my experience up to this point as an American, I must ask myself one question-

How have I been an attribute to my country?

This is not an easy answer for anyone. At first I felt proud. Like many, I have been the best student I could be. Using the please’s and thank you’s have made life smooth. Learning a foreign language and reaching for A’s in school have been goals I continue to uphold. Thanks to the simplicity of smiling, it has been great making friends and getting along with others. Then secondary schooling is finished and the duty is to succeed. Fortunately, I was able to graduate from high school and proceed on to studying at a University. Whether or not the opportunity of college is available, every 17-18 year old American asks themself the same question at this stage-

What can I do now to succeed and better my interest?

Just recently, I traveled to Israel on an organized and spectacular Birthright trip. The group I traveled with was made up of about 40 Americans aged 18-24. It was exciting when eight Israeli’s our age joined us. Although we are at the same faze of life, we are from different countries and therefore have very different priorities. While we as American youth seek individual opportunity, Israeli youth seek to best please their country. Their question is-

What can I do to best help my country?

The Israeli youth become soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces. Both young women and men join the army where they choose a unit that best suits their skills.

The IDF said, “Going through the demands and rigors of army life on a totally egalitarian basis forges a common identity that totally transcends social and economic groupings.”

Girls are obligated to serve for just less than two years while boys must serve three years. They choose a military program that sometimes helps build a profession later on.

Throughout my journeys in Israel I talked to many soldiers that had positions such as, public relations, social work, engineering, combat, teaching, and cooking.

Each soldier must follow these four guidelines:

• Set a good example. By wearing a uniform, one is a representative of their country and must have good values that are followed through with good behavior.
• Comradeship. A soldier is expected to risk their life for a fellow soldier by not deserting one wounded on the battlefield.
• Avoid politicization. A soldier must be modest and not accept gifts or favors from anyone.
• Be professional. Each soldier must grow in their particular course so that they acquire the skills needed for a meaningful task.

My good friend Hemda Ben Zvi, who was a soldier on my Birthright trip told me, “There is a treasured peace among us that we developed being each other’s wingmen and mates during challenges.”
While they bond over life threatening and serious moments, we Americans bond over parties and social groups like a sorority.

As I contemplated the difference between our duties as American youth and the duties of Israeli youth, I had to wonder about fundamentals.
I must also add that despite Israel’s more intense and unified responsibility, they are just like us. The first question they asked upon joining our group was, “When can we take our uniforms off?”
They still want to enjoy life, make friends, and be goofy. After the first initial meeting of the soldiers who joined our group, we forgot that they were any different as we became one big family.

A savvy co-ed must realize that although cultures around the world may be drastically different, the bottom line is that people are people. We all have needs, wants, and passions. In Israel, I was lucky to hike mountains, ride a camel, float in the Dead Sea, shop in busy flea markets, and raft down the Jordan River. An American college student and an Israeli solider participating in these activities still laughs and sweats the same. Lifestyles aside, we all want to make the best of a situation and enjoy each experience together.

I could most relate to Kate Dopazo’s article, “The Savvy Co-ed’s Guide to Texas- New York Edition.” Both of us were enlightened by new cultures while traveling. Like Kate, I had to put my best foot forward and charm my way through a foreign territory. I admire Kate’s approach and agree with her charismatic attitude when traveling. Any classy co-ed can learn from her advice after experiencing a new lifestyle.
http://collegelifestyles.org/2010/06/texas-new-york-edition/

Carly is a College Lifestyles intern who attends Indiana University. Each month she becomes involved with a different and fun sport or activity. While last month she was addicted to taking Zumba classes, this month she is roller blading.

CL’s Guide to Finding New Summer Music!

What more can you do than sit by the pool and listen to music during this heat wave?  However, I’m guessing that the same tunes can get boring after you’ve been at the pool all week.  Need to update your music collection, but aren’t sure exactly where to start?  Allow me to help!  Check out how CL’s savviest co-eds find new music!

1. One of my favorite ways to find new music is using Pandora!  I just type in one of my favorite artists and a whole list of similar artists plays!  Then I head on over to iTunes and download some new favorite songs!
2. Another way I find new music is by searching through Pure Volume.  This site allows you to search for new artists and bands and listen to some of their music.  Often times, artists will have songs available to download from this site, for free!
   

   Turn the Tunes Up!

3. Did you hear something you liked on your favorite TV show?  Check the television website to see if they have a list of music they played on each episode!  Shows on MTV have playlists, as well as ABC Family.  Check out Kaitlyn’s post to find out about other theme music!
4. Use MySpace (or Facebook and Twitter)!  Since Facebook has taken over the social networking sites, MySpace has been slightly forgotten.  However, I think it is still one of the best ways to find new music!  Look up your favorite bands and see who their top friends are! Frequently, bands will put their opening acts for current tours, or bands with a similar sound as their top friends.
5. Lastly, check out the Free on iTunes music!  I’ve discovered some of my most favorite songs by checking the website each week!  Also, there is a free music video each week for everyone to check out.

Don’t get stuck listening to last summer’s mixes!  Take a few minutes away from the sun and look into some new music!  Who knows?  Maybe you will discover the next Jonas Brothers-like group!

How do you find your new music?  What new music have you discovered lately?  Let us know!  Email us at intern@collegelifestyles.org or tweet at us: @collegelifestyl!

Becky Alberico is an intern at College Lifestyles ™. She is a Communication Studies major at Edinboro University of PA, and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau! Becky is trying to stay cool this July by listening to fun songs like Mike Posner’s “Cooler Than Me” and Nikki Yanofsky’s “Cool My Heels.”

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