On March 31, 2015 I hosted an Act of Kindness Event called ‘SuiteHearts’. At this event, residents came out and created beautiful baby onesies and socks. All items were donated to the YWCA Battered Women and Children Shelter in Marietta, GA.

This event partner sponsor was The University Village Suite Council. A total of 48 onesies and 7 pairs of socks were created to donate during this event. The YWCA has a long and rich history of providing services to women. It is, in fact, “the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world” supporting women across boundaries or race, religion and heritage. Among the many good works of the YWCA is the Sheltering Hands & Battered Women’s Shelter. Two locations serve northwest area.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance from the Shelter, I urge you to contact the shelter immediately. You can do so by phone (770) 423-3560.

It’s that time of year again! It seems like all of my friends are going on adventures abroad this summer. If you’ve caught the travel bug, here are some invaluable tips and tricks when going abroad:

MAKE COPIES. It’s okay to chop down trees when you’re travelling abroad. Be sure to make copies of your passport, visas, trip itinerary, US Embassy information, bank information, etc. You never know what can happen when you travel, and you’ll need all of this information to get back home if you lose your passport!
TRAVEL LIGHT. This may seem impossible if you’re studying abroad for 6-8 weeks. Have no fear; Pinterest is here! This website has fabulous idea for packing lightly! http://www.outfitposts.com/2012/11/one-suitcase-business-casual-capsule_6313.html#.VSxpgfnF-So
MED CRAZY. Be sure to visit your physician before going abroad. Some countries require certain vaccinations for you to even get on the plan, so check out the CDC’s recommendation for your country. While you’re at it, see if your family doctor thinks you’ll need some nausea and anti-diarrhea medication. Better safe than sorry! http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
CHOOSE BAGS WISELY. Sure, you want to look trendy abroad, but be sure to think about the safety of you and your stuff! It’s recommended to bring a small, cross-body bag. Maybe even check out a money belt that can be hidden under your clothes.
MONEY MATTERS. Don’t forget to make sure what currency the country you’re travelling to uses. It’s often cheaper to change money over in the U.S. rather than while abroad. Also, check with your bank to see what kind of fees they give you if you use an ATM while abroad. You’d be surprised!
KNOW THE U.S. EMBASSY’S NUMBER. They’ll be the ones to help you get home in case of an emergency. While you’re at it, register with the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/ . If anything is going on in the country you’re visiting, they will make sure you get out safely!
LEARN THE LINGO. You may not need to be fluent in the language of your country, but it’s important to know some of the language so that you can get around. Phrases like “Thank you,” “Where is the nearest bathroom,” and “How do I get _____?” are important to know!
GET INSURED. Make sure that you enroll in a study abroad health insurance policy. It will save you major bucks if you get sick or injured while abroad!
DON’T MAKE YOURSELF A TARGET. Being abroad isn’t the time to be noticed. Make sure you research cultural customs, don’t show all of your money when paying for something, and mirror what see others doing around you. You never want your actions to make you look like a tourist.
TAKE PICTURES AND KEEP A JOURNAL. Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Be sure to take lots of pictures, and journal or blog about your experiences! You’ll be happy to recorded your raw emotion in years to come!

Remember, be safe and have fun! The world is yours!

Technology and our phones have become such a huge part of our generation that it’s almost crazy for us to not have apps to help us along the way. Finals is a very stressful time, but with a quick tap of your screen help and a stress relief are right there for you. Here are my top five app picks that will get you through this semester’s finals.

App 1: Banking App

As finals approach, we tend to buy things on impulse. And while our brain and heart might be saying “spend, spend, spend!!!!” our bank accounts are not! Most banks come with a banking app where you can conveniently check your balance, deposit money and make payments. You could even ask your parents to transfer a few dollars during this stressful time!

App 2: Pandora

Music is an amazing stress reliever. When you feel yourself getting anxious and stress levels start to rise, get on Pandora; choose your favorite artist and jam out. It could also be helpful for some people to listen to music while they study; a station suggestion is “Instrumental Hip Hop” (my personal fave).

App 3: EverNote

You know how we like to take pictures of notes and PowerPoints given in class, well EverNote can help store all of that in one app. All of your notes for your courses can be stored in an organized way through this app. It’s much more convenient than hopping from photos to notes on your iPhone.

App 4: Clear

Setting reminders and listing your “to-dos” by priority is very helpful during finals. Clear allows for you to do just that. You could even categorize the things you need to do, for example: school, work, and groceries. Everything is laid out in a clear manner, get it! Lol

App 5: Wolfram Alpha

Ever wanted help but it was too late and all your friends were sleeping peacefully while you endure a crazy panic attack? That’s not an issue when you use the app Wolfram Alpha. It offers help in all subject courses, and even helps you find sources to research. It’s the greatest lifesaver ever, trust me!

Good luck on your finals, Owls!

1. Create a master to-do list and a schedule for the remaining days in the semester. Break cumulative exams into smaller study units, which will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and help you monitor your progress daily.

2. Just get started. Don’t wait until you feel like studying.

3. Review your notes daily.

4. Identify the format of the exam. Vary your study technique according to the type of exam.

5. Predict possible questions. Review old tests, study guides or the course objectives.

6. Answer questions you didn’t know the first time. If the exam is cumulative and you struggled to master any material, return to it.

7. Meet with the professor, a tutor or a learning specialist if needed.

8. Develop summary sheets for each class.

9. Link new information to things you already know. Forming these associations will help you retrieve information later.

10. Check the front of your textbook to see if the publisher provides any online study aids.

11. Set specific measurable goals for each study session to keep yourself on track.

12. Create mnemonic devices, such as acrostics, rhymes or acronyms, to help you remember information.

13. Take short breaks. Your brain can process a limited amount of information and benefits from some rest.

14. Reward yourself with naturally enjoyable activities, such as playing X-box or clicking through Facebook.

15. Stay healthy. Get some sleep and avoid caffeine. Seriously – your brain with thank you.

16. Draw it. Create tables, diagrams, mind maps or pictures to represent and organize the information.

17. Explain it aloud. Go into an empty classroom and pretend to teach the material to someone. Using your own words helps you assess your comprehension, which ultimately aids your memory.

18. Study in a distraction-reduced environment. Turn off your cell phone, TV and email notifications.

19. Identify examples or illustrations that embody the concept and demonstrate ways you will utilize the information.

20. Attempt to answer the questions at the end of the chapter in your textbook.

21. Quiz yourself. Cover up your notes and try to explain them. Create flashcards. If you find yourself struggling to remember, try different techniques to learn the material.

22. Form a study group and develop a practice test together.

23. Manage your anxiety. By listen to calming music, stretching or breathing deeply, you can avoid stress and release negative thoughts.

24. Overlearn the material. When you think you are finished, keep going.

25. Finally, examine your beliefs about learning. It does not happen quickly and intelligence is not fixed. Stay positive and persist, believing that talent can be developed. You can learn material by working hard, seeking help and using effective strategies.

http://college.usatoday.com/2014/12/08/25-crucial-study-tips-for-finals-week/

As the saying goes, a single apple keeps the doctor away, but there’s more to nutrition than just one apple. It’s a fad diet, something that doesn’t work and typically shown on the infomercials on repeat from 2 am until the morning news.

So what is a fad diet? It’s a product or nutrition plan that promises drastic results.

And who could blame them?! People are always looking for a “get skinny quick” plan.

But there’s more to health than curves and small pants sizes. People of all shapes and sizes can be healthy. Before we talk about diet, let’s talk about exercising: the most essential activity to becoming healthy.

Exercising, like dieting, should depend upon your intended outcome. There are many different ways to exercise and many outcomes to achieve: first and foremost, weight control (there’s more to exercising than weight loss), training for sports, and muscle toning are just a few. There are also suggestions for a minimum level of exercise to maintain a healthy heart. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days per week. And again, I’m not saying that everyone needs to go run 5 miles at an 8-minute/mile pace.

Exercise should be personalized, not a one-sized-fits-all! Exercise isn’t even a one-sized-fits-most, and I can’t stress this enough!!!

But I digress.

The American Heart Association is a great resource to learn about how to stay healthy. But it’s more than exercise.

Dieting is a term that many have come to mean “cutting down on food.” But in its very definition, a diet is one’s eating habits, regardless of what those habits are - again, not a one-sized-fits-most. Yes, there are fad diets that give false promises to the masses. The people on the infomercials are less than 1%. Wake up people!!!

For changing your diet, there are many myths, but if you stick to recommended portion sizes and cut out junk food, you’ll be A-Okay! Personalize a plan for yourself, depending on what your exercise outcomes are, and there’s a simple way to do that. The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) determines how many calories that you would burn in a day of laying in bed or sitting on the couch: basically zero-activity.

So check it out: http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/

Paired with that is the Harris Benedict Equation. I’ll wait while you check that out too: http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/harris-benedict-equation/

Are you back? Good. Now here’s how it works. Plug in your personal information into the BMR and figure out how many calories you’d burn flipping through Netflix all day. After you get that, use the Harris Benedict Equation to determine (based on your level of exercise) how many calories you should be eating every day. None of this “2000 calories a day” fad diet (unless that’s what you got in the Harris Benedict formula). There’s also a couple of links for gaining weight and losing weight.

So, let’s recap. If you get nothing out of this article, take away this: don’t do fad diets! Ever!

Also, take the time to learn about what healthy means, not fit, not skinny. Because in the end it matters how your insides work, not how your outside looks. So plan an exercise routine that fits your schedule, one that works for you, and plan a diet that fits your needs that doesn’t involve wearing a funny contraption or drinking some kind of miracle water. Being healthy isn’t always about weight loss, and being skinny doesn’t always mean healthy. Look past the myths and break down the stereotypes.

Finals week is coming up faster than we want it to. Pretty soon we’ll be in the season of sleepless nights spent studying our hearts out to try and scrape out the highest possible grade in each of our classes. The problem is, the less we sleep, the harder it is to actually retain the information we are trying to learn. The solution? Take naps! Here are some tips to help you make better use of your nap time:

Consider the Time of Day

Studies show that the most effective time to take naps is between 1 and 3 pm. It’s actually part of human nature to sleep for one long period of time at night and one shorter time period in the afternoon. However, avoid sleeping after 4 pm if you have any plans to sleep at night.

Try Preparatory Naps

Staying up all night isn’t good for you, but if you know you will have to, it is actually better for you to take a nap in advance rather than trying to make up sleep the next day. A nap of about 2 hours can increase alertness for up to 24 hours.

Keep Track of Time

For most people nap lengths of between 10 and 20 minutes work best. Napping for any length longer than 30 minutes will make you groggy when you wake. If you want a longer nap, try and wake up after 90 minutes so that you sleep a full sleep cycle. Waking up in between cycles is what makes you feel so groggy.

Caffeine Nap

If you want to wake up energized try drinking (quickly) a full cup of coffee and immediately going to sleep. If you sleep for about 20 minutes, you should wake up energized.

Set an Alarm

Especially if you aren’t sleeping at night during a time like finals week, don’t just let your body sleep. You will relax better knowing that you will be able to wake up on time (and not sleep through an exam or something else equally horrific!).

Know Yourself

As surprising as it may seem, naps aren’t good for everyone. If you struggle with insomnia, you probably shouldn’t try to take naps. Research has found that avoiding naps can increase night-time sleep in insomniacs. If you try it, and the above tips don’t work for you, you might want to find an alternative to naps. Some people’s bodies just don’t respond well to naps. If you continuously wake up groggy no matter the nap length, you might be one of these people.

The following checklist is designed to give you an idea of some things you can do this summer. You can try to complete this list of use this as a guide to create your own. Have fun and have a safe summer!

☐ Watch a sunrise
☐ Watch a sunset
☐ Make ice cream
☐ Go on a picnic
☐ Play flashlight tag
☐ Camp out in your backyard
☐ Read under a tree
☐ Go swimming
☐ Make fresh lemonade
☐ Play in the rain
☐ Wash a car
☐ Hunt for a 4-leaf clover
☐ Climb a tree
☐ Take a meal to someone
☐ Fly a kite
☐ Catch fireflies
☐ Star gaze
☐ Have a sundae on a Sunday

11 TIPS ON HOW TO AVIOD THE FRESHMAN 15:

Make sure you know how to read a nutrition label. Knowing what you are putting into your body BEFORE you eat it is vital!

Try not to multitask while you eat. When you watch TV or work you are more likely to over eat because you are not paying attention.

Choose wisely in the commons. There are plenty of options in the commons, both healthy and unhealthy. Color your plate more often than when you “treat yourself”.

Get active! There are so many outlets to do something good for your body, whether it’s a yoga class, or climbing Kennesaw Mountain! Try to get active everyday- even if it’s something little.

Try to snag some morning classes! They keep you accountable from sleeping in every day, which can be bad for your metabolism and motivation.

Drink a big glass of water before each meal, this can leave you feeling fuller and prevent over-eating.

Do not rush while you eat. It takes your body 20 minutes to communicate to your brain that you are full. If you eat slower you will be less likely to go back for seconds!

Moderation is key! That slice of pizza or dessert you’ve been wanting wont kill you. Think: “moderation not deprivation”.

Try not to drink your calories! This applies to all drinks- especially soda and alcohol. Less is more when it comes to soda, coffee creamer, sugary energy drinks, etc. Choose wisely.

Get enough sleep and drink water. These are two simple things that impact your health and weight.

Don’t be too hard on yourself- know that your body at an age where it is changing and just do what you can to treat it right.

A common phrase heard all around KSU’s campus is, “There’s nothing to do…” The real problem isn’t that there’s nothing to do around our campus, but that most students don’t know where to look. Kennesaw is a city rich in American history, culture, and my personal favorite, outdoor adventures.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Kennesaw boasts many civil war era memorial sights, but the one that stands out to most around our area is the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. This national park features hiking, running, and biking trails, volunteer opportunities, civil war memorials, and the famous Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield. The battlefield remains empty at all times to preserve the memory and historical events that occurred on the field. All of the national park’s historic sites and attractions can be found at the visitor center. The Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park is located about five miles Southwest of downtown Kennesaw on Kennesaw Mountain at 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr. Kennesaw, GA 30152.

Stone Summit Climbing Gym

College students’ rock climbing interest has exploded recently, and lots of people are taking advantage of the practice gyms around Kennesaw. Stone Summit at Town Center features, of course, lots of climbing walls, with plenty of space and difficulty levels. However, Stone Summit goes further than that; it offers Yoga, Pilates, and other fitness classes. Stone Summit also takes trips and teaches various climbing courses to help customers hone their skills and prepare for the real thing! Climbing is a great way to get in shape, or a great way to get out and try something new. 2801 George Busbee Parkway Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Swift-Cantrell Park

Swift-Cantrell Park serves as one of the premier recreation, relaxation and central gathering places for Cobb County residents. At 42 acres, Swift-Cantrell is the city of Kennesaw’s largest community park. The current features of this park include: two playground sets, a dog park, skateboard ramp, three picnic pavilions, two restroom buildings, one mile x 12-foot-wide perimeter trail, half-mile x 8-foot-wide inner-loop trail, shade structures, acres of open turf for passive recreation, and drinking fountains. Swift-Cantrell is one of the lesser known attractions by KSU students, but possibly one of the best options for anything outdoor. So go check it out! 3140 Old US Highway 41, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Many people come to college and don’t get involved on campus. KSU has over 200 organizations for residents and students to take a part in. Getting involved can change a person’s experience in college.

There are many benefits, such as:

1. Making friends:

- Making friends is a very important part of college. The friends you make in college are the friends that you will have the rest of your life. By getting involved in THRIVE my first year I made friends day one and still have those friends. They were my roommates and are now best friends.

2. The connection to the campus:

- Getting involved helps you to connect to the campus more and want to stay at KSU. It shows that those who get involved in college are more likely to stay at that college and enjoy their college years.

3. Passions and strengths

- It will help you to find what you like and don’t like. By getting involved, you can try different organizations and clubs until you find the right one for you. By becoming involved in an organization or club you can utilize your strengths.

4. Advisors:

- By getting involved on campus, you will find advisors to help you get through all 4+ years. When I got involved in the Center For Student Leadership (CSL), I gained multiple advisors that I can go to for anything. Whether I am stressed or just want to talk, they are there for me. My advisors give me advice and help me make the decision that is right for me. My advisors are one of the main reasons I have stayed at KSU.

5. Resume:

- Getting involved also helps you to build your resume. Having a good GPA is important, however if you have not participated in any activates or been involved in any organizations then you won’t expectancies to put on your resume. Many employers want to see that you have been involved on campus, while still maintaining a strong GPA. They want to see that you can work well with others while doing your job.

Being involved with the CSL and ResLife has changed my life. I met friends that I will have forever and who will always be there for me. I have learned how to be a leader and through that experience have discovered my leadership styles. Being in the CSL and ResLife has given me a reason to stay at KSU and a reason to stay involved on campus. Even if you are not a freshmen, it is not too late to get involved. There are many organizations on campus that have members of all age groups and accept students at any level in school. To get involved, go to Owl Life(https://owllife.kennesaw.edu/) and click on organizations and a list of the different organizations will pop up. Under each name is a description. Scroll until you find the club/organization that is right for you.

-Sam, Resident Assistant

Staying at school during summer semester? Summer tips for college students staying on campus!

5 social “must-dos”

1. Find someone you know or meet someone new. This doesn’t mean that you have to become besties with the girl next door, but at least you’ll have a buddy to hang with during the summer months.

2. Experience local culture. If campus seems dead, head into the nearest city or town. Take advice from Megan Rogers and her April 08, 2011, post in USA Today College titled “Summer: The perfect time to stay at school.” According to Rogers, “You can have fun in a huge city with a stellar internship. But you can have just as much fun in a tiny college town with the right attitude.”

3. Get active. Fitness or rec centers usually offer a small number of intramural activities during the summer. So get on a team—it’s a great way to keep fit while meeting new people!

4. Head to the pool. Now that you have a great physique (thanks to intramural basketball), you’re ready to show some skin! There are many public pools in the area. Not only is this a great way to relax, it’s a great (mostly FREE!) social opportunity. Isn’t that the guy you sat next to in Chem 101 over there?

5. Find a job. Don’t overlook the social factor of working during summer semester. Not only is this a great time to make some bank, a job can also help you connect with other students on campus.

5 work-related “must dos”

1. Be on time, every time. In fact, try getting to work at least five minutes early every day. These few extra minutes can really impress your boss (and will definitely give you an advantage over the employees who are always sauntering in five minutes late!).

2. Put your schoolwork first. If you are on campus for classes, don’t overbook yourself. Remember, your first priority should be your studies.

3. Make time to relax. This is summer break after all, so be sure to include a few stress-free hours each day.

4. Don’t spend all your hard-earned cash. Try to budget your money so you will have enough once fall semester is underway. Then, you won’t have to work as much when you are taking a full course load.

5. Network. Even now, you should begin to see your employer as a possible reference. So make as many contacts as you can on the job—you never know what (or whom) the future might hold.

Pack an overnight bag containing all the essentials.

View this image ›

Chances are, you’ll be too tired to unpack your things. You’ll want your essentials within easy access, including a change of clothes if you’re going back to work the next day as well as all your toiletries. It’s also a great way to transport a laptop, which could run the risk of getting stolen during a move.

Pack the items you will need FIRST in a clear plastic bin.

This includes things like a box cutter, paper towels, trash bags, eating utensils, select cookware, power strips, phone chargers, toilet paper, tools, etc. The clear bin allows you to see inside; it also separates itself from the myriad of cardboard boxes.

Wrap your breakables (dishes, glasses, etc.) in clothing to save on bubble wrap.

Two birds, one stone: You’re packing your clothes and kitchenware at the same time.

For extra padding, pack your glasses and stemware in clean socks.

Keep drawers intact by covering them with Press’n Seal.

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Dresser drawers are like their own moving boxes — this will keep you from having to unpack and refold their contents.

It’ll also make moving the actual dresser much more manageable. ( Unless the dresser belongs to housing then even if you wrap it you can't take it with you.)

Press’n Seal is also great for keeping jewelry displays intact.

Keep sandwich bags handy for holding any small parts of things you have to take apart, like curtain rods or mounted flat-screen TVs.

Take a photo of how your electronics are connected so you can remember how and where all the wires go.

Cut down on boxes by making all of your baskets, laundry bins, hampers, and suitcases work for you.

View this image ›

Pack them with stuff! Use the wheeled suitcases for heavy things like books.

The fastest way to pack a closet:

Put a garbage bag around your clothes so that stay together and on the hanger during transition!

1. Venmo

Venmo is a great app to transfer money, share payments, or send money for free. If you owe a friend money, here’s a great way to pay them back!

2. SleepCycle

Sleep cycle tracks your sleep patterns. When you set an alarm, it will wake you up during light sleep. This is a great app to ensure that you are well rested and ready for class.

3. 7-Minute Workout

This app is great for students with busy schedules and limited time for exercise. Take a 7 minute break and exercise any time during the day. It is easy to fit this workout in between your classes, work, and whatever other tasks you have planned for your day.

4. IntelliDrink

IntelliDrink is great for college students who love to enjoy a drink from time to time. By inputting the amount of drinks you have consumed and when, IntelliDrink will help calculate your blood-alcohol content.

5. SavingStar

SavingStar is a great app for college students on a budget. Start saving money by utilizing various coupons your daily necessities.

6. GasBuddy

GasBuddy is a great app to help you find the nearest gas station with the cheapest prices. With gas prices fluctuating so much lately, this app is sure to help you!

7. Fantastical

Fantastical is a great app for students who have a hard time staying organized. Use this app to input your daily tasks and organize a schedule.

8. MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal is an app dedicated to helping an individual stay healthy and reach their goals. By inputting the foods that were consumed throughout your day, this app will calculate the amount of calories that were consumed. You can also include your weight goals, and MyFitnessPal will modify the amount of calories and nutrients that need to be consumed throughout a day.

Whether you have taken all of your finals or they are around the corner, it is understandable that students get anxious and stressed during finals time. Sometimes we forget to take a breather and take some time to release stress in a healthy manner. While going to the gym, listening to soothing music, and meditating are great ways to relax, others may not realize that spreading kindness towards oneself and others can be a great method of healthy de-stressing. How? An example would be giving someone a nice, genuine compliment. Not only did you make someone’s day, but it made you feel good knowing you were the reason behind their smile and gratitude. Once you feel good, you are motivated to continue doing good deeds with optimism and hard work. So what are some other gestures of kindness that are sure to make another person’s day?

1. Hold the door open for someone.

2. Offer to carry someone’s groceries to their room or car.

3. If someone is looking lost or confused on campus (it may be a parent or an upcoming student), ask them if they need help or directions.

4. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in awhile and ask how they’re doing. Chances are, they are feeling stressed and need a friend to cheer them up.

5. Remember peoples’ names! There is no better sound than having your own name being called.

6. Offer to babysit a dog or a kid for a busy person for free.

7. Be on time to important meetings and dates. Whether you have a meeting with a boss or meeting a friend at the mall, being on time tells the person they are worthy of your time and commitment.

8. Compliment a random stranger. Spread the love.

9. Listen to people when they talk. I know this one is obvious, but when you are listening to the person you are talking to, a level of trust is created.

10.Surprise a sick friend with a nice-cooked meal or a small “Get Well Soon” gift.

11. Offer to tutor a friend who is struggling in a class.

12. Tell the important people in your life that you appreciate them. We get so caught up with our hectic schedules and chores that we sometimes forget to show our dear ones how much we appreciate their significance in our lives. By doing this small gesture, friendships and connections are bound to last.

SUMMER INTERNSHIP? GRADUATING?

HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE TIPS TO LAND THE JOB:

First, you can easily check out the KSU website (https://web.kennesaw.edu/campusjobs/) to find out which positions are open on campus!

Do your research
Who is hiring? When you find the job you want, check out the company and department. What is their mission? What are the qualifications for that position? This will help you develop key terms to usein your resume and interview.

Tailor your resume
Are you applying for your first “real” job? They may not care about the one month you spent bagging groceries when you were 14 years old or the fact that you were in Student Council in 5^th grade. Use skills you have NOW and use general terms to make them fit the job you want. “Customer Service” “Task-oriented,” and “Self-motivated” are examples of good buzz words.

Be prepared
Have a stash of resume’s in your car, purse, or backpack. Jobs opportunities come from anywhere!

Look the part
What are the main colors of your organization? Maybe wear a blouse or tie to reflect them! Employers will subconsciously envision you in the organization!

“Early is on time; on time is late”
I think this is self-explanatory.

Shake hands
Yes! Confidence and physical contact can go a long way.Don’t be hesitant to initiate anything- show them you can conquer this new environment be being straight-forward and welcoming.

RELAX; you know the answers!
You chose this position because you expected it to be a perfect fit for you. Why? This is all they are asking! What did you do in your last job? Explain. Why should we hire you? You can learn a lot from this company and you are ready to take a fresh step in the direction they are going!

Follow up
I promise you are not “brown-nosing.” Send them a brief email detailing your appreciation for the time they spent interviewing you, and outline main points you want them to remember about you. This shows you are INTERESTED and they will consider your effort.

Oh, the holidays. The parties, the songs, the snow, the negative number in your bank account. For those of us on a budget, the holidays are rough. We all want to go to every party in a stunning outfit and give fabulous gifts to everyone we know but that costs a pretty penny.

Tip One: Budget

If you are doing a Secret Santa with friends or giving gifts to family, then establish how much is going to be spent and stick to it. We know you’re looking for coolest friend status, but you can achieve that by flexing your awesome personality, not your bank account.

Tip Two: Hand Made Presents

Being broke sucks but being creative and broke sucks way less. People cherish a homemade gift, so bring out your inner Martha Stewart and start creating. There are many homemade gift ideas online and on Pinterest!

Tip Three: Pick Up Some Extra work

If you want to make a little more money over the holidays (and you have the energy and time) then there are usually opportunities with retailers. You could try to sell clothes and items that you don’t use anymore for extra cash as well. There are many online yard sales which are a great way to get quick and easy cash!

Tip Four: Traveling

Traveling can be fun and enjoyable; however, can put a big dent in your wallet. Planning is key to saving money when traveling. Plan and pack meals when traveling. Food can add up if you are constantly eating out. You can save a lot of money on plane tickets if you fly the day of a holiday. If carpooling is an option, then do it! Gas is expensive and can add up quickly.

Tip Five: Credit Cards

Ideally, you'll want to pay everything off immediately. Have a choice of cards? Always use the card that offers the lowest interest rate. A good idea is to track your credit card spending just as you would if you were writing a check. Remember: It's really easy in the flurry of the holiday spending to run around and not keep track.

Tip Six: Send E-cards

They're free -- or only cost a couple of dollars -- and don't require postage. Some even play music, making them a fun, free way to catch up with far-flung friends and family.

We’ve all been pushed into applying for a Study Abroad. Likewise, we’ve all made excuses on why we couldn’t do it:

“I don’t have time”

“It’s too expensive”

“I’ve never been out of the country before”

If you have a sincere desire to see the world, these reasons should be the last thing on your mind.

Here at KSU, you have greater access to cheap and safe travel then you will ever have again in your lifetime. Every person that goes on a study abroad is eligible to receive numerous scholarships, some of which are guaranteed! If your job now gives you a hard time asking a few weeks off, your career after college will likely be that much more difficult.

We’ve all heard the reasons not to go on a study abroad. Let’s take a look at just a few of the reasons TO GO:

Enhance Your Global Awareness: You can enhance your awareness of the world around you by studying abroad. To be an educated citizen today requires students to able to see the world through others' eyes and to understand the international dimensions of the problems we confront as a nation skills that are enhanced by an education abroad experience.

Enhance Your Academic Learning: You can help enhance your academic learning by studying abroad. A study abroad experience will introduce you to new professors who can expose you to new viewpoints beyond your campus, and a diverse student body that can introduce you to different customs and cultures. A study abroad experience also lets you expand your academic learning outside of the classroom, because you live what you are learning.

Develop Your Leadership Skills: You can strengthen your leadership skills by studying abroad. An educational opportunity outside the United States can be among the most valuable tools for preparing a student to participate and lead effectively in an increasingly interconnected international community that demands cross-cultural skills and knowledge.

Advance Your Career: You can help advance your career by studying abroad. In today's increasingly global society, obtaining international skills and knowledge can make you more marketable in getting a job and more productive once you're in the job.

Experience Personal Growth: You can experience significant personal growth by studying abroad. Students who study abroad discover that in the process of learning about other countries and culture they end up learning more about themselves in ways that simply cannot be replicated in the comforting and familiar confines of an American campus.

Learn Another Language: Students can better learn another language by studying abroad. Immersion in another language through study abroad is one of the best ways to gain proficiency in that language.

Ok, so let’s say this convinced you and you’re ready to go take on the world! Where do you go? Luckily, KSU offers a great search engine that can cater to your exact situation. First, go to https://kennesaw.studioabroad.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.AdvancedSearch. It should look something like this:

Or you could simple ask to list all of them. If none of them look interesting, there are also options of designing your own through an exchange program. These can last anywhere from 2 weeks to a year! Pick any that look interesting and you can see more detail:

Once you’ve found a program that you like, select apply now. It will ask you to login with your KSU NetID and Password. After login, you will have to select apply again. Unless there are special criteria, you should have your acceptance letter very soon if not immediately.

However, you aren’t done yet. Going to your program page you’ll notice several steps with blank boxes (mine are checked):

The most important one for all of these is the $300 deposit. You will be removed from the registration if you have not submitted this by the registration due date. The rest of them are all very straightforward. Most simply require acknowledgement that you have read it. Once you have completed this step, the Education Abroad office will contact you on when to have your at-home orientation. They will explain everything you need for passports, visas, and packing as well as the classes themselves. Don’t forget that February is the deadline for all applications!

Good luck and have fun!

It's almost Valentine's Day! In my opinion, candles can be useful on this night in one of two ways:

1. Enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner with a significant other.

2. Taking a solo candlelit bath and pampering yourself while embracing your independent (single) self.

If you're an on-campus resident, you probably know that burning candles is not allowed because of fire safety issues. However, you can still have, and even create, apartment friendly candles! This blog will teach you how to make wick free candles that you can burn anywhere with a candle warmer!

Hint: Even though I rarely do this, I would suggest

reading over this beginning to end before starting for

safety and efficiency.

You will need:

-beeswax (found in blocks at craft stores)

-large pot

-small saucepan with handle

-essential oil of your choice

-small jar (or espresso cup or other small cup-like container--be creative!)

-candle warmer

Step 1: This is probably this hardest part of the process.

Starting with your block of beeswax, you'll need to cut it down into thin shavings for melting. This can be done with a kitchen knife or a grater and a cutting board—just be careful! Cut until you have about a cup of dried wax, and then you can move onto the second step for what you have. Keep in mind that beeswax can be very hard to get off of things, so don't use your favorite or daily use pot...hot water will eventually work though.

Step 2:Fill your large pot about halfway with water and bring to a low boil on the stove. Lower the temperature once you see bubbles so that you don't burn yourself. Place your dried wax that you just cut into your small saucepan, and place the sauce pan into the water. DO NOT put beeswax directly into boiling water. The wax should melt fairly quickly depending on how small your pieces are, so watch it very closely. Pour a few drops of your essential oil (lavender and jasmine are popular, and eucalyptus is super relaxing...remember that bath I mentioned earlier?) and let the oil melt into the wax.

Step 3:Take your small container (which can really be anything...think mugs or teacups...) and carefully (!!!) pour your melting wax mixture into the container. And that's it! No really, repeat for more but you're done!

Step 4:Well, technically not quite. Place your homemade candle on your candle burner and use it to make your room smell better or for whatever Valentine's plans you choose.

It’s that time of the year again! Three hundred and sixty five days have passed and by December 31^st we are all patiently waiting for the countdown to midnight. Not only does this provide an excuse to party as well as share the ending of the previous year with our loved ones, the countdown to many symbolizes a fresh start. Theoretically, it is the beginning of a blank canvas and it is up to us to paint the perfect picture. Though we are not Picassos, we all surely do strive to set high goals and even higher expectations of the year to come. In efforts to start fresh, some great genius from back in the days decided to create “New Year’s Resolutions.”

So what makes these resolutions so difficult to keep? We’ve all fallen victim in our attempts to combat the second month slump. We set very high goals, yet we begin to fall back into old routines half way through January. After doing this over and over for several years, I deem this the year to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic and Timely). There are various examples and different words to represent S.M.A.R.T. These words can be altered to fit your specific needs in setting a goal.

The S:

To begin setting your SMART goal, start with making your goal as specific as possible. Setting vague goals leaves too much room to give up when something unexpected occurs. For example, setting a goal to lose weight is very vague. How many pounds would you like to lose? What is your reasoning and ambition behind this goal? Without this specificity, motivation to fulfill this goal will not be as strong.

The M:

After setting your very specific goal, make sure that this goal is also measurable. Having a measurement for your goal provides feedback in knowing how your goal is coming along as well as when your goal is complete.

The A:

Who is this goal created for? Some times we create goals for not only individuals, but also groups. In a group setting, if a goal is not specifically assigned, it is less likely that people will take initiative. Also, when creating goals for individuals it is great to state that this goal is specifically for you. This allows some ownership and helps to keep you on track.

The R:

Now you know yourself more than anyone else! You’re setting a goal to lose 30 pounds in two weeks, yet your go to food is a whopper, the biggest fries available, and a side of soda. Not only is it not realistic to lose 30 pounds in that short amount of time, keeping the same eating habits will definitely hinder any chances of this happening. To make your goals more realistic start small! How about beginning with cutting out food items that are bad for you? Try giving up soda for a month, if that month goes well then aim for two, then slowly add more veggies to your diet on the third month, reduce portion size on the fourth, and so on.

The T

To complete your smart goal, be certain that it is timely! Make your time frame aggressive; yet also be as realistic as possible with this time frame! Two weeks to lose 30 pounds is aggressive, but definitely not realistic…or healthy. Be realistic with your self and with your goals. If you want to set life changing goals you have to start somewhere, but also remember how you execute things, and address unexpected set backs.

Check out my example below and master the art in setting your own smart goals!

Reminder: If you’re not a goal setting person and you do well with just checking things off a list then plan a grand to do list for every year! Similar to a bucket list, but for realistic things you would like to accomplish for the year.

Want to avoid getting sick this semester? It's that time of year where everyone is sneezing and

coughing and you're thinking I really hope I don't get sick. Getting sick can mean missing class and feeling miserable and no one wants that. Listed below are some simple and easy ways to make sure you don’t get sick this semester!

The first thing to remember is to make sure you are washing your hands properly. It is important to do this after touching your face, or touching common objects. Most people learn that if they sing the Happy Birthday song twice they have washed their hands well. But just in case you never learned that way here are three simple steps to make sure you are washing your hands properly!

Step 1: wet your hands then apply soap

Step 2: rub hands together for 15-20 seconds

Step 3: rinse and then dry your hands

These are very easy and simple ways to make sure you wash your hands properly and that can help you avoid getting sick. If you not near a bathroom, hand sanitizer can work as well.

Another way to make sure you don’t get sick is to try and eat healthy and get a good night’s rest. Also, try to make sure you keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth, to avoid exposing yourself to unnecessary germs. When you cough or sneeze, it is best to try and use a tissue to prevent the spread of germs.

If you are comfortable with needles, you can also stop by the nearest clinic or pharmacy and get the flu shot. You can find many more tips online about how to prevent getting sick, or you can stop by the clinic on campus and find out more information.

Ridin’ solo this V-day? Don’t sweat it! Here are some fun ideas of things you can do with friends and some that you can do by yourself! Disclaimer: some ideas may be better suited for the ladies.

Go See the New 50 Shades of Grey Movie

This activity can be done with friends or by yourself! The new flick is bound to be the talk of the town next week, so why shouldn’t you spend your Saturday staying “in the know?”

Go Hike Kennesaw Mountain

Craving getting fit for your spring break? Treat yourself to a relaxing hike up Kennesaw Mountain this Valentine’s Day! Who needs a date when you can get those endorphins? The weather has a high of 55° expected for Saturday.

Do Unto Others

Spend time helping out at a children's home, senior citizen center, or battered women's shelter. Giving back to the community by playing games or cooking a special dinner for people in need can really warm your heart on Valentine's Day.

Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

Get a massage, a facial, or a pedicure – alone or with some girlfriends. Make yourself feel special and pampered!

Have Family Fun

Got nieces or nephews? Be the "cool aunt" and volunteer to babysit. Take the kids to an indoor playground, and then go out to eat junk their parents never let them have. They'll love you forever!

Throw an Anti-Valentine’s Day Movie Night

If you are just so over this card-company created holiday, you can host an anti-valentine’s day gathering for you and your friends. Break out the best horror film that Redbox or Netflix has to offer and bring a new meaning to wearing red on Valentine’s Day. Redbox coupon code: Text EMAIL to 727272 for a free 1-day DVD rental and reply back with your email address. The Redbox code will be sent to your email address and it expires two weeks after receiving.

Hit the sale rack

Valentine’s Day shares a weekend with Presidents Day, a big sale holiday, which means clearance winter apparel will be even more of a steal. You are even likely going to be able nab a new arrival for 20% to 30% less thanks to the sales.

Host a BYOF Party

Host a get-together and ask all of your friends to bring a friend of the opposite sex — making the party a great way to expand your network of friends, as well as potential pool of dating partners.

Get Dressed to Impress

Get into the outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks and go out to a hot new bar or club. Challenge yourself to strike up a conversation with five guys (or gals) you'd never normally approach. Take a chance – you might introduce yourself to someone amazing!

Speed dating

There’s nothing like a good game of speed dating or other singles events on Valentine’s Day. Look online or in your local newspaper for activities for singles close to home. It’s a fun, inexpensive way to meet people. The added bonus of such events is that cuddly, kissing couples won’t be crossing your path at every turn.

Do Something Crazy

Have you been a chicken about that new tattoo or nose ring? This Valentine’s Day, step outside of your comfort zone and do something kind of crazy! You could also go caving, bungee jumping, or even something as wild as sky diving! Take your fears, and conquer them!

Get Weepy

If you need to have a cry or even a little pity party, indulge – for a minute. Time yourself. This is especially important if you got out of a relationship right before Valentine's Day, because that sucks. Let yourself mourn or feel bad, but don't let it consume the entire day.

Moving to a college is a big change. One of the changes is the amount of room you have to live in. Whether living on or off campus, apartments can really limit your space, making it tough to stay organized. Here is a list of tips to help you get organized and stay organized.

Tip one: Start small. Cleaning and organizing a room can seem like a big job, but start by taking 10 minutes out of your day and dedicate it to cleaning. Start with one shelf or one drawer and after a week you will see a huge difference.

Tip two: Throw stuff away! As hard as it may be, loose what you don’t use. If you have clothes taking up space and you haven’t worn them in a year or two, donate them.

Tip three: Make a plan. If you want to stay organized you have to put in the effort. Continue to set goals for yourself such as, getting laundry done, folded and put away by Monday or vacuuming every Wednesday.

Tip four: Once you get your room clean, you can start organizing in order to stay clean. There are plenty of dollar store options for college students on a budget. Often times, you can even use recycled boxes to store your stuff. You can even get fancy and decorate your storage containers with fabric or wrapping paper.

Tip five: Stay conscious about how much space you have. It’s easy to get carried away and fill a room with all your stuff from home but it’s unrealistic. If you have a bunch of items that you just can’t live without, invest in a small bookcase where you will be able to stack things vertically, allowing you to free up floor space.

Now you have five steps to get you started. Living in a clean and organized space can reduce stress as a messy space can make you feel hopeless or out of control. Getting and staying organized not only helps you find things but also helps you feel more accomplished. Once you have gotten organized and you are happy with your results, your apartment can start to feel more like a home. Here are some additional links that list more organizational options.

http://www.thegloss.com/2014/08/15/odds-and-ends/college-dorm-room-organizing-ideas-hacks-tips-tricks-photos/

http://organizedcharm.blogspot.com/2014/06/dorm-room-organization.html

Learn about everything there is to know about Spring 2015 Commencement and Life after KSU!

If you are a Senior graduating this May or July, you’re most likely counting down the last days of your semester. With that being said, there are some fundamental things to know about your special day:

Commencement Dates:

Kennesaw State Spring 2015 Commencement:

2:00 p.m. - Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Coles College of Business

College of Science & Mathematics

7:00 p.m. - Wednesday, May 13, 2015

All Postgraduate Students

10:00 a.m. - Thursday, May 14, 2015

College of the Arts

Bagwell College of Education

WellStar College of Health & Human Services

University College

3:00 p.m. - Thursday, May 14, 2015

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Kennesaw State Summer 2015 Commencement:

10:00 a.m. - Wednesday, July 29, 2015

College of the Arts

Coles College of Business

WellStar College of Health & Human Services

University College

3:00 p.m. - Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Bagwell College of Education

College of Humanities & Social Sciences

College of Science & Mathematics

7:00 p.m. - Wednesday, July 29, 2015

All Postgraduate students

(Doctorate, Specialist, Masters)

Tickets:

All Commencement Tickets will be available through Ticket Alternative.

Graduating students will be able to access their tickets through Ticket Alternative by March 14, 2015 for the Spring Ceremonies. Tickets will be available until Sunday, May 10, 2015 at 5 p.m. On Monday, May 11, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., any remaining tickets will go on sale for $2.00 per ticket, and students may claim up to 10 tickets, pending availability.

If students have issues claiming their tickets, they should call Ticket Alternative at 1-877-725-8849.

Spring 2015 Commencement Ceremonies' Ticket Allotment:

2:00 p.m. - Wednesday, May 13, 2015 (5 tickets)
Coles College of Business
College of Science & Mathematics

7:00 p.m. - Wednesday, May 13, 2015 (8 tickets)
All Postgraduate Students

10:00 a.m. - Thursday, May 14, 2015 (6 tickets)
College of the Arts
Bagwell College of Education
WellStar College of Health & Human Services
University College

3:00 p.m. - Thursday, May 14, 2015 (5 tickets)
College of Humanities and Social Sciences

General Information About Commencement

Information about the ceremonies can be found at www.kennesaw.edu/commencement. As well, the graduation tab under www.kennesaw.edu/registrarlists important information about qualifications for graduation.

Where do I buy my cap and gown?

The KSU Bookstore is the place where you can order your cap and gown. You can order it either in store or online at Kennesaw.edu/bookstore. For more information, please contact the KSU Bookstore at 470-578-6261.

Volunteering at Commencement

If you want your friends to attend your commencement ceremony, but are running low on tickets, make sure to tell your friends to volunteer at the commencement ceremony. Information about volunteering can be found via Volunteer KSU.

Make sure you double, and triple check your petition status

Check with your advisor, check on Owl Express, and check your student emails for any correspondence from the GATES department, from your Petition Auditor, and from the university. Make sure that all your classes are going smoothly, that you have completed everything, and that there aren’t any hidden surprises.

Quick reminder:

Just because graduation is here, doesn’t mean your classes are over. Don’t assume professors will be lenient if you miss class, miss an assignment, or miss a test. Try to meet with all of your professors before or after spring break so you will know exactly where you stand.

It’s time for transitioning

Meeting with your professors doesn’t have to be scary thing, especially since you’re close to graduating. Ask your professors for career advice, for help on when to start applying to jobs, and the best areas to look for jobs. Start thinking outside of the box and view your professors as people that can vouch for your skills and talents. As well, start compiling and updating resources so that you can put your most professional self forward so that you can succeed.

Being commencement ready means more than buying a cap and gown and securing tickets; It means you have to be proactive, be prepared, and be ready to embark on the beginning the next step in your life! The Career Services Center at KSU offers many wonderful resources to help you succeed during your job hunt, such as resumee reviews and mock interviews, just to name a few. They also are offering Career Fair Week on the days of March 16-20, with many workshops and employers coming for career fairs. You can look at their full calendar to pick which workshops will work best for you.

Once you’ve walked across the stage…

After the Office of the Registrar receives final grades from faculty, a final audit of the student's academic record will be completed and diplomas will be mailed to eligible graduates as soon thereafter as possible. The diploma is mailed to the mailing address submitted at the time of petitioning. For any changes to the diploma mailing address, contact GATES in the Office of the Registrar at registrar@kennesaw.edu. Diplomas will be mailed approximately six weeks after graduation.

Also, consider the perks of joining the KSU Alumni Association. Learn about the different perks, donating opportunities, and how to help build the legacy of KSU at www.kennesaw.edu/alumnifriends.php or http://community.kennesaw.edu/. By becoming a paid alumnus, you can continue to have access to your student email, have discounted rates for parking, and have access to the gym and recreation center.

That being said…

You have to start preparing financially, too. Visit the Financial Aid Office or www.direct.ed.govto learn more about loan repayments, repayment calculators, and loan consolidation topics. As well, find out information about your Credit Report and FICO score. Research good credit practices and things to do for successfully applying for an apartment, for buying a car, and other adult expenses.

Preparing to leave the nest is never an easy thing to do. However, it’s something all KSU Owls have to do in order to take flight. Good luck to everyone graduating this Spring and Summer.

Making the Most of Your Space

It’s difficult to get everything you want to put in your dorm room to actually fit. Rooms often become overcrowded and cluttered due to too much stuff and no organization. Thankfully, there are some super easy ways to help open up more space in your dorm! Check out some of these ideas to make the most of your space!

Magnetic Makeup Board/ Bobby-pin Holder:

This is a great way to save your bathroom counter space! Simply purchase a magnetic board and some magnets and you now have a way to keep your makeup off the counter and organized! You can use hot glue or super glue to adhere the magnets to your makeup, and a long magnetic strip to place your bobby-pins on. No more clutter and no more losing bobby-pins!

Jewelry Bulletin Board:

This is a great way to keep your jewelry untangled and visible! This simple DIY project functions as both a way to organize your jewelry and a decoration piece!

Over the Door Hamper:

A simple solution to help free up a corner in your room or space in your closet! Simply hook one of these onto your door and you’re ready to go! And they’re easy to take and go when it’s time to do laundry!

Over the Chair Pockets / Shower Caddy Self:

Desk space can be very limited when a computer and printer are taking up most of the space. Try one of these ways to free up space so you can actually have room to work at your desk! You can use a shower caddy or over the chair pockets to keep your school items organized, clean, and out of the way.

Rolling Shirts:

Too many shirts? Not a problem! This easy solution helps save tons of space in your drawers! Simply rolling a shirt as opposed to folding it allows you to put more shirts into one space! Ta-da!

Stacked Hangers:

There is no need for a larger closet when you can use stacked hangers! You can fit almost three times more clothes in one space using this simple closet hack. Clothes stay wrinkle free, organized, and easy to find!

Under the Bed Storage:

A classic solution to making the most of the empty space under your bed! You can keep books, shoes, toiletry items, food, clothes, and really anything you like in one of these! Just fill it up, and slid it under!

Kennesaw State University is kicking off its Comprehensive Master Plan, which will guide future development of buildings and open space for years to come. This is a very exciting opportunity for the University, and we want your vision to be a part of KSU’s future. This survey allows you to pick your favorite spots on campus and provide feedback on improvements you'd like to see! The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and closes on November 13th.

Let your voice be heard: http://ksu.comap.dumontjanks.com/

The Suite Life Gives Back: The SuiteHearts Program

Tips for Studying Abroad

Top 5 Apps You Need for Finals

25 Tips to Make Finals More Manageable

An Apple A Day...

Nap Well, Live Better

Summer Bucket List!

Avoiding The Freshman 15 [Or Sophomore 20]

Get Out! [Outdoor Adventures In Kennesaw]

Swift-Cantrell Park

Why Getting Involved On Campus Is A MUST [From A KSU Student Perspective]

5 Summer Student Musts!

How To Make Your Move Out More Efficient

8 Apps You Need to Succeed in College

A Little Kindness Goes A Long Way

WANTED: A Job

Getting The Best Bang For Your Holiday Bucks!

Oh The Places You Will Go...

Simple DIY Wickless Candles!

Start S.M.A.R.T

Avoiding Flu Season

Single Person's Awareness Day Tips

Organized Chaos

Are You Commencement Ready? [Graduation & Life After Checklist]

Commencement Dates:

Tickets:

General Information About Commencement

Where do I buy my cap and gown?

Volunteering at Commencement

Make sure you double, and triple check your petition status

Quick reminder:

It’s time for transitioning

Once you’ve walked across the stage…

That being said…

Make the Most Out of Your Space [DIY Hack]

Make Your Voice Heard! Help KSU Plan for the Future!