Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Ten Common Problems Students Face In College

Going to college is like embarking on an adventure. Leaving behind the relative comforts of high school, you now enter this new world. You will meet people and learn things that will shape your future. But like any other adventure, going to college is not without its problems. In fact, it is not surprising if college turns out to be one of the most challenging chapters in your life. In this post, we look at the ten most common problems of college students and the ways to overcome them. You can consider this as an essential guide to surviving your first semester; for if you can survive your first, youll be ready for the rest of what college life has to offer1. Mounting Student DebtThe Problem:One of the biggest problems college students face is mounting student debt. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, more students are forced to take out loans in order to finance their education. The problem has grown so serious that the issue has been declared a national crisis. Accor ding to current data, over 44 million Americans have outstanding student loans. The average student debt today is $37,000. Unless you come from a wealthy family, you probably will also have to borrow money.The Solution:Although it may be impossible to completely avoid borrowing money, you can avoid crippling student loan debt you incur by employing various strategies. These include applying for scholarships, asking for financial aid, attending a state university or community college, working part-time while studying, taking some time off before college, and being wiser in how you spend your money.2. Managing TimeThe Problem:College life can be extremely hectic. You have your courses, your projects, your organizations, and your social life. With all these commitments vying for your attention, you might feel overwhelmed and in need of more time to accomplish all your tasks. Later on, you may be forced to miss classes, drop out of courses, and turn in poor coursework. The feeling that time is just never enough is a common sentiment among college students.The Solution:It is understandable that you want to have fun, fulfilling, and memorable experiences in college. But you also need to realize that you just cant do everything you want when you have limited time on your hands. Understand the importance of managing your time wisely. Set your priorities straight, work only on commitments that you can handle, and avoid procrastination. Devote adequate time for rest and recreation, but always be mindful so that you dont waste precious time on unnecessary endeavors.3. Making New FriendsThe Problem:So youre new in college and you dont know a single soul. Being surrounded by strangers also make you feel vulnerable and intimidated. Youre not alone; most people around you probably feel the same. Making new friends is among the most common student problems in college, especially for those who are shy or introverted. The first few months can be difficult for you as you struggl e to cope with college life without the support of others.The Solution:Approaching people can be a nerve-wracking experience. But do not be afraid to introduce yourself. Youll be surprised to find out that people are friendlier than they look. It also helps if you carry yourself with confidence. Another way to make new friends is by joining student organizations or college clubs. Know more about the organizations at your school and join those that interest you. Building friendships with people will be a lot easier if you have shared interests.4. Getting Adequate SleepThe Problem:Similar to managing time effectively, getting enough sleep is also one of the problems of a college student. College students are among the most sleep-deprived people in the world. It is not unusual for a student to sometimes skip a full night of sleep to complete coursework. Yet lack of sleep can negatively affect your performance. Research shows that sleep deprivation is linked with reduced concentration, loss of focus, and decreased cognitive functioning.The Solution:Although losing some sleep is sometimes unavoidable, you can minimize this problem by establishing a personal routine on top of managing your time wisely. For instance, going to bed at the same time every night is associated with better sleep. Sleeping in a cool, clean, quiet, and darkroom will also help you rest better. You may not be able to sleep for as long as you want, but you can definitely enhance the quality of your sleep.5. Eating RightThe Problem:Most college students would agree that eating healthy is a challenge. Living away from home, you might find yourself with limited options when it comes to food. For instance, many students do not have the time to shop for groceries and prepare meals every day. Others do not have access to kitchens. As a result, a lot of students rely on fast food and processed food for their daily needs, while many others might just skip meals altogether. Such poor dietary practice, h owever, has been linked to negative health effects.The Solution:One way to ensure that you get enough nutrition is by planning your meals ahead of time. If you have access to a kitchen and have a refrigerator, you can spend part of your weekend cooking meals that will last you the entire week. You can also search around the campus for places that serve affordable and healthy options. If you need to eat processed food, choose healthier ones. For example, eating an oatmeal bar is definitely healthier than munching on a bag of potato chips.6. Getting SickThe Problem:Also included in the list of college student problems is getting sick. Avoiding getting sick is next to impossible. Sometimes in those years, you spend in college, youll spend a few days in bed waiting out a sickness such as a bad cold or the seasonal flu. If you fall sick while in college, chances are your parents or siblings wont be there to take care of you. While you may have friends who can look after you while you rec uperate, its likely that they will not be able to do so all the time. Getting sick, therefore, is a real challenge while you are in college.The Solution:The best way to deal with this problem is by being proactive when it comes to your health. Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, getting enough rest, and engaging in physical activity are just some of the ways to boost your immune system. While you may not be able to prevent getting sick, being in tip-top shape certainly increases your chances of beating sickness faster. Also, know more about the health services and initiatives available at your campus. This will help you get the medical attention you need for a quick recovery.7. Living with a RoommateThe Problem:Having a roommate can be fun, especially if you get along well. But for many students, a sloppy, insensitive, and inconsiderate roommate can be a source of stress. For example, some roommates do not respect boundaries and will have no qualms about using their roommate s things without permission, eating their roommates food, being noisy while their roommates sleep, and leaving the room messy. While living with a terrible roommate may seem a small thing, it can negatively impact your academic performance.The Solution:Screening potential roommates is one of the solutions to this problem. Be assertive when talking to a potential roommate. For instance, do not be afraid to lay down ground rules when it comes to personal stuff, food, and cleanliness. At the end of the day, diplomacy, negotiation, and compromise are what make dealing with personal differences in a dorm room more manageable.8. HomesicknessThe Problem:Also included among common college student problems is homesickness. While going to college can be exciting, it also means leaving family and friends you grew up with behind. For many students, college could mean not seeing their loved ones for months or in some cases even years. Being away from familiar surroundings may also add to the fee ling of homesickness.The Solution:One way to deal with homesickness is by taking advantage of opportunities to come home. If you live just a few hours drives away, you can visit at least once every couple of months. If this is not possible, constantly communicate with your family by using modern technology. For instance, calling your parents a few times a week should help you cope. Also, taking things that remind you of home such as a favorite pillow or family pictures is a good way to fight homesickness.9. Balancing Your Social LifeThe Problem:One of the more exciting aspects of college is having a vibrant social life. In college, you will meet new friends through class, organizations, and other social activities. While expanding your network has its benefits, it becomes a problem if your social life begins to interfere with your studies. Conflicts with friends or your partner may also make your life more complicated than you are able to handle.The Solution:Having a social life is important, but you still need to prioritize your academic performance. Set aside time for your personal relationships, but dont forget that most of your time should still be spent on attending classes and completing coursework. Also, choose friends or a partner who brings out the best in youpeople who will support you in achieving your goals rather than distract you.10. DepressionThe Problem:Although college is a wonderful time, the many problems faced by students are more than enough to strain mental health. Research findings have consistently shown that college students are at risk of developing depression due to the stressthat they experience due to a variety of factors. Depression, in turn, can negatively impact their academic performance, general health, and overall quality of life. Every year, thousands of college students seek treatment for depression.The Solution:Depression is difficult to battle, but there are ways to address this issue. One way is by seeking professional h elp. Know more about your mental health services available in your school. For instance, many schools have professional counselors who talk to students to help them get back on track. There are also hotlines students can call when confronted by a crisis. Joining support groups also offers an effective support system that can help you cope in times of need.Custom essay writing service for studentsCollege offers great opportunities for personal, educational, and professional development. But its also a time when you will face common college student problems that will test your endurance. Just because college student problems are common doesnt mean that they should be taken for granted. Learning to recognize these problems early on increases your chances of making the most out of your time in college.Determine the kind of company you want to keep for the duration of years in college. Whether it is a set of friends, classmates you want to learn from, or a professor whose mentor skills y ou wish to benefit from, you must know what you want. And of course, lest you forget, you are going to find yourself in rough patches throughout especially if you are inundated with loads of academic workload. If you are beginning to think that you cannot handle all the pressure of college anymore and youre on the brink of psychological collapse, leave the writing to us here at . Consider us your new friend. Conventional knowledge postulates that you do not have to succumb to the pressure of writing all your papers in order to excel. You simply have to understand your subjects. 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Tuesday, June 9, 2020

The Limits of Free Speech The Best Brightest Business Majors Weigh In

The Limits of Free Speech: The Best Brightest Business Majors Weigh In by: Jeff Schmitt on January 01, 2019 | 0 Comments Comments 155 Views January 1, 2019Milo Yiannopoulos is the ultimate Rorschach. With a purring British accent and boyishly soft features, you can almost picture him warbling morose lyrics in an 80’s alt music video. Harmless? That depends where you stand.To conservatives, he is both raconteur and provocateur, a straight shooter who skewers the politically correct sacred cows that demand unwavering fealty. For liberals, he is an enfant terrible, a privileged cribber whose jeremiads against gays, women, minorities, and migrants incite the right and minimize the marginalized.Not surprisingly, Yiannopoulos’ antics have whipped up headlines – and drawn repercussions. Twitter banned him and his publisher dropped his book deal. On campus, he inspired protests from Chicago to Sydney. At Berkeley – once ground zero for the free speech moveme nt – police shut down Yiannopoulos’ engagement after agitators attacked patrons and protesters alike.A QUESTION OF HOW †¦ AND WHOIncidents like Berkeley – along with outcries surrounding campus visits from less incendiary figures like Condoleezza Rice – bring several questions to the fore. In an age marked by polarization and paralysis, how do you spark dialogue and debate without degenerating into slander and shaming? Where do you strike a balance between protecting First Amendment free speech and maintaining campus safety? What differentiates the unpopular and quixotic from the demagogic and bigoted – and who is responsible for deciding between the two?In other words, how do you balance minority opinion amid the majority – or even protect majority sentiments against a scorched earth minority?WHAT EXACTLY DOES ‘OFFENSIVE’ MEAN?Sure enough, the Class of 2018 has some strong opinions on the matter. That starts with what â₠¬Å"offensive† speech even means.â€Å"The term ‘offensive’ is relative and could be interpreted many ways from different people,† writes one anonymous business major. â€Å"College campuses are the center of thoughtful exchange and learning. In fact, many of the most revolutionary acts in our nation started on college campuses. It is imperative to change and acceptance that speech is kept open on college campuses. While something may be offensive, understanding another perspective is important to learning to respect others for who they are.†Another student framed the issue this way: â€Å"I might be offended by a veterinarian that thinks the solution to a feral cat program is euthanasia because I think about my pet cat, but that doesn’t mean that doctor should not be able to express her views in a biology lecture on campus.†The speakers aren’t the only ones who are free to speak, adds a third business major. â€Å"I think that s ilencing anyone, even in the cases where the majority of people think their views are heinous or absurd, is a slippery slope that can be dangerous to start down,† she writes. â€Å"Ultimately, I believe it is on us to stand up and protest these speakers in person to show them that the masses will not approve of their offensive views, rather than an administration censoring their rights to speak and giving them an excuse or someone to blame.†Ã¢â‚¬ËœIF YOU’RE SILENCED, HOW CAN YOU CHANGE THINGS?’Those are just a few views from PoetsQuants Best Brightest Business Majors from the Class of 2018. As part of the nomination process, PQ asked students to answer the following question (with the condition of anonymity):â€Å"Free speech concerns have inspired waves of campus protests. Do you believe that speakers should be allowed on campus to express views that could be offensive to others? Why or why not?†Sure enough, you won’t find these business gr aduates retreating to their ‘echo chambers’ or sniveling like â€Å"snowflakes† over perceived slights. Instead, these students embrace the real spirit of college: engaging their peers and exposing themselves to as many views as possible.â€Å"Free speech is and always has been a fundamental right,† writes one East Coast grad. â€Å"College is a time when we’re just learning who exactly we are and what we believe in. Granted, not everyone is going to have the same opinion and there will always be someone who is offended, but free speech is still a necessity. The status quo is never going to be perfect. If we are silenced, then what changes are going to come about?†NOTHING WRONG WITH CHANGING YOUR MINDAnother business major cites a statement from President Barack Obama as a rationale for an expansive interpretation of free speech on campus: â€Å"The purpose of college is not just to transmit skills, [but] also to widen your horizons, make yo u a better citizen, help you evaluate information, and be more creative.† This clash of viewpoints, adds another Best Brightest, only makes students stronger.â€Å"One of the best lessons I have learned in college is that you cannot grow and become affirmed in your beliefs unless you challenge yourself. You have to constantly be open to new ideas, opinions, and experiences – even those you originally shied away from. At the end of the day, you are either stronger in your beliefs or you have changed your mind, and both are perfectly fine.†John Stuart Mill was another source of wisdom for one Midwest Best Brightest. Noting that it â€Å"takes courage to listen,† one students points to Mill’s 19th Century classic On Liberty as a rationale to welcome speech, even the kind that toes the proverbial line.â€Å"Mill argues that free speech allows individuals to validate true statements, complete partially true statements, identify false statements, and r einforce the importance of discussion and debate. The protection of free speech allows our society to seek understanding of one another and to have open dialogue. Placed within the context of a university, these reasons and outcomes of free speech should far outweigh most risks associated with its protection.†DIVERSITY WELCOMED†¦EXCEPT IN OPINION?Such protection is called the â€Å"bubble† – a derisive term used to describe a setting where students are sheltered, if not coddled. While well-intentioned, such â€Å"safe† spaces are actually detrimental to personal growth, adds another respondent, since they limit exposure to the diversity that most schools espouse.â€Å"Diversity in an individual is gained through an interaction with someone who is different than them, including people with opposing views and beliefs,† he observes. â€Å"If campuses allow speakers from outside the campus bubble to share their stories, their point of view, and th eir beliefs, the students will expand their knowledge through the speakers. After all, learning is not only done in the classroom. Just like the saying, â€Å"a smart man learns from his own mistakes, but a wise man learns from the mistakes of others†, a smart student learns from his or her experiences, but a wise student learns from the experiences of others.†In fact, restrictions to speech, in another student’s view, smacks of narrow-mindedness. â€Å"Our universities should strive to lead these often uncomfortable conversations with thoughtful, respectful dialogue, rather than shaming our academic and social peers because we disagree with their viewpoint. I would argue that a truly intellectually curious student or faculty member would place greatly value the opportunity to hear from those of opposing viewpoints, and challenge their arguments with your own opinions backed up by supporting evidence and a well-reasoned argument. This seems far more logical than suppressing the opinions of others because they do not fall in line with your own.† Page 1 of 212 »