Rihanna - Diamonds

How to Balance Socializing and Studying in College

You’ll hear a lot of people say that college is supposed to be the best time of your life. While that may be the case for those people, I am more of the mindset that college is as good of an experience as you allow it to be. You can choose to focus on your studies exclusively for your entire undergraduate career, but you can also choose to devote that same time to meeting new friends and having unique experiences. 

Going to the extreme on either end of the spectrum has its pluses and minuses. The scholarly route in college will earn you a class A education no doubt, but you might miss out on making the friends of a lifetime. Socializing all the time sounds fun, but it won’t make you a very marketable professional if you manage to graduate.

You’re in college to earn a degree, so that should be your first and foremost goal. But earning a degree and having a well-rounded education doesn’t mean you have to forgo socializing entirely. In my opinion, the best college experience is one that maintains a healthy balance between the social and the scholarly. Allow me to offer a few words of wisdom to those of you who need help balancing the two.

Know when to take a break

This advice is for those students who have back to back all-nighter study sessions following by a full day of classes. News flash: your 24 hour nonstop study marathon may have prepared you for that essay test in American history, but you’re pushing your mind (and body) to the limit with a stunt like that! I’ve had my fair share of intense study periods, but I’ve also seen fellow students go off the deep end because they didn’t know when their bodies needed a break from all the mental strain.

Do yourself a favor and take a mental health break every once in a while, especially after a rigorous study session and subsequent test. I’m not talking about a 10-minute walk around campus or a brief trip to the nearby coffee shop. I’m talking about a day-long break, one where you just hang out with your friends and enjoy the sense of victory that comes after conquering a massive test. That sort of thing will do wonders for your mind, and you’ll experience less stressed in the long run.

Befriend a classmate

I think it’s a shame that so many people go to class without ever speaking to their classmates. Your peers can make for some of the best friends you’ll have in college, if just because they’re going through the same experiences. They can relate to your gripes, frustrations, and passions better than your parents or significant others can, because they’re right there with you learning the material.

Classmates make for great friends because they double as a study buddy and someone to hang out with during your downtime. When there’s a big test looming, they’ll be right beside you reading the course materials. When you just want to sit back and relax with a coffee, they can be there for you too.

Cherish the intellectual and social freedom

Above all, I think you should take advantage of the college experience for all it has to offer. Never again will you have the freedom to study what you want to learn for hours on end, just as you’ll never again have the free time to relax and have fun with your peers. College is a time for serious intellectual development, but it’s also a time to enjoy living your life and the people in it. Step back from the books from time to time and don’t feel guilty about it. You deserve to have a balanced college life.

Future - Neva End (remix) ft. Kelly Rowland

6 Tips for Staying Healthy While Studying

6 Tips for Staying Healthy While Studying

Is it time for midterms already? It seems like school just started, and now it’s time to take the biggest tests you’ve faced all semester. While it’s a good idea to study hard and get good grades, you don’t want to overdo it. Too many college students think they can simply rely on their stamina and few energy drinks to get them through a couple of rough all-nighters and they’ll be okay. But that attitude ignores good health practices and is not a very effective way to learn or retain information. You’ll be smarter and perform better if you stay healthy while studying. Try out these tips to keep yourself healthy, strong, and ready for any test:

1) Don’t skip meals: Although you may have a busy schedule, you should always take breaks for regular, healthy meals. Not only will these meals give you energy and nutrition but they can provide much-needed breaks that will allow you to refresh your body and mind before jumping back into the books.

2) Drink water: You may be tempted to chug energy drinks or keep refilling that pot of coffee, but the caffeine and sugar in those drinks is only a temporary fix that can leave you irritable and with headaches when you come down. Caffeine is also a diuretic, which means you’ll be taking more bathroom breaks than normal. Downing high amounts of these drinks can also lead to lack of sleep, which makes it even harder to study later on. Water is the best solution. It replenishes and hydrates with no side effects.

3) Get sleep: When you are rested, your mind is better able to process and retain information. In addition, sleeping gives your mind a chance to process all the information it’s been taking in and save it for long-term retention. A solid evening of studying, followed by a good night’s sleep, will put you in better shape for a morning test than will an all-nighter.

4) Avoid drinking: Drinking alcohol while studying can be extremely detrimental to information retention. It can also make you groggy and sleepy.

5) Eat healthy snacks: Studying on an empty stomach can be distracting, but reaching for a bag of chips or a pack of Twinkies every time you need a snack can have a destructive effect on your health. Eat brain food like sliced carrots, fresh fruits, or mixed nuts. Eating healthy snacks can keep you focused on getting an A rather than gaining the freshman fifteen.

6) Pace yourself and take breaks: One of the most important pieces of advice you can take is to pace your studying throughout the day or week. Don’t pull all-nighters that will leave you tired and unfocused at test time. And, when you study, get up once every hour or so to stretch your legs, go to the bathroom, take a quick jog, or eat. These little breaks give your mind and body a chance to refresh and energize for the next session.

Staying healthy while studying can take some work to break bad habits, but it can also provide you with great benefits like increased retention and focus. Now, go out there, get some sleep, eat healthy, and get the A you deserve.

will.i.am - Scream & Shout ft. Britney Spears

Miguel - Do You...

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 cup real sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs
• 15 ounces pumpkin puree (1 can)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and all spice. Now mix all these dry ingredients TOGETHER. I used a fork and ‘whisked' it around so it was even throughout.
2. Now, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter (I melted the butter in the microwave to make it easier to mix), and eggs. Beat on a medium speed until well combined.
3. Add the pumpkin puree
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Although this step is usually first, I find this A) a waste of money because your damn oven is just sitting there heating away FOR NOTHING!! and, AND, I'm not that quick!! B) you can let your oven preheat while doing the liner thing (explained in a bit), but also while your CLEANING UP!!
5. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. Divide your batter evenly among liners, filling each about halfway 2/3rds full. Bake until tops spring back when touched and cake tester (toothpick!)

Usher - Numb

4 Quick Ways to a Good Night's Rest

4 Quick Ways to a Good Night's Rest

Sleep—you may think that because you're young, you're invincible and don't need it; but if you continue to run on empty, eventually your body will break down. 

A good 8 hours of sleep each night will give you the strength and energy you need to be more productive as well as allow you to perform better on tests. It will also help keep your immunity in tip top shape—getting sick can be really inconvenient, especially around mid-terms and finals weeks. That said, it's highly important that your body recharges during the night. But if you have a difficult time unwinding and suffer from a slight case of insomnia, try these simple tricks below to get a better night's rest.

1. Create a Night Ritual

One of the easiest ways to fall asleep around the same time each night is to create a ritual. After a short while, your body will send signals to your brain telling it that it's time for bed. So each and every night, do a couple of things in the exact order: take a shower, wash your face, floss your teeth, put on your "comfortable pajamas" whatever. Just like you condition your body to wake up around the same time each morning, you can also condition your body to go to sleep around the same time too.

2. Take an Afternoon Nap

Many experts say that taking naps can actually contribute to your insomnia since it can throw off your sleeping pattern, but a study suggests that as long as you nap between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., not only will you have no trouble falling asleep at a decent hour, but you'll also perform better on tests. How so? Researchers say that napping helps protect "brain circuits" from being over used which can help college students perform better come test time;another study even suggests that a short 12-minute nap can boost memory as well. In short: if your schedule permits, try to squeeze in a short, mid-day nap.

3. Change Location

For many, not being able to fall asleep is more of a psychological thing: they associate the bed with their inability to sleep. Thus laying in the bed for an hour trying to force yourself to get some shut eye isn't going to work. Instead, you should move to a different room to relieve some of the pressure. Go to the living room or do your night ritual all over again. Slowly but surely you'll get sleepy. The trick is to not try and over stimulate your mind—this will keep you awake. So avoid turning on bright lights or even checking your social networking accounts—research suggests that checking social networking sites before bed can reactive the brain and make you more alert than before.

4. Do Some Light Reading

Lastly, read a book. The trick here is to NOT choose a book that is going to keep you interested. Rather, you want something that can easily bore you and put you straight to sleep. Try a textbook! You might just be able to get a few short sentences of studying in before you fall asleep.

Usher - Dive

Sean Paul - "How Deep Is Your Love" Ft. Kelly Rowland [Music Video]

Five Tips for Clear Skin in College

Five Tips for Clear Skin in College

The majority or College students have very hectic lives, balancing their studies with social activities can be tricky. For most of them it’s the first time they have lived away from home, so with this new found independence it’s easy to develop bad habits. Some students can forget to take care of their health; this can lead to all sorts of problems, now and in later life. When you’re young, how you look is very important. Acne and other skin problems have a huge effect on an individual’s confidence and self esteem. Below are some tips on maintaining healthy skin.

A good cleaning regime –
Step 1 -Use a cleansing product to remove loose dirt, oil and make-up. Often, these products also exfoliate. Apply in a circular motion with your fingertips and rinse off with warm water.


Step 2 - A toner is the next step to clean skin. Apply toner on a cotton pad and wipe face, this removes any leftover bits of dirt, oil and make-up while penetrating the pores and soothing the skin. Be sure to choose a toner that is right for your skin type. Many contain witch hazel which can be irritating to sensitive or dry skin. Rosewater is a better option for these skin types.


Step 3 - Repairing the skin, many moisturizers contain agents that will repair the skin and leave it looking great. Finding a product that repairs and moisturizes will save you time. Choose an oil-free moisturizer that is fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic and contains an SPF of at least 15. Use this twice a day to replenish and protect skin. This cleansing routine should happen twice a day.


Diet - Perhaps one of the most important factors in getting and keeping clear skin is diet. Eating well during college can be tough but it is possible. Utilize the dining hall for salads, fruit and whole grains. Healthy, self-stable options that can be kept in your dorm room include nuts, dried fruit, and whole grain crackers. You could also have single serving packs of fruit or trail mix. If you have a small fridge, hummus, hard boiled eggs and string cheese are good additions. A daily multivitamin will fill in any gaps.

Hydration - The other important part of good nutrition for healthy skin is to stay well hydrated. Carrying a bottle of water will remind you to drink. If you don't like the taste of water, calorie free drink mixes are available in many flavours. You should consume at least 2.5 litres of water each day. If you have being drinking alcohol, consume an extra glass for each drink.


Sleep - Sleep is another powerful acne treatment. As a college student, you need 8 to 10 hours a night. Focus on getting to bed early a couple of nights a week and sleep in when you can. Studies have shown that taking naps can significant benefit an individual’s health; from increased alertness and productivity to improved memory and learning skills. So next time you go for a nap, don’t feel lazy it could actually help improve your studies. The recommended time for a power nap is 20 -30 minutes.

Sunscreen - Using a sun screen not only protects you from sun burn now, it also protects you from skin cancer, sun spots and other damage in the future. Use a product with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply frequently when in direct sun light for an extended period. Using a moisturizer and lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 on a daily basis will go a long way toward protecting skin. Sun hats, clothing with an added SPF and other options are also available. Prolonged exposure to the sun dries out your skin, this in turn makes the skin release more sebum, excess sebum can get trapped in the pores therefore you experience a break out. It’s always best to limit your sun exposure.

Unfortunately, some skin conditions are not preventable. Other times, a prescription medication is needed. These tips, however, will help to clear up skin leaving you feeling confident, looking fantastic and having fun.

Elle Varner - I Don't Care

The Weeknd - Wicked Games (Explicit)

The Dos and Don’ts of Dorm Room Decoration

The Dos and Don’ts of Dorm Room Decoration

A dorm room is a temporary space, but an overly plain or uncomfortable dwelling can make even nine months seem like an eternity. College life is difficult enough without living in a room that just adds to your stress level. This list of dos and don’ts should push you in the right direction for crafting a dorm room that’s comfortable, classy and calming.

Do decide on a unified color scheme – Pick a dominant color and 2-3 additional colors that compliment it well. If you want to incorporate your school’s colors into the mix, use them as secondary colors to avoid living in a room that’s one giant cliché. There are plenty of great websites that will help you pick out a color scheme. Be relaxed about this color scheme but try to fit it whenever possible to give your dwelling a unified feel. 

Don’t force your roommate into a color scheme – If you’re sharing a room, make sure that your roommate it okay with following the color scheme but don’t force him/her into it. If that person isn’t comfortable with the idea or excited for it at all, then it will just be your side of the room that looks unified. If they are okay with it, agree on colors that work for both of you. There’s no reason to start a fight with the person you’re going to be living with for 9 months, especially over something like color.

Do use wall hangings and decals – Since chances are good that you won’t be able to actually paint a wall or use wallpaper, consider some alternatives. There are wall decals both large and small that are easy to apply and even easier to remove at the end of the semester. A tasteful tapestry is also a great idea for an accent wall. 

Don’t clutter your walls – You might have a ton of tiny pictures, postcards and other mementos, but don’t clutter up your wall space with them. Line a mirror or bulletin board with the small things if you can. Alternatively, you can put several smaller pictures in the same frame for a classier and more minimalist approach to displaying these sentimental items. 

Do display some artwork – 1-4 framed pieces of art or posters will look great in your dorm room. Again, match the room’s color if you can. Cheap prints and posters are available from many physical and online retailers, but you can also check Etsy, Craigslist, yard sales and thrift shops. Go for something unique. 

Do loft your bed – If you have the option, lofting a dorm room bed can give you some great additional storage space in what is likely a tiny space. This will minimize the clutter in the room and let your actual decorations take their rightful place of prominence. Use a blanket or a curtain to cover the storage area if it’s unsightly. 

Don’t ignore how your bed actually looks – Not only is your bed something you’ll have to actually sleep on most every night, it’s also bound to be the focal point of the room. Pick a comforter and pillows that match the color scheme you’ve chosen for your room. Your bed is your own little fortress of solitude in a dorm room, so make sure you love the way it looks and feels. 

Do put some effort into lighting – Your study, hangout and living space should be well lit and comfortable. Chances are you already have an overhead light and a desk lamp, but consider obtaining a few floor lamps to soften the light in the room. You can use all sorts of colored lamp shades to great effect, so don’t be afraid to experiment. 

Don’t leave a jumble of cords – This goes for lamps, the TV, video game systems, desktop computers and whatever other electronics you have—don’t leave a rat’s nest of cords and wires on the floor or against the wall. They’re an absolute eyesore, so find creative ways to cover them up or at least minimalize their appearance. Beyond being a stressful detractor from your décor, they are also quite dangerous. 

Do bring items from home – You’re obviously going to bring some photos that mean something to you in order to make your dorm room feel a bit more like home, but there are many other items you can use for decoration. Pick a few choice things that actually mean something to you and place them on your desk, shelves, dresser or book case. 

Don’t overdo it with the clutter – Your keepsakes and mementos are important, but don’t overdo it at all. Too many knickknacks can result in an extremely cluttered look on a desk or dresser, so keep it down to essentials. You might have a ton of basketball or softball trophies, for instance, but you should only bring the one or two that mean the most to you. 

Do let the space reflect who you are – This is one of the most important aspects of decoration. Every single design element in your living space should be something that comforts you, makes you happy or expresses your individuality. Your dorm room décor should be able to instantly make you feel relaxed and at home, and only you can determine what’s going to work in that regard. While someone else’s super modern and trendy dorm room you glimpse online might look great, it’s probably not perfect for you. This is your space and it should be an extension of who you are. 

Don’t stress out about decoration – Decoration is an important part of any living space, but it’s not worth getting upset about. Craft your dorm room as you go and make as many changes as you need to. Don’t fret about achieving a perfect look or impressing other people. You should always keep your room clean and as free of clutter as you can in order to avoid stress, but certainly don’t let finding the perfect print or throw pillow stress you out—you’ll find them eventually. Remember that, above all else, your dorm room is your living space and it should never cause you any stress.

Ne-Yo - Music Is My Sport

Three Financial Mistakes College Students Make

Three Financial Mistakes College Students Make

College is an exciting time. Being out in the world on your own comes with a lot of freedom. But, if you are actually in this position, you are already aware that it also brings a lot of responsibility. Besides having to do your own chores and cooking, you now have to keep track of your own finances. Not only that, but you have bills. Even if you’re living on campus and your rent is covered by student loans, you may still have food costs, cable, car insurance, phone bills, or any number of other expenses. Here are three common mistakes made by college students that you should avoid.

Putting Everything on Loans
If you’re getting student loans, it is possible to get money for more than just tuition. You can ask for money that covers living expenses, books, and other school-associated costs. As tempting as this is, and as easy as it could make your life for a year, it is not recommended. This is the ultimate procrastination. You don’t want to pay $500 for textbooks now, but if you think about it, you may have to pay double if you put it on your loans. The best bet is to only get loans for what you absolutely cannot afford right now. Then you’ll have less to pay off later, and less interest.

Not Paying off Interest as it Accumulates
Most student loans offer the option to pay interest while you are still in school. If you can afford to do this at all, jump at this opportunity. It keeps your interest from compounding and will make the time it takes you to pay off your loans all that much shorter. You also get in the habit of making monthly payments. It gives you a head start on establishing some credit too. Really, the only downside is that you have a little less money while you’re in college, but the future payouts make it well worth having to crack down on spending a bit.

Not Saving Money
While you have some bills to pay, college is still not the “real world”. A lot of your living expenses are bundled into your tuition and housing costs. This means that if you have a job, you probably have some extra spending cash. If this is the case, take this golden opportunity to save it. Even putting $25 a month aside will help you in the future. You are establishing healthy financial habits as well as preparing for the future when extra money is a dream of the past. When you get out of college there are many costs that can hit you in the face if you’re not ready.

Apartments often have steep deposits on top of first and last month’s rent, so even if you get a decent rate, you may have to pay a bundle in order to move into a new place.

Even if you get a grace period for paying off your school loans, eventually the day will come when you have to pay them. The more money you have set aside, the easier this will be.

The percentage of college graduates who get a job in their field right after school is dismally low, so prepare for hard times. If they don’t come, you will still have some extra savings. If they do, you will be glad that you prepared for them. So be wary of these common financial mistakes, and keep yourself and your bank account out of the red.

Chris Brown - Don't Judge Me

 

 

 

 

 

 



Ludacris - Representin ft. Kelly Rowland

The Early Bird – Looking Ahead as an Underclassman

The Early Bird – Looking Ahead as an Underclassman

The fall semester is in full swing and, if you’re a Freshman or Sophomore in high school, you’ve no doubt noticed the furor and frenzy among your junior and senior class-members that is “College”. The Seniors are neck-deep in applications for schools and scholarships, essays, recommendation letters, and last minute extra-curricular activities to pad the apps. The Juniors are just as busy with college-info nights, college visits, and everyone’s favorite standardized tests – the SAT and ACT. On top of that, there’s the constant pressure of grades, grades, grades.

Amidst and above all this is the specter of what they’ll study once they get to college, something many of your older classmates haven’t fully considered. The economy has bounced between weak and downright horrible for the better part of five years now and the job market has gotten competitive in a way the past four generations have never seen. Simply having a college degree doesn’t mean the same thing today it did a mere decade ago. Just as colleges are growing more selective based on admitting fewer students overall, focusing on those they calculate will actually enroll, employers are hiring candidates who either have the experience they want or a specifically relevant education. Don’t plan on easily landing that sweet job with the swanky advertising agency if you majored in Anthropology or Philosophy. To the specialists go the spoils. You’ll need to study what you want to do and you need to pick a college that, obviously, offers that major. The percentage of seniors finalizing their college applications with a serious commitment to a specific major is likely pretty low. The gravity of the connection between post-college employment and college major selection has yet to sink in with the Millennial Generation. We’re learning the hard way.

As an underclassman, you may only be 14, 15, or 16 years old but you need to start giving serious consideration to what you want to be, what you want to do seven or eight years from now. That may seem an unimaginable distance away. And it is; its more than half of what you’ve already lived. But planning today can save a world of grief tomorrow. 

Get to know who you are and what you really like. Take advantage of interest profiling questionnaires and behavioral-motivator assessments. Research potential career matches and explore similar occupations. At this point, for every potential job you may have already considered, there are a hundred more you haven’t. Consider occupations not just for their prestige and potential earnings but also for their fit to your personality and your motivations. Now is the time to dream big and aim high. Make a decision on what you want to do, and only because you want to do it, and set it as a goal. Knowing where you want to be after college, you can pick the college that will best prepare you to get there. With that, you can start taking actions now, as a freshman or sophomore, to best prepare yourself for entrance into that college.

When you’re working towards a goal, you can stack the deck in your favor. Your classmates who are just along for the ride will be caught off-guard deciding where to go and what to study. They’ll be reacting. They’ll be under pressure or even oblivious and may make costly errors of decision. As they scramble to find a worm, you’ll be well-fed and ready for the future. Most of all, you’ll be confident, knowing that you have a destination in mind and have taken the steps to prepare yourself. 

Ne-Yo - Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself)

Working In College and How To Juggle

Working In College and How To Juggle

Whether you have to work to pay for school or to have spending money, it’s not easy; but it can be done! All you need to do is learn how to juggle your school and work load, here are a few tips to help you succeed at both:

Work Study Program: Before you start working as a college student, check with your school to see if they have any work study programs. These programs are directed towards students looking to make money while in school by maintaining their academics. Some jobs can be on or even off campus depending on the school and the program. Jobs partaking in these programs are very aware that you are a student and know that work comes second.

You are a student first: If you are unable to find a work study job, speak with your boss. Your boss needs to know that school comes first, so that means if there is a large final or group project your schedule may be difficult at times. If you attend a school in a college town, most employers understand this. But keep in mind that just because you are a student doesn’t mean you can get away with being unprofessional. Always notify your employer if you will be late or need help covering a shift as SOON as possible.

Create a Routine: As a student and an employee you need to be able to create a routine for yourself that works. Try creating a weekly schedule based on your homework, project load and your shift schedule. Write it out for yourself to see and schedule in the hours you choose to study and what not. Have a routine for the week and know it well; you can save yourself tons of stress by creating a routine to follow.

Make time for yourself: School and work can get very tough after a while, it is important that you enjoy college and the experience that comes with it. Be sure to make time for yourself between your classes and work. Join an organization that meets monthly or an intramural sports team to keep you healthy and active.

Don’t get overwhelmed: If school and work begin to stress you out or overwhelm you, talk to your professors and your employer. It is easier to change your schedule with an employer than it is with a professor. Request fewer hours until you get a routine that you can handle.

Working while in school is definitely doable, as long as you make time for yourself, create a routine that best works for you and speak with your employer and school when you need help.

Rick Ross - Diced Pineapples (Explicit) ft. Wale, Drake

5 Fast-Growing, High-Paying Careers College Students Should Consider

5 Fast-Growing, High-Paying Careers College Students Should Consider

Students who attend college in hopes of receiving a well-paying job would do well to research the fastest growing industries in the nation. The leading industry, by far, is in the health sector, spanning a variety of careers, salaries and requirements. However, there are a couple of careers that made this list that might surprise you.

1. Biomedical Engineers
Biomedical engineers work to improve healthcare through innovative solutions and technological advancements. A biomedical engineer may work to develop prosthetics, pharmaceutical drugs and other technologies that diagnose, monitor and treat diseases. This career path offers a median salary of $81,540 per year. With a high rate of growth, this course of study is a good investment for students, as most positions require a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.

Expected Growth by 2020 61.7%

Anticipated Number of Jobs Created by 2020: 9,700

2. Physical Therapist Assistants & Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapy Assistants -- Assistants and aides work under the direction of occupational therapists to help patients develop or recover the skills they need for daily living. Patients could be victims of injuries, illnesses or disabilities. The salary for an Occupational Therapy Assistant is $47,490 and generally requires an associate's degree and clinical fieldwork. Training programs can last several weeks to months, and usually result in licensure, depending on state requirements.

Expected Growth by 2020: 41%

Anticipated Number of Jobs Created by 2020: 14,800

Physical Therapist Assistants -- Physical Therapist Assistants work with patients who have lost mobility and functioning due to illnesses or injuries. Working under the direction of physical therapists, these aides help patients regain movement and manage pain. This job has an average salary of $37,710 per year and requires an associate's degree from an accredited physical therapy program. Like Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapist Assistants typically go through clinical field training before receiving a license.

Expected Growth by 2020: 45%

Anticipated Number of Jobs Created by 2020: 51,100

3. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Yet another job in the medical field, diagnostic medical sonographers use special imaging equipment that uses sound waves to assess and diagnose various medical conditions. This procedure is commonly referred to as an ultrasound, sonogram or echocardiogram. The salary for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is listed at $64,380 per year, and the position requires both formal education and professional certification. An associate's degree or a postsecondary certificate from an accredited program is the base of education for this position.

Expected Growth by 2020: 44%

Anticipated Number of Jobs Created by 2020: 23,400
4. Interpreters and Translator
Interpreters and translators often work in schools, hospitals, courtrooms and conference centers. Government and corporate offices also require the skills of translators. An interpreter is expected to have a bachelor's degree, but the most important quality is a fluency in a foreign language, often both written and spoken. There is also a need for the unspoken language of sign language translation. The median wage for an interpreter/translator is $43,300 per year.

Expected Growth by 2020: 42%

Anticipated Number of Jobs Created by 2020: 24,600
5. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
This career path requires exactly what the title suggests: a lot of research. Market Research Analysts compile information that spans a wide berth of subjects. Depending on the research, an analyst could gather regional or statistical data to create marketing campaigns for a company or product. The job of a market analyst is to create a campaign that responds to a specific opportunity as highlighted through competition, prices, sales and methods of marketing and distribution. This position pays an average of $60,250 and typically requires a bachelor's degree in marketing or business.

Expected Growth by 2020: 41%

Anticipated Number of Jobs Created by 2020: 116,600

One More Note
If you found any of these careers appealing, it is also important to research the regions that are hiring for positions in these fields. In some instances, you may be required to relocate in order to pursue your career.

Quick Tip: Make Your Own Lunch

Quick Tip: Make Your Own Lunch

Maybe you haven't realized it yet, but making your own lunch saves you a lot of money! I think in the past semester I saved over $300 because I made my own lunch and brought it with me to school. I also bought snacks and water with me so that I am not tempted to feed the school's vending machine any of my money. Give it a try; it's really not that difficult. Buy a lunch container with different compartments and place your lunch and snacks in it. Get a glass or stainless steal recyclable water bottle and fill it with H2O.

3 advantages to making your own lunch:

• You know what you're putting in your stomach
• You're saving money (A whole lot of it!)
• You're aiding our environment to become more green.

Staying Socially Active in the Hallways

Staying Socially Active in the Hallways

The classroom is a predominate place that takes up our time as students. It is when we are entering or leaving the classroom that we forget that we are not just students but people in this place for a reason. When at your campus it is important to acknowledge people in a way that is active...socially. A smile or nod can be greatly beneficial to your status on or off campus. Now I do not mean this as a direct way but rather indirect; more specifically, I do not believe a smile or two will up your rank from a “nobody” to “top-dog”. Sporting a warm smile at your students and professors can help you feel part of the campus and for some people more like home. Think about it for a second, we see and interact with everyone at sometime, at some point.

The interaction that we do with one another on campus is crucial. There isn’t a need for leaving all of the talk and “chit-chat” for our immediate friends; because that bubble of interaction will get you so far. I realize that we all have a group of colleagues or classmates that we are compatible with but concern about last night’s homework or beating level 9 on the box can be easily shared with a future friend. We are in a place (literally) that we must start networking together; whether that may be for personal or business intentions we need to get our name in the game. You all know the people; the guy with weird clothes, the girl that’s always alone, or the professor that nobody likes; these are all potential people that can help you and vice versa. Not to mention the fact that you will be thought of as a nice person that anyone at your school can lean upon. There is no way for you to be too busy or too popular to interact with our fellow students. Just some food for thought…now go find somebody to talk about it with.