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My mother has a photo album on her phone titled “Reading while...” The album contains photos of me reading a book during different activities: when I was sitting in the driver’s seat waiting for my mom to lock the door, when I was putting on my shoes, while I was brushing my teeth. My favorite is when a photo of me lying face down in a book I was reading because I fell asleep. These photos offer an insight into who I was as a child, a vivacious reader who refused to put a book down, no matter the situation.

However, that all changed as I got into high school. As I started to take harder classes, my study time started to eat into my leisure reading time. And while at every icebreaker fun fact conversation, I would always say I loved to read, I slowly realized that I had not picked up a book in months. And while I tried to remedy this, I constantly found myself unable to find the time. And so, as I finished out high school, something that used to define me as a child disappeared from my life.

This continued into my college career as well. And it was not just the reading time that took a hit, it was any hobby or activity. I became consumed with studying for my classes and doing well. And while I told myself that throwing myself into studying was worth it and I was doing better, I slowly realized I was not. I became extremely sleep deprived, anxious, and a whole lot of other things that did not help me succeed in my classes.

To calm my nerves during an especially anxious episode, I started to read an orientation magazine I had gotten in the beginning of the year. After reading just a few pages, I felt much better. It felt so good to turn those pages and read the story out in front of me. That’s when I realized how important it is to find that work-life balance. Constantly working was not helping me at all.

That’s when I decided to go to the library and check out a book I had wanted to read in high school. That weekend, I read the entire book and felt a part of my brain re-emerge. I felt at peace and truly happy for the first time in months. The next weekend, I checked out another book, but instead of finishing it all that weekend, I paced it throughout the week, reading a few chapters at a time.

I saw a change in my studies. I started to stress less and started to sleep on time more often. It also was not just reading that made the difference. I started to pursue other hobbies and activities as well. I have picnics with my friends. I got good at pool and foosball. Now every Friday, my friends and I watch a movie. Every Sunday morning, we get brunch. I’ve learned how to crochet. Activities like these help me find peace it what is otherwise an extremely stressful major. Finding the balance is important.

I try to read a book every two weeks or so. And every now and then, I send my mom a new photo for her to add to her photo “Reading while…” album.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Being in college can be one of the busiest times in a young adult's life. Balancing school, work,��and a social life, along with all the other obligations that come with university life, can put a��strain on your mental health. As a busy college student myself, I have had my fair share of��mental health struggles, and one way I have learned to cope with stress and anxiety is through��mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of the present moment, acknowledging��any thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Mindfulness is a practice that college��students can implement into their daily routine to reap its benefits.��

Various research studies have been conducted over the years looking at the connection between mindfulness and mental health. According to the American Psychological Association,��“researchers reviewed more than 200 studies of mindfulness among healthy people and found��mindfulness-based therapy was especially effective for reducing stress, anxiety, and��depression. Mindfulness can also help treat people with specific problems, including depression,��pain, smoking, and addiction.” Practicing mindfulness consistently can also help improve focus, memory, and even emotional regulation. The American Psychological Association also cites, “a study of people who had anywhere from one month to 29 years of mindfulness meditation practice, researchers found that mindfulness meditation practice helped people disengage from emotionally upsetting pictures and enabled them to focus better on a cognitive task as compared with people who saw the pictures but did not meditate (Ortner et al., 2007).”��Practicing mindfulness meditation before bed can also help those who struggle with insomnia or��difficulty sleeping at night.��

Some people might feel overwhelmed by the idea of practicing mindfulness, but there are��various ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life. One of the best ways to start��practicing mindfulness is by using guided meditations. I personally like to use YouTube to find��guided meditations, but there are also various apps now, such as Headspace and Calm, that��have beginner-friendly meditations as well.��

Another way to incorporate mindfulness into your routine is by turning daily tasks into mindful��practices. One of my favorite ways to do this is by going on a mindful walk. In the morning on��my walk to class, I put away my phone, and as I am walking, I try to stay fully aware of each��step I am taking, along with my breathing. I use this time to observe my feelings and thoughts��without judgment, and it is a great way to start the day. Another way to implement mindfulness��into your daily routine is to practice it in the shower. This may sound strange, but being in the��shower is one of the few moments in a day where we are free of distractions. When showering, I��like to use that time to pay attention to my breathing, and I visualize the water washing away the��negative thoughts that come to my mind.��

While college can be one of the most exciting times of a young adult's life, it also comes with a��ton of stress. The pressures of school, work, and staying social can take a toll on students'��mental health, leading so many to struggle with anxiety and depression. Mindfulness can be an��incredible tool for students to use to help cope with the stress of college life.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Hello all my fellow pre-meds! If you’re applying this cycle, you know how close the applications are, and I just wanted to give some words of encouragement since I am also going through the same thing!

First things first, you must take your MCAT before June to get the most you can out of your application!

My best advice for the MCAT is do not overthink during the exam. I took a course on how to take the MCAT, and I realized that the exam is not there to trick you. Most of the questions are straightforward, and I learned that I should always go with my first pick. The more you overthink, the more likely you are to change your answer and end up getting it incorrect!

I strongly recommend taking practice exams! This is a great way to see what approach is best for you in high stress situations. On days that you do take the practice exam, make sure you set up an area that is as close as possible to the actual exam room. Plan out your meals and breaks as well! This ensures that you won’t get blindsided on test day with how fast paced and lengthy the exam is.

Okay, so you've taken your exam. What happens now?

Research various medical schools and see which ones are the best fit for you. You can go on the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website and research different programs. Then, make sure you get your letters of recommendation. These letters are CRUCIAL for your application, since they can make or break it. Every school requires a different amount, so make sure you see how many your med school of choice wants.

Focus on your application as soon as it opens. Applications are available a month before they need to be turned in. Make sure you start early, so you don't lag then feel stressed by any deadlines. The application may take you a while to complete, but don’t feel discouraged! Take the time to perfect it and make it truly unique. Remember, you are showcasing yourself to a very competitive field, and it is easy to feel imposter syndrome when doing so. Don’t allow your self-doubt to pull you down. Believe in yourself, you got this far, right?

When you're finally done with the most stressful part, the application, relax! You've done the best you could have done up until now. Congratulate yourself, feel accomplished, you are amazing. Do not find yourself waiting around for emails regarding interviews or acceptances, live your life to its fullest. Don’t feel tied down by the burden you let go the minute you pressed submit.

To everyone applying, whether it be this cycle, or the next – good luck and congratulations!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Recording professional-sounding music on a college budget may first seem impossible, however it is not only feasible, but an opportunity to input your creativity into every process. You don’t need a high-end studio to produce great tracks. Instead, focus on technique, affordable tools, and optimizing your recording environment. Here are a few tips on how to put together high-quality songs without draining your bank account.

Optimize Your Recording Space��

If you’re recording in a dorm or small apartment, you can use thick blankets or moving pads to dampen reflections. Isolating areas with the most unwanted room noise is the key, focusing on��creating smaller spaces within larger ones. For vocals, try recording in a closet, as the fabric is��great at absorbing unwanted reverberations. If you’re micing an amp or acoustic instrument, a��similar closet technique can work wonders if you have the space. Rugs and carpet can also be��useful for containing sound in rooms with harder floors.��

Choose Affordable (or Free) Gear��

Start with a solid, budget-friendly microphone like the Shure SM57 or SM7B or any cheap large��diaphragm condenser such as the Audio-Technica AT2020 or the AKG P220. Pair it with an��affordable audio interface, such as a Scarlett Solo or anything that doesn’t have DI quality loss��and that can provide clean preamps. For monitoring, opt for flat-response headphones like the��Audio-Technica ATH-M30x or something from Sennheiser’s HD series, which will help you mix��accurately without need for studio monitors. Most production can be tackled in the box these��days, so focus on getting the best signal into your computer first and foremost.��

Use Free or Low-Cost DAWs & Plugins��

Professional DAWs can cost hundreds, but there are many free and low-cost alternatives. If��you’re on Mac, GarageBand is a powerful starting point with built-in instruments and effects.��Windows users can take advantage of Cakewalk by BandLab, another fully featured DAW that’s��completely free. Reaper offers a 60-day free trial and only costs $60 afterward, making it a steal��for its capabilities. For plugins, lookout for free options like iZotope’s Vinyl (for lo-fi effects),��Spitfire LABS (for high-quality virtual instruments), and Valhalla Supermassive (for lush reverbs��and delays). Tools like these will elevate your production and save a penny at the same time.

Learn Basic Mixing Techniques��

Even the best recordings fall flat without proper mixing principles. Learn to use EQ,��compression, and different plugins like saturation and modulation effects to play with tone color��while also creating a cohesive mix. When using reverb and delay, apply them subtly to avoid��washing out. Panning left or right can also help to create a more immersive soundstage. Most��importantly, reference mixes on multiple playback systems (headphones, car stereo, etc.) and��use professional references to ensure they translate well to wherever your music is distributed.��

Collaborate & Share Knowledge��

The final tip, and the best way to improve while staying budget-conscious is collaboration with��other musicians. Join music groups, swap feedback, or even share gear! You might find��someone with better microphones or a different DAW who can enhance your recordings. Plus,��learning from others accelerates your own growth and can lead to unexpected creative��breakthroughs.��

Final Thoughts��

Great music isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about how you use what you have. By��optimizing your space, choosing smart gear, leveraging free software, and honing your creative��skills, you can produce tracks that rival professional recordings. The key is to keep��experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep creating. Your passion and��resourcefulness will always matter more than the price tag of your equipment.��

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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As college students entangled in an ever-evolving web of classes, studying, extracurricular��activities, job searching, and a plethora of other pressing issues, it can be hard to kick back for a��moment and allow oneself to have fun. It can seem like everything we do needs to be part of��some bigger plan to advance ourselves in society--but it's okay to do things for your own��enjoyment, and for no other reason. Here’s how I learned to snowboard and why I enjoy it – despite my not being naturally good at it.��

My snowboarding journey began in the winter of my sophomore year of high school. At that��point in my life, I was knee-deep in studying for classes, swimming year-round, and practicing��my bass, so extreme leg-breaking sports were the last thing on my mind. On a cool Thursday evening, I got a text from my best friends asking me if I wanted to go snowboarding with them over the weekend – and my initial response was absolutely not.��

On any given weekend, you could find me reading, playing poker, having a movie night, maybe��playing some spike ball or pickleball, but snowboarding wasn't ever on the list. In addition to��having a crippling fear of heights, I'm not exactly the most coordinated person. Some people are��built for comfort, not speed – I would classify myself within that group.��

After some nagging, negotiating, and a healthy dose of peer pressure, I finally caved in and said��I would go. We drove up to a small ski hill in Sapphire Valley, North Carolina – not the grandest��by any means, but a perfect place for me to learn. My friends taught me all the basics – including how to strap myself to the board, how to get onto the lift, and how to fall in the least painful way (thank the lord for that one) – but most of the technical stuff I needed to figure out on my own.��

I pretty much spent the entire day falling in every way imaginable – learning how to distribute my��weight properly was a huge obstacle, as leaning too far in the wrong direction at the wrong time��causes a very sudden fall (this is referred to as "catching an edge"). It was extremely frustrating not being able to go for more than 15 seconds at a time without falling – I'll admit I got pretty heated in some moments. However, by the end of the day, I was able to gently glide down the entire slope without falling – although I wasn't very quick, I was in control.��

Since that day, snowboarding has become something I regularly return to and endeavor to��improve upon. By no means am I naturally good at this sport – after 4 years of snowboarding��two/three times per season, I still fall regularly and still don't go as fast as I'd like to, but��to look back upon the improvement and growth I've had since then is immensely satisfying. The feeling of the wind rushing against your face while gliding down a slope is exhilarating and immensely freeing – especially knowing that I've conquered so many obstacles to get to that point.��

Snowboarding has taught me that sometimes the most rewarding experiences come not from��the activities we naturally excel at, but from embracing the struggle, celebrating small victories,��and finding joy in the journey – a lesson that extends far beyond the slopes into every aspect of��life.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Embrace being unqualified! I know, it might sound odd but hear me out. College is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone. It’s the best time to take risks and pursue opportunities that may feel just a little out of reach. Many of us, as college students, often feel we’re not qualified for the roles or opportunities we want. I can confidently say that during my job searches, I have run into the recurring issue of not having enough experience. However, being comfortable with the experience I do have, no matter how minimal, has given me the confidence to go after opportunities I might not have otherwise considered.

The reality is, not applying for a position doesn’t give us any better chances, so why not take the risk? I want to share why I believe we should be more comfortable trying for things we don't initially feel qualified for.

For one, applying when you don’t expect too much can take a lot of the pressure off. The best interviews I’ve ever had were for positions I thought I had little chance of landing. Going in with low expectations allowed me to put everything I had on the table without worrying about making mistakes. Often, the pressure to succeed comes from thinking we should get the position, when that may not be the case. Letting go of that mindset can set you up for success.

You also never know what employers/interviewers are looking for. There may be qualities and experiences you have that could make you a more well-rounded or multifaceted candidate than you realize. Employers may value things you never even thought to mention, such as transferable skills or ability to learn quickly. Sometimes, we underestimate what we bring to the table just because we don't meet all the listed qualifications. It’s easy to assume that a great opportunity is out of reach because it seems too competitive or too good to be true. But sometimes, those opportunities might not be as competitive as you think.

One of my favorite experiences with embracing this mindset was when I reached out to a faculty member conducting research at my college. As a new freshman with no knowledge of an existing position, I never even thought I would get a response and only reached out on a whim. Still, I decided it was worth a shot. To my surprise, I was quickly offered an interview and added to the research team on the spot! A great example of you never know until you try.

At my college, most students have to apply for jobs they don’t feel qualified for as part of the Co-op program. So, this idea is very accepted on my campus. But I can tell you from what I’ve seen that if my friends hadn’t taken these risks they would’ve missed some of their best opportunities! My roommate recently applied for several Co-op positions none of which she felt qualified for because she had no experience in her field. But she went for it anyway thinking all she needed was to get one. She ended up getting offered every single job! Another friend of mine saw an opportunity to apply to be on the executive board of her organization despite only being a 2nd year (of a 5-year program). She ended up being offered next year’s president position! The moral of the story is that sometimes we let insecurities hold us back from what could be some of our most exciting and rewarding experiences. You may be more qualified than you think!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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When I signed up to study abroad in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, I knew I’d be stepping outside my academic comfort zone. As a psychology and cognitive science major, studying the biology of the South Pacific and sustainability & development wasn’t exactly in my wheelhouse. But I wanted to challenge myself, explore new perspectives, and, of course, experience the beauty of a part of the world I had never seen before. What I didn’t realize was just how much studying abroad would shape me, not just academically, but personally. It turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Throughout my time abroad, I had the chance to see and do things I never could have imagined. I hiked through the untouched Fiordland rainforests, where towering trees and cascading waterfalls made me feel like I had stepped into another world. I swam alongside hundreds of wild dolphins in frigid waters, an experience so surreal it felt like a dream. And in Fiji, I connected with local islanders, learning about their traditions, values, and way of life in a way that no textbook could ever capture. These moments weren’t just exciting adventures, they opened my eyes to different ways of thinking, living, and understanding the world. I learned about sustainability firsthand, not just in theory but from the people whose lives depend on it. Even though my studies abroad weren’t directly tied to my major, they expanded my knowledge in ways that will stick with me forever.

Looking back, studying abroad was so much more than just taking classes in another country. It was about stepping outside my comfort zone, saying yes to new experiences, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the world around me. It taught me that education isn’t just about what’s in a lecture or a textbook.

Study abroad is about the people you meet, the cultures you experience, and the places that take your breath away. If you’re considering studying abroad, my advice is simple: go for it. You’ll learn more than you ever expected, make memories that last a lifetime, and return home with a fresh perspective on both the world and yourself.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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We have all heard of APs, or Advanced Placement courses, and many of us have probably taken a few. In my experience, a majority of my peers in high school took around 2-3 AP classes per year, averaging around 12 total Advanced Placement courses by graduation. Let's be real: most didn't put themselves through this strenuous academic experience for the hope to learn more about riveting microeconomics or DNA strands. They did it for their college resumes, and the glorifying view to include each and every course on their Ivy League applications. But why isn't this enough?

My High School Experience

From 2020 to 2024, I went to one of the most academically rigorous high schools in the Bay Area. I performed in the theatre arts program for my high school all four years, on top of being a club officer for three clubs throughout my time. I was infamously known as one of the select few students who would only leave school when it was dark, due to the long rehearsals that were pretty much year-round. I was a classic theatre kid, but I also took my academics seriously. Though my experience was filled with long lasting memories and provided me with the ability to be where I am today, high school was a time of immense stress for everyone around me, especially due to the high levels of competitiveness specifically centered around a GPA craze and the obsession to constantly do more than your peers. I was never someone who wanted to take APs. To this day, I don’t regret taking solely one honors Spanish class and enjoying the rest of my school days. Here's why.

The AP Appeal

There’s no question that Advanced Placement courses give students a GPA boost and prepare them for a more difficult college curriculum. Moreso, various AP high school courses can land students credit that can carry on to college. So yes, there is a relatively understandable appeal. The issue isn’t merely taking an AP biology course if one plans to be a nursing major. The real problem is the number of APs students are taking, and the false reality they are sliding into that makes many believe that these classes are all a person needs to get into college. I believe that the issue is often not caused by a single person. As each graduating year goes by, peer pressure grows stronger. A small whisper in the year to take the “easy” AP Psychology class begins spreading the rumors. The phrase “everything is okay in moderation” doesn’t just apply to the number of donuts a person consumes in one morning. Taking a schedule consisting of a majority of AP courses is neither healthy nor enjoyable. Additionally, it doesn’t do as much as one might believe for their college applications.

College App Curations

In my opinion, a well-rounded college application includes an academically sound record, various extracurricular activities, and special and additional features like volunteer hours or commitments to specific outside pursuits. In fact, several admission websites state that a 4.0+ GPA and 12-15 APs aren’t primarily nor solely what admission officers look at. The biggest way to achieve this application layout while truly making the most out of one’s high school years is researching by themselves, minus the peer pressure culture. More often than not, the more people search and examine certain classes themselves, the less likely they will be to overload themselves with classes they never wanted in the first place. Doing what is best for one’s academic, intellectual, and recreational aspirations is the most important factor at the end of the day.

High school is supposed to be a time to savor the last sips of our childhood before launching into the real world, where nothing is measured by a test score of one to five.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Dressing professionally as a college student is essential for networking events, internships, presentations, and job interviews, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming.

Start with the basics

Building a business casual wardrobe starts with versatile staples like a well-fitted blazer in classic colors such as black, navy, or beige, which can instantly elevate an outfit when paired with a simple blouse or a structured button-down shirt.

For bottoms, tailored pants, ankle trousers, or pencil skirts create a polished look, while knit sweaters and cardigans add a professional yet comfortable touch. Business casual footwear includes loafers, ballet flats, or block heels in neutral shades for versatility. When stepping into more formal settings, a classic suit—whether a blazer paired with matching dress pants or a sheath dress with a coordinating jacket—is a must-have.

Closed-toe shoes, such as pointed-toe pumps or elegant flats, complete the professional look. Accessories should be kept minimal with delicate jewelry, a structured handbag, and a sleek belt to pull an outfit together.

Keep your budget in mind

Shopping for professional attire on a budget is possible by thrifting at stores like Goodwill, Plato’s Closet, or online resale platforms such as Poshmark and ThredUp, where high-quality blazers and dress pants can be found at a fraction of retail prices. Stores like H&M, Zara, and Target offer affordable yet stylish business casual options, while brands like Banana Republic, Express, and Ann Taylor have frequent sales on professional staples.

Put it all together

To maintain a polished appearance, wrinkle-free fabrics, well-groomed hairstyles—such as sleek buns, ponytails, or neatly styled natural hair—and minimal makeup with neutral tones ensure a put-together look. By curating a wardrobe with timeless and versatile pieces, college students can confidently dress for success in any professional or business casual setting without breaking the bank.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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