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Washington, D.C., our nation's capital, is a vibrant and bustling city full of history, ambition, and opportunity. Recently, I had the privilege of interning in Congress and studying in this dynamic place. While it was a rewarding experience, juggling school, an internship, and the stress of election season wasn’t easy. Here’s how I found peace and balance in the midst of the chaos:

Connecting with Nature

Amid the fast pace of D.C., I found peace in the city’s pockets of nature. The National Mall, with its sweeping views of historic monuments, became one of my favorite nature escapes. Runs to the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise and sunset offered me a unique kind of serenity, while trips to nearby Maryland and Virginia introduced me to breathtaking hiking trails and beautiful landscapes. Immersing myself in these natural spaces reminded me to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the present. Whether it was by watching the Potomac River flow or strolling under trees filled with friendly squirrels, nature had a way of grounding me in the moment. It was one of my primary avenues of peace.

Finding Your Safe Space

In a city as fast paced as D.C., finding a space where you can unwind and recharge is essential. For me, that sanctuary was a cozy local coffee shop. It became my retreat - a place to journal, read, listen to music, and enjoy a warm cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Whether it’s a park, a library, or even your favorite room at home, having a safe space to decompress and reflect is key to maintaining balance in a high-stress environment.

Interpersonal Networking

Washington, D.C. is the city of networking, where every conversation has the potential to spark an opportunity. As intimidating as it may seem, I used networking as a tool to interact with others, make friends, and build meaningful relationships with individuals in similar situations as mine. Some of the most meaningful connections I developed weren’t forged in formal settings but through genuine conversations about hobbies, career journeys, and life goals. Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional. When approached authentically, it can be deeply fulfilling and transformative, even bringing a sense of joy and peace.

Embrace the Moment

Living, working, and studying in D.C. during an election cycle is a uniquely intense experience, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to witness history and be part of something bigger than yourself. I learned to embrace the city’s energy and cherish the moments of growth, whether that meant navigating my packed schedule, meeting new people, or simply taking in the view of the National Mall and the Capitol at night.

No matter how busy life gets, prioritizing your inner peace and well-being is essential. You can only thrive professionally and academically when you take the time to care for yourself. So, if you ever find yourself in D.C. or a similarly dynamic environment, remember to pause, savor the experience, and remind yourself why you’re there in the first place.

Washington, D.C. taught me so much about ambition, resilience, and self-care. It’s a city where dreams are sparked and connections are forged, but also the perfect place to find your balance and discover more about yourself. Beyond politics, I found peace, and that made all the difference!

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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In this world, you are given the opportunity to excel in your personal growth. Soaring among the rest may seem like a challenge, but college is a good opportunity for you to become your own Superhero.

Your first step in becoming this “Superhero” is to decide on a “name”: what you are interested in. Every college has many different organizations you can join. Usually, you can even create a club if one doesn’t fit into your personal interests. In this part of your Superhero journey, you are not only picking out your name, but you are picking out what you believe in and what you want to be known for, so think hard.

With your newly found name and passion, it will not be so hard to find the right group of friends that fit your needs. My college has a day at the beginning of each semester called “Get on Board Day,” where every organization is given the opportunity to showcase their group. During this day, you can talk to people who have interests like yours, similar mindsets, and the same passion for growing. You are also able to make new friends in your specific major and join group chats to ask about the classwork and plan events together. This gives you an opportunity to make friends you will see for the remainder of your college career.

Being a Superhero also means that you need to take time for yourself to recuperate and catch up on necessary schoolwork. You can fight crime in the daytime by being an academic weapon and going to classes, and then in the nighttime, you can conquer going to your organization’s meetings, but will you get tired? Of course, you will; this means you have to manage your time adequately. By doing this, you can choose when you want to designate time to study, go to meetings, and take self-care time. This can be accomplished by using a physical or digital calendar to track everything.

In college, sometimes we may forget that we are also human, and that Superheroes have rest days as well. Do you think that Batman fights crime every night? No, he still manages to go to meetings or do other fun things when he is free. If you can manage everything and give yourself grace, then you have successfully become a college Superhero.

Embark on your new journey through college by attacking your academics and making meaningful memories with friends, and at the end of your college journey, you have ultimately saved the world!

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 a student, it can be challenging remembering to plan for events like birthdays or holidays. Especially if you are far away from home or busy studying for finals, finding the right gift for your friends and family can be a stressful task. Luckily, I have a list of solutions for last- minute gift ideas! Whether you are celebrating from a long distance, or you are looking for a way to show you care, I’ve got you covered! In this blog, I will be reviewing some of the best gifts with various price ranges from flower delivery to e-cards and more!

If you are celebrating someone who is not near, the first step is always a sweet birthday message. A phone call or voicemail will always be more sincere, but a thoughtful text message is also a great way to make someone feel remembered. The next step is a gift. Depending on how well you know the person, an eGift card may be the perfect way to show someone that you remember their favorite store or restaurant. They will also be able to use a gift card when they choose. For someone more special to you, consider a flower or cookie delivery service. These can be scheduled a few days ahead (or even the day of if you are lucky), and it is a surprise that will be memorable for years to come.

If you are low on money, but still want to give someone something special, do not fret! There are many options available to those on a budget. After all, it is the thought that counts. Consider getting together with other friends or family members to split the cost of a nice gift. When my older sister graduated college, I wanted to get her a designer handbag. It was her dream bag that she had talked about for years, but I couldn’t afford it on my own. I got together with my other two sisters and my mom, and we were able to split the cost and get it for her. I’ve never seen her cherish a gift quite like that one. Another great budget friendly option is coming up with a gift theme and getting a few low-price options together. For example – a spa theme might be made of a few facemasks, a headband, and some hand-written self-care quotes. Don’t be afraid to make things!

Lastly, sometimes you have the budget and find yourself near the person of the hour, but you simply forgot about their gift. Offer to take this person to breakfast! Many times, people will have dinner plans or night plans, but they find themselves with a lot of time at the beginning of the day. Offering to fill this time at a nice diner or brunch place is a great way to make memories, eat good food, and let this person know that they haven’t been forgotten about. However, if it is too late in the day when you remember them, you can find some valuable gift sets at department stores – these pair very well with flowers!

Hopefully you don’t find yourself panicking about gifts too often, but if you do, just remember to keep it simple and be thoughtful about what you know about the person. I hope that you can find some ideas that will help you from this blog. Good luck gifting!

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 I sit and reflect on the person I’ve become, I realize the individual I once identified with feels like a distant, familiar stranger. “Creative” was never a word I associated with myself or imagined others would use to describe me. Yet now, creativity defines my world and has become an intrinsic part of who I am. However, this transformation didn’t happen overnight. The journey to discovering my creative side and, ultimately, my newest passion was anything but easy.

After walking away from football during my sophomore year of college, I felt lost and aimless. Football had been such an intrinsic part of my life that I never allowed myself to believe I could excel at anything else. For six months, life without football left me at my lowest point. I didn’t know who I was anymore—until I found my way back to my first true love: storytelling.

Storytelling is the fuel that drives me forward in life. I’ve always had an affinity for creative storytelling, whether factual or fictional. The very act of weaving narratives has always fascinated me. Although my life was deeply entrenched in the student-athlete lifestyle, I often turned to media and storytelling as my escape. When football was no longer part of my day-to- day life, I immersed myself in narrative storytelling more deeply than ever before. With my newfound free time, I had no idea what to do—until one day, my younger brother, a 2D animator, suggested I start making videos. With nothing to lose, I decided to take the risk.

I’ll be transparent: I don’t believe I found creativity—creativity found me. From the moment I dipped my hand in the cookie jar, I became obsessed. From writing scripts to learning how to edit, tapping into my creative side became more than just a hobby—it was therapeutic. It forced me to reflect and understand myself in ways I never had before, sparking the motivation to become the person I truly want to be. I fell in love with the introspection that storytelling required, because to tell great stories, one must first understand their own.

As time goes on, I see myself continuing to grow as a creative. I view it as my avenue to live a truly free life. But what this journey has also taught me is how easy it is to put ourselves in boxes, limiting our ability to think beyond those confines. Creativity shattered those limits for me, showing me that the capabilities of our minds are truly endless.

Creative storytelling helped me discover that we are not meant to be tied to a single, fixed identity—whether defined by society or by ourselves. We are far more nuanced, and our minds are filled with infinite possibilities. As an aspiring storyteller in all its forms, my dream is to travel the world and provide people with a comfortable platform to share their stories. Learning about my own creative abilities has inspired me to dedicate my life to one guiding principle: Chasing Infinity.

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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In this quick paced world, the workplace focuses mainly on results and productivity. Many times, mental health takes a back burner in employers’ minds which can lead to burn out and stress for employees. Temporary solutions such as caffeine breaks and mindful apps do not solve deeper problems. A more effective and long-lasting approach is animal assisted therapy, which uses interactions with animals such as dogs to improve emotional well-being in the workplace.

Studies have shown that simply being around animals increases the release of neurotransmitters associated with reducing stress and improving mood. Introducing trained animals to the workplace helps employees' mental health and fosters a better working environment.

Simply by petting a calm animal or just being around it can reduce blood pressure and stress hormones. If employees let workers relax on heavy days, it can improve their mental focus and emotional balance leading to increase productivity throughout the day.

Animals can also help build a sense of community. Sometimes the workplace can be lonely, especially in a competitive environment. Animals can serve as a connector in the workplace. The sense of connection can improve teamwork and make the atmosphere more like a family.

Animals can also encourage healthier habits. Workers who take time to exercise and get a short walk with the dog can also improve their mood. This allows them to get a much-needed physical activity and a mental break that can inspire connectivity, better focus, and improved problem-solving capability.

However, bringing animals into the workplace requires careful planning. Not everyone is comfortable around animals due to allergies, fears, or personal preferences. Companies need to create clear policies, designate specific animal-friendly areas, and work with trained therapy animals to ensure everyone feels safe and included.

The most common type of therapy animals are dogs. Affection from dogs is a proven way to reduce stress, and when added to the workplace, can drastically improve workers' mental health and overall performance.

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 stuck inside during the winter sometimes sends me looking for some unplugged activities. Thinking back to my summer as a camp counselor, the “it” way to pass the time was to make friendship bracelets! Whether you’re a seasoned bracelet maker or just getting started, I want to welcome you to the color world of friendship bracelets!

I’ve been making friendship bracelets for years and I can tell you it takes a lot of practice! The foundation of friendship bracelets is very simple: a forward knot and a backwards knot. If you know how to do these 2 knots, you can read what are called “alpha patterns” and make any design!

How To Do a Forward and Backward Knot

If you know what the number “4” looks like, you’re already 99% of the way there!

To make a forward knot: simply grab on to one string in your left hand - let’s call this String A - and the string to the right of it in your right hand - let’s call this String B. String A will form a “4” over String B. The end of String A will cross under String B to form the knot, and then you pull upwards to tighten.

To make a backward knot: simply make (you guessed it!) a backwards “4” where String B crosses over String A, the end of String B crossed under String A, and pull.

How To Read an Alpha Pattern

An Alpha pattern is essentially a visual representation of a bracelet design arranged in a grid format with arrows corresponding to either the forwards or backwards knot. There are 4 types of arrows to be aware of.

Howdy! This summer I’ll be starting an internship with Cumming Group in Nashville, and I couldn’t be more excited (a little nervous too). As a junior at Texas A&M majoring in Construction Science, this is a huge step for me. It’s one thing to learn about construction consulting in the classroom, but getting hands-on experience in a booming city like Nashville? That’s next level.

Although it’s still a few months away, I’m already preparing as much as I can. Nashville’s construction scene is incredible right now, with so many exciting projects reshaping the city. I’ve been diving into industry trends and learning about what makes the city the way it is. From urban developments to sustainable construction practices, there’s so much happening here, and I can’t wait to see it all up close.

On top of that, I’ve been figuring out the basics, like where I’ll live and how I’ll get around. Nashville seems like such a fun place, so I’m excited to explore its culture and energy outside of work too. I’m hoping to strike that perfect balance of exploring the city and staying focused on my goals during the internship.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what this experience means for my future career. I’ve always been passionate about construction science, but this internship is an opportunity to really get some hands-on experience and see where I can make a real impact in the industry. I’m also considering grad school after I graduate from A&M, with Vanderbilt being high on my list of possibilities. Having this internship in Nashville feels like a great chance to explore not only my career interests but also what it might be like to live and study here.

I know the next few months will be challenging, but I’m ready to begin. Every project, every conversation, and every lesson are chances to grow, and I can’t wait for it all. I know this summer will be a time of growth and learning. Gig em!

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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Last semester, I had the incredible opportunity to complete a micro-internship with ɫèAV Education, and it was an experience that left a lasting impact on my professional and personal development.

During this time, I worked closely with a talented team that included Jacob Woodhouse, Zachary Suozzo, and Alex Dennis. Together, we tackled the challenge of optimizing error handling in a data pipeline using SQL and Python. This hands-on project not only sharpened my technical skills but also gave me valuable insight into solving real-world problems in a collaborative environment.

What truly made this internship special was the relationships I formed with my team. Dennis and Woodhouse guided me through the technical aspects of the project with patience and expertise, and through previous internships Steven Reynolds, Nick Hobart, and Suozzo shared invaluable advice about the industry and professional growth. Their mentorship extended beyond the tasks at hand, offering me lessons in teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving that I will carry forward in my career.

Mentorship has always been an essential part of my development as a student intern, and this experience reinforced just how crucial it is. Having a supportive network of professionals who believe in your potential can make all the difference. The guidance I received helped me bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry application, and it gave me the confidence to approach challenges with a growth mindset.

My time with ɫèAV has shown me the importance of building meaningful connections in the workplace. I’m deeply grateful for the mentorship, encouragement, and camaraderie I experienced during this internship. These relationships have inspired me to continue seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute, and I’m excited about the path ahead, knowing I have such an incredible foundation to build upon.

I’m continuing my micro-internship with my team again this semester, and I can’t wait to develop my relationships and skills further!

Go Coogs!

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 I navigate my third year as a Resident Assistant (RA), I realize the role is more than simply a job. Rather, it’s a chance to grow myself, serve my community, and lay the foundation of who I want to become personally and professionally. I would be lying if I said the road has been easy; the role demands time and dedication. However, in my three years of experience, the benefits have far outweighed the challenges, making it one of the most rewarding endeavors I have taken on while in college.

One of the immediate and tangible benefits of being an RA is the financial relief it offers. Most institutions offer free housing and meal plans to RAs, which significantly reduces the financial burden of college expenses, especially for out-of-state students. At my campus in particular, a bi-weekly stipend is provided in addition to the free housing and meal plan. Not to mention, the unique merch provided to all RAs on my campus at the start of each school year for move-in season. These perks have allowed me to focus on my education and academic responsibilities without the stress of juggling off-campus part-time jobs.

While the tangible perks of being a RAs are great, the skills I have acquired in the role are invaluable. Whether resolving conflicts, organizing events, or providing guidance to residents, being a RA gives you the opportunity to serve as a mentor and role model daily. Though this may be intimidating to some, it’s a great opportunity to practice leading by example. The skills you can learn in this leadership role – communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution – are highly sought out by employers because they are transferable to many careers.

Balancing on-call duties, weekly meetings, and planning events while managing academic responsibilities can be demanding. However, I have found this challenge is also a valuable opportunity. It has led to tremendous personal development. Learning to navigate a packed schedule and meet deadlines under pressure prepares you for the real world, which usually requires similar demands. Furthermore, this unique position has allowed me to make a lasting impact, not only on residents but on my peers and friends. One of the most rewarding experiences in my time as a RA was mentoring one of my former residents through the RA application process. Not only did she get hired, but we now work on the same staff where I can watch her blossom into an amazing RA.

Becoming a RA is an unparalleled opportunity to grow as an overall leader, gain financial benefits, and develop critical life skills. While the role requires hard work and commitment, in my humble opinion, the personal and professional rewards are well worth the effort. For those seeking a transformative college experience, I believe the RA position is a powerful investment in your growth today and a stepping stone for yourself tomorrow.

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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