thebusiestbee

[thebusiestbee]

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A Sophomore's 2 Tips for Surviving Online Courses.

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September 29, 2024

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Okay, so throughout my short academic career, I have only been required to take two online courses. I first took Biology 102 online, and now, I am taking Online Public Communications. As someone who loves to attend physical classes in brick-and-mortar buildings, it can be challenging to push through online courses. If you're anything like me, read ahead, and you'll find my 2 tips on how to survive your online courses.

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1. Have a Dedicated Study Space.

I suggest designating a specific place for you to do coursework for your online courses. Having a dedicated physical space to do coursework kind of performs as having a classroom. Be sure to switch it up between classes though! It can be quite fatiguing to work in the same spot for hours at a time (づ◡﹏◡)づ.

2. Keep a tight schedule.

In my experience, it's far easier to fall behind in online coursework than it is to fall behind in physical classes. To keep up, you should maintain a dedicated and rigorous schedule to stay on track. You can use a physical calendar (if you're like me, you use Google Calendars) to keep note of when assignments, exams, and quizzes are due ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ.

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Okay, I'll admit it. This list is shorter than my other lists, and that's because I've only ever taken two online courses! Despite my lack of extensive experience, I hope you've found this post somewhat informative. I'm sure I'll have to take more online classes later (and I believe I'll be taking one or two more in the spring semester), but if you need further insights, the article linked below should do the trick. Much love and I hope you have a wonderful week (ꈍᴗꈍ)♡.

[thebusiestbee]

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Diary Entry: How My Sophomore Year is Going. Pt. 2

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September 28, 2024

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Hello! So, how's your semester going? Mine is going well.

I got my first chemistry exam grade back, and I made a ⟡90⟡ out of 100! Even though I wish it were a little higher because of my perfectionism, it's good enough for me to give myself a pat on the back.

I made a 101 on my first Calculus 2 exam too. Honestly, I was super stressed over that one because I couldn't fully answer two of the questions confidently, but it turns out I just don't believe in myself as much as I should because they were correct.

Now comes my arch-nemesis, physics. I have my first physics exam in two days. I've been studying a bunch for it, but no matter how much I study, I still feel underprepared. I guess we'll see how I'll do when I take it.

My online communications class is coming to an end. I am a bit sad, sure, but I know it just means that I have more time to focus on my current classes, research, and gaming (my one true love besides science). I just have to push through these next two weeks, then it's over.

I'm working on another research project, or rather a proposal for another research project. Do I think I'll make the big deadline for it to be submitted? No, but I do think I can make the smaller deadline, so wish me luck!

I hope everyone else's semesters are going as swimmingly as mine, and I wish anyone reading this luck in any of their endeavors ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ.

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Be sure to check out my previous entry: "Diary Entry: How My Sophomore Year is Going. Pt. 1."

[thebusiestbee]

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₊˚⊹♡ Studying Aesthetics Pt 1. ♡⊹˚₊

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September 22, 2024

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You're a professor who has to "tutor" your students (the plushies on your bed) while you drink a hot cup of tea. You wear a comfy turtleneck sweater with black slacks as you vividly explain derivatives, balancing chemistry equations, or whatever topic you'd like. You scribble down equations, explanations, and definitions neatly into a dedicated notebook as the hours go by for your next appointment.

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You're a fashionable and courteous student. You wear the cutest outfits and use Sanrio themed stationery items. You rewrite lecture notes in your notebook adorned with kawaii stickers and sip on a cup of strawberry boba tea. Your flashcards and notes are diligently color-coded, and your school bag is organized for your next class.

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[thebusiestbee]

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The 3 Signs Telltale of Academic Burn-out.

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September 22, 2024

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Does getting out of bed or going to class sound painful? Does the thought of studying bring about a gnawing sense of eldritch dread? Everyone has to hit the metaphorical wall at some point. I know I have in some capacity. My state of being 75% of the time can simply be described as tired. I have a deep, gnawing fatigue that will not go away, even with a good night's sleep. Sometimes, it's hard to identify academic burnout, so here are my three telltale symptoms of academic burnout.

Be sure to check out my previous post: What Causes Academic Burnout (From a Second-Year College Student).

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1. Procrastination or the inability to do work.

Have you ever felt so stressed over an upcoming deadline or event that you wait until the last minute to begin preparing for it? On top of that, now that it's the last minute, you can't complete it in time, making you more stressed. If the answer is yes, then you might be suffering from academic fatigue. Generally, the more you procrastinate, the more stressed you become, or at least I do. It's a vicious cycle of waiting, stressing, and eventually, missing exams and assignments.

2. Irrational irritation at minor inconveniences.

With the constant stress from procrastination and failing work comes an irrational irritation at the most minor inconveniences. For example, I broke down sobbing on a call with my boyfriend because I couldn't decide what to have for dinner. I felt so overwhelmed by the mere idea of choosing what to eat that I bawled my eyes out. If you relate, then I feel you. You're probably experiencing some academic burnout like me.

3. Complete Social Withdrawal.

Okay, this one will vary for everyone, but I'm an extrovert. Shocking, I know. I find that when I'm stressed over work that isn't done because I physically and mentally cannot bring myself to do it, I emotionally and socially shut down. If I'm not interacting with people, my stress builds, and I lose my network of support. If you're experiencing this, it might be worth it to send out a message to a close friend or family member to chat.

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Of course, this isn't a comprehensive list covering all the signs of academic burnout. These are simply the symptoms I commonly experience. If you still believe you could be experiencing burnout and do not relate to my list, here's a video outlining more symptoms you could be experiencing. Cheers!

[thebusiestbee]

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How I Study as Someone With a Really Really Really Bad Attention Span (possibly ADHD) and Straight A's

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September 14, 2024.

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Okay, as the title says, I have a considerably lousy attention span. Many years ago, I was going to be diagnosed with ADHD, but due to some personal stuff, it never really happened. Either way, my brain isn't the best, so sometimes, I must manipulate how I study to fit how I feel on a particular day or week. This post lays out how I handle this issue, and hopefully, it might inspire you to do the same if you relate.

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Firstly, I must recognize what the class requires because not all classes are identical. You wouldn't study for a biology class like a math or an English one, for example. Each class is built differently, and each assignment is unique, but I generally find they fall under one of three categories:

A. The class requires equations, so I'll review practice problems (i.e., calculus or chemistry).

B. The class requires route memory facts or knowledge, so I'll study Quizlet or review notes (i.e., history or biology).

C. The class requires some writing, so I'll start drafts or edit some previously made drafts (i.e., English or public communications).

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Once I've identified which category the class falls under, I can now concern myself with my attention span. If you're anything like me, your attention span can be better or worse depending on the day. This variability is frustrating because maintaining a consistent workflow is nearly impossible, but I have generally found a formula that works for me and my waxing and waning attention span.

Case 1: I want to study, and I have the focus to do it

This case is simple. I want to study and have the focus and emotional energy to do it. Maybe the week's just been good; I feel motivated and set for success. I'll crack open a cold Monster Energy Drink, grab some yummy snacks, turn on some music, open my notebooks or Quizlet, and get to work. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy.

Case 2: I want to study, but I keep getting distracted

In this case, I must work around distractions and find a workable pace. This can be tricky (and downright annoying), but this usually means I cut my work up into 15-30 minute intervals with long breaks in between. None of those 15-minute breaks; I typically need an hour to recharge. This general method usually takes all day, but the job gets done either way.

Case 3: I don't want to study and keep getting distracted.

When I find myself in this position, there's only one way around it: simply not doing the work- or significantly reducing my workload for the day. Studying like this usually means I only focus on assignments, quizzes, or exams due soon. I'm not behind, but I'm not necessarily accelerating in my work either, which is a goal that I usually have. I burn out quickly if I force myself to do work when I don't want to, which is detrimental to my mental health and education in the long run.

[thebusiestbee]

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Tips to Get Good At Math from a 4.0 STEM Student

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September 14, 2024.

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Do you struggle with math? I used to, and only relatively recently have I strengthened my math skills. At this point, I am good enough to get straight As in high-level math classes like Calculus 2 (which I am currently taking). I enjoy math, but it wasn't always that way. Elementary addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division were complicated enough as they were, but now you're asking me to include letters. It was all a headache. Fun fact: I had nightmares about solving equations when I had to take trigonometry in high school, but those days are over. So, how can you get good at math? These are my tips and tricks for improving anyone's math skills.

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1. Take detailed notes of your mistakes.

I highly advise keeping track of your miscalculations. In my opinion, the easiest way to get better at math is to recognize and fix your mistakes. This means "showing your work" or logging step-by-step how you attempt to answer a problem. If you can't troubleshoot the issue yourself, you should take it to a professor or a tutor for a fresh set of eyes.

2. Get back to the basics.

If you're anything like me, you may have to study basic elementary math to build a good foundation for later subjects. All of the math builds on itself, and at the highest levels, you will be required to recall techniques from elementary school up to differential calculus, so getting a sound footing in the basics is essential to mastering math.

3. Practice everyday.

I'd advise you to practice at least one problem everyday, though typically, I usually do five. This keeps your brain constantly refreshing on new and old material, and especially if you're in class, you can keep up with the new work, and patch up troubled areas to raise your grade the best.

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[thebusiestbee]

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Diary Entry: How My Sophomore Year is Going. Pt. 1

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September 7, 2024

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Hi! How are you? I'm stressed. I'm very stressed, and as much as I love writing tips and tricks about college and studying, sometimes I need to wind down and talk-- or rant. I thought it would be fun to post an update on how I'm doing and how this new semester is going. So, what's up?

I am experiencing burnout, plus I'm coming down from being sick, so it's like double the fun. As you may know, I'm a biochemistry (and molecular biology) student. Unfortunately, majoring in biochemistry means I'm always busy with something complicated, but I usually enjoy the challenge. I haven't been feeling up to any challenges lately, though, so the new school year has been a struggle.

This is my second year! I have to take calculus-based physics with its lab, chemistry with its lab, calculus 2, online communications, and some extra undergraduate biology research. My classes are going fine, some better, some worse, but overall, I'll survive with A's and B's.

As I am typing this out, I am thinking about how much work has to get done and how I must clean my room. It's OK; I just need to decompress, and I'll survive. I hope everyone else's semesters are going well, and I want to thank anyone who's been reading my blog! It's been much appreciated.

So- yeah. I'll post another update sometime later in the semester. Still, for now, I should take some dishes out of my room and prepare myself for the fourth week of the new semester. Buh-bye!

(P.S: if your room is dirty like mine, this is your sign to clean it ❤️).

[thebusiestbee]

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A Constantly Sick Sophomore's Four Tips to Staying Sane While Unwell During College.

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September 7, 2024

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In my experience, anytime a new semester begins, I have to get sick at least once. In fact, I'm writing this blog post while coming off of a mild cold, so I understand that being ill while in school is difficult. My sinuses swell, my nose plugs, my lungs ache, and I have a migraine. Getting sick is the literal worst, but unfortunately, it's inevitable. The good news is that being ill while attending lectures, completing assignments, and studying for exams doesn't have to be so harsh. Okay, it'll still be difficult, but there are some things you can do to lighten the burden, so here are my four tips for staying sane while being sick in college.

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1. 💧Drink plenty of water.

I know everyone says this, but you should stay hydrated if you're under the weather. Recently, with my cold, I kept my nose relatively unplugged and my throat from being hoarse by drinking tons of water. Well- I didn't literally drink tons of water, but you probably get the point. Be sure to drink at least a cup or two per day.

2. 🍜 Eat!

Again, this point is basically the same as my first one, but you should eat as heartily as possible if you're sick. Assuming you're not throwing up all the time, I find a nice warm bowl of soup with some toasted bread does the trick, but I'm sure any relatively light meal could do.

3. ⏰Schedule Naps Into Your Day.

As someone who studies between my other responsibilities, I usually don't care too much about scheduling naps into my daily routine (honestly, I see them as a waste of time). However, when I'm sick, I find rest extremely important so my immune system can work it's magic. These naps don't have to be huge, so thirty minutes to an hour is plenty of time to catch some Z's.

4. ⚕️ Get a Medical Note if it's Severe.

Last but certainly not least, if you're illness is bad enough to the point that you can not leave your house, dorm, or room, you should probably take the liberty of simply getting a doctor's note. Usually, most professors will accept this as a reasonable excuse for an absence, but be sure to ask a friend or classmate to get you some notes from your missed lecture so you don't fall behind.

[thebusiestbee]

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What Every Freshman Should Do Before The First Day of Class.

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September 1, 2024

Ello! My name is Elijah, and I am a full-time second-year student at the University of South Carolina, Sumter. I am currently majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology because I love math and science. I crochet and play video games in my free time when I'm not busy with something school-related.

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So, it's the first day of college, and you're a freshman. You're ready to experience the stereotypical college life consisting of classes, studying, and partying. Sounds good, right? Still, you may not know how to prepare for your big day. Luckily, I'm a sophomore, and every new semester, I use a few strategies to ensure my first day is smooth (even through all of the chaos). Here are a few tips and tricks to almost guarantee a good first day.

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1. Pack practically.

Because the first day of class can be confusing and hectic, you should pack only what is essential. For example, I always pack hand sanitizer, my laptop and its charger, a pencil case with all my utensils, a sweater for my school's heavily air-conditioned classrooms, and a water bottle to keep me hydrated. This list might differ slightly from yours, but it covers what I need daily as a student.

2. Map out where your classes are.

Imagine it's your first day of class, and your schedule says your chemistry lecture is in the Science Building, specifically room 122. So, now you have to track down where the Science Building is and where the 122 classroom resides. It sounds simple, except there are five or six different buildings on campus, and the corridors of the science building are long, winding, and confusing, so you can't find your class on time. The reason why I'm saying this is because this happens to me every new semester. The simplest way to prevent getting lost before class is to take some time before classes start to map out the campus and walk to your classrooms so you know where to go when the time comes.

3. Read the syllabus.

I know every professor says this (or at least mine do), and it's tedious work, but you should read your syllabi when they're handed out. The class syllabi should contain all the essential information for the course: how many days you can skip without penalty, what the grading scale is, what percent of the final grade exams and assignments make up, and more.

[thebusiestbee]

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What Causes Academic Burnout (From a Second-Year College Student).

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August 27, 2024

Ello! My name is Elijah, and I am a full-time second-year student at the University of South Carolina, Sumter. I am currently majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology because I love math and science. I crochet and play video games in my free time when I'm not busy with something school-related.

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Are you tired? Honestly, it's okay if you are because I am exhausted. As a busy, bumbling college student, my life is stressful, so burn-out is a common, pervasive issue for me and my peers. Burn-out can happen to anyone from any status to any field of study. Knowing what causes burn-out can be tricky, but diagnosing the issue is step one to solving it. All that being said, however, keep in mind that my experiences won't completely align with yours. Regardless, here are the five reasons academic burn-out happens (in no particular order).

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1. Not enough sleep or food.

This might sound self-explanatory to some, but it had to be experienced by me to believe it. Honestly, I didn't eat or sleep enough during my first two semesters of college, likely contributing to my current fatigue. It's only really taken until the summer of 2024 for me to seriously consider how much sleep and food I get. If you didn't know, rest is important because your brain cannot retain any new information if it's still processing from the day before. On top of a good night's sleep, food is vital for the same reason. I can assure you- it is far easier to sit through hours of lectures and studying on a full stomach than with hunger and sleep deprivation gnawing at the back of your mind and body. If you really need to, set reminders on your phone or use sticky notes to remind you when to go eat.

2. Poor time management.

While my time management isn't a huge issue- I still fall behind occasionally. I easily become overwhelmed if I forget to schedule my week or leave an exam out of my Google Calendar sheet (you might have to read my previous post to understand). The biggest mistake any student can make is to fall behind on coursework because, eventually, they'll want to give up after attempting to catch up on weeks' worth of content. Once you've given up, you might not have enough energy to return for another semester. Luckily, I have not reached such a state of exhaustion to the point of becoming a college dropout- but I understand why many others do, so be sure to consider your time wisely.

3. Taking on too many responsibilities.

This one also goes out to my workaholics who take on a full load every semester (cough-me-cough). There's only so much time in a week to attend lectures, study, and relax, so you must triage your tasks and responsibilities. Effective prioritization means you must whittle down your commitments if you feel overburdened. For me, classes and studying are almost always more important than extracurriculars. Therefore, I must forego some clubs and parties if I need more study time. Prioritization is personal, so you must decide what's crucial for you and not let some silly student blog dictate your life; I'm simply here to provide advice.

4. Not seeing progress in your work.

I must admit, I did not consider this a cause of burn-out until my friend sent me a YouTube short saying the same thing. Here's a hyperlink to the YouTube short by PirateSoftware if you're interested. Speaking from personal experience, not seeing your hard work prosper is one of the most frustrating and discouraging experiences, particularly in academia. It is emotionally exhausting if you've spent hours studying for a test and received a lower grade than you wanted.

5. Your environment is holding you down.

Lastly, if you're in an undesirable and uncontrollable situation, then burn-out is inevitable. Maybe the people around you are discouraging, you have a disorder that prevents you from reaching your goals (whether physical or mental), you have financial issues, or any other factor weighing you down. Sometimes, we can't control our situation. Sure, we can do plenty of things to minimize damage and fatigue, but the most important thing to remember is that it's not your fault if you can't control it.

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The Five Ways to Remedy Academic Burn-Out as a College Student (hyperlink coming soon).

[thebusiestbee]

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The 5 Things I Wish I Knew About College Before My Freshman Year.

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August 24, 2024.

Ello! My name is Elijah, and I am a full-time second-year student at the University of South Carolina, Sumter. I am currently majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology because I love math and science. I crochet and play video games in my free time when I'm not busy with something school-related.

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Are you prepared for college? Because I don't think I was when I began school in the fall of 2023. That's not to say that my first semester was particularly horrendous or that I hate school, but as the title states, there are some things I wish I had known before my first semester. From the difficulty of college to forgetting about taking care of myself, I certainly would not call my transition from high school to university smooth. Even though my first year was rough around the edges, it doesn't have to be for you, so here are the five things I wish I had initially known about college.

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1. Ask your professor questions.

Now, asking questions if you're confused might be a no-brainer to some students, but the concept was not inherent to me. Honestly I love asking questions, but I was always intimidated by the thought of bothering or annoying my professors. Luckily, the vast majority of teachers I have met also love questions. Try to use office hours or catch them before or after class when needed if you are stuck on a lecture topic or assignment; they are usually happy to help.

2. College is extremely fast-paced.

If you're anything like me, you probably came from a slow-paced high school, so you do not consider how quickly a typical sixteen-week course moves. On top of that, I usually take five to six classes per semester, so juggling Calculus 2, chemistry, physics, and more can quickly become overwhelming and time-consuming. The biggest mistake most first-year students (including my previous self) make is falling behind on coursework. Because catching up with lectures is Olympic-level difficult, I suggest that whatever you do, do not fall behind.

3. "Cheating" is a vague word.

As a freshman, the idea of being accused of cheating (or "academic misconduct") terrified me. Despite my fear and caution, I was accused of plagiarism during my first semester. Luckily, I received a warning, and I've been more careful about citing sources ever since. However, because most university policies differ from high school policies (and have worse consequences), you should always be aware of your university's rules. If you're ever confused about the rules of a class, always ask your professor first.

4. It's far too easy to ignore yourself.

When I started school, forgetting to sleep, drink, and eat was common. I got wrapped up in schoolwork, so I forgot to take care of myself and decompress. If you're a diehard workaholic like me, I suggest setting reminders on your phone so you don't forget to take some time for yourself. Blasting through four hours of lecture on one energy drink and an empty stomach doesn't work. Trust me, I've tried.

5. One low grade does NOT define your academic career.

This one is for my aspiring or current perfectionists: 'bad' grades do not define your success. I'm saying this because I'm a perfectionist, and the first time I got a C on an exam, I was bedridden for a day. The funny thing is that one C didn't stop me from continuing my education, taking up research opportunities, being a successful student, or even getting an A for the course. Even if it was an F or dropped my grade significantly, I don't think it defines if I'm a 'good' or a 'bad' student. I learned that I shouldn't ignore my classes, even if I believe they're super easy, and I think that's what makes a good student (though everyone has their own definition).

[thebusiestbee]

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The 3 Easiest Ways to Manage Your Time as a College Student.

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August 22, 2024.

Ello! My name is Elijah, and I am a full-time second-year student at the University of South Carolina, Sumter. I am currently majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology because I love math and science. I crochet and play video games in my free time when I'm not busy with something school-related.

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Has the new semester begun too soon? Are you swamped with work, juggling five classes, and overwhelmed by the mere thought of studying? As a student, I've been there. University moves quick, so it's all too easy to fall behind on coursework. Despite the break-neck-paced lectures and a never-ending barrage of assignments, I've found (from my experience) three simple ways to manage and even thrive as a student.

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1. Combine your syllabi!

I don't know about you, but as a biochemistry student, I juggle five to six classes a semester (let alone research, work, and leisure time). Keeping that in mind, it's easy to mix up or even forget important dates and assignments. Combining your syllabi in a calendar makes planning easier and remedies forgetfulness. I prefer using the Google Calendar app on my phone, but any physical calendar or other app will do. You simply input your classes, exams, assignments, and any other major deadline. Now you have an easy and convenient way to check on upcoming work and built a safeguard from those sneaky due dates without having to flit through five or six syllabi.

2. Take school two weeks at a time.

Okay, so you've just inputted your syllabi into a calendar. Great, but what do you do now? Maybe this is a unique issue, but I become stressed by having a birds-eye-view of the semester. It's okay to be a little anxious about the upcoming few months and want to plan the specifics of your future studying sessions.. Instead of nitpicking your schedule for the entire semester, why not work in two-week chunks? To do this, take at least an hour out of your day during the weekend to look at your calendar and note the important dates coming up. I schedule in two-week blocks to predict when a critical test is approaching. You can always start with one week blocks, but I find two weeks work the best for me.

3. Triage your classes.

Even though a good student should never devalue or ignore a class, you may want to rank which classes are worth the effort and which are not. For example, there's less value in trying to get an A on an exam when it's only worth 10% of your grade vs. getting an A on an essay worth 50% for another course. Maybe a class is worth more time and effort because it gives you more credit or is critical to your degree. I know it's an old saying, but always strive to work smarter, not harder.

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Remember! These tips work for me and are what I find best fit my lifestyle. If they don't work for you, don't fret. There are several amazing tips and tricks from many different students, and here are some of my personal favorite videos going over other (or similar) techniques: