Chris The Graduate

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Chris Robertson

by Chris The Grad

The Start of my Second Semester

By: Chris the Graduate Hello Everyone, Chris the Graduate here! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! After a long period of college and work, I finally got a break. However, now I am going on to my second semester, and I have a better understanding of the college system and how to build a great schedule so that I can succeed. I am excited about the new semester and I am looking forward to taking on new challenges. I am confident that I can reach my goals this time. Looking back at the beginning of my first semester, let’s compare and contrast what I have done over the semester and my goals for this semester. My first semester has come to an end, and to be honest, it was very difficult. There’s so much freedom yet so many responsibilities all at once. It’s definitely a change from high school. During my first semester, I had a few hiccups at the beginning, but I recovered throughout the semester to pass. Although my schedule was everywhere and assignments kept coming, I eventually learned how to adapt and become better at managing. Having just started my second semester, I think this will be a good start. It will be easier to be successful if you can schedule and work on a good schedule. Scheduling, due dates, and getting to class on time were not enjoyable in my first semester. Now I hope to use my second semester to make a comeback and become a better student. Having said all this does not mean I had bad grades or did not accomplish anything. There were times when I felt unmotivated, unfocused, and lazy, but this will change in the upcoming semester. Having an idea of what to expect makes me feel more prepared and ready for the future. In general, I plan to be a better student. College was definitely an experiment this year, and I really got a taste of it. However, I am not finished yet. Since this is my first year, I still have a lot to learn. It is always possible for me to be a better student and learn from my mistakes. I plan to set higher academic goals and work hard to reach them. I will also make sure to take the time to review my work and learn from my mistakes. Finally, I will make sure to stay organized and stay on top of my studies. All in all, I am confident I can achieve more and better success in my future years as a college student.

Chris The Grad
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January 6, 2024

The End of the Beginning

By: Chris The Graduate Hello all Chris the Graduate here! As the end of the year is near, so is my first semester of college. Now for me, it seems as if these four months have sped by, but I have learned many things in my first semester. I have learned how to manage my time, think critically, and collaborate with others. I have also gained a better understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. Overall, my experience has been positive and I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. I am confident that I will be able to make the most of my second semester and continue to grow. Having said that, let me share some of my key learnings with you. One important thing I learned was to manage my time and manage it in a way that is easy to follow and digest throughout my week. College classes were different from high school and were a major change from how I used to do homework and assignments. Then, I had the same classes from Monday to Friday. But in college, I had some classes on different days. And even then I had classes in the afternoon and was able to customize my schedule. But in high school, for the most part, it was you who stayed until the final bell. But what am I getting at? Well, let’s not think that just because you have free time you have downtime. This is the time to work on projects and homework. This is where you decide how much you can work on and do work efficiently. A good example is my schedule at college. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I didn’t have classes until 11 am. So I used my time to wake up around 8 am, on a good day, and get ready for the day and work on homework that is easier such as essays and reading projects. But on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I would work on homework that took a little bit of time for me to do and had until 12:30 till my first class. All this is because of how I manage my time and use my time wisely and not lollygagging around to finish my work. In college, I’ve also learned that I’m more independent since there isn’t a parent or someone to help me directly. The choice of how I go about things as a young adult and student depends on when I need to wake up and study for classes. As a college student, you have responsibilities that are more important than you may think. But this applies everywhere, even in situations outside of classes. On my campus, the cafeteria is the main source of food, and I receive an allowance for how many times I can get food there every week. Occasionally, though, Chinese food sounds really good. Despite my desire for Chinese food, I would have to travel off campus to get it and then come back to campus, where I could walk across the street to get all the food I wanted and then return to my dorm in under 10 minutes. To make the right choice, even simple things like this require critical thinking. The last thing that I would say is have fun. In college mistakes and struggles are inevitable, but the last thing you want to do is regret not doing anything during your time in college. Find a group that you can relate to and do great activites with. Or even spend time doing something you are passionate about just ease and clear your mind. Enjoy college and don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. College is a time to explore and learn new things. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. For example, you can join a club or organization related to your major, or join a student organization that focuses on a cause you care about. All in all, make the most out of college and don’t be afraid to explore the unknown. Take breaks when needed and reach out to your professors or advisors if you need help. Remember, college is a journey, so make the most of it and have fun!

Chris The Grad
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December 23, 2023

Internships

By: Chris The Graduate As a student seeking a career, I need experience and practice in the field. Gaining experience in a chosen field through internships is a great way to improve your skills. Taking part in events and networking can also help you develop knowledge and build contacts. Learning new skills and gaining experience can also be gained through volunteering. These experiences can help me gain a better understanding of the industry and help me succeed in my career choice. Furthermore, internships, networking, attending events, and volunteering will all help me stand out from the competition. It is extremely valuable to intern at a company. Taking part in an internship provides an invaluable opportunity to put your skills and knowledge to use. As well as helping you gain valuable contacts for your job search, they can also give you a deeper understanding of the industry. Internships can also offer you the chance to demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers. For example, if you are an intern at a marketing agency, you could design and launch a campaign for one of their clients. This could then be used as a portfolio piece for future job applications. Additionally, internships provide invaluable experience that many entry-level jobs need to gain. You can build your skills and gain a better understanding of your field and the industry as a whole. This can be a significant advantage when entering the job market. For example, an internship with a marketing agency could allow you to gain a better understanding of marketing analytics, which could help you stand out in job interviews by demonstrating your knowledge. Volunteering is another effective way to find sources and connect with jobs. Networking with industry professionals is also important. Connecting with people who already work in the field you want to enter can be a great way to get insider knowledge and advice. Having a mentor in the industry can be invaluable, as they can help guide you through the steps of the job search process. Building relationships with those in the field can be key to a successful job search; mentors can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the entire journey. This is like having a navigator on a long voyage. They can provide essential information and insight while steering you in the right direction to get to your desired destination. With the right navigator by your side, the journey can be smoother and more successful.

Chris The Grad
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October 29, 2023

Preparing for College

By: Chris The Graduate The first thing to learn months before college is that it takes a lot of preparation. As a student taking these steps, I have learned that there are several things to do and understand before the first day of classes. But no matter how much you prepare, there’s nothing you can do to stop college from being expensive. It’s already a hassle to narrow down the top schools. However, preparing for college doesn’t begin until you know which schools you want to attend. Although you might find these times stressful and frustrating, they are intended to enhance your college experience both during and after graduation. The first and most critical step I recommend for college is researching the colleges you want to attend. This is a place and environment you will see for the next two to four years especially if you live on campus. Look at the college’s academic and financial aid programs. Additionally, consider the college’s culture and atmosphere to ensure it is an appropriate fit for you. When I looked for the college I was interested in, I was excited about what they had to offer both academically and in extracurriculars. But unfortunately, they did not provide the major I wanted and the campus is overcrowded and overwhelming. So ultimately, I decided to go to another college that was more suited for me. I found a college that had the major I wanted, smaller class sizes, and a campus atmosphere that I felt more comfortable with. Another significant step is making sure all the documents you need are prepared to be accepted and correct for your college to accept you. Getting ready for college takes a lot of attention from you and your guardians. This includes gathering letters of recommendation, transcripts, standardized test scores, and other necessary documents. Make sure to plan and give yourself some time to review all your paperwork and revise corrections if needed. Submit your application as soon as you can to ensure acceptance. For example, it is recommended to submit your college application two months before the deadline date to give yourself enough time to review your documents and make any necessary revisions. A helpful thing to remember throughout the process is how your education will be paid for. College can be and will be expensive. Therefore, it is important to research the various scholarships and grants available to you to help make paying for college more affordable. It is also worthwhile to consider student loans and other forms of financial aid. Also consider the long-term costs of college, such as interest on loans and the potential for a lower salary due to tuition costs. Finally, it’s time to move in and you need to gather supplies and things for your dorm and classes in general. Make sure to budget accordingly and be aware of any additional fees that may be incurred. Don’t forget to research any scholarships or grants that may be available to help offset the cost of college. Finally, prepare for the college experience by talking to current students or alumni about their experiences. For example, you could research what supplies are necessary for the classes you are enrolled in, or ask current students what the best study methods are for a particular professor. College is meant to be a very life-changing experience. From meeting new people to finding a pathway that can take you down various paths and missions. But in the beginning, it takes a lot of planning and willpower to get the best of it. Try not to feel stressed and overwhelmed in these times and look at the end goal of this journey and all the experiences you will get to do while in college.

Chris The Grad
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October 22, 2023

Life After completing High School

By: Chris The Graduate After completing high school, life as an adult has officially started. It’s time to make decisions about college, career, and the future. It’s also a time to start taking responsibility for one’s own life and decisions. It can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Now as a graduate who just finished high school and is following the college path to receive a career, I still wonder what other pathways I could’ve taken other than college. There are many paths that don’t require college, such as starting a business, joining a trade school, or taking online classes. It is important to consider all of one’s options when making decisions about the future. But what if we took a deeper dive into these pathways and understood the fundamentals of these options as high school graduates? The most common pathway to take is going to college. This pathway, in my opinion, is very critical for thriving in a career. The college route provides the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that are necessary for success in the modern workplace. For instance, college courses provide a foundation for communication, leadership, and problem-solving, all essential professional skills. Furthermore, the college also offers the chance to network with like-minded people and build relationships for future success. Finally, college can provide a solid foundation for a successful career. On the other hand, there are a few downsides to consider when it comes to the college route. First and foremost, college is expensive, and many students are unable to afford the rising costs of tuition. Also, the college experience is not for everyone, and some students may find themselves struggling to keep up with the pace of their courses. Finally, the job market is increasingly competitive, and many college graduates find themselves struggling to find employment after graduation. But with all this being said, college is still a great pathway and definitely worth the experience for whatever degree you aim to receive. Another common pathway after high school is the military. The military is a great way to go from serving your country in order to getting benefits and even getting your schooling paid for. Additionally, the military provides valuable job skills and experience that can be used in the civilian world. Many veterans use their military training and experience to find a job after their service, and the military offers many resources to help with this transition. For example, the GI Bill provides veterans with the opportunity to go to college and the Transition Assistance Program helps veterans adjust to civilian life by connecting them to job opportunities and helping them build their resumes. According to dol.gov, In 2022, there were 18.37 million veterans in the civilian non-institutional population 18 years and over. Of those veterans, 8.81 million were in the civilian labor force and 8.56 million were employed. On the other hand, the military can be stressful and demanding. There are a number of reasons why veterans may choose to leave the military, even though they may be employed. The military can be stressful and demanding, and veterans may want to return to a civilian lifestyle. Veterans may also want to pursue other opportunities that are not available in the military. While the military can provide many resources to help with the transition, there are also a number of reasons why veterans may decide to leave the military. Our last and final example is a trade school. A trade school is a type of vocational school that specializes in training for a specific trade, such as carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work. Trade schools provide students with hands-on training that prepares them for a career in their chosen field. Students learn the necessary skills to perform a job safely and efficiently, as well as the relevant laws and regulations for the industry. For instance, electricians learn about the National Electrical Code, which is a set of regulations specifying the standards for electrical wiring in the United States. From ngpf.org, In a survey, it was found that just under 16% of high school graduates enrolled in a vocational or trade school. Although vocational and trade schools offer many benefits to students, there are a few drawbacks. One potential drawback is the cost of tuition. Vocational and trade schools can be expensive, and not all students can afford to pay for tuition. Another potential drawback is that not all students are interested in the skills that are taught in vocational and trade schools. Some students may prefer to learn different skills, or they may not be interested in the subjects that are taught in vocational and trade schools. Overall, there are many pathways to take after high school in order to have a successful career. There are many options for more than just college. Students should research the different options that are available to them and find the one that best fits their interests and career goals. Vocational and trade schools are one of many options to consider. Ultimately, each student should make the best decision for themselves.

Chris The Grad
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October 15, 2023

Change in FAFSA for Students

For many years, FAFSA has helped students afford college. Recently, it has made a massive difference in my ability to pay for college. I find the application very wordy and feel like so much information must be entered only to wait for a few numbers and information. Let’s be honest, there are many factors to consider when estimating the cost of schooling. Is anyone really interested in sitting down and filling out this nonsense? It can be tedious to answer these questions, even if you know the answers. However, the FAFSA application has recently taken a different approach. Will this affect the application process and will it improve it? The FAFSA is a way for students and parents to receive aid and grants for college. The new approach makes it easier to fill out the application by using IRS data to autofill sections. This makes the process quicker and more accurate. It is expected that more students will now be able to take advantage of the aid available. From experience, using FAFSA in the recent year, I feel this can be a great change. This can make it easier for parents to input information, especially for parents new to the process. And for those parents who are more experienced, they’ll be able to fill out their forms in record time! How does this new wave of FAFSA affect students? With this new system, students will have access to more financial aid opportunities, making college more accessible and affordable. Additionally, the time saved by the streamlined process can be used to focus on other aspects of college preparation. I also find the change in EFC to be an interesting concept. Originally, EFC stood for Expected Family Contribution. This lets users know how much money a family would have to go to college. Now after the change, this will be called the SAI. A student’s Student Aid Index indicates what types of federal aid they are likely to receive. For instance, if a student’s SAI is high, they are likely to be eligible for grants and subsidized loans, whereas a student with a low SAI would only be eligible for unsubsidized loans. Overall I believe the FAFSA change could help students and parents become more successful with financial aid for college. The change should also help reduce the stress and confusion of completing the FAFSA as the new system streamlines the process. This could lead to an increase in the number of students who access federal aid to help pay for college. By making the FAFSA system easier to use, it could prove to be an invaluable tool in helping students achieve their educational and financial goals. Of course, the real challenge will be getting students to actually fill out the FAFSA – but if they can figure out how to order pizza online, this should be a piece of cake!

Chris The Grad
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October 5, 2023