3 Things College Students Should Do Each Year

I've only been a college student for three semesters now, but there are three things that I could not be successful without and I wanted to share with you the most useful things I use as each semester begins...

1.  Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA

This is a completely free way to get money from the government to help pay for school and there's been talk about making the whole process more simple (which would be a godsend).

As soon as you (or your parents) have filed taxes for the year, fill out the FAFSA forms.  The quickest way to do this is at https://fafsa.ed.gov/ and fill out the application online FAFSA forms for federal aid.  The sooner you do this, the more likely it is that you will get financial aid from the government.  If you are interested in attending a specific school, don't forget to add it to your FAFSA application so the school can get your financial aid information.

Remember that you will need your social security number, so make sure its handy if you don't already have it memorized.

2.  Speak with your advisor

Even if you know what degree you are want, it is a good idea to talk with your advisor at the start of each semester.  Ask for their advice on classes that will work well taken together or what order they suggest you take classes in.  Oftentimes your advisor will be able to provide helpful tips and plans for scheduling that will help ease the stress of college life.

3.  Get a planner (and use it)

If you do nothing else I've suggested, do this.  Buy yourself a planner that has monthly, weekly, and daily options to keep track of class times, important due dates, schedule time to study and STICK TO IT, and most importantly give yourself time to relax.

With all you are taking on at school, you need to give your mind and body time to regroup so that you are well-rested and ready for the challenges life throws your way.  Spend an afternoon outside, ride your bike or take a walk; if it's raining outside, curl up in a chair with your favorite author; or take a few hours to spend with your friends catching up.

Trust me, your sanity will thank me for the few minutes you give it to relax.

Best Advice for Writing

The best advice I have ever received, in regards to writing strong women, was to just write women.  I write stories as a hobby, but looking back at my work the main characters have predominantly been men.  Simply put, this is because they are easier for me to write; I don't feel like there is some standard I need to meet.

This is not OK.

As creators, we should not be afraid to write female characters.  We should write strong women.  Injured women dealing with their pain.  Women who cry because they aren't afraid to be emotional.  Women who don't need romance to feel good about themselves.  Women who love being in love.  Strong women.  Frail women.  Black women.  Aboriginal women.  Crippled women.  The list goes on and on...

We should be writing women who are human.


I'll leave you with this quote:

"Screw writing “strong” women.  Write interesting women.  Write well-rounded women.  Write complicated women.  Write a woman who kicks ass, write a woman who cowers in a corner.  Write a woman who’s desperate for a husband.  Write a woman who doesn’t need a man.  Write women who cry, women who rant, women who are shy, women who don’t take no shit, women who need validation and women who don’t care what anybody thinks.  THEY ARE ALL OKAY, and all those things could exist in THE SAME WOMAN.  Women shouldn’t be valued because we are strong, or kick-ass, but because we are people.  So don’t focus on writing characters who are strong.  Write characters who are people."  -- MadLori