The (Diligent) Days of Summer

Author: Nicole Keeley

As finals close in on us, I think it’s fair to say everyone’s to-do lists are never ending. With so much to be done, it can feel as though there aren’t enough hours in the day. It’s during these moments I always think about what I wish I could do if I had more time. Luckily, summer is right around the corner and gives us some time to pursue everything pushed to the way side during the semester. Regardless of whether you landed your dream internship, or are working a local summer job, here are some tips to make the most of your summer!

1. Set goals for the summer before leaving campus, and put together a plan to achieve them (S.M.A.R.T goals!!)

Summer is a great time to grow your technical skills, like working towards completing certifications that will make your resume stand out - whether that’s Salesforce, Microsoft, Adobe, Qualtrics, Python, Google AdWorks, etc. Looking at job descriptions for careers you are interested in can give you a good idea of which trainings are most relevant to the field you want to enter.

It’s also a great time to pursue opportunities where you can fine tune the soft skills you need to succeed in business. That could be as simple as sparking up conversation at your local coffee shop to work on your networking skill or starting a blog or instagram page to showcase your creativity and initiative.

While three months sounds like a long time, September will be here before you know it! So make an realistic plan and factor it into your schedule so that you don’t forget about it.

2. Network

Speaking of networking, if you are still trying to figure out what you want to do use time this summer to read up on careers you are interested in. Reach out to people on LinkedIn and schedule informational interviews. Especially if you will be traveling and have the opportunity to set aside some time to meet, these opportunities can serve as valuable connections or mentors for the future.

3. Save some money

If you’re anything like me, your online banking account is currently full of Uber, Starbucks, and Target payment receipts. Make an effort to budget how much you want to save this summer and what you want to save it for - to start chipping away at your student loans, money for the school year, or for a fun trip with friends. Be especially cognizant of your spending if the summer brings you extra money because it can be easy to increase your spending on unnecessary purchases when you have the means to do so. Also, look for student discounts - some places are sympathetic toward us broke college students!

4. Spend quality time with friends and family

While it’s sad to say goodbye to everyone at school, it’s so nice to reunite with old friends and family, if you are going home at all over the summer. Make an effort to catch up with people even if its been a while. It’s easy to feel like we are updated on people’s lives through social media, but nothing beats a great conversation catching up and reminiscing, and with great friends you will pick up right where you left off.

5. Rest

Summer can become just as eventful and busy as the school year so be sure to schedule some R&R. Whether to you that means yoga or binge watching Friends, remember to give yourself a break!

6. Stay active

The amazing weather makes summer a great time to focus on your health. If the gym is the last place you want to go in the summer, there are plenty of activities to get your heart pumping and muscles activated. Swimming laps in the pool, hiking, biking, and even paddle-board yoga (if you are near the beach) are some great ways to enjoy the weather, and get a workout at the same time.

7. Find summer reads (or podcasts!)

Start that book you have been wanting to read ever since it came out. Also, try out some new podcasts! If you have a goal to learn more about something, chances are there’s a podcast on it, and it’s great use of your time when commuting.

8. And, most importantly, have fun and enjoy summer vacation!!

Tori and Diana: Imposter Syndrome

What is imposter syndrome? It can be described as a feeling of fraudulence — there is no level of accomplishment which seems good enough to make your achievements authentic. It is the feeling that your accolades have not been earned and eventually people will discover the truth: you are a fraud. But the real truth is that a lot of very successful people feel this way. Check out this video for a bit more background on this feeling.

“What is imposter syndrome and how can you combat it?” by Elizabeth Cox on TED

We experience it because of perfectionistic standards, competitive environments, and lingering thoughts that we somehow don’t deserve to be where we are. So how can we deal with this sensation?

1. Work to accept that you played a role in your own success! Don’t forget that you are where you are for a reason: you got admitted to your college, hired for your job, or selected for your internship because someone thought you were qualified.

2. Remember that comparison is the thief of joy. Bring your best to the table and always be proud of accomplishing your goals, regardless of what other people have done!

3. Fake it ‘til you make it! If you seriously feel like you don’t deserve to be where you are, at least pretend you belong there. Over time, you’ll start to feel like everything is meant to be exactly how it is.

4. Talk to other successful people — they’ve likely experienced the same things as you, and it’s helpful to talk about it. Being able to see their hard-work may help you realize that you’ve worked hard too.

Ultimately, imposter syndrome is generally all in your head. It’s healthy to try and step out of that headspace and embrace your successes.

Random Acts of April

Author: Grace O’Malley

There's a phrase we heard time and time again growing up, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” which simply put is, “treat people the way you want to be treated.” Does this ring a bell? Of course it does, it’s the “golden rule.” Now think, how often do you live by this phrase, maybe not as much as you would like. That is okay, most of us feel this way. We are young adults, growing up in a world where we are in constant contact with each other yet barely making true connections. As human beings we tend to do what's best for us rather than what's best for the other person, it's a flaw I’m trying to break away from and I invite you to do so as well. How? Through random acts of kindness; both big and small. Here’s a list of a few ways you can brighten the day of any friend, peer, teacher, or stranger and hopefully yours as well.

1.Spark up a conversation in the elevator.

We have become too comfortable in today's society with gluing our eyes to our phones rather than making conversation with those around us. I invite you, even dare you if you are a shy person, to engage in conversation between peers in your next elevator ride. You may just make that other persons day. 

2. Pay for the next person in line’s coffee.

This one is a rather popular random act of kindness lately. I know as college students money can be tight at times, but this act truly can make a person’s day. We all know what a difference coffee can make in the morning, imagine how much better that coffee would taste if it were free for another person. In a simple act of kindness you can change the whole course of a person's day. My suggestion is, if you have a few dining dollars left around finals time, give this a try. The results leave both you and the other person with a good feeling inside. 

3. Write a “thank you” note.

In your down time, think of a person who really helped you grow as a person or helped you through a tough time. This person could be a teacher, friend, sister; the list goes on. Take a minute and gather all the words you wished to express to them but never did, and write it down. Thank them for having a positive impact on your life. A handwritten note goes farther than any “thx” text message followed by a “thumbs up” emoji.

4. Smile at a person when you make “awkward eye contact.”

The term “awkward eye contact” is relatively new because more often than not, we refrain from making eye contact with strangers as best we can. I’ve noticed, if I am walking to class I will make eye contact with a handful of students. I try my best to smile at the other person each time, but most of the time the other person takes my smile and greets it with a fast look away back down to their phone. This leaves me wondering if I was in the wrong to smile in the first place. Which goes back to treating people the way you want to be treated. I strongly believe a smile can make another persons day.

5. Hold the door open for the next person.

This is a given. How would you like it if someone slammed a door on your face? Granted you may not be fully aware someone is behind you sometimes, but take the extra step to look behind before you enter and make sure no one's there.

6. Toss out a compliment.

A compliment could be anything, this doesn’t have to involve looks. You could express to someone that you admire their study habits, or that you enjoy their taste in music. This simple act takes two seconds out of your day and leaves the other person feeling good and noticed as an individual.

To recap, be kind, be considerate of others, and be a better person. Spring is in the air, kindness should be too.

Study Breaks: Right vs. Wrong

Author: Rachel Hall

We all know the importance of study breaks. No one can give 100% attention to anything for hours and hours on end, and if you try you’ll find yourself feeling drained and brain dead. However, there is a right and a wrong way to take a study break. Activities that are distracting, like the new Netflix show you’re hooked on or addicting social media apps tend to elongate study breaks and hinder your focus and academic performance. If your study break becomes too long, it gets distracting and becomes harder and harder to return to schoolwork. I’ve found the the best length is five to fifteen minutes of relaxing and de-stressing, then jumping right back into it. With finals coming up, I thought I’d provide some constructive suggestions for activities to try during your study breaks that will increase your focus and help to destress you before your big exams.

1. Yoga

Yoga is an excellent de-stressor and a good way to center yourself. There are tons of 10 minute beginner yoga videos on youtube that are easy to follow, and doing some physical activity and getting your blood movement is a great way for your brain to take a break so you can refocus once you’re done.

2. Take a Shower

I’ve found that a simple shower can do magic to my mood. When you mind is fatigued sometimes all you need is a fresh start, and you’ll come out of the shower feeling refreshed and ready to take on your schoolwork.

3. Have A (Healthy) Snack

Neglecting food is never a good idea. It hinders your academic performance as well as leaving you feeling tired, unmotivated, and moody. Eating something healthy, like fruit or granola, give your mind and body the sustenance they need to power through.

4. Call Your Mom

Isolating ourselves in Du Bois can be a great way to focus for a while, but we all need human contact and who doesn’t love talking to their mom? Whether it’s one of your parents, a friend, or anyone else you feel like talking to, a quick conversation with someone you trust is always a good thing.

5. Just Relax

Sometimes, we all need to just take a minute to clear our mind, breathe, and center ourselves. Closing your eyes for five minutes and putting all of your schoolwork out of your mind is all you need sometimes. I think we could all use five minutes to clear our mind each day, and a study break is a perfect opportunity to do this.

Go ace those finals ladies!

Camille Kostek to Visit Umass Amherst

Author: Jessica Havican

Camille Kostek, former Patriots cheerleader, is set to speak at The University of Massachusetts Campus Center on April 8th, 2019 at 7:30pm. The Spring Speaker, which is brought to campus annually by The University Programming Council, offers an accessible event for all students to hear empowering stories. And I can promise you ladies that Camille will not disappoint!

Kostek rose to fame after being selected as the first ever winner of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model search in March of 2018. After her move to Los Angeles, Kostek was initially denied by modeling agencies, who told her she was not tall or thin enough, which inspired her decision to enter the magazine contest. Since then she has been featured in the following  edition of the magazine which she recently shot in South Australia.

Most notably, Camille has used her social platform and fame to promote body positivity in the industry. With over five hundred thousand followers on her Instagram, Camille has been able to use her success as a model and cheerleader to inspire her young followers. In her instagram bio she states her notable accomplishments in the industry, but also credits herself as and Advocate for Self Acceptance. Believe it or not, even Kostek, a model, has fallen victim to the trolls of the internet. Recently, while on vacation, Kostek shared a bikini photo and received some nasty feedback. A week later she decided to speak out against her own bullies in an emotional yet powerful video.

Since the incident she has not backed down from empowering others to love themselves. Camille has always been known for taking the high road against Instagram haters and inspiring her followers to stay positive in the wake of bullying incidents. Kostek spoke out in a comment to People Magazine saying “We know what we look like. We know what makes us happy about our bodies and what upsets us. And we do not need to value the opinions of others, at all. Especially from people that we don’t even know, or that we don’t care about.”

Kostek has also gained recognition for her #nevernotdancing campaign where she inspires followers to get out for their comfort zones and let go. Her hashtag has become a positive way for her followers to celebrate their body positivity and shake off the haters. Having Kostek as a guest here at the University will be an event that can’t be missed. Attendees will most definitely have a night of fun, dancing and empowerment in store. Members of WIB will be meeting at the top of the escalators in the Campus Center at 7:25 and the event will take the place of our regular general body Monday meetings! Join us!