Pathfinder Chronicles: Navigating College

Not too long ago, my phone told me I was spending 9 hours a day on screens . That’s more time than I spent in class, sleeping, or doing anything remotely productive. I was constantly bouncing between TikTok, Instagram, and Netflix—convincing myself I was “too busy” to study properly. Then, I bombed a midterm. Hard. It was my wake-up call. This blog post is my story of how I drastically reduced my screen time and saw a real improvement in both my GPA and overall well-being. If you're a student juggling apps, classes, and the constant temptation of dopamine-fueled scrolling, this one's for you. The Wake-Up Call It started with a missed assignment and a 60% on a midterm I thought I was ready for. I wasn’t lazy—I just wasn’t focused. I would sit down to study, then spend 45 minutes watching cooking videos or arguing with strangers on Reddit before even opening my textbook. I was always tired, scattered, and behind. I decided to track my screen time. That decision changed ev...

  College is a transformative experience, filled with challenges and opportunities for personal and academic growth. While textbooks and lectures are essential, a crucial element for success often gets overlooked: building positive relationships with your professors. Think of your professors not just as instructors, but as potential allies – mentors who can guide you on your academic journey and unlock a wealth of opportunities. Why Are Professors Your Allies? Strong relationships with professors offer a multitude of benefits. They can provide: Enhanced Learning: Professors can offer personalized guidance and insights beyond the classroom curriculum, deepening your understanding of the subject matter. Stronger Support: Professors can become valuable mentors, offering support for academic goals, research projects, and career aspirations. Access to Opportunities: A positive relationship with a professor can open doors to exciting opportunities like research projects, in...

  Ever scroll through social media seeing pictures of seemingly perfect college friend groups, then glance around your own circle and feel a pang of… something? Maybe it's doubt, maybe it's annoyance, or maybe it's something deeper. College is a time for building lifelong friendships, but let's be real – friend drama happens. And sometimes, those friendships can even become downright toxic. The good news? You're not alone. Navigating new social dynamics, figuring out independence, and dealing with academic pressures can create a breeding ground for friend drama. But the better news? You're equipped to handle it. This blog post is your guide to identifying toxic friends and navigating friend drama with grace and a healthy dose of self-care. The Red Flags of Toxic Friends First things first, let's define a toxic friend. Think of them as the energy vampires of the social world. They drain you emotionally with constant negativity, gossip, or put-downs disguised...

Seizing Opportunities for Growth College is a time of exploration, growth, and discovery, and part-time jobs and internships offer invaluable opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, earn extra income, and build their professional networks. Whether you're looking to supplement your finances, explore potential career paths, or enhance your resume, finding the right part-time job or internship can set you on the path to success. In this blog post, we'll explore actionable tips and strategies to help college students navigate the job search process and secure meaningful opportunities that align with their interests and goals. Define Your Goals and Priorities Before diving into the job search process, take some time to reflect on your goals, interests, and priorities. Are you looking for a job to help cover your living expenses, or are you seeking an internship to gain industry-specific experience? Consider factors such as your schedule, desired work environment, and...