The Minor Details: Why I Dropped My 2nd Minor

I recently made a decision not to pursue a second minor for my undergraduate degree. After much debate, I decided against trying to cram 12 credits of upper-level advertising classes into my last semester. The issue is I need at least 124 credits total to graduate. With my major in integrative public relations and leadership minor combined, my total falls at 112.

Instead of enrolling in a semester of advertising classes, I decided to take the opportunity to pursue some areas I haven't had the chance to. I've always wanted to take a class in yoga, pottery or photojournalism. This spring, I'll finally be able to. My spring schedule is completely open--the only requirement is that I enroll in 12 credits. What a feeling...

Now trust me, as an overachiever, this has not been an easy choice for me. Some may consider this "the easy way out" or even the wrong decision. However, I'm confident that my knowledge, work experience, internships and extra curricular involvements speak volumes more than a second minor would.

The reason for this decision came about after I had a major wake-up call this summer. I realized I was heading into my senior year of college. People say college is the best four (or five) years of your life. I've already begun my final year and there are still so many things I want to experience as a college student. This is time that I will never get back. I have my entire life to work, but only one year left to enjoy the luxury of being a college student.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking to blow off my responsibilities. In fact, I think having a lighter class load will allow me to put forth more effort toward my involvements and passions. Not to mention I'll have a chance to experience things I've been putting off. For example, I finally stopped making excuses and joined the intramural tennis team.

I've really been making an attempt to take advantage of the little time I have left at CMU. After this year, my roommates and I will be going our separate ways and no one knows exactly where we'll end up. As college students, it's important to find the balance between responsibility and freedom. There will always be work to be done, but some opportunities won't come around more than once. Make the most of each and every day.

What do you think? Do people put too much emphasis on degree minors? Grads: Is there anything you wish you would've experienced during college that you never got around to?

Surviving Your "Hell Week"

With the holidays getting closer and closer, many students are finding themselves in the home-stretch of their fall semesters. In fact, I myself have just one final exam left before I head home for a much deserved winter break.

For many students, final exam week is a difficult challenge to overcome. Term papers, exams, essays and group projects all due at the same time--and to make matters worse, these last few days usually play a huge part in determining final grades.

No matter what industry you’re in, you probably have to deal with deadline pressure and those occasional weeks where you can’t even seem to find time to breathe. Below are some tips that help me get through these tough times.

1. Order your tasks based on priority. What task has to be completed first? Or, which exam will you have to take first? The projects with the tightest deadlines should be your first priority. It can be difficult, but do your best to “forget” about your other pressures until you turn in or complete the others. If you mentally forget you have three other exams to study for and just focus on studying for the first one, it won’t seem like such a daunting task.
   

2. Procrastinate...a little. Procrastination can be very powerful, and can either make or break your chances of success. Although it is never a good idea to completely blow off studying to play Guitar Hero all night long, some distraction can be helpful. Reward yourself for every half hour or hour of studying/work with something you enjoy. For example, after an hour of studying, go grab an ice cream, do a little Internet surfing or watch some TV. Procrastination in moderation can help get your mind off of things for awhile, enough to let you feel refreshed and refocused once you get back to what you’re supposed to be doing.
   

3. Overestimate the importance and difficulty of things. I have found that doing this with projects and assignments is the best way to successfully complete them. For example, if a teacher assigns a take-home essay, don’t assume that it will be simple and quick to complete. I have actually found stress to be a good motivator that helps me to achieve my fullest potential. Overpreparing for an exam won’t hurt you, but underpreparing for one surely will. Without pushing yourself to a mental breakdown, “stressing out” a little about every project or exam serves as a little motivation. That way when you complete whatever task it was you can look back and say, “Well that wasn’t bad at all.”
   

4. Speculate. Figure out the worst and best case scenarios for your problem or task. For example, before exam week started, I went though all of my classes and figured out my current grade. Using that score, I factored in what my grade would be if I received a 0 percent, 50 percent and 100 percent on each exam. Knowing all I needed was at least a 50 percent on my psychology exam helped relieve some of the stress of studying. I knew I could then put more of an effort into studying for my male-female communication exam, which I need at least a 90 percent on to get the grade I desire.
   

5. There is no supplement for sleep. Sure caffeine and other products may have effects that make sleep seem unnecessary. And perhaps sometimes you may run into situations where you absolutely do not have time to sleep because of an impending deadline. However, when you are faced with the choice to continue cramming or get a few hours of rest, choose the sleep. Studying on low-energy is less rewarding than letting your body and mind relax and recharge. Once you’re at least a little rested, you’ll be more likely to be able to concentrate and recall information easily.
   

What about you? Students, what are your tricks that help you study and succeed? Professionals, what tips have you followed in order to avoid being overwhelmed by the stresses of your career?

Boosh Magazine

As someone who is always looking to gain experience and knowledge in my field, I am excited about a new opportunity that recently presented itself.

After sending in an E-mail inquiry, I’ve been approved as the campus marketing representative at CMU for Boosh Magazine.

Boosh is the self-proclaimed “newest name in college entertainment.” The magazine, which is currently in its first issue, is written by students for students. With articles on pop culture, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, health, sex and more, the messages really are “unfiltered,” and what many college students want to read about.

My duties include distributing copies of the first issue, doing some promotions such as hanging up posters and passing out bumper stickers, and registering students for Boosh’s monthly e-newsletter.

Things have been going great so far. My roommates and some select neighbors in my apartment complex were my guinea pigs last week. They all gave the magazine great reviews, and have gotten me excited to continue spreading the word about Boosh.

I’m going to continue distribution at various CMU locations for the next few weeks. I also am open to the possibility of working with another CMU student on this. Let me know if you have tips or would like more information, or even if you just want to sign up for Boosh’s monthly e-newsletter.

For more information about the magazine check out their website at http://www.booshmagazine.com.