7 methods to improve memory and concentration for students

BY SEBASTIAN MILLER

Memory and focus are two critical factors that can have a massive impact on one’s academic performance. With a sound memory, which consists of the ability to recall past events precisely with ease, you stand a chance of achieving your targeted grades, irrespective of how challenging your course of study is or what kind of essay writing assisstance you managed to find.

Being able to concentrate in class or while studying is another critical factor that can set a student apart. And excitingly, these things are not that difficult to improve. Here are a few tips to help you improve memory and concentration.

1. Create time for mindfulness meditation

There are enormous benefits you can get from this act. Just 10 to 20 minutes of meditation daily can help boost your attention span, according to research. And in addition to preventing the mind from wandering and reducing anxious thoughts, mindfulness meditation can lower the risk of depression, reduce stress levels, and improve cardiovascular health.

According to research, a neurophysiological link exists between breathing and attention. The study also went further to indicate that breathing, which is a critical element in mindfulness meditation, directly impacts noradrenalin, a natural chemical found in the brain. So, how one breathes affects the chemistry of the brain in a way that can improve one’s concentration and brain health.

2. Stop the distractions

One of the ways you can improve your concentration is to avoid distractions in any form. You also have to discipline yourself and know when to say no to things that are not initially in your plans.

Technology can also help improve your concentration. If you discover that you are spending too much time on social media or other platforms instead of studying or concentrating on your research (probably while working on your assignment), then you can install software or app that prevents access to social media until you are done with your work.

3. Fight and conquer that procrastination

Having too much work on your desk or thinking about too many things at a time can make it more challenging for an individual to concentrate. So, avoid procrastination. Make it a habit to work on tasks at the appropriate time, so that at the end of the day, you will have little to worry about.

Procrastination can increase your workload, which can result in confusion and poor concentration. On the other hand, thinking about too many things at a time can increase your stress levels also.

4. Cut back on sugar consumption

A reduction in sugar consumption can have a massive impact on one’s cognitive ability and general health. Research has pointed out that excess consumption of sugar-laden diets can cause poor memory in both young and old.

Besides sugar reduction, another thing you can do to improve your memory is to start incorporating brain foods into your diet. Examples of such foods include blueberry, fatty fish, dark chocolate, water, flax seeds, and leafy green vegetables.

5. Engage in physical activities

Exercise does not only benefit the body. It can also benefit your mind and help to improve concentration. Exercise helps to boost one’s focus by making sure that the brain ignores any form of distraction.

You can exercise for at least 5 – 10 minutes daily and still reap huge benefits. You don’t have to spend hours daily or engage in rigorous exercise to achieve your aim.

Also, engaging in physical activities can cause you to maintain a healthy body weight, which is essential for your wellbeing. It’s also one of the ways you can keep your mind and body in top shape. Obesity, on the other hand, can cause changes to genes related to memory, which can negatively affect one’s memory.

6. Sleep

Having proper rests, particularly during night hours, is another proven method for students to improve memory and concentration. Research has also pointed out that being sleep deprived can impact one’s memory negatively.

It is also advisable to sleep for at least 7 – 9 hours per day. Another thing to consider about sleep is not only the duration but time of sleep. For instance, if you usually sleep around 10 pm every day, ensure you sleep in the said time regularly.

7. Train your brain

Another method to improve memory is to engage in cognitive exercises regularly. In this case, you need to play brain games and increase difficulty levels gradually. Examples of brain games include crosswords, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, chess, among others.

Conclusion

Having a sound memory and the ability to focus attentively can help you progress faster in your academic life. So, if your memory and concentration are not as you want them to be, you need to start doing the right thing to improve them. However, the tips on this post can help you achieve that. So, start implementing them to improve your memory and concentration.

 

Author Bio

Sebastian Miller is a former Calling Lake School science teacher. After 4 years of teaching, he decided to become a freelance writer. In Sebastian’s opinion, math is the core of all science and his goal is to enlighten as many schoolers as possible through writing

 

 

8 Strategies to Use When You Don’t Feel Motivated to Study

BY ANNABEL MONAGHAN

Studying is one of your most important tools for success in a college environment. Most full-time students should plan to spend 30 hours a week studying—and that’s outside of time for lectures and classwork. For the studious and most academically motivated in university, this isn’t much of a challenge, but for many of us, studying is a challenge.

Studying requires hours of dedicated focus, and summoning the willpower and energy for that can be tough—especially if you’re dealing with other responsibilities, like a job or parenthood. If motivation is your biggest problem, there are some strategies you can use to overcome it.

Compensating for Study Apathy

When you don’t feel motivated to study, for whatever reason, try some of these strategies to break out of your rut:

 

1. Declutter your room

 Decluttering has a number of benefits all its own, but it can also be a useful way to jump-start your productivity. Picking things off the floor or clearing your desk doesn’t take much effort, but it can feel good and get your body and mind in gear. By the time you’re done, you’ll feel motivated to take on a new task, satisfied that you did something productive—and you’ll probably have a cleaner workspace where you can do it.

 

2. Set up a timetable (with breaks)

 Instead of jumping right into studying, consider setting up a timetable for yourself. For example, you might allocate 20 minutes of studying, followed by a 10-minute break, with repeating cycles like this indefinitely. You’ll begin your momentum since you’ve officially taken a step toward studying, and you’ll establish some degree of motivation for yourself; you know that, no matter what, after 20 minutes of studying, you’ll have time for a break.

 

3. Commit to five minutes

Starting a task requires much more effort and willpower than continuing a task you’ve already started. To overcome this mental hurdle, commit to studying for an inconsequentially small amount of time—like 5 minutes. Most people can convince themselves to study for just 5 minutes, but by the time those 5 minutes are up, you’ll have enough focus and energy to keep that momentum going for another hour or two.

 

4. Start with something easy

You can also jump-start your motivation by choosing to tackle some easy task before diving into the hard material. For example, you might review flashcards of material you already understand before taking on something new, or you might read a short chapter for one subject before beginning work on your term paper for another. Like many of the items on this list, it provides you with a combination of benefits, including a short-term feeling of accomplishment, an excuse to get started, and momentum you can carry into your core studying material.

 

5. Plan to reward yourself

Everything is easier to start when you have a reward waiting for you at the end. If you achieve a certain studying goal, like completing a chapter of content or studying for a full 2 hours, reward yourself with a pizza, a retail purchase, or even an episode of your favorite TV show. It will motivate you to achieve your goal and make studying a more positive overall experience.

 

6. Eliminate distractions

Distractions can be powerful deterrents to studying, so you may have to exercise control in eliminating them. For starters, turn off all notifications on all your devices, or put them in airplane mode if you don’t need internet access. Turn off any televisions or speakers in your environment (apart for some low-level music or white noise, if that helps you), and put away any distracting objects.

 

7. Find what works for you

Everyone has different motivations. Whether you’re studying to become a specialist surgeon or even an 18-wheeler accident attorney, take some time to experiment and find what works for you. Once you know there are a few tactics that can perk you up and/or get you in the mood for a good study session, you can call upon them in the future to build your momentum. Much of your studying success depends on your structure and routines, so don’t neglect this area of your academic life.

 

8. Enlist the help of a friend

Hold yourself accountable to your goals by telling them to a friend or roommate. Explain what you intend to do and how you intend to do it; just telling someone else can serve as a powerful motivator to keep you committed to your goals. They may also be able to provide you with tips, or a better environment in which to study.

 

9. Attend a group session

Many students study more effectively and more consistently when they’re surrounded by their peers, so try to seek out a study group for your class of choice. If you haven’t tried group study sessions before, now’s the perfect time.

 

Annabel Monaghan is a writer with a passion for education and edtech. She writes education and career articles for The College Puzzle with the aim of providing useful information for students and young professionals. If you have any questions, please feel free to email her at annabelmonaghanwriter@gmail.com. 

 

 

Study Abroad? Travel Scholarships And Programs For High School Students 

BY SAMANTHA BROWN

Studying abroad is one of the coolest and most beneficial activities that features high on every high school student’s checklist! From pursuing a course outside your comfort zone, to physically living in a foreign land, where you probably do not know a single soul – it can be one of the bravest decisions you take in your life.

But studying abroad involves hefty expenses too; how do you manage to pay the whopping fees of renowned international universities? Well, that is where you can test and tag for rewarding travel scholarship programs.

Here are some travel scholarships and programs for your dream course.

1. Reach Cambridge University Scholarship

If you are between the age of 14 and 18, then you are eligible to apply for 2 to 3 weeks summer program in the historic Cambridge. To win these free 3 weeks of fun and learning in the heart of England, all you have to do is to write a powerful essay. Get a pen and a paper and start writing because if you win you will be selected to pursue programs in fields like media, engineering, law, biotechnology and even performing arts.

2. Andeo International Homestays Scholarship

If you want to explore foreign destinations without robbing a bank then all you have to do is to stay with a local family in the region where you will study. All you have to do is to apply for Andeo’s individual homestay programs. After that, you have to convince the language teacher of your university to nominate you by filing a short form, and you are done. There are no actual efforts involved in this, you just have to spend your days in a homestay and then you can pack your bags and explore destinations such as Mexico, Japan, and even Germany.

3. National Geographic Student Expeditions

Every year National Geographic guides students on a 2-week long expedition to about 30 exotic destinations of the world with diverse projects. For starters, you can hone your photography skills in Prague under the guidance of experts or experience cultures and customs of Bhutan. It has an expedition for everyone, and if you do not have the funds then apply for a scholarship because National Geographic chooses 22 students each year so that they can chase their dreams without worrying about funds.

4. Two Worlds Youth Travel Programs Scholarship

If you want to convert your dream of studying in abroad into a reality, but cannot decide a specific university yet, then this scholarship would be best for you as it offers a scholarship for programs in 32 countries. It is open for all high school students aged between 15 and 18 and you can pursue programs lasting from just over a summer to an entire year. Two Worlds actually have numerous high school scholarship programs, so you are not bound by any specific criteria.

5. National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

If you want to learn a new language and garner in-depth knowledge about it, then NSLI-Y is an immersive language program for students just like you. The scholarship is sponsored by the US Department of State, and it allows you to receive training in a critical language for either a summer or a year. The languages in which you can acquire training are Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, Korea, Russian, Turkish, etc. This scholarship is only based on merit and thus you do not have to produce your financial condition while applying for it.

6. American Foreign Service Association Scholarship

It is probably one of the life-changing scholarships offered to high school students to study in abroad. The AFSA conducts an essay writing contest every year, and students making it, are invited for a trip to Washington DC and also taken for a formal meeting with the secretary of the State. Apart from this, they have gifted a significant amount of money and also a complete sponsorship for the excursion program of Semester at Sea.

 

Apart from financial support, these programs also offer a golden opportunity for you to enjoy a host of other benefits. Staying and studying abroad offers the following advantages to you.

Explore the world: the biggest reason for which you should say yes to an abroad study program is that you will be able to discover an unknown country. Bit by bit, you will become acquainted with the customs, culture, museums and natural wonders of a foreign country.

Experience a different education format: another reason which allures students from a foreign country to take up a learning program is that most want to be exposed to learning programs of various styles. Since education is the centerpiece of any study program, you will be shown different aspects of your subject which you might not have experienced in your hometown.

Ace your learning skills: if you are planning to pursue a learning program in a foreign country, chances are that you will be able to learn local languages of the country and with time excel in it.

Amazing career opportunities: if you decide to make a career in that foreign country after completion of your course, then voila, your luck will be by your side. But even if you return home with a new perspective of skills, language, culture, etc, you will be a potential candidate for major recruiters of your country.

So, now that you know which scholarship applications to target, do not sit back anymore. Now is your chance to spread out your wings and fly high!

By-line

Samantha Brown is a freelance writer who specializes on carrier guidance, she is also motivational speaker and author

 

All About Emergency Loans for Students

BY LINDA ANDERSON

Financial emergencies come all the time. Every student has found themselves in a position where they need money fast and they can’t cover the emergency. So, how do you solve this?

Well, the easiest option is to apply for a loan. Accessing emergency loans these days has become very easy. There are literally thousands of loan providers online and offline that can extend a loan for you to cater to whatever emergency that you have as a student.

Why You Should Consider Emergency Loans?

An emergency loan is not the same as a normal bank loan. There are a number of factors that make these loans an ideal option for students. First, you don’t need any serious requirements to get them. The loans are fully secured and unsecured. Even people who have a bad credit history can still get access to these loans. Secondly, there’s a huge diversity of options to go for. From payday loans, title loans, credit card advance and so much more. You can definitely be sure that there is always something that will work for you at the end of it all.

Accessing these loans is also very easy. And we are not talking about the easy requirements here. Many loan providers have online platforms that allow you to apply for the loan anywhere you are. You can use any kind of Internet device too. Mostly, the loans will be processed in a few hours and the money transferred right away for candidates that qualify. After all, this is an emergency. The last thing you want is a credit provider that takes days or even weeks to get you the money. Emergencies need to be addressed quickly and the sooner you get the cash the better it will be.

Important Note: An emergency loan may help you get through financial difficulties. But there can be high fees and interest rates with some of these loans, depending on the type of loan you apply for and its terms. The Federal Reserve Board found that 4 in 10 adults aren’t able to cover an emergency expense of $400 or cover it by selling something or borrowing money. This is actually better than 1 in 2 adults in 2013.

Types of Emergency Loans

There are a few options you can go for in case you need an emergency loan as a student. All these options are different and come with their own unique pros and cons.

1. Personal Loans

Personal loans are designed for people who have a very good credit history. These are typically installment loans extended to a person to use for whatever reason they see fit. The interest rates tend to be better, especially if your credit rating is good. The loans are also secured and unsecured. The great thing with personal loans is that you can even borrow very small amounts of money. The repayment period is often very short though. It is therefore advisable to take a small amount that you actually need so that you don’t have trouble paying it up within the allotted time frame.

2. Credit Card Cash Advance

You can use the available balance in your credit card to take a small short term loan. This service is offered mostly by credit card companies. However, you will not be able to loan a big amount of money. The interest rates on credit card cash advance loans are very high. Processing fees are also charged and once you take the money out, the interest will start accruing. Just like with most loans, the rule here should be to only take the amount you need. Unmanaged debt can easily spiral into a financial problem if you are not careful.

3. Payday Loans

Payday loans are probably some of the most popular emergency loan options in the market right now. Unlike personal loans where you can pay back in installments, payday loans are paid in full. The biggest challenge with payday loans is the interest. In addition to this, there’s a risk that the loans may lead to a debt trap. Think of it this way. Let’s say you have an emergency as a student and instead of just taking the amount of money you need, you decide to borrow extra.

When the salary from your part time job comes in at the end of the month, the entire loan amount will be deducted to repay the debt plus all the accrued interest. You soon realize that whatever is left in your bank account is not enough so to take care of your monthly bills, you decide to take another loan. This process can continue for years. Although payday loans are popular, they are not always the best option for students unless of course the other options don’t work for you.

4. Pawn Shop loans

A pawn shop loan allows you to use an item of value as collateral to secure a loan. The pawn shop will check the value of the item and decide how much they are willing to give you based on that. If you are not able to repay the loan, the item will be sold and the money recovered.

5. Title Loans

A title loan, also known as a car title loan, is a secured loan that you can take using your car title as the collateral. But how do title loans work? First, you will have to temporarily surrender the hard copy of your vehicle title to the borrower. Once this is done, the credit provider will assess your credit needs and extend an amount that fits your credit profile. When the loan is repaid you will get the car title back.

Emergency Loan Alternatives

Before you rush into emergency loans, there could be a few alternatives to try out.

• Low Interest Credit Cards – Low interest credit cards are ideal for students with good credit. But it requires a lot of financial discipline too.
• Medical Bill Repayment Plans – These loans are only specific to medical bills. Many hospitals will have such a facility so talk to them.
• Home Equity Line Of Credit – This loan option applies to homeowners only. You can simply use your home as collateral to secure an emergency loan. The terms of home equity line of credit loans are very unique and different from what we are used too. You need to be very careful before you apply.

Struggle to Repay College Loan?

Many individuals still struggle to repay college loans and handle small emergency expenses at the same time. Like we already mentioned, some studies have shown that over 40% of Americans are not financially capable of covering a small $400 emergency. That should be a red sign for all of you who think to get an emergency loan!

Nevertheless, with emergency loans, you will be able to get the money you need in just a few hours. Just make sure that you choose the right option in order to avoid high fees and high interest rates.

By line for Linda Anderson

I’m a writer and musician residing in Boise, ID in the United States, although I spent a small amount of time (about three years) living in the UK growing up, due to my father’s occupation. I graduated from the College of Idaho with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a focus in marketing.

Exploring Postgraduate Careers In The Large And Diverse Financial Sector

BY JORI HAMILTON

When deciding what type of education and background you want to have, it pays to know the field or career you plan on going into. Consider the benefits of studying finance in college. While some accounting or finance careers will require a college degree, others need only a certificate. You may also be able to start out with certification and then pursue an advanced college degree in order to grow in your career.

Your first step, though, is deciding which jobs interest you the most. From there, you can compare education requirements and job outlook to choose a path.

Accounting vs. Finance

Before you explore the different career paths in accounting and finance, it pays to know how these two fields differ. To the layman, you may assume that they’re similar simply because they have to do with money. They have inherent differences, though, and understanding them will make it easier to choose the right career path for you.

Accounting involves recording and analyzing financial records. Finance, on the other hand, focuses on how money is managed. These descriptions sound similar, but it helps to look at it this way: Accounting deals with areas like accuracy when filing taxes and fiscal compliance, while finance deals with areas like finding the best investment options and personal or corporate budgeting.

Accounting Fields and Jobs

There are various jobs that you can get in the field of accounting and several branches of accounting that you can opt to work in. These include:

 

• Auditing: As either an internal or external auditor, you’ll examine an organization’s funds to see if there has been any mismanagement, either accidental or purposeful. In a government accounting position, you’ll audit government-related individuals or businesses.
• Forensic Accounting: You’ll help businesses, individuals, and/or law enforcement by evaluating financial records. Most of the cases you work will be complex, and some will involve analyzing instances of fraud.
• Management Accounting: You’ll handle budgets and prepare financial records for your organization. Part of this job is also assessing operational expenses.
• Tax Accounting: You’ll prepare taxes at the local, state, and federal levels. You’ll have to remain updated on the most recent codes and code changes, and you’ll have to explain to clients how these changes may affect them.

There are a variety of accounting fields and jobs you can choose from, and these are just four of the more common ones.

3 Most Common Branches of Finance

While there are numerous jobs in the finance field, they tend to fall into one of three branches: corporate finance, personal finance, or public finance. Here’s a breakdown of each type of finance and common jobs in each category.

Corporate Finance

According to Investopedia, corporate finance is a division of a company that handles decisions related to finances and investments. Corporate finance deals with both short- and long-term strategies with the primary goal of maximizing shareholder value. A few examples of positions include:

 

• Benefits Officer: This role combines financial knowledge with human resources. Benefits, like pension funds and healthcare benefits, must be managed to ensure they’re cost-effective for the company while also being beneficial for the employee.
• Cash Manager: The cash manager position ensures that there’s a positive relationship between the company and banks so that short-term credit needs can be met. This position also makes sure that the company always has enough working capital and that any surplus cash is well invested in order to gain interest.
• Financial Analyst: This role handles capital budgeting, which means estimating how much the annual budget can be and then monitoring it to ensure it’s being adhered to. Financial analysts also assess proposals and help make decisions about buying or leasing equipment.

Personal Finance

Personal finance deals with how individuals manage, save, and invest their money. Careers in personal finance help individuals and households make savvy financial decisions. If you want to learn more, check out the best YouTube channels for learning about finance.

One of the most common career paths in personal finance is financial planning. Financial planners work with individuals to create plans to secure their current and future financial situations. After reviewing the client’s current financial status and going over their goals with them, the financial planner will come up with a plan to reach those goals. Financial planning jobs are available at small firms as well as nationwide companies.

Public Finance

Public finance isn’t very straightforward, as it actually has two definitions:

 

1. Financial management for government or government-related organizations. This may include airports, school districts or recreation areas, for example. Jobs include accountants, controllers, treasurers and risk managers.
2. Specialist branch of finance that raises funds for governments and public authorities. Financial management is the primary career path for this type of public finance, and the job usually requires working alongside elected officials to create legislation and policies for different funding sources, like fines or taxes.

For individuals who want to contribute to their community or society, a job in public finance may be a good option. You’ll work to make sure that taxpayer money is used in a way that makes the most sense for both government entities and the public.

Entering the world of finance is a smart move if your main concern is job outlook upon graduation. They are diverse fields that offer a wide range of positions for those interested. Once you have your heart set on a specific career path, getting as much training and education early on will put you in the best position to secure a job after graduation.

Bio: Jori Hamilton is a writer from the Northwest who is passionate about education and social justice issues. You can follow her on Twitter @HamiltonJori

 

How to Balance Academics and College Sports

By LESLIE WILDER

To become a well-established and a gentle person in life, you have to follow a good education system and score good marks in your academics. For this, you have to take up your studies and course subjects quite seriously. But at the same time, if you keep yourself indulged in studies only, you will be missing out on other major parts of your life. One of those parts includes sports. Sports or other outdoor fitness activities are an essential part of our life. For the very same reason, sport is included along with the academics in the various colleges and institutions. Sport-related research has shown that it helps to keep our mind fresh and also the exercise part keeps us fit and healthy. Sports in colleges include various events such as types of races, football, cricket, and basketball. Nowadays, the colleges have allotted marks in sports as well so that everyone takes part in it.

Advantages of being involved in sports

College life is the time when you learn many things apart from studies, which provides important lessons in your path of life. This includes both good and bad things. Sometimes if you are influenced more by bad things, then the only way to get out of them is through sports.

• It prevents you from becoming addicted to injurious habits like smoking, drinking, etc.
• It makes you more conscious about your health and would keep you fit.
• If you are indulged in physical exercises, then your body will be more immune to diseases or other health disorders and this, in turn, will help you to maintain your regularity in college classes.
• Some government jobs choose students on behalf of their excellence in sports. So if you are good in any particular sport then you may get a chance to build up a good career in it.

Sport-related research shows that children who are indulged in both sports and academics in college are better focused on their career. This is because sports teach discipline, concentration, and time-management through its activities. It will also keep the students away from mental stress which is quite common nowadays.

Being an athlete, one can develop leadership skills or develop team game skills as well as communication skills. These qualities will come handy in working on projects. Projects demand equal efforts and contribution from all the students. In managing the schedule of athletics and academics the students will be learning the meaning of being accountable and dependable.

Which is the priority?

Both of these topics could serve as a priority in a student’s career based on his/her interests. If these two activities can be balanced equally then there is no need to prioritise any one of them. For balancing between these two, a student needs to learn effective time management. A fixed amount of time should be dedicated to each of these activities. For proper time management, they can take help from their parents or even from their teachers.

It is quite difficult to balance both

Yes, of course maintaining equal records in two different fields are very difficult but it is not at all impossible. You can give equal weight to both your academics and college sports and can produce equal results in both of them. If you get the support from your parents and you yourself provide the effort equally in both the fields then you can do them both. It will be equally good for you because you are utilizing your entire time throughout the day. It is okay if sometimes you gap out from any one of them. For example, you may skip your sports session for a few days before or during your exams. Or you can give the full concentration to sports for a few days after the exam and skip studies for a couple of days or so. The thing is you yourself have to manage your daily routine and understand when to do.

Nowadays the colleges and other such institutions are providing aid to make up with the absent classes. Students can collect the notes later and study. If they find any difficulty in understanding the context, the teachers will guide them accordingly. Athlete students should bear the responsibility of informing the professors about future absences.

People will produce the best results when they are pushed to their maximum. Pushing through their limits, students can discover their maximum abilities and on what qualities they need to develop so that they can become a better individual in the future.

Planning is essential

Planning is essential to balance academics and college sports. Students need to focus on the following points-

• The number of hours is needed to complete the essential tasks.
• Managing time to catch up with other peoples.
• Keeping some free time of their own to take part in other activities.

Students can plan out a routine for seven days in a week where time slots will be divided for each task. Whenever they will follow that particular routine, it will become easier to keep everything in a balanced state.

However, students must learn not to stretch themselves too much over the limit. This will produce adverse effects and they may suffer the consequences. Management is an important quality which is achieved while balancing between college sports and academics. Thus, a student will be able to make himself/herself a better person if he/she learns what to do and when to do.

Leslie Wilder a creative writer & blogger, who is residing in Nashville the capital of U.S. state of Tennessee, I’m also a self-proclaimed happiness junkie, and someone you would generally consider confident and well balanced.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn More About the Financial World to Invest During College

BY MELISSA BURNS

Finding your passion during student years comes naturally to some people, while others find it later in life. Among every student generation, there are always a few students who enjoy learning about the finance world and dream of becoming one of the professionals on Wall Street.

As much this might seem like just a fantasy, students nowadays have plenty of options to start investing their money to ensure a better future for themselves. If you’ve found yourself in this introduction, keep reading as we bring you useful tips for student investors.

Read books about finance

Use your free time to educate yourself more about the financial world. Go to the library and start reading books which will provide you with a deeper understanding of how things work regarding financial institutions, money flow, global trends, investment, etc. These books will help you understand terms which are not used in everyday life but are very helpful once you learn them. As it is with everything new, you have to start from the basics, so find books that are written for young people like yourself who are enthusiastic to learn more about the finances.

Learn more about RSI

The Relative Strength Index, or RSI, is a commonly used concept in online trading. It’s actually a technical indicator used in financial market analysis, and just like any other financial concept, it can seem pretty confusing in the beginning. However, it’s vital to understand it if you wish to be successful at trading and make well-informed, beneficial financial decisions. As these concepts can be very complicated for students and young people, you will be able to find useful guides on RSI, such as the one by online broker Easy Markets. It will help you learn how to apply and trade RSI support and resistance and reveal key benefits of using the RSI.

Analyze your financial situation

 You can practice your understanding of finances on your own example by analyzing your current situation as a student. Do you have credit cards with high-interest rates or outstanding loans you need to take care of before making any investment decision? If you have a debt, try to research and find the best way to pay it off. Then, write down all of your more significant expenses to determine how much money you would be able to invest. Rushing into something you don’t quite yet understand is the most common reason for investment failure.

 Buy your first investments

 After you’ve analyzed your financial situation and determined how much money you can invest, you should open a brokerage account. You can either choose online discount brokers to execute online trades automatically or traditional brokerages with a one-on-one approach. Many young investors will choose the first option as they don’t require a large sum of money and charge very high fees as traditional brokerages do. Discount brokerages will require a significantly smaller initial deposit and charge on each buy and sell order. Some of them will even provide you with free educational tools and research reports to help you make better investment decisions.

Focus on smaller investments

 Don’t put all of your money into a few stock right away as it might severely damage your entire financial situation and the quality of your college life. Instead, start making smaller investments on a regular basis, e.g. every month or every several months. This is a perfect method for beginner investors as they start with a smaller amount of money and wish to reduce the risk by controlling their financial situation every step of the way. Spread out your investments rather than just investing your money into one or two opportunities. Not to mention that a diversified portfolio can lead to exposure to a wide range of assets and market sectors in the future.

Conclusion

 Don’t start investing your money until you’re sure that you understand what you’re investing in and why. Keep in mind that money invested in a bad opportunity can never be returned. That’s why it’s crucial to learn more about the financial world to be able to make smarter choices that will impact your future.

Melissa Burns graduated from the faculty of Journalism of Iowa State University. Nowadays she is an entrepreneur and independent journalist. Follow her @melissaaburns or contact at burns.melissaa@gmail.com

   

 

How to Protect College Students from Cyber bullying

BY ARIANA WILLIAMS

5 Things That Can Be Done

Cyber bullying is a problem for absolutely everyone. Although most tragic stories of cyber bullying that make headlines involve high school students, even adults are guilty of hiding behind the internet to prey on the insecurities of others. Unfortunately, the anonymous nature of the internet makes it easy for people to feel as though they have the freedom to target people who don’t deserve such ridicule.

College students are not an exception – they need and deserve protection – and it all starts with the way a campus handles social dynamics.

1. Encourage Students to Think Before They Post

Some cyber bullying doesn’t begin with malicious intent. It is occasionally thoughtlessness that leads someone (or a group of people) to feel bullied. Sharing insensitive jokes can easily escalate to a situation where someone feels oppressed, targeted, or ridiculed. A process like sensitivity training may encourage students to think before they click the “share” button. They need to be aware of the ramifications of what they may believe to be funny in the moment. If an inappropriate sense of humor leads to their college classmates feeling uncomfortable, their actions aren’t work a temporary laugh.

2. Make it Easy to Report Online Harassment

The increasing prevalence of cyber bullying is concerning. Statistics on cyberbullying seem to indicate that the issue is becoming more widespread. In order to stop the negative impact that cyber bullying may have on college students, a reporting system may be necessary. If there are appointed exemplary students or staff members that students feel comfortable discussing the issue with, this layer of accountability may make students think twice before victimizing a peer. Consequences must be clearly established and enacted when students are found to be cyberbullying other students.

3. Build Activities Around Empathy

Certain groups of people are more likely to receive negative criticism or bullying. These are often the same groups of people who are more likely to face discrimination in society. By encouraging support or unity groups on campus, those who may otherwise feel like outsiders may find that they flourish. Having friends of a similar station can help students cope with unwarranted comments or malicious messages from people they feel may be targeting them. Promote positive activities that bring people together and keep mindsets optimistic. Teach the victims of cyber bullying that instead of listening to naysayers and haters, they should invest both time and energy into improving themselves, following their passions and reaching their dreams.

4. Emphasize the Importance of Social Media Privacy

Social media privacy is extraordinarily important in college. In this case, the issue is twofold. Keeping social media private and only accepting friend requests from highly familiar people will limit the opportunity for cyberbullying, as anonymity is less likely to be a factor. Keeping social media private will also prevent issues with future employers or internship opportunities – HR professionals won’t be able to see the student’s private life.

Colleges should go the extra mile to explain internet safety to students and discuss the merits of keeping their private lives private, despite the temptation to share every moment with the entire internet.

5. Manage Student Stress Levels

Addressing the motivations behind cyber bullying may help to prevent it. While motivations may be hard to determine, stress is undoubtedly a contributing factor to negative behavior. College is a stressful time for nearly every student. Expectations are high, students are coming into formal adulthood, and they’re feeling the pressure of building the future they’ve always wanted. Some people lash out when they’re stressed – they don’t know what to do with their surplus of unfavorable emotions. Prevent other students from becoming the target of those emotions by encouraging everyone to de-stress.

Some colleges use unorthodox approaches to bring happiness to campus during times of high academic pressure. It isn’t unheard of for colleges to bring in puppies for students to play with or host campus-wide festivities that encourage students to blow off steam. Make sure there are plenty of outlets to melt the natural tension.

Cyber bullying is nearly impossible to eradicate, but it can be managed through measured steps. Keep an open dialogue about cyber bullying on campus, and make sure every student knows where to go for support and resources.

 

About Ariana:

Ariana Williams is a pedagogy graduate and an avid writer who often let’s her passions for writing and teaching coalesce and merge. Whenever not writing, Ariana enjoys spending time with her family. Feel free to visit her Twitter and say “hi”.

 

 

 

College Classroom Presentations And Public Speaking: 10 Dos and Don’ts

BY KATE LARSON

Public speaking is a skill that’s valued by employers the world over, which is why many courses at university include presentations as part of their assessment criteria.

While some might assume presenting in front of your classmates is easier than a room of strangers, in many cases, it’s not. To make sure you’ve got the confidence to put your best foot forward, we’ve compiled a list of ten essential presentations dos and don’ts.

DO

Rehearse

Even the most confident of public speakers should never wing a presentation. Rehearsing will make you feel more comfortable with what you’re presenting, which will, in turn, stop you from freezing in front of your classmates.

Use Imagery

Human brains process images 60,000 times faster than text. Therefore, you should always try to present your findings in an aesthetically-pleasing presentation that visualizes numerical data into charts. If design isn’t your thing, try using a free online presentation maker such as Flipsnack. Presentation tools such as these allow you to add sound, images, video, and other media to slides using a simple click and drop format.

 Reduce the Word Count

Each slide you create should focus on communicating one point. The written content on that slide should support what you’re about to expand on orally. Although there isn’t a limit on how many words you should use per slide, a good rule of thumb is that it shouldn’t take longer than ten seconds to read. Keeping to this rule will allow your classmates the time to take in the information before you begin talking. It will also give you a brief moment to compose yourself between slides.

Get Your Classmates Involved

One easy way to capture the attention of your classmates (and teacher) is to ask them questions during your presentation. These questions can be broken down into two main categories: rhetorical and interactive.

Rhetorical questions aren’t designed to elicit a verbal response from a listener but will keep them engaged in what you’re telling them. Some examples include:

“How many times have you thought about…?”

“How many of you have gone…?”

Interactive questions, one the other hand, encourage verbal participation from an audience. They should, however, be close-ended. Otherwise, you may find yourself listening to an array of responses, or, worst of all, none at all. Some examples include:

“Out of these options, which is your favorite?”

“By a show of hands, how many of you agree with this opinion?

Keep Eye Contact

Eye contact is what connects you to your listeners. It creates the impression that you’re confident in what you’re presenting. If you’re not looking at your audience, they’re not looking at you. When that happens, it’s easy for their concentration to drift.

DON’T

Speak Too Quickly

Nerves have a profound effect on the speed in which we talk. Professor Raymond H. Hull explained in his 2017 book, The Art of Presenting: Your Competitive Edge, how fast talkers can reach speeds that exceed the brain’s natural ability to understand what is being said without concerted effort. Although there isn’t an overnight cure to speaking too quickly, recording yourself and listening back is a good way of comprehending just how easy it’s for listeners to take in what you’re saying.

Forget Your Personality

Don’t worry if you’re not naturally confident or charismatic. These aren’t necessarily prerequisites for a good presentation. What you do need to be, however, is relatable and honest. Your audience needs to feel a human element in your presentation so that they feel a connection with you, and consequently, your presentation.

Read Your Slides Aloud

This follows on from the last point. Simply reading aloud what is written on your slides points to a lack of preparation. Worst yet, it’s boring. Using physical cue cards to jot down the important pieces of information to convey for each slide is the easiest way to overcome this problem. Write small hints that will help to jog your memory when presenting. Remember, you shouldn’t just repeat what is already on your slide; you need to expand on it.

 Try to Be Funny

Humor that reads well on paper doesn’t always translate well to speech. Unfortunately, a joke that lands flat on its face could see your confidence plummet and affect the rest of your presentation. For those reasons alone, it’s best to leave humor out of your presentations until you become more confident in public speaking.

Forget to Prepare for Questions

Q&A sessions are common at the end of a presentation. If your lecturer has asked you to prepare for this, try to envisage the types of questions you may be asked and prepare some appropriate responses.

Kate Larson is a college student and aspiring blogger, who has a strong interest in the environment and personal well-being. She enjoys travelling and reading, as well as writing novels.