Tips and Tricks for Relieving Stress and Studying

Hello Fellow Bears, we are currently coming to the end of the semester and are starting our finals. I am always trying to figure out the best ways to study while keeping myself from stressing out to the point that I do not succeed or my grades turn out poorly.

I am going to give you a few tips for studying but also some stress-relieving tips. Your education is important but so is your mental health and if you find yourself struggling, this information could be a big help. These tips and tricks can be used anytime, not just for finals. I’ll be using them next month when I take a summer course for accounting

1. Keep Track.

I have learned the hard way that making sure all of your work is completed is the best thing you can do for yourself. You want to make sure that you are earning all the points you can for the semester and staying up to date with what you need to know for exams.

2. Review.

Final exams usually consist of the things that we learned during the semester, so going over that information can be extremely helpful. Surprisingly, not everyone looks over the class materials but doing so can make things easier. Professors may utilize the same questions or ideas from the material or just flip it around to challenge you with what you studied.

3. Use resources.

You cannot always study the same way for each of your classes; the material in each class might be harder or easier or have different amounts of materials that need to be studied. Take advantage of the resources on campus or any electronic resources that can help you better prepare. Resources like your phone’s note-taker and calendar can be useful, along with websites like Khan Academy, Quizlet, EasyBib and Chegg. Some websites and apps feature tools that you can use to create your own notes, test your knowledge of the material and keep you on track with your own schedule.

4. Take a break.

Studying is important for any test or exam but that is not going to mean much if you get burnt out over the material. Studying in increments up to twenty to thirty minutes with a break in between can help you to better retain the information and remember what you studied. You can always change the duration of each break if you prefer a longer or shorter one.

5. Sleep.

Make sure that you are getting enough sleep and preserving your energy because you cannot do as much if you are tired and can’t keep your eyes open. You do not want to miss out on any study time, be late for an exam or be sleepy during those exams.

6. Ask questions.

Even though it is the end of the semester, it is still important that you ask if you have any questions. Having as much clarity as possible can help set your mind at ease and clear up any confusion. The pandemic has changed quite a few things so if you do not know something or just need more help to understand specific material, do not be afraid to ask or approach your professor.

Almost done.

The summer is quickly approaching, and I am proud of the fact that I have made it through these last few semesters online.

If you are graduating, I wish you the best in your future endeavors and if you are continuing on during or after the summer, I know that you can succeed to get to whatever you have set your mind on.

~Alexandria

(Bio: I’m the middle child of seven kids in my immediate family. I’m currently a junior business major at Missouri State University.)

Hello to all you fabulous readers of this blog! This week’s post is a look back at my experience as a Peer Counselor these last two years, plus some advice to First-Gen Students.

At the beginning, Peer Counseling was just a job for me. It was something that gave me extra money to help with gas and helped me not think about missing home. Then, as the months went on and the more time I spent with the other peer counselors, the more I realized that I could get through college. That, even though I might miss home and my community college life, I needed to be here. That I needed Missouri State as much as other students I knew did.

I am a First-Generation student, which is something you learn a lot about in this position at the Center for Academic Success and Transition. “You will go to college and you will get that diploma” – from a young age this was drilled into my head. When I left home for the first time in my life to go to college, it was scary and different. And I did not like it one bit. But as I worked closely with the other peer counselors and GAs, I realized that they will help you with anything and everything. You need a listening ear, they got you. You need to just sit in the office when it is not a scheduled day for you and just hang with them, then they will gladly let you.

Now on to those wise words from one First-Gen student to another…

The most important thing you need to remember is that there are plenty of people on campus that will help you through these stressful college years! The last thing you should do is set aside any dreams and give up on college altogether. There’s a whole world out there to explore and many opportunities begin with earning a college degree!

The following are tips I’ve pulled together and tried to remember myself:

• Embrace who you are! It is what makes you unique.
• Find highly motivated students in your classes to partner with. Especially if you are a Marketing Major (little secret – you will be doing a bunch of group projects!).
• Be proactive in financial assistance!
  • While there are a variety of different scholarship opportunities available each year to students, including some specifically for first-generation students at MSU, don’t expect them to just fall into your lap. You need to seek them out and/or apply for them.
• Get involved!
  • I cannot stress this enough. Apply for Hall Council if you live in a dorm, rush for a fraternity or sorority, and look on CampusLink for clubs that might interest you.
• Don’t overload yourself!
  • A common mistake is to not consider the time you’ll need outside of the classroom to complete your work. You might have a class that only meets once per week, but the out-of-classroom workload will be similar to classes that meet more frequently. Plan for a heavy load and adjust as necessary.
• Build your support system
  • Your time at MSU is an opportunity to go out on a limb and try something new that has always intrigued you. If it doesn’t work out, you’re in an environment that allows you to move on with relative ease to the next thing that interests you.
• Take smart chances
  • This ties into getting involved and seeking out academic help; both provide a great pool of peers and mentors who may be able to help you. This could also mean meeting with an Academic Coach or Peer Counselor through the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST). The CAST website has helpful information, too.
• Do NOT doubt yourself
  • (This one hits me hard, too.) Don’t worry! Remember that others around you are feeling the same emotions and don’t know what to expect either. College can be harder than high school.

Thank you for taking your time to read these blogs! This is Rhiannon Casey signing off for the last time. Good luck with your future college life!!

~Rhiannon

(Bio: My name is Rhiannon Casey, a transfer student from Arkansas State University. I am currently a Senior Marketing Major with an emphasis in Advertising and Promotions.)

So Close Yet So Far Away

We are in week 14 of the semester, which means we are almost at the end! I can practically feel summer already. Vacations, spending time with friends and sleeping in are just a few of the things to look forward to when summer rolls around. However, like every obstacle course, there is always one last obstacle you have to overcome before the end. I think we all know what it is: Finals.

The Final Boss Battle

College is kind of like a video game. We level up by gaining knowledge, we defeat small enemies like homework, we make companions through classmates and we win boss battles when we take exams. However, there is always a final boss battle in every game, and for us that is our finals. I know for me, it can be a very stressful time, so here are some tips and tricks to make finals week a little bit better.

The Keys to Success: The Michael Way

For me, exams are all about comfort. The worst feeling during an exam is when you feel like you didn’t study enough or maybe didn’t prepare the right way. However, have no fear, because there are a few easy steps you can take to prevent that feeling.

Step 1: STUDY!

I don’t want it to feel over simplified, but for me beginning the studying for a final is like getting the ball rolling. Even when there is a lot of content to study, after each study session I know more than I did when I started. Then, when it comes to test time, I can tell myself that I do know something.

Step 2: Make a schedule

Laying out a schedule allows you to keep track of when your exams are going to be and when you want to study for them. It’s always good to study in advance; a schedule will tell you how long you have and how frequently you want to study leading up to the exam!

Step 3: Build some confidence!

Even if a final is comprehensive, don’t be intimidated. You have already made it to the end of the semester, so give yourself a pat on the back! Take a little pride in the hard work you have done all semester to reach this point. As you study or prepare for your exams, remember that you have been in the class all semester and already have some knowledge stored that will help you. Trust yourself!

No matter how tough finals get this year, keep your head up and trust in yourself. We are all at Missouri State because we deserve to be here and work hard! Good luck!

(Bio: My name Is Michael Rexroad, a transfer student from Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City. I am a junior currently studying cell and molecular biology with a minor in chemistry.)

Tips to Get Engaged from an Online Student Perspective

Can you believe it? We only have four weeks left in this semester and three weeks until finals week. With everything going on, I wouldn’t have expected time to go by so fast.

I’ve been taking online classes for the last couple of semesters. I’m enjoying my classes this semester, but it’s been a challenge to stay engaged in all of my classes. In addition to my classes from Missouri State, I’m also taking one course from a local community college, so staying involved has been hard. Here are my top five tips for getting and staying engaged during the semester as an online student.

1. (If your class has a scheduled time to meet) Attend class even when you don’t want to

You might be feeling burnt out or too tired – you should attend class anyway. When you don’t attend class, you risk the chance of falling behind and not being able to understand course materials. Attending class can help you with quizzes or tests and with understanding what you’re being taught.

2. Always ask questions

Asking questions is a good way to stay active and is a way to use your voice, especially in an online class where we don’t have those face-to-face interactions that seated classes have. Asking questions helps you understand the material, stay alert during class and feel a part of your class.

3. Stay prepared

Some professors plan out the class for the entire semester and some don’t so staying prepared is a great way to stay engaged. Review the main points and prepare for class beforehand. You’ll be able to take more interest in your class, participate more and make connections when you do.

4. Talk to your professors

Knowing your professor can help you feel more connected to them and more invested in the class. Whenever you have questions or don’t understand something, you should feel comfortable enough to ask your professor. Talking to your professors can also help prevent boredom with your class. And, in addition to helping with your grades, getting to know your professors also provides a possibility of someone going the extra mile for you if you ever need a recommendation letter. This is especially important since some of us are relying on online relationships.

5. Have a positive mindset

Mentally you have to be ready to perform and do any tasks that you need to complete. Don’t think negative thoughts like that you’re never going to understand the material or are unable to do the work. Have thoughts that will help you establish a mindset that will work for you and not against you. Everyone is unique and works at their own pace; don’t bring yourself down by focusing on negative thoughts.

Something to Think About

The pandemic has been challenging everyone in so many ways and because of that, we’ve been challenged to keep ourselves together and work our hardest. I’ll be the first to tell you that not everything goes as planned; however, that shouldn’t stop you from being engaged in everything that you do. Hopefully, these tips are as helpful for you as they have been for me these past few semesters.

~Alexandria

(Bio: I’m the middle child of seven kids in my immediate family. I’m currently a junior business major at Missouri State University.)

Favorite things to do in Springfield

This blog post goes hand in hand with a post from a couple weeks ago in which Alexandria discussed her top five favorite places on campus. She lists some great places—I recommend you give her post a read.

Sometimes, though, it’s good to get off campus. It gives you the opportunity to get out of your own head, to take a break from classes and studying, to explore the local community and more. Below is a list of some of my favorite places and things to do in Springfield.

For me, these places represent memories that I have come to cherish. From going to the Wonders of Wildlife when I was little (before they remodeled, of course) to going to a minor league Cardinals game to even competing at tournaments. I hope the following list makes you remember memories, too—or helps you create new ones! Enjoy 🙂

• Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
  • connected to the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World headquarters in Springfield, MO

• Fantastic Caverns (Facebook page)

• Shakespeare at the Columns
  • They present live, free-admission Shakespeare plays at Springfield Art Museum’s outdoor amphitheater every summer. You can find them on Facebook.
  • You can give donations if you like but it is not required.

• Springfield Art Museum
  • Free admission!!!

• Catching a Springfield Cardinals game (their schedule)

• Dickerson Park Zoo

• Battlefield Mall

• MMASC Karate Tournament
  • If you want to watch another sporting event or if, like me, you are a martial artist and want to go to a tournament, this is a great place to do it. Here is their Facebook page for more information.

~Rhiannon

(Bio: My name is Rhiannon Casey, a transfer student from Arkansas State University. I am currently a Senior Marketing Major with an emphasis in Advertising and Promotions.)