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When people think of courage in the workplace, they’re likely to focus on first responders and other professionals with high-risk jobs. But courage can take many forms and be found in all fields — STEM, teaching, nursing, and the retail and restaurant industries, to name a few. For example, if you know that a colleague is using illegal substances on their breaks, would you have the courage to speak up? If your opinion differs from those of your colleagues but you think your idea could solve a pressing problem, would you have the courage to say something? Or, if a […]

It’s not unusual for college applicants to have questions about how to apply for financial aid, particularly first-generation students who may not be familiar with the system. The good news is that it’s not nearly as complex as many assume. The first step in the financial aid process is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The U.S. Department of Education reviews your FAFSA to determine your eligibility for need-based federal aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study jobs. Students who don’t complete and file the FAFSA won’t qualify for most forms of financial assistance. If you have additional […]

Students interested in taking the first brave step toward earning a college degree often need help and guidance throughout their journey. Many turn to parents, relatives, or siblings who have earned a degree for advice on various aspects of higher education, from filling out college applications and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to choosing a major. First-gen college students, however, often have to navigate an unfamiliar path on their own. Socioeconomic inequality — often experienced by first-generation families — can also impact students’ success at enrolling in and completing a college degree program. A longitudinal study conducted […]

Everyone experiences stress. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed because you’re balancing professional duties, homework deadlines, and family obligations or you’re on edge because you’re stuck in rush-hour traffic, stress is normal, and it happens to everyone. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, other personal stressors — such as financial pressures, difficulties managing remote work while caring for children, and limits on social interactions — are at an all-time high. Although many people assume the best way to deal with stress is to find ways to tamp it down, a better strategy can be to make stress work for you. When […]

To advance your career, self-promotion — publicizing your skills and aptitudes to further your professional growth — is crucial. This is especially true in today’s competitive work environment. Those who understand how to establish and promote their personal brand can gain an edge over their peers. The first step toward establishing a personal brand involves deciding how you want to be perceived. Are you a marketing professional who wants to be seen as the go-to authority in your field, or are you an IT engineer with a knack for developing creative, forward-thinking software solutions for your clients? To create your […]

Juggling the responsibilities of college is more than enough to keep students busy. However, even in the thick of full course loads, assignment deadlines, and test prep, you shouldn’t overlook opportunities outside of academics to enrich your overall college experience. Volunteering and staying active in campus life — in person or virtually — can add an invaluable layer to your college years and prepare you to succeed after graduation. Whether you’re working on a campus recycling initiative or offering up your website management skills at a local nonprofit, the benefits of volunteering and staying active during college are undeniable. Not […]