All posts by Stephanie Wenger

Meet the Marketing Intern

My name is Stephanie Wenger and for the Spring 2020 semester I have been the Marketing Intern for the Department of Housing and Residential Programs. Throughout my internship I have learned a lot of valuable information about content marketing, writing professionally, and using social media for a business. Before taking this internship I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after I graduated, but now I have learned that I want continue writing professionally and get more into content marketing.

What did you learn about marketing and blogging?

As an English BA major I have written a lot of papers over the years. I have always enjoyed writing and this internship allowed me to have a job where I got to do what I love. The type of writing a person does professionally is different than writing papers for a class. I had to learn how to write for a business’s blog in a way that drew more people in. Another writing skill I learned was how to write more efficiently. For papers I always had to write more and give more information. This internship has taught me how to get my point across with fewer words.

Since I am not a marketing major I had to learn how to use social media as a marketing tool. I have my own personal social media accounts, but I had to learn how to run a business’s account. It was difficult, but I have learned so much about the marketing world and how social media fits into it.

What did you learn about yourself?

Like I stated above I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after I graduate. I knew I wanted to do something that I loved, but I wasn’t sure what that was yet. Working as a Marketing Intern and writing for the Housing and Residential Programs’s blog has helped me realize that I love to write. I really enjoyed writing for the blog and creating the banners for them. I would love to do a job like this after graduating.

What is your favorite blog post that you wrote?

It is hard to narrow down my favorites because I enjoyed writing all of them. I would have to say that my favorites were the series I did on some of the different clubs on campus, How to Prepare for an Interview, and Need Motivation?

I loved learning about some of the different clubs on campus because it is sometimes hard to find them. The clubs that I was able to reach were the Dance Team, English Club, ASL Learner’s Club, and the Circle K.  Each club was fascinating to learn about and they were eager for others to know about them.

I liked the post I did about preparing for an interview because I felt it was good information to know. It is hard and stressful when you are getting ready for an interview, especially if it is your first real interview. It is important for people to understand what to say and how to dress before going into an interview.

It is hard at times to stay motivated during the semester. I enjoyed writing the motivation post because I felt it was that time of the semester when everyone needs a little encouragement to keep going. I also loved finding the different quotes because it helped to keep me motivated.

What was your most memorable project?

The most memorable project that I worked on was the Room Selection Info Session. I had helped organize, promote, and run this session. I learned how to prepare for an event and organize one. This was also the first event that I promoted. It gave me the experience of a marketer and helped me become better at problem solving.

What are your plans for the future?

I am graduating this semester so I am starting my job hunt. I want to continue in a field where I write professionally as well as start freelance writing. There are no set plans for my future, but I am sure I will find the job best suited for me. I have learned so much and I hope to bring what I learned into my future careers.

Congratulations!

Congratulations 2020 graduates you have made it to the end! Through all the craziness and uncertainty it has finally ended. It may not have happened the way we had wanted it to, but we can proudly say that we are college graduates. Sadly, graduation can not be May 9th as was originally planned, but it has been postponed. If you have not seen ‘Ville Daily then you should definitely check out this. The Department of Housing and Residential Programs wishes you luck in your future endeavors.

We also want to congratulate the students, faculty and staff for finishing the Spring 2020 semester strong. It has been difficult, but everyone did an excellent job with the change in everyday life. We know life will not go back to exactly as it was for a while, but we hope to be back for the Fall 2020 semester.

Please stay healthy and keep up with your EPPIIC Values. Good luck to everyone moving forward!

Finals Week Tips

Finals week has finally come, though not in the way we had thought it would. Professors have had to change their syllabus and find new ways to teach their students. Finals is a bit tough though. Some have gone from having a test to having a final paper while others have decided to just make the final online. Either way students should still prepare for their finals.

One way to prepare is to go over the notes from class and online work.

It is beneficial to remember most of the information, even if the test is open book / notes. The test will most likely be timed and it will help you to know most of the information rather then looking each question up.

Another way to prepare is to not cram the night before.

Try looking over your notes each day leading up to the test. This goes well with papers as well. Studying or writing your paper the night before is not a good idea. Try doing a little bit each day. This will help you not feel overwhelmed.

If it is an option, skip questions and then go back to them.

Not all professors allow this on their tests, but if you have the option then use it. If you are unsure of the question and can’t find it in your notes skip it and then come back to it. Don’t waste time trying to figure it out and then not have the time for other questions.

Finally, take time to look over your test / paper before you turn it in.

Before turning in any work you should look over it and make sure you have the answers you think are right. Looking over your paper can help you with grammar and spelling. It is important to check your work before you submit.

Good luck to everyone with their finals!

 

The Importance of Sleep

As college students, we tend to suffer from lack of sleep. Whether it is because we don’t go to bed until 2 am or we have a lot of homework that needs to be done, we end up staying up late or getting up really early. Is it healthy to live like this? The answer is no, it is not good for us. Here are some of the pros of getting a good night’s sleep:

Better productivity and concentration throughout the day.

By getting a good night’s sleep we wake up refreshed and ready for the day. This helps us feel like we can get things done, unlike when we are tired. Also your concentration during class is enhanced since you are not falling asleep.

Better calorie intake.

Believe it or not, by getting a good night’s sleep a person will consume less calories during their day. In fact according to this study sleep loss can effect your weight loss entirely.

Sleep can boost your immunity.

By not getting the 8 hours of sleep recommended you disrupt the sleep cycle. This can take away the time your body needs to build up your immune system, making you more susceptible to sickness.

Can help your mental wellness.

Getting a full night’s rest we are ready to face the day. When we don’t get the sleep we need we tend to be moody and easily irritated. By getting the 8 hours of sleep we can help our mental health.

So that leaves the question: How do you catch up on the sleep you lost?

The only way to catch up is to get more sleep. It won’t happen with one day of going to bed earlier or waking up later. It takes time to regain a proper sleep schedule.

For more information about sleep check out:

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-deprivation-and-deficiency

Making a Writing Assignment Easy

Writing isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t have to do it often. There are different styles and every professor has a unique way of grading essays. This can make it overwhelming and sometimes difficult to get a good essay. There are a few things to keep in mind when you go to write an essay that will make it easier and might help produce a good grade.

First you need to understand the question.

You need to understand whether the essay is supposed to be a compare or contrast essay, analytical essay, maybe an evaluation of something or someone. There are different kinds of essays and you need to be aware of what kind your professor wants from you. Basically, the wording of the question is how you will know what the professor is expecting from your essay.

Second you need to plan and schedule.

Most people underestimate the amount of work and time it takes to produce a good essay. Setting up a schedule with deadlines for the different parts of writing an essay will help you in the long run. Here is an example of a schedule:

Third step is make sure your sources relate to your content.

When trying to find sources it is a good idea to read over the abstract or summary. This will let you know whether it is worth it to read the entire source or if it isn’t going to be what you need for your essay.

Don’t forget that you should always find reliable sources that work for your essay. Try the McNairy Library search page to find good sources. We may not be able to be on campus, but the electronic resources and services will remain accessible to students and faculty.

The fourth step to writing a good essay is be critical.

Most studies, arguments, and theories you research have some sort of flaw to them. Instead of just summarizing what you read, try being critical. Point out what works and doesn’t work in the research. By using critical thinking as the approach to your essay you show that you are not simply repeating what you read. Instead it proves that you have thought your topic through.

The fifth step is structure, flow and focus.

It is imperative that your essay be structured in a way that flows and makes sense. Throwing an essay together can lead to it not making sense to the reader. We all know where the intro and conclusion go, but the body paragraphs are important to organize as well.

Sixth step is to write academically.

It is common, especially for first and second year students, to write in an informal way. When writing an essay you should always try and use more formal and academic wording. It should not sound the way you would text.

Finally, do not plagiarize.

This should be obvious by now, but you never want to plagiarize someone else’s writing. Millersville University has rules about plagiarism which are important to know and understand. They also provide tips on how to avoid plagiarism.

You should always have someone look over your work as Millersville University has resources to help you. In the library you can find the Writing Center. Here they will help you revise and edit. Even though the campus is closed the Writing Center is still offering online help.

Even though Millersville has gone completely online, there are still services that you can use to help with your writing. Don’t be afraid to use the Writing Center’s online help or use the library’s online resources.

Annual Skyfactor Benchworks Residential Student Survey

Starting on Friday, May 1, 2020, the Department of Housing & Residential Programs will have the annual Skyfactor Benchworks survey administered. All non-staff residential students (i.e., Reighard Hall, Shenks Halls, Villages) will be invited to take the survey through Friday, May 29, 2020. Students will receive an email invitation with detailed information on how to take the survey. Two follow-up reminder emails will be sent to those who have not completed the survey.

This assessment is crucial for the Department of Housing & Residential Programs as it helps us to understand the successes and areas of improvement of our program, and the services of various campus partners in comparison to other colleges and universities across the country. We ask that you please keep your responses to your experience with Housing & Residential Programs up until spring break. The survey assesses 21 different factors, which include the following:

Satisfaction

  • Hall Student Staff
  • Hall Programming
  • Hall Environment
  • Facilities*
  • Services Provided
  • Room Assignment
  • Room Change
  • Safety & Security
  • Roommates
  • Dining Services*
  • Community Environment

Learning

  • Personal Interactions
  • Sense of Community
  • Diverse Interactions
  • Self-Management
  • Alcohol and Drug Use
  • Sustainability
  • Living-Learning Community (LLC) Connections & Support

Overall

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Overall Learning
  • Overall Program Effectiveness

*Housing & Residential Programs does not supervise these areas, but works as a partner with the departments responsible for these services.

How Have You Been EPPIIC During Covid-19?

Millersville University has a set of core values that every student and faculty members should know. These core values are: Exploration, Professionalism, Public Mission, Inclusion, Integrity, and Compassion (EPPIIC). It is important for students and faculty to remember these values while facing all the uncertainty and chaos of Covid-19.

Housing and Residential Programs wants to showcase students and staff who are out there representing Millersville University’s EPPIIC Values. Anyone who is working or donating their time to help others and normally lives in the residence halls can comment below about how they are being EPPIIC.

The comment needs to include your name and a description of what you are doing and how it fits into Millersville’s EPPIIC Values.

Let’s show how we are being EPPIIC during this difficult time.

Things to do While Social Distancing

By now most people are starting to run out of things to do. It is hard to be home all the time and not allowed to go or do anything with anyone. Even those who usually like to stay home are finding it hard to handle, but there are things to help with being confined to home.

Streaming movies and TV shows can be a good starting point. Maybe binge watch that TV show you have been wanting to see that you never had the time for. One show that I am re-watching is The Office on Netflix.

Playing game consoles can be a great way to pass the time. You can even connect with friends while still adhering to the social distancing. There are games you can play online or through game counsels that can help you stay in contact with your friends.

Keeping up with your school work isn’t as hard as it was and can help pass the time. I finished a paper and was able to look over it and get a second opinion on it before turning it in. I have been able to excel on my discussion posts for different classes because of the extra time I have. Take this time to improve upon your grades.

Spring cleaning is another great way to pass the time. Personally I have taken the time to go through my room and get rid of the things that I don’t want. Even working in your garden can be fun and help you get some fresh air.

Finally, spend some time with your family. This is the perfect time to have a meal together because most, if not all, of your family members are around. Try having a family game or movie night. My family has done both since the social distancing started. It has been nice to spend time with them.

This has been a hard time for everyone, but it is important to make the most of it. Try spending some time outside on nice days instead of staying inside all the time. Take time to call your friends up and see how they are doing. Just because you can’t be with them doesn’t mean that you can’t still talk to them. No one could have predicted this, but it is up to us how we want to live through it.

Stay Healthy Everyone.

All photos are courtesy of Canva.

Tips on Surviving Social Distancing

It is getting harder for people to continue with social distancing. Having to stay away from those who do not live in your home can be difficult, especially since people need to interact with others. I know that I am starting to go a little stir crazy being stuck inside all the time. So the question remains, how can a person survive being away from others for so long? Here are some tips on how to survive social distancing:

Keep in touch with those you aren’t able to see everyday.

With what is happening now, technology is a great tool to have. Most people have a cell phone or access to a laptop, so use it to keep in touch with your friends and family. It may not be the same as being with them, but at least you can still stay in contact with them. This will help with the isolation and loneliness that comes from being away from them.

Go outside at least once a day.

Getting some fresh air can help your mental health. Go for a walk or play a game outside. You could even do your homework outside. Whatever you do, try to get outside as much as possible.

Exercise Daily.

Finding ways to exercise can help your mental health as well. Try finding a routine you can follow and sticking to it. Going for a run, biking, or yoga are some great forms of exercising. Since you can do these outside, you are able to get fresh air and stay fit.

Find a hobby.

If you already have a hobby, great! If not, find something you typically don’t have time for. I love doing arts and crafts. I may not be the best at it, but I find them fun and soothing. Since I have been home I have had more time to do more of what I like.

Help someone in need.

In times like these it is important to remember our EPPIIC Values and who we want to be as a person. If you have an elderly neighbor or someone who is unable to get out for groceries, maybe you can offer some sort of assistance. It is important not to lose sight of who we are during these difficult times.

It is imperative for us to stay close as a community while also adhering to the social distancing rules. Just because we can’t be with our community does not mean we have to give up our humanity. We need to be united now more than ever before.

Stay Healthy Everyone.

Finding the Motivation to Finish Strong

After spring break it is hard to find the motivation to do anything. It is even harder now that all courses have moved online. The semester feels like it will never end and it is hard not feeling drained. It is important, however, to keep working hard towards your goals. Here are some ways in which to stay motivated for the rest of the semester.

Remember what you are working for.

It is safe to say, that if you are in college then you desire to learn and grow into the person you want to be. Remember that in order to learn you need to do the work and show up for the Zoom meetings that your professors may have set up. It may be hard, but it will be worth it in the end.

It’s okay to change your mind.

Sometimes you need to change your goal or the steps to achieving that goal. It is okay to change your mind as long as you don’t give up entirely. I have changed my major multiple times as well as what I want to do after I graduate.

Change your HOW.

Instead of just trying to get your work done, turn your mindset into doing the task right. Instead of waiting till the last minute to do a paper or project start them early. This will help ensure you are doing them right and will cause you less stress.

Remember the feeling.

Keep in mind how it felt to get one step closer to your goal. It always feels good when a project or paper is done. Every assignment and test gets you just a little bit closer to your goal. It will feel even better at the end of this semester.

Find a meaningful quote.

Finding  a quote that means something to you may seem insignificant, but could help in the long run. We all need a little motivation to get us through the tough times.

My favorite motivational quote is:

Play to your strengths.

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. It is important that you play to your strengths instead of letting yourself be discouraged by your weaknesses. If you don’t like online classes because you don’t feel focused enough try to think of your strengths. This could help you find a way past the difficulties you will face.

It has been rough on students, faculty and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. We just have to remember our EPPIIC Values and try to finish this semester strong.