Category Archives: Advice

Advice, Health & Wellness

Safe and Spooky: Halloween Tips for College Students

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Halloween is a beloved time of year for college students, filled with costumes, parties, and plenty of treats. However, amid the fun and festivities, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Remember, at Millersville, we look out for each other; it is part of our culture. Whether you’re planning to attend a themed party or just hang out with friends, here are some essential Halloween safety tips to ensure your celebration at Millersville University is both safe and spooky!

1. Plan Your Costumes Wisely (and Respectfully)

When choosing a costume, consider practicality and safety. Ensure that your outfit is comfortable and allows for easy movement, especially if you’ll be walking around campus or attending parties. Avoid costumes that obstruct your vision or make it difficult to walk, such as oversized accessories or long capes. If you plan to wear a mask, consider opting for one with ample visibility to help you navigate safely.

Additionally, it’s essential to be respectful when selecting your costume. Avoid outfits that appropriate or stereotype cultures, as this can be offensive and disrespectful to others. Instead, consider costumes that celebrate creativity and fun without perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Engage with your friends about their costume choices and encourage an open dialogue about cultural sensitivity. This way, you can enjoy Halloween while fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone on campus. Halloween can be equally EPPIIC and fun!

2. Stay Visible and Safe While Walking

As the days get shorter, visibility becomes a concern, especially if you’re walking after dark. Wear bright colors or reflective accessories to ensure you’re seen by others. Consider carrying a flashlight or using your phone’s flashlight feature when walking between buildings or to off-campus locations. Always stick to well-lit pathways, and don’t hesitate to use MUPD’s Police Escort Service or the SafeWalk option in the LiveSafe app if you feel uneasy about your surroundings. Be sure to have the LiveSafe app on your phone. Students can follow the MU Police Instagram account for Uber vouchers on Halloween.

3. Celebrate Responsibly

Halloween often comes with its share of parties and gatherings, but it’s important to drink responsibly if you choose to consume alcohol. Set a limit for yourself before you start partying and stick to it. Keep track of your drinks, and never leave your beverage unattended. If you’re going out with friends, establish a buddy system to ensure everyone gets home safely. Designate a sober friend to be your driver or use rideshare services if needed.

4. Know Your Limits

Halloween can be a busy night with numerous events happening on campus and in the surrounding areas. While it’s tempting to try to attend every party, listen to your body and know your limits. Make sure to get enough rest, stay hydrated, and take breaks when necessary. It’s better to enjoy a few events fully than to exhaust yourself trying to do it all.

5. Keep Your Living Space Secure

If you’re hosting a Halloween gathering, be mindful of security. Lock your doors and windows, and ensure that any guests you invite are someone you trust. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight and consider using a designated area for coats and bags. After the party, do a quick check to ensure nothing is left behind that might attract unwanted attention.

6. Be Mindful of Your Social Media Presence

In today’s digital age, sharing your Halloween adventures on social media is common. However, be cautious about what you post, especially regarding location tags and personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive details about your whereabouts, particularly if you’re attending parties at unfamiliar locations. Maintain privacy settings on your profiles and be mindful of the content you’re sharing.

7. Have Fun, But Stay Aware

Finally, the most important tip for Halloween is to have fun! Embrace the spirit of the holiday, enjoy the costumes, and indulge in all the treats. However, always stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from the situation.

No one has to do everything, but everyone has to do something. Halloween is a great opportunity to engage in both reactive and proactive “Green Dots” to ensure our campus remains a safe space that does not tolerate violence. A Green Dot is a behavior, choice, or action that promotes safety for everyone. The goal of the Green Dot program is to implement a bystander intervention strategy that prevents and reduces power-based personal violence. This includes sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

What is your Green Dot? Will you choose to Direct, Delegate, or Distract? Make a plan before you go out. Think through some scenarios you might encounter and how you will handle them.

Halloween is a time for celebration, creativity, and community. By following these safety tips, you can ensure that your Halloween at Millersville University is not only enjoyable but also secure. So, put on your best costume, gather your friends, and get ready for a fun and safe Halloween!

A special “Halloween thanks!” to MUPD Chief Anders, Deputy Chief Bauman, and CHEP Director Margo Thowart for contributing to this post! 

Academics, Advice, Lifestyle / Hall Life

How to Stay Focused on Your Goals Mid-Semester at Millersville University

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It is official: we have now reached the halfway point in the semester. Unfortunately, this is when students tend to feel overwhelmed or lose focus. However, staying motivated is key to finishing strong. Below are several strategies to help you stay on track and maintain your momentum through the second half of the semester:

1. Reevaluate and Set New Goals

  • Assess Your Progress: Take time to reflect on the goals you set at the beginning of the semester. What have you accomplished so far, and what needs more attention?
  • Break Down Large Goals: If your original goals seem daunting, break them into smaller, manageable tasks. Achieving these smaller milestones will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue.
  • Set SMART Goals: Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). This ensures clarity and provides a clear roadmap to success.

2. Create or Refresh Your Study Plan

  • Time Block Your Schedule: Organize your remaining weeks by assigning dedicated time for studying, assignments, and personal activities. Sticking to a schedule helps reduce procrastination.
  • Prioritize Tasks by Deadline and Importance: Focus first on upcoming deadlines or major projects, but also make sure to carve out time for ongoing study and review sessions.
  • Use a Planner or Digital Tools: Apps like Google Calendar, Trello, or Notion can help you track your progress and maintain accountability. Regularly check your planner and adjust it as needed to stay organized.

3. Utilize University Housing Resources

  • Access Study Spaces: Take advantage of quiet areas or common study rooms in the residence halls’ common areas. A change of scenery from your room can boost productivity.
  • Attend Stress-Relief Activities: Mid-semester stress is common, and MU offers offers many wellness programs and other events designed to help students unwind. Balance between study and relaxation is essential for maintaining motivation.

4. Build a Support System

  • Form Study Partnerships: Reach out to roommates or classmates to form study groups. Discussing material with others can improve understanding and keep you engaged.
  • Stay Connected with Mentors or Advisors: If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, schedule a check-in with a professor, academic advisor, or your resident assistant (RA). They can offer guidance, help refocus your efforts, and provide useful resources.
  • Communicate with Roommates: Set clear boundaries with roommates when it comes to study time, and try to minimize distractions in shared living spaces.

5. Practice Self-Care

  • Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition: A well-rested and nourished body is more focused and productive. Avoid all-night cramming sessions by planning study blocks that allow for adequate sleep.
  • Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress and reset your mind. Use on-campus facilities or get outdoors for a quick walk or workout.
  • Incorporate Breaks: Use the Pomodoro Technique (work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break) to keep yourself refreshed and prevent burnout.

6. Focus on the Big Picture

  • Visualize Success: Remind yourself of the long-term benefits of your hard work, such as passing your exams, achieving high grades, or preparing for future career opportunities.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Reward yourself for completing tasks, whether it’s a small treat, taking time for a favorite hobby, or enjoying a night off after a productive day.

7. Stay Positive and Flexible

  • Accept Setbacks: It’s normal to face challenges, but don’t let them derail your progress. Adjust your goals or plans as needed without losing sight of the end goal.
  • Practice a Growth Mindset: Embrace the idea that challenges are opportunities to learn and grow, rather than obstacles to success. A positive attitude will keep you motivated during tough times.
You can finish all of your classes strong! You’ve already put in so much effort. With just a bit more focus and determination, you can end this semester on a high note. The second half of the semester is your opportunity to build on your progress, improve where needed, and achieve the goals you set out to accomplish. Keep up the good work, stay focused, and remember that every step forward brings you closer to success. You’ve got this!
Advice, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle / Hall Life

6 Tips for Enhancing Your Mental Health

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Mental health is something that is brought to students’ attention. Realizing that you need to take a break, relax, and do more of what makes you happy and more relaxed is important. Here is a list of things that can help you focus more on your mental health. 

Plant a garden:
Planting flowers or fruits and vegetables at home is a great way to dive into the spring vibes. Flowers are always very colorful and can bring life to your yard or your room. If you go home, you could spend time with friends and family planting flowers. 

Read books:
Finding good books to read, laying outside, and relaxing is something that is so easy, but yet overlooked too often. You could also swap books with friends. For example, each person buys a book and then, after reading, they swap it so they can enjoy the same book. 

Go to your closest coffee shop:
Finding a coffee shop that is close to you that you can visit is a convenient way to destress. Simply reading, spending time with friends, or just grabbing coffee by yourself is something that is very therapeutic and simple. The environment in coffee shops is something that many college students enjoy. 

Watch movies:
Going on streaming platforms, like Netflix or Hulu for example, can be a great inexpensive night with friends and family. You can find a lot of new movies that were recently released, such as, comedies, romance, horror, documentaries, and other genres. 

Exercising:
Going to your local gym or even taking a walk outside of your neighborhood is a healthy way to get your mind off of stress. For example, walking a dog, stretching beforehand, listening to music, and putting your phone on “do not disturb” are great ways to establish an exercise routine. 

Puzzles:
Assembling jigsaw puzzles is really beneficial for your brain and lets you relax in peace and quiet. This activity also lets you put down your phone for awhile. It is easy to find inexpensive puzzles at Walmart, Target and Amazon. Also, you can give a puzzle to a friend once you have completed it. 

Once again,  do not forget to take breaks during the remainder of the semester. This is a great way to focus on your mental health and overall wellness. What is something you do to relax and enhance your own mental health? Please leave a comment below or reply to our accompanying Instagram post!

Advice, Events / Programs, Resources

Networking In College

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As we approach the end of the semester, topics such as networking start to cross our mind. Whether we are seniors preparing for the real world or freshmen bunkering down for the next few years, this topic can still be just as important to us both. Networking is a crucial part of a college student’s career development. So, here are some tips on how to network effectively as a college student.

Attend career fairs: Most colleges organize career fairs where you can meet with employers from various industries. Attend these events to learn about career opportunities and to connect with potential employers. Millersville has a career and internship fair each semester that is extremely helpful for connecting with potential employers.

Join student organizations: Joining student organizations related to your field of interest can help you meet other students who share your passion and can also provide opportunities for networking with alumni and industry professionals. It may not seem like the obvious answer, but sometimes the fun you have outside the classroom can also assist in helping you network.

Connect with alumni: Your college’s alumni network can be an excellent resource for networking. Reach out to alumni who are working in your desired field and ask for advice or mentorship. It is especially helpful if these alumni are working at your desired destination for employment.

Utilize social media: LinkedIn is a valuable tool for networking, as it allows you to connect with professionals in your field and join industry groups. Follow leaders and companies in your field on Twitter and other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on industry news and trends.

Attend workshops and events: Attend workshops and events related to your field to expand your knowledge and network with professionals in your industry. Some universities and clubs on campus offer these, or just research events close to where you live.

Informational interviews: Reach out to professionals in your desired field and ask for an informational interview. This can be a valuable opportunity to learn about their career path and gain advice on how to break into the industry. It is also great practice for the interview process that you will experience when searching for a job.

Remember that networking is about building relationships, so focus on building genuine connections with the people you meet. Keep in touch with your contacts and follow up with them periodically to maintain the relationship. Networking reflects the effort you put into it. Happy Spring! Only one month to go Marauders.

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Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

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Advice, Health & Wellness

Overcoming Distractions: Tips for Staying Productive at Home

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Working from home, or even taking classes online, has become the new norm since 2020. While many of us have adapted to this vast change, there still is a lot to learn about overcoming distractions and staying productive at home. Keep reading for my tips and tricks on how to stay motivated while working from home.

Create a designated workspace: Set up a dedicated workspace that is comfortable and free from distractions. This will help you maintain focus and productivity. While it can be tempting to convert your bed to a desk during the work day, this is a prime example of how a nap could sneak its way into a meeting.

Stick to a routine: Try to maintain a regular schedule, including regular working hours, breaks, and mealtimes. This will help you stay on track and avoid burnout. It is easy to take the leniency of being at home all day as opportunity to complete tasks at different times each day. Stick to a schedule though, and I promise your productivity will not falter.

Dress for success: While you do not need to dress as formally as you would for an office job, it can help to get dressed and groomed each day to signal to yourself that it is time to work. Staying in your pajamas is tempting, but to your mind you are not in work mode until you are changed and groomed.

Minimize distractions: Turn off your phone notifications, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and let family members know when you are working so they don’t interrupt you. Without the watchful eye of leaders around, it can be tempting to take a quick TV break, but this makes it that much harder to get back on track with your work day.

Take breaks: It is important to take regular breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and maintain focus. Get up and stretch, take a walk outside, or do some other form of physical activity to help refresh your mind. When you would normally take a bathroom break or converse with a coworker at the office, now take that time to be with yourself, away from work.

Communicate with your team: Make sure you stay in touch with your colleagues through email, chat, or video conferencing tools. This will help you stay connected and feel less isolated. This will also hold you accountable for completing tasks throughout the day.

Set boundaries: It can be easy to blur the line between work and personal time when you’re working from home. Set clear boundaries around when you are working and when you are off the clock to help maintain a healthy work-life balance. It is also acceptable to voice these boundaries to those you live with and those you work with.

Practice self-care: Working from home can be isolating, so it is important to take care of your mental health. Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax, such as reading, listening to music, or taking a bath. I would especially recommend planning time to get out of your house, so you are not confined to the same four walls for days on end.

Working from home, or taking classes online, is not for everyone. It is important to acknowledge that. While these tips and tricks should help with keeping distractions at bay while working from home, there is no guarantee this is the lifestyle for you. Always take that into account and advocate for yourself and your personal needs.

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Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

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Advice

Email Etiquette 101: Best Practices for Writing Professional Emails

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Emails are often your first opportunity at an effective first impression. Whether it is an advisor or a potential supervisor, it is always important to set an appropriate example of yourself through your emails. Continue reading to get my tips and tricks on how to write a professional email.

Start with a clear subject line: Your subject line should be concise and accurately convey the content of the email. Often, the subject line is neglected in emails. By creating a subject line, you are clearly deciphering what your email is about to the recipient.

Address the recipient properly: Use a formal greeting, such as “Dear [Name]” or “Hello [Title and Name].” Besides your subject line, this is the first thing your recipient is reading. Addressing them correctly and professionally will ensure you present yourself as a respectable person.

Keep it brief and to the point: Professional emails should be concise and focused. Get to the point quickly, and avoid rambling or including irrelevant details. Often, professional advisors and supervisors have countless emails in their inbox from day to day. The last thing they want to do is waste time on reading your email with unneeded information in it.

Use proper grammar and spelling: Double-check your email for any grammatical errors or misspelled words. This will help you come across as more professional and competent. There is nothing more discouraging then emailing with someone who clearly did not proofread their writing.

Be courteous and respectful: Always be polite and respectful when writing professional emails. This includes using appropriate language, avoiding slang or informal expressions, and using a professional tone.

Provide context and clarity: Make sure to provide enough context so the recipient can understand the purpose of the email. Use clear and concise language, and avoid using jargon or technical terms that the recipient may not be familiar with. It is important to get your point across with the correct context without needing to reply on multiple emails.

Use a clear call to action: If you need the recipient to take action, make sure to clearly communicate what you need from them and when you need it by. Again, many supervisors and advisors are responding to countless emails in a day. Clearly requesting what you need from the recipient is extremely important.

Sign off appropriately: Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” and include your name and contact information. This will ensure your recipient knows exactly who they are communicating with and how to reach you outside of your email.

Proofread before sending: Always proofread your email before hitting send. This will help you catch any mistakes or errors and ensure that your email is professional and effective. From grammar to dates, you want to make sure every detail of your email is specific and correct.

Remember, the way you communicate in professional emails can have a large impact on your reputation and your success in your career. By following these tips, you can ensure that your emails are professional, effective, and help you achieve your goals.

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Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

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Academics, Advice, Lists

10 Motivational Quotes To Get You Through the Rest Of the Semester

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It is that time of the semester again, where the post Spring Break blues kick in. While the end of the semester seems so close, impending assignment due dates and school obligations are all but giving us comfort. As a senior, trust me, I get it. So, here are 10 quotes to help get you through the rest of the semester.

  1. “Education is not the learning of many facts, but the training of the mind to think.” – Albert Einstein
  2. “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” – Winston Churchill
  3. “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan
  4. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
  5. “A little progress each day adds up to big results.” – Satya Nani
  6. “It never gets easier. You just get better.” – Jordan Hoechlin
  7. “Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln
  8. “Just remember, you can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
  9. “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” – Steve Martin
  10. “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day-in and day-out.” – Robert Collier

While these quotes will not complete your assignments for you, I hope they tell you what you have been needing to hear. We are a short five weeks away from the end of the semester. Keep going Marauders.

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Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

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Advice, Lifestyle / Hall Life, Student Life

From Residence Hall to Home

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College. Your home away from home. There is nothing more important than your space. It is the place you begin and end your day with. And even if you wish to ignore it, your space has countless effects on your frame of mind. So, let us discuss some easy tactics for making your residence hall and college experience one to look back on and smile about.  

Utilize something that reminds you of home. Whether that is a small keepsake that a parent gave to you or a framed picture of you and friends, having reminders of home serve as nice decorative touches for your room. Have something that you will look at and be immediately reminded of your home, however that is defined for you. Home is often a mindset rather than just a physical space.  

Curtains for your closet. Install some curtains to act as a door to your closet. This will prevent your closet contents from being visible to everyone that enters your suite. To install this easy fix, I recommend purchasing an adjustable curtain rod with stoppers on the ends, to best fit your closets size. Do not forget to measure your closet when purchasing a curtain, as well. Then, just put the curtain on the rod and adjust the rod to the desired length to secure it as a make shift door on your closet. Somewhere such as Amazon is the perfect place to find these items at an inexpensive price. And if this explanation is not suitable for you, YouTube is a great resource for researching this hack.

Always remember the word “comfort”. At the end of the day your residence hall room is your space. You sleep, do homework, have friends over, relax, and even eat there sometimes. Remember that your suite is multifunctional. So when you are shopping for items to fill your space with, do not forget while the residence hall is your bedroom, it is also your living room, study space, and kitchen. 

Go for interchangeable and inexpensive décor. College is a time of immense change. Throughout the several years you spend here, I would be willing to bet your style will alter. So, instead of spending an unnecessary amount of money on décor, lower the budget a bit and buy interchangeable items.  

Acknowledge that home is not always a physical space. While aesthetic décor, plants, and framed pictures are great, it is also important to realize that home is so much more than the space you spend your days in. It is a feeling, the people you surround yourself with, and the memories you make in that space. While a residence hall room can be so different from what you are used to, it can be just as sweet of an experience with the right mindset and people to fill the space.  

College is a time to truly grow into yourself and the person that you are away from the people that have shaped you for most of your life. While it is great to remind yourself of where you came from, do not forget to make your own memories and definition of home. 

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Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

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Advice, Events / Programs, Lifestyle / Hall Life, Resources, Student Life

The Dos and Don’ts of Getting Involved In College

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One of the most important details of your development as a person while in college, yet one of the most overlooked, is getting involved. For most of us, college is the first extended period we have spent away from home. And while that thought may not invoke intense fear for you, it is still important to recognize this large shift in routine. You may feel right at home at college, or like you have it all figured out from the start, but getting involved on campus can only benefit you in the long run for countless reasons. So, let us discuss the dos and don’ts of getting involved in college.  

To start, use your resources. There is no need for “do’s and don’ts” if you do not even know what your college campus has to offer for clubs and activities. Millersville University makes it simple. Visit https://getinvolved.millersville.edu/ for all your organization, event, and involvement needs. The site is broken down into sections and makes it incredibly simple to sift through clubs and organizations that you may be interested in.  

Begin with the obvious. I have danced my whole life, so the first organizations that I sought out when I arrived on campus were Millersville’s Dance Team and Expressions Dance. It made complete sense, and as a senior, I am happy to say I have spent four amazing years with Expressions Dance and owe it to that club for introducing me to my lifeline friends. Then, go with the not so obvious. Just because you have a club you are set in does not mean that there are not others that are a great match for you as well. For me, that was Her Campus, an organization all about college women using their voices in an online magazine and blog site.  I joined because a dance friend recommended it, went to an info session, and fell in love with their message as a club. I have now been writing for Her Campus for over a year, allowing myself to speak my mind while also gaining blogging experience.  

Differentiate between organizations that are beneficial to your career or are just extracurriculars. Balancing between both is so important; you cannot have fun without the work. So, I recommend joining a club because it is something that you love and then also because it will give you experience. Brownie points if you can find a club that does both. Dance is fun for me, but I have no intention of going into the performance industry. I do however plan to go into the marketing world post-graduation, so, Her Campus has been extremely helpful in this sense with giving me real life blogging opportunities.  

Recognize when you need to step up. No matter if an organization is fun or all business, stepping up into a leadership role is always a great experience. Not only is it a great resume booster, but it is also an amazing opportunity to work with other students and faculty in a more professional sense. I have been lucky enough to be a teacher for Expressions Dance and serve on their board throughout my junior and senior years. This specific experience has taught me immense patience, accountability, and respect for my peers that I work with. As for Her Campus, I have had the pleasure of running their social media pages for the past school year. This has given me so much experience in the marketing aspect, which I have spent the past four years studying and hope to continue with my career.  

While joining an organization can be exciting, it is also important to recognize when it might not be the right fit. This could be due to scheduling conflicts, the amount of time involved, or not what you thought it was going to be, so it is alright to turn down a club. While college schedules are frequently flexible, you do still have a life. From alone time, to homework, and social events, you do not want to take away from these equally important things just because you want to join a club. Burnout is real and while your first year on campus may be jam packed and you made it through just fine, remember you still have at least seven semesters to go. And they only get busier. So be picky with your clubs and only join those few that you know you are either getting important experience from or extreme happiness.  

Despite the immense information just given, it is important to remember that clubs are supposed to be the stress relievers of college. I go to dance, and I forget about that massive project I have due next week and additional stressors that I have. While we are all here for an education, we are also all here for enriching experiences, and those experiences will not just come with sitting in a classroom. Get out of your residence hall, make new friends, and join an organization that you will miss come graduation.  

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Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.   

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Academics, Advice, Student Life

Setting Yourself Up For Success

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Setting yourself up for success is easier said than done. The importance of preparing yourself to be successful is tremendous, so your semester runs as smoothly as possible. So, before you become too overwhelmed and way too busy to even consider this advice, here are a few tips and tricks to get you through this spring whether you are graduating senior or new student at the ‘Ville: 

Figure out a schedule: Whether that is early mornings or late nights, it does not matter. Just whatever works best for you and your class/work schedule. Even if this differs from day to day, that is not important. As long as time is being scheduled for homework, employment, classes, and whatever else is important to you and your daily routine, that is all that matters. This leaves no time for debate in your mind when you are going complete an assignment or squeeze the gym into your day.  

Consistency is key: You have heard it a million times before and here it is again. Now that you have a schedule in place for the semester, keep up with it. Everyone has their days. It is ok to take a random Tuesday to yourself just because you need it. But excuses will not earn you a college degree. If you stay consistent with your schedule, I promise you will be more successful in life. 

Get out: Whether that is out of your room, building, or campus, just get out. It is nice to have a change of scenery and some flavor in your routine. If you are in a rut or are having trouble staying consistent, this may be just what you need to get motivated. Try the library or a building that you have never had classes in before. Campus is way bigger than it may seem. If you have a car, venture into Lancaster. There are so many hidden gems, such as coffee shops, perfect for a study day.  

Use your resources: We pay a lot of money for the college experience and to earn a degree. Many useful places on campus fly under our radar because we simply never venture out of our residence hall rooms or out of our academic major’s building. Go to the library and visit every floor. Go to a building that you never have classes in and explore every nook and cranny to find something new. You might just find your new favorite study spot or even a campus service you did not know existed. 

Have fun: We are obviously all here for an education, but we are also here to make memories. Do not forget that. It is easy to get wrapped up in academics, work, and priorities at this stage in life. Suddenly, your first week at college turns into your first week of your last semester, and that is one of the scariest realizations. As proud as I am, personally, for getting myself through almost four years of college, I am most proud of the memories I have made. It is the friends, late nights, laughs, and happiness I have experienced I smile back on when reminiscing about my time here at Millersville University. If there is one thing you take from this entire post, let it be that!

Good luck to everyone this spring semester! May we receive more sunshine and warmth in these next few weeks. And to my fellow graduating seniors, enjoy this time we will never get back. It is bittersweet for sure, but so much success lies ahead!

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Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

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