ChrisMedeiros

Cue the creepy Jaws music! Don’t look now, but they’re rapidly approaching…the stressful multiple choices, over-the top response questions, yes they are coming…Finals are near! How will you be prepared when your judgement day comes for you? With finals right around the corner, the clock is ticking to gather up all of your course materials and get your mind right for the obstacles you are about to face. So, how will you be succesful when studying for final examinations? Luckily, I have some free tips and ideas!

Get Study Buddies

You’ve got a tough task ahead of you, but luckily you don’t necessarily have to go through with it alone. Hopefully you’ve been able to connect with some of your classmates throughout the semester, if so round up your gang and put together a huge study session.

Even if you can’t study with your classmates, try to study at the same time as another friend or roomate. Seeing peers do work will help you to stay motivated and keep your mind on task. Plus, it gives you a reason to order food.

Don’t wait until the last minute!

Don’t wait, start now! The worst thing you can possibly do is wait until the night or couple of nights before to begin cramming for your finals. The result will be extreme stress, lack of ability due to sleepiness, and eventually recieving grades you are unsatisfied with. Be organized and be smart. Figure out what has to be studied for each individual exam and then plan time to give each class proper studying-time. If you study for a solid amount each night rather than all at once, the information will be stored in a safe place: your brain.

Repitition is the Father of Learning

Study, study, study! Don’t quickly scan your notes a couple of times and hope that everything will work out for the best. Give yourself a fighting chance and make studying an interactive experience. Make flashcards, have your friends make practice quizzes, and treat your Professor’s study guide like the Bible. Become immersed into your studies rather than simply looking over them and the concepts and information will more naturally come together. The more you review your materials, the better it will stick in your head I promise.

Reward yourself for Hardwork

If you’re anything like me, you need as much motivation as possible in order to complete the things that need to be done. While keeping your mind focused, always have some sort of activity planned for after studying that will be something to look foward to. Planning something as simple as a walk, or a TV marathon will give you the encouragement you need to study. Even if it means just sitting back listening to music, the key is to clear your mind afterwards to let the information soak into your brain.

Good luck to all students who are facing finals in the upcoming weeks! Remember to stay focused, work-hard, and above all reach your maximum potential!


What are some of your favorite studying techniques? How do you deal with the stresses of finals?

{ 0 comments }

Holiday Shopping Savings

Post image for Holiday Shopping Savings

by ChrisMedeiros on December 9, 2011

As children, we would impatiently wait for every year in hopes of getting everything on our wish list, but since we’re old now (well, slightly), we have the duty of buying gifts for our friends and family instead. Broke? Don’t know what to buy anyone? Never fear, I will do my best to lead you toward the best deals on this year’s hottest gift items!

Electronics… cheap?!

The holiday season is always a popular time for electronics and fancy devices. Ipods and mp3 players are usually the norm for perfect present ideas, but how in the world are you suppose to afford technology nowadays? Well, for starters, take a look at some of these item ideas. There are plenty of most-wanted gifts like HD headphones, video games, and e-readers listed at low prices- there are even some under $50. Rather than trying to get the most expensive electronics, settle for one of the intermediate devices your family (and wallet) will love.

Affordable Xbox 360′s?!

One of the most popular items every holiday season are the gaming systems, and and the most popular is easily the Xbox 360. You may find it difficult trying to obtain one of these things at a decent rate, but take a look at some of these offers created especially for students by Microsoft that could help you in saving money on 360 merchandise. Also, if you take another look, your best bet if you’re going to purchase an Xbox 360 would be to buy the entire package with the new Kinect system. A $50 coupon is offered through December 12 which could definitely help out.

iPhones

Always at the top of most people’s wish lists lays the Apple iPhone in all its glory. If your heart is set on getting a loved one a beautiful iPhone for the holidays, it may be doable. Check first to see if you’re eligible for an upgrade on your plan, if so, you can get an iPhone, for as low as $200. Also, if you are looking to find a way to save money on your new phone, try to find an old phone you can trade in to Verizon or perhaps another service provider.

 Something for the Kids

Got a bunch of younger siblings and relatives that need their Christmas trees surrounded with toys this season? Take a look at some of these suggestions that are mostly less than $40! Unfortunately, toys are not as cheap as they used to be in the 90′s, but then again… is anything as cheap as it used to be in the 90′s?

So we all know the holiday season can be stressful when trying to satisfy everyone’s needs, but do the best you can and make your budget work. There are plenty of great deals out there to be had and if you look hard enough you will be able to find a great price on the item you were looking for. Do the best you can, and besides, it is the thought that counts.

 

What are some other great gift ideas? How do you think you will be able to save this holiday season?

{ 0 comments }

So you have your club logo, loyal group members, planned events, but how in the world are you going to pay for all of your group’s needs and aspirations? The solution is through fundraising- andnot just any fundraising:smart and creative fundraising. It’s time to think outside the box, put the classic bake sale on hold, and start earning things the right way.

Get Known at Local Businesses

Take a look around town and you’ll notice that there is a wide variety of stores very close to campus, all of which usually see a steady flow of customers. Use their business to help you. Talk to the owner, and attempt to get a fundraising jar at their counter. If customers see that their loose change can help a local cause (especially one for bright-eyed, young  college students) they will be very happy to do so. Make an appealing donation jar, and let the change stack into bank.

Organize an Event or Performance

The best way to earn money off of your own unique talents is to share them with the masses and make them pay to see it! Get together your most talented group members, and depending on what type of group you have, (ie. musical, performance arts, sports, etc…) set-up a show that people will love seeing. Make the community feel as though they will be left out if they miss the event. Sell tickets to the show, as many as possible, and be sure that you will be profiting from the cost of each ticket.

Have a Raffle

Get an idea of some of the best items that can be used to raffle, and then do everything you can to advertise for the event- including offering them to unsuspecting students. If you are able to get enough support you will most certainly be able to profit from the raffle. Think of prizes college students would most likely go for ( concert tickets, iPods, etc…) and try to allow several chances of winning to ensure maximum participation.

Put DOWN the Store-Bought Cupcake Mix

I know it may seem tempting to join all the other clubs in the RCC with their $1 cupcakes and Pillsbury sugar cookies, but realistically, they just aren’t that profitable. No one (and I mean NO ONE) likes being asked “wanna buy a cupcake?” every other day. Find something students actually want, and give them a reason to donate besides sugary treats. Although you won’t have any leftover unsold cookies to chow down on, your club will see the financial reward of thinking outside the box.

The time has come to stop messing around, put the talk aside and translate it into action! Do everything you can to get your organization up and running and allow it to find success through hard-work. By earning the fundraising you need you will be able to find relief and finally put all you dreams and goals into reality.

What are some other fundraising ideas? Which method do you feel would be most beneficial?

{ 1 comment }