Where are the best places to travel during spring break?

Tired of school? Excited for spring break? Our sQoolink mentor, Nick Sohn from the University of Southern California, talks about popular destinations to visit for spring break. With so many options, it is hard to decide the ideal place to visit. Do not worry. Spring break is what you make of it. Make sure you relax, sit back, and enjoy the week!

---

Spring break is a time for relaxation and enjoyment. After endless nights studying and grinding through papers, every student sure deserves a break. The big question is where should I go? While there are several conventional and popular destinations, there are multiple factors into play: price, environment, culture, and intention. With that let’s hope everyone gets the relaxing break they need!

Depending on where you study, there are different hotspots for spring break. If you are studying in the UK, Amsterdam and France tend to be popular destinations. In the US, Cancun and Cabo are common places. These places are attractive for their nightlife and college vibe. It may also be cheaper due to proximity. However, if this isn’t just what you are looking for, do not worry. There is much to do and explore outside of these hotspots.

If you are looking for a cultural experience, perhaps look into places outside of popular destinations. Maybe organize a backpacking trip in Peru or visit Northern Canada. Immersing yourself in culture is a great way to both learn and relax. If you are still new to the culture of the US or wherever you study, organize a trip within the country. San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles are just some of many cities with rich history and culture. Explore your interests and explore the country!

Spring break is what you make of it. If you don’t feel the need to travel, don’t. Chances are you haven’t fully explored your own city. Take the week to unwind from the stress of school or catch up on school. Hope this helps!

---

Follow our Facebook to continue reading more about Nick’s tips and experiences.

Advertisement

Q and A of the Week: What student clubs or organizations should I join?

New students have a difficult time choosing a club or organization to join. Do not worry. Our sQoolink mentor, Nick Sohn, from the University of Southern California, shares some insight regarding clubs. At the end of the day, clubs and organizations are opportunities to explore interests and passion. It is what you make of it!

---

It’s difficult to decide between the endless list of clubs and organizations. You may seek a consulting club and come across tens of them. So what should you join? Although this is not an easy answer, do not worry. All clubs and organizations help students explore different interests and develop passions.

Are you a compassionate individual or desire to develop a sense of community? Service clubs are an amazing opportunity to help both the community and yourself. Helping others is a great feeling that is unmatched by any material attainment. That said, it is also shaping the environment around you and enabling social mobility. On the plus, it looks great on your resume. Service varies from club to club. There are hands on clubs that focus on directly working with the community and there are clubs that focus primarily on fundraising. Pick and choose based on your interests but don’t feel the need to limit yourself.

Consulting and investment clubs are a great gateway to understanding the financial world. They offer real life applications to banking. While this may not be exactly like the world of consulting and investment banking, they offer a small but sizeable taste of just that. There are various consulting and investment clubs with different specialties. For example, some consulting clubs focus primarily on service or tech while others focus on finance. Again, choose accordingly without hesitation!

I hope you get a fuller understanding of different clubs and organizations that may fulfill your college experience. Keep in mind that whichever club you join, the experience is what you make of it!

---

Follow our Facebook to continue reading more about Nick’s tips and experiences.

Interesting Experiences of a Criminal Justice Student

Interested in criminal justice? Our sQoolink mentor, Stephanie Singh, a former student from Remington College, shares her most interesting experiences as a criminal justice student. As a criminal justice student, Stephanie reenacted various scenarios with her professor and classmates to gain first hand experience. From this, the writer believes that acting out the scenario as opposed to learning from a textbook has made her experiences far more memorable.

---

Everyone has different experiences in school. These experiences has the potential to make or break one’s academic life. For my Associates Degree I went to a liberal arts school called Remington College in Tampa Florida. It had been many years since I had been to school so that in itself caused my nervousness. I quickly realized that this is not what I expected. There were so many interesting experiences that were gained from this school.

I was in the Criminal Justice program and the faculty did more than just lecture. They had all the students get involved in scenarios. The goal was for the students to understand first-hand what law enforcement and security personnel had to go through on a daily basis. For example, there was one scenario where we reenacted traffic stops. It was what not to do versus what should be done type of situation. There were and have been a lot of police officers that were being killed in traffic stops. The idea was to show the students how a typical traffic stop is done.

There would be a car that was provided and we would alternate between being the officer and the perpetrator. They taught us how to approach a vehicle for a routine traffic stop. There was always the possibility that there would be hostile occupants and erring on the side of caution could mean the difference between life and death.

Another scenario that we learned was separating witnesses or victim/culprit and keeping spectators out of the crime scene that was being processed. Accomplishing this proved a lot more difficult than one would think. Perception is everything and witnesses’ interpretation proves this. It is very interesting that two people could observe the same situation and have differing views on the perpetrator or what happened.

In domestic violence cases as with any other type of crime the victims may choose to not press charges against their assailant. We learned that sometimes an officer would be called about a domestic disturbance and the victim would become hostile towards the officer, insisting that it was all a misunderstanding. This could prove to be a dangerous situation. Officers never know what they will be walking into and for this reason, we were taught that being vigilant of surroundings was the most important thing when responding to any type of situation.

As with most higher learning institutions there are guest speakers. Typically guest speakers explain what their job entails and the class asks questions. However, what if part of your grade was based on how well you interview in front of a panel of the different branches of law enforcement officers. Pretty much some of the guest speakers with a few new ones thrown in. The interview process is difficult and nerve wracking in itself and to throw in FBI, ATF and police officers into the mix made it a lot more interesting and nail biting.

The concept of this interviewing process was for the students who had plans to join the police academy or the varied other law enforcement divisions. The faculty views were if you could interview well in front of all these officers then you could master an interview in a “regular” workplace.

In conclusion, these interesting experiences influence and can sometimes change an individual’s views on academia. Not every student will learn through lectures and tests. These hands on scenarios will make the learning experience fun and will also provide a simulated version of what the world of law enforcement entails.

From personal experience I can honestly say that it definitely changed my views. It’s more than just getting pulled over or having your tags ran. It was about trying to restrain hostile victims or assailants, maybe ensure that their crime scenes weren’t contaminated by overzealous spectators. There are a lot of horrors and heartbreak that officers deal with daily, they have to go to each scene with a “fresh slate”. Most importantly, they’re trying to their duty to the best of their abilities and make it home to their families.

---

Follow our Facebook to continue reading more about Stephanie’s tips and experiences.

Tips for an Awesome Resum

Your resume may be what makes it or breaks it for interviews. The single sheet of paper can seem intimidating but do not worry. Our sQoolink mentor, Devan Herron from East Carolina University, shares some awesome tips for your resume. Keep in mind, your credentials matter the most but a cleaner resume can provide the edge you need!

---

As a college student, creating a resume is an important task! You will need one to apply for jobs, internship and sometimes scholarship opportunities. In a single page, a resume can share a lot of important skills and background about who you are as a professional. You will want to make sure that you include what makes you stand out from a large pile of candidates.

Format

There are endless ways in which you can present your resume to the world! However, you must make sure that its appropriate for the position you’re applying for. A graphic designer can use an artistic and infographics, while someone wishing to land a business based internship might want to go with more of a classic format.

Numbers Matter

While reviewing your resume, employers like to see numbers in your job descriptions and skills! Add information like the average number of customers you would assist in a week, or the number of words you can type per minute. This provides more specific examples of your work experience and capabilities.

Updates

Keeping a relevant resume is important, even if you already have a secure job. Once you’re ready to make a job change or move up in the company, you won’t have to think too hard about what you’ve done in the past few years. When you complete a new certification or log volunteer hours, add it to your ever-growing resume!

Grammar Check

Remember that another pair of eyes is valuable! Before you send your resume off to the printer, ask a friend or professor to review it. We all make mistakes, and it’s much better for a colleague to point it out before a potential employer does. Grammar isn’t the only concern! Let your peers also give you criticism! They might have some suggestions that will help make your good resume into an excellent one.

---

Follow our Facebook to continue reading more about Devan’s tips and experiences.

Choosing a Career

Deciding a job isn’t too far into the future. College is a large stepping stone for our career. With that, we should choose something we have a passion for. Our sQoolink mentor, Gosbert Stanslaus, shares his insight on job prospects and overall happiness. Happiness and passion go hand in hand. After reading Gosbert’s tips, hopefully you’ll arrive at an informed decision!

---

“People don’t need a job, they need happiness.”

A career doesn’t mean a job, my dear. It is a picture of what you desire to be in your life. A career is not a salary you receive but a talent you born with. Something you like, you love. If you’re in a job in which you’re talented, you will automatically love it. You will be happy to be in such a job. Please don’t be a mob or salary oriented; find the job which commensurate with your career.

My fellow students and scholars be like a child as they stay happier with what they feel to do and that is what we call a career. Life is happiness. Seek for a job that reflect your career; be what you desire to be in your life. Don’t be forced with job opportunity because you will never be happy in your life.

Be like Ronaldinho in your career. Live and Love your career. Click here

https://youtu.be/WF8o48JPy_4

Don’t do the job that will make you horrible and unhappy. Look on https://youtu.be/IDN7Q-QyMqU

Find the job that will make you happy

---

Follow our Facebook to continue reading more about Gosbert’s tips and experiences.

Q and A of the Week: Where is the best café to study?

Having a hard time choosing a cafe to study? Cafes are a great place to do both work and enjoy a nice coffee but there are too many options. Our sQoolink mentor, Nick Sohn from the University of Southern California, helps you decide where to pick. With various factors ranging from price to taste, Nick can offer some direction in your “ideal coffee house”. Do not worry. With an endless list of cafes on yelp, you are bound to come across multiple ones that you’d like.

---

Are you sick and tired of the library? Would you like a place to relax and sip on a cup of coffee? A café can offer just that. While cafés may seem like the obvious choice to visit, it is difficult to pick and choose which one. There are multiple variables in deciding: price, aesthetic, location, and overall vibe. Do not fret, yelp is your friend. Apps such as yelps or forums such as Reddit can offer some great spots near campus.

With long communal tables and bright lights, some cafés are designed to be more social. Some are more dimly lit and individual for greater focus. Some are simply for convenience and a quick coffee run. Pick and choose based on your preference!

Location and price are both considerable factors. If you are on a time constraint, perhaps some place near campus can help save both time and money. The great thing about cafés near campus is the comfort of going whenever. You begin to set a steady and comfortable spot within the café of choice. But be weary of the price. Choose places that matches your budget and frequency. Cafés may be great place to do work but if it costs you $8 dollars a cup to do some work, you should reconsider your options. Don’t let it drain your wallet. Find a café that is optimal in both taste and price.

From personal experience, I have spent many months searching for “the perfect café”. I have yet to find one. However, I have come across some great, beautiful, and cheap places. In Los Angeles, Haeyri Café is an amazing spot to grab a quick bite, have a coffee, and continue your work. The proximity to my campus is optimal. Located in Koreatown, Haeyri is just an 8-minute drive. That is not to say there aren’t cafés closer to campus that serve the same purpose. For example, in the near USC Village, I make the occasional 5-minute trek to Café Dulce. It’s a matter of picking and choosing based on preference and current mood.

Hope you get a fuller understanding of finding the best cafés to pick near your campus!

---

Follow our Facebook to continue reading more about Nick’s tips and experiences.

Academic Start and Success

College academics can be a huge jump from High School. The difficulty and volume increases substantially. However, don’t be afraid. Our sQoolink mentor, Stephanie Singh, offers some personal insight on dealing with new academic settings. With that, we are hopeful students will be prepared for college life and workload. Stay motivated and stay confident!

---

I chose to write on academics. I remember the first day of school, I was getting my Associate’s and I was nervous and late. It had been years since I was in school and I had never been to school here in the States. Not every student learns the same way, some learn by reading the textbooks and others need a more hands on approach. For this reason we did scenarios along with our assignments and exams. The scenarios turned out to be a lot more fun than I initially thought it would be. In the beginning it felt like we were running around playing cops and robbers. I understood after that these scenarios were instrumental to learning not only for me but, for the students who were struggling with the written and reading portion of the class.

The scenarios assisted us with not only being able to master certain areas of the Criminal Justice system it also put that student/s in the spotlight. The instructors had a way of zeroing on the students that were shy and they were continually called on to perform these scenarios. My issue then was having to stand in the front of the class for scenarios and even answering questions. Not that I didn’t know the material or what was to be done, I had a public speaking fear. There were one Criminal Justice class where we had to stand in front of the class and recite all 27 amendments. I was determined to learn them all because I didn’t want to stand there looking clueless. Not that I remember any of the amendments now but, if we missed one amendment then, we would have to revise it and be called back up.

Honestly all of this speaking in front of the class did not help in the actual public speaking class, well for me at least I was still nervous as could be. It could be because there were other students besides the ones that we were used to in our homeroom classes. I remember one day our class was joined with students from the newer class and we were given specific topics. The class was split up into pro and con of whatever Criminal Justice topic we were studying at the time. The idea was to show the new students what was expected from them and also how the graduating class would handle scenarios and public speaking.

I was one of the “lucky” ones that was on the team that was against whatever the topic was. I was able to come up with some very good arguments as to why I do not support the topic. However, we were surprised to learn that the newer class would be questioning our speech. Some felt strongly about the topic and was a more than a little upset by my speech. Granted, I wasn’t against the topic but it was the assignment that we were given. The instructor sat back and was observing the way in which we would handle the questions that we were fielding.

Yes the graduating class was able to handle the topic like a pro but, there was a residual hostility within the class. The instructors were with us for the two years that we were in the school and they knew what we could handle. They knew who were passing and these were the students that were given a little more leeway. Every student will perform to the best of their ability if they were to apply themselves. This is why the instructors had to come up with different ways to not only make the learning process fun but, to help all the students succeed.

---

Follow our Facebook to continue reading more about Stephanie’s tips and experiences.

Moving Forward While Changing Directions: Jobs and Education (Part 2)

With the summer beginning and preparation for college, it is easy to get nervous. Deciding on a major is no easy task. Do you stick to it? Do you change it? Our sQoolink mentor, Peter Frederic Lordan a former student at Stanford University, shines light on tips and goals to keep in mind while moving forward. Hopefully his guidance will lead to wholesome and fuller understanding! Comment below what was your most interesting finding in the post.

---

Among the many things you should take away from this article, here are just a few to keep in mind:

1. Know your strengths, but prioritize your weaknesses
2. Study the “battlefield” and “know your enemy”; meaning, that you should always be studying the changing environment and the forces working for and against you
3. “Be black and white, but live in the grey”; meaning, that you should know how to apply both rock-solid and flexible thinking at the same time
4. Understand how you want to “operationalize” your education; take your hopes, ambition, emotions, desires, etc. and translate them into concrete steps that you can spread out and complete systematically to achieve your goals
5. Use data and information as a guide, but never categorize yourself too much
6. Life never moves in straight lines, and nothing ever goes to plan.

In conclusion, here are a few words of wisdom may help:

“Life is what happens while you’re making other plans.” – John Lennon

“In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

“What may seem at first to be an impossibly long journey, can easily be overcome in smaller parts. For a person to drive from Boston to Los Angeles, they need only have their headlights illuminate the road immediately in front of them; the rest will happen as long as you just keep driving.” -Unknown

---

Follow our Facebook to continue reading more about Peter’s tips and experiences.

Moving Forward While Changing Directions: Jobs and Education (Part 1)

*Peter pictured with Professor Noam Chomsky, a notable linguist and philosopher.

With the summer beginning and preparing for college to begin, it is easy to get nervous. Deciding on a major is no easy task. Do you stick to it? Do you change it? Our sQoolink mentor, Peter Frederic Lordan a former student at Stanford University, shines light on tips and goals to keep in mind while moving forward. Hopefully his guidance will lead to wholesome and fuller understanding! Comment below what was your most interesting finding in the post.

---

One of the most difficult things for people to do in life is stay consistent, especially when life still demands that we make big changes when we need to. Changing your major, class schedule, extra-curricular activities, internships, advisors, etc. are all enormous adjustments that, while potentially very stressful, are nonetheless unavoidable. Despite the pressure and concerns you may have, rest assured that changing directions never needs to interfere with your progress. I have to warn you in advance, I’m going to be throwing some numbers at you that may seem discouraging (or even scary) at first, but bear in mind that they are meant to work for you, not against you.

A U.S. Census Bureau report from 2010 found that less than 28% of college graduates ended up in careers that matched their majors from school. And according to the U.S. Department of Labor statistics from January of 2016, the average person today changes jobs ten to fifteen times in their life, and the average time spent at these jobs is less than five years (bearing in mind, that international students studying in the U.S. and students who work and live abroad are not being taken into account in this data). However, according to data compiled by a number of government organizations in 2017 (presented by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES)), the overall employment rate was significantly higher for both men and women, ages 25-34, with higher levels of education than those without.

So whether use your degree directly or not, you are still far more likely to secure employment regardless of other decisions. More specifically, the employment numbers for young adults with bachelors degrees were approx. 86% (males 90%, female 83%), those with some college were approx.80% (males 85%, females 75%), those who only completed high school were approx. 72% (males 80%, females 61%), and those who had not completed high school were approx. 57% (males 70%, 42%).

Now, while men were still more likely than women to be employed in each of these age categories, other studies are very encouraging. A 2016 publication from the Pew Research Center shows that women were earning 83 cents for every dollar that men earned, which is a significant increase from 64 cents per dollar during 1980. This gap was even smaller in the 25-34 age range, showing 90 cents per dollar. Women are also overtaking men in both college and graduate-level education from 2017 data. Within the 25-64 age range, women are more likely to have four-year college degrees, with women at 38% and men at 33%. This trend is similar with advanced degrees as well, with women at 14% and men at 12%.

---

Follow our Facebook to continue reading more about Peter’s tips and experiences.

Is Studying in America Dangerous?

Are you concerned about the dangers in America? Don’t be! America is safer than we imagine it to be. Our sQoolink mentor, Nick Sohn from the University of Southern California, shares some insight regarding safety. The US has various measures surrounding student safety and concerns. That isn’t to say that you shouldn’t be cautious but don’t worry. Security is part of every college’s priority!

---

Myth Buster: Study abroad in America = danger?

There are four considerable dangers to studying in America: terrorism, disease, discrimination, and crime.

1) With recent media and news putting heavy emphasis on terrorism, the fear is justified. However, the likelihood of being struck by lightning far outweighs your risk of being caught up in a terrorist attack. Furthermore, America’s TSA and federal agencies put anti-terrorism as its top priority.

2) You shouldn’t worry too much about diseases. The U.S. has an active healthcare system and University cleanliness is often up to standard!

3) Discrimination may differ from place to place within the U.S. California, New York, Massachusetts, and other common college destinations are without a doubt progressive. However, that is not to say discrimination does not exist. If you encounter racism or discrimination, colleges and the legal system will ensure justice and safety.

4) Crime is perhaps one of the biggest fear. With the legal ownership of guns, America leads the world in mass shootings and gun ownership. Do not worry. Most colleges have a strong Department of Public Safety that implements extra measures to ensure each student’s safety. As long as you are aware and conscious of your surroundings, you are safe!

---

Follow our Facebook to continue reading more about Nick’s tips and experiences.