I would like to begin by wishing everyone a belated Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope everyone enjoyed this mini holiday vacation, I know I did! I apologize for taking a break from my blog, but when a busy time like Thanksgiving comes around, my number one priority is always my family, and I wanted to enjoy my time with them as much as possible. I had a terrific break, seeing friends that I hadn't seen since the summer, and being with family memebers as well. Honestly, I am not ready to pack up and go back to Seton Hall, where I will be working non-stop for the next three weeks in preperations for finals, but thats for another blog. I am ready to get back to work and continue to share my thoughts with my followers!
I would like to touch upon a few things regarding this past week. First off, BLACK FRIDAY!!!! I know most of you guys woke up in the wee hours of the night to rush to the mall to get doorbusters at stores like Bestbuy, WalMart, and Target, but it really is not necessary to kill yourself on the busiest shopping day of the year. Early indications are that sales increased from last years Black Friday, and that is a positive sign for our recovering economy as it shows more consumers were willing to spend, which in turn boosts sales and revenue. If you really think about it, the waking up early, difficulty in finding a parking spot, and crowd upon crowd at these stores is not worth the few bucks you save. Your satisfaction does not exceed the work you put into shopping and dealing with the extra nonsense.
Regarding Thanksgiving, it is one of my favorite times of the year (not only because of the food), but it really stresses the importance of FAMILY, and how at the end of the day, they will always be there for you. I am thankful to have a wonderful Italian family who is willing to do anything to help me, and I would not want it any other way. I want my readers to tell their parents they really appreciate the job they are doing raising them, or call your grandmother or grandfather and tell him or her that you love them. Little deeds like this really do make people feel good and it goes a long way. I have a grandmother who is 85 and a grandfather who is 87 years old, and I know they appreciate it anytime I call them.
Whats on tap? I hope you college students are ready for the most hectic time of our lives! FINALS! Get well rested and be prepared. Christmas shoppers,spend wisely, look for deals. Check websites for hidden coupons and look for shipping deals everywhere. I'll be back tomorrow!
-Stefano
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Time Management
A key to success in life and college more specifically is how you handle your time. Along with organization, time management is essential in being productive and an effective student. If you feel like you are constantly pressed for time, and wish that the days had 40 hours in them, then listen up.
I recommend writing a to do list every morning that you wake up. Whether it is homework assignments, errands, leisure/activities, or studying, writing it down allows you to see what your day is going to look like so that you can plan accordingly. Make sure you allow yourself a reasonable amount of time for each item, for instance of youput down going to the gym, do not write down 15 min, be more reasonable and say 45 min-1 hour. Hopefully this will help you accomplish more throughout the day.
Also, avoid DISTRACTIONS! One of the biggest anti-time management vehicles is FACEBOOK. Sure facebook is great to keep in touch with friends, but not while you have a paper to write or an exam to study for! Facebook is probably the most common distraction for every young student, so if you can stay away while you are working, hats off! I know I have trouble with it as well. Also, avoid having music or the tv on in your dorm, as this loses concentration. When you say you are going to do something, do it, don't waste any meaningful time! Remember, TIME IS PRECIOUS!
Time management also has to do with giving yourself adequate time to complete your tasks like I mentioned above. Waiting until the last second to complete an assignment is ludicrous, as you will only be more stressed and pressed for time. If you know you have a paper due, start it early so you can work at your own pace instead of rushing through it. You want to be able to go to sleep at night knowing that you accomplished a lot in your day, and that you are satisfied with the work you put in.
Special Shout out to the New York Knicks for winning their 2nd game of the season last night. Hey, at least we are better than the Nets.
I recommend writing a to do list every morning that you wake up. Whether it is homework assignments, errands, leisure/activities, or studying, writing it down allows you to see what your day is going to look like so that you can plan accordingly. Make sure you allow yourself a reasonable amount of time for each item, for instance of youput down going to the gym, do not write down 15 min, be more reasonable and say 45 min-1 hour. Hopefully this will help you accomplish more throughout the day.
Also, avoid DISTRACTIONS! One of the biggest anti-time management vehicles is FACEBOOK. Sure facebook is great to keep in touch with friends, but not while you have a paper to write or an exam to study for! Facebook is probably the most common distraction for every young student, so if you can stay away while you are working, hats off! I know I have trouble with it as well. Also, avoid having music or the tv on in your dorm, as this loses concentration. When you say you are going to do something, do it, don't waste any meaningful time! Remember, TIME IS PRECIOUS!
Time management also has to do with giving yourself adequate time to complete your tasks like I mentioned above. Waiting until the last second to complete an assignment is ludicrous, as you will only be more stressed and pressed for time. If you know you have a paper due, start it early so you can work at your own pace instead of rushing through it. You want to be able to go to sleep at night knowing that you accomplished a lot in your day, and that you are satisfied with the work you put in.
Special Shout out to the New York Knicks for winning their 2nd game of the season last night. Hey, at least we are better than the Nets.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sleep = GOLDEN
If you are constantly falling asleep in class and staying up until the wee hours of the morning to write papers and study, listen up! My father has always preached the importance of sleep, and now here I am doing the same thing. For all teenagers and college students, we are under a tremendous amount of stress. Exams, papers, classes, clubs, sports, exercise; its a lot to handle. One of the best remedies for stress and fatigue is sleep, because it gives your body and mind a chance to heal and recharge for the next day. Now, some of you can fully function on only a few hours of sleep, but that is NOT healthy. Neither is drinking 3 or 4 cups of coffee or energy drinks a day to get by, or taking things like aderol. So what is a good amount of sleep a typical 17-21 year old should get every night? The answer is 8. 8 hours a day, at the minimum, is considered a good nights rest, and if you can get 10, you are in even better shape.
You will see the difference. Try getting 8 hours a dayfor one week. See how it feels and how you react to it. Also, listen carefully. Getting 8 hours of sleep does not mean you can go to bed at 3AM and wake up at 11AM and call it 8 solid hours, the 8 hour method only works if you go to bed early, around 11 PM or so. The best rest you get is earlier on during the night. Everything I am saying can be read in medical journals and various websites, so I take no credit. Getting rest is IMPORTANT! I promise you will feel less stressed and more focused with the 8 hour a day method.
Thats all for today...(GO JAYHAWKS!)
You will see the difference. Try getting 8 hours a dayfor one week. See how it feels and how you react to it. Also, listen carefully. Getting 8 hours of sleep does not mean you can go to bed at 3AM and wake up at 11AM and call it 8 solid hours, the 8 hour method only works if you go to bed early, around 11 PM or so. The best rest you get is earlier on during the night. Everything I am saying can be read in medical journals and various websites, so I take no credit. Getting rest is IMPORTANT! I promise you will feel less stressed and more focused with the 8 hour a day method.
Thats all for today...(GO JAYHAWKS!)
Monday, November 16, 2009
College Isn't For Everyone
I have spoken a lot about college, majors, and the decisions that you make in college and how they shape your future. But college is not for everyone. There are many options for the masses. For today's post, I encourage you to read this article that is posted about jobs which do not require a college degree.
http://www.finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/108014/10-jobs-with-high-pay-and-minimal-schooling-required.html?mod=career-salary_negotiation
http://www.finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/108014/10-jobs-with-high-pay-and-minimal-schooling-required.html?mod=career-salary_negotiation
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Almost There!
As the week before Thanksgiving is about to begin, and the smell of pumpkin pie and turkey is filling our nostrils, lets take some time to pat ourselves on the back. We have made it through almost 3 months of the enduring stress that we know as college. Endless papers, exams, and hours upon hours of studying. We can see the finish line, we are rounding the home stretch, as there is close to 1 month to go, and only about 3 more weeks of classes before finals begin.
The Thanksgiving Break is a tool used to recharge our batteries, catch up on sleep, and mentally prepare ourselves for the most hectic short period of time that we have ever experienced. FINALS. Yes, I said it, FINALS. Most final exams are worth in the ballpark of 30-50% of the final grade, so doing well on the final is extremely important. You want to make sure you are well rested because there will be a tremendous amount of studying, paper writing, stress, and coffee drinking to get you through the tough times.
However, if you are prepared, I believe you will make it. Study until you can not study any more because we only have one responsibility as students; to do well at school. Treat studying like its your job, and do not stop until you are satisfied with the work you have put in. You have done well up until this point, there is no need to crack now. You know what methods of studying work best for you, now it is time to put it to the test. Do NOT cram, it will not really be beneficial to your learning.
Tip of the Day: Review Review Review. My father used to ask me if I had homework. I would respond and say no dad, I did it in school. His answer to that comment would always be, "you should review your notes". And to this day, I always try to review my notes, even If I do not have homework in that particular class, or a test or a quiz. Reviewing your notes and the material keeps it fresh in your head, that way when you study for exams, you do not have to cram. Even if it is going over your notes for 10-15 minutes a day, it will help, trust me!
The Thanksgiving Break is a tool used to recharge our batteries, catch up on sleep, and mentally prepare ourselves for the most hectic short period of time that we have ever experienced. FINALS. Yes, I said it, FINALS. Most final exams are worth in the ballpark of 30-50% of the final grade, so doing well on the final is extremely important. You want to make sure you are well rested because there will be a tremendous amount of studying, paper writing, stress, and coffee drinking to get you through the tough times.
However, if you are prepared, I believe you will make it. Study until you can not study any more because we only have one responsibility as students; to do well at school. Treat studying like its your job, and do not stop until you are satisfied with the work you have put in. You have done well up until this point, there is no need to crack now. You know what methods of studying work best for you, now it is time to put it to the test. Do NOT cram, it will not really be beneficial to your learning.
Tip of the Day: Review Review Review. My father used to ask me if I had homework. I would respond and say no dad, I did it in school. His answer to that comment would always be, "you should review your notes". And to this day, I always try to review my notes, even If I do not have homework in that particular class, or a test or a quiz. Reviewing your notes and the material keeps it fresh in your head, that way when you study for exams, you do not have to cram. Even if it is going over your notes for 10-15 minutes a day, it will help, trust me!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Business Majors: Its All About Networking
Attention to all business majors,
the art of social networking has never been so important than in this era. Due to the weak job market and recovering economy, it is almost impossible to get a job in the financial sector unless you "know somebody". To "know somebody" simply refers to a friend you met a school, someone's father, one of your own relatives, or even a school alumni member. Not everyone is blessed with having a daddy who works on Wall Street, so to get that job, social networking is the key.
Here are some networking tips:
1. contact your school's career center- establishing a solid line of communication with this service is important, because they have the resources to see what kind of internships are available.
2. ALUMNI! - ask around your school, there has to be some sort of alumni center. You will be surprised to see how many alumni work in the business industry and can aid you in finding any type of work.
3. Always be Social- I know this sounds easy, but for some people it really isnt. I recommend a book called Never Eat Alone, it is all about networking and learning how to talk to people. If you are friendly, it leads to connections, trust me. Always keep your eyes and ears open.
4. Make a facebook- I advise, don't be the kid who puts pictures of them funneling a beer, but making a facebook allows you to keep in touch with old friends, and connect with friends you might have just met.
5. Follow Up- If you meet someone whom you believe is a viable contact, shoot an email their way, just so they know you are interested in their profession and so they know you are serious about working in their field. They appreciate things like that.
If you can't network, your going to find it difficult to not only land your first job, but advance in the ranks in your profession. Most people do not stay with the same company for more than a few years, so you are going to have to rely on your contacts and networking to get jobs!
the art of social networking has never been so important than in this era. Due to the weak job market and recovering economy, it is almost impossible to get a job in the financial sector unless you "know somebody". To "know somebody" simply refers to a friend you met a school, someone's father, one of your own relatives, or even a school alumni member. Not everyone is blessed with having a daddy who works on Wall Street, so to get that job, social networking is the key.
Here are some networking tips:
1. contact your school's career center- establishing a solid line of communication with this service is important, because they have the resources to see what kind of internships are available.
2. ALUMNI! - ask around your school, there has to be some sort of alumni center. You will be surprised to see how many alumni work in the business industry and can aid you in finding any type of work.
3. Always be Social- I know this sounds easy, but for some people it really isnt. I recommend a book called Never Eat Alone, it is all about networking and learning how to talk to people. If you are friendly, it leads to connections, trust me. Always keep your eyes and ears open.
4. Make a facebook- I advise, don't be the kid who puts pictures of them funneling a beer, but making a facebook allows you to keep in touch with old friends, and connect with friends you might have just met.
5. Follow Up- If you meet someone whom you believe is a viable contact, shoot an email their way, just so they know you are interested in their profession and so they know you are serious about working in their field. They appreciate things like that.
If you can't network, your going to find it difficult to not only land your first job, but advance in the ranks in your profession. Most people do not stay with the same company for more than a few years, so you are going to have to rely on your contacts and networking to get jobs!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Majors, Minors, MBA's & All!
What do I major in? I have no idea what to do with my life! HELP!
These are the cries for help by some college students (especially freshman), but there is no need to panic! Statistics show that 33% of all freshmen enrolled in American universities are undecided when it comes to their major or field of study. Now, although that is 1/3 of the entire freshmen class, it really just shows that kids do not know what really interests them yet, and for only being 18 years old, that is totally fine.
I do however advise this to all freshmen: For those who have yet to declare, this could prolong your education. Without a declared major, it will take longer to complete the major course requirements because your not starting those until your sophomore or junior year, so if you can declare as early as possible, it definitely helps.
Think about what interests you. Is it learning about the human body (nursing, physical therapy, biology), or how money effects everyday life (finance, economics), or maybe even art (art history, drawing, graphic design). There is a major out there for everyone, and you will learn to know what you love and don't love. The top majors in most universities are always business, education, some sort of science, and political science. These are all excellent choices because they represent professions with job stability (ex. teachers, nurses, accountants, lawyers). Thinking about what you want to do for the rest of your life can be extremely scary, but just know there are hundreds of thousands of kids in the same boat as you! No need to worry. The thing about college is, there are so many choices!
Some people will tell you pick something that is going to pay a ton of money, or that will guarantee you success. The one thing you can't forget about is your own happiness. Sure the BMW and mansion are great, but after a while, those material goods just get boring. And each time you gain another valuable item, your level of satisfaction only decreases. In the end, you have to be happy with your job because it really becomes your life most of the time. I know making millions wont make me happy, but having a family will. Just some things to think about..
Tip of the Day: If you have decided on a major already, make sure you enjoy it for what it is. There is always time to change! If you are still considering your options, take your time and really think about what your passion is. I am sure there is something out there for you!
These are the cries for help by some college students (especially freshman), but there is no need to panic! Statistics show that 33% of all freshmen enrolled in American universities are undecided when it comes to their major or field of study. Now, although that is 1/3 of the entire freshmen class, it really just shows that kids do not know what really interests them yet, and for only being 18 years old, that is totally fine.
I do however advise this to all freshmen: For those who have yet to declare, this could prolong your education. Without a declared major, it will take longer to complete the major course requirements because your not starting those until your sophomore or junior year, so if you can declare as early as possible, it definitely helps.
Think about what interests you. Is it learning about the human body (nursing, physical therapy, biology), or how money effects everyday life (finance, economics), or maybe even art (art history, drawing, graphic design). There is a major out there for everyone, and you will learn to know what you love and don't love. The top majors in most universities are always business, education, some sort of science, and political science. These are all excellent choices because they represent professions with job stability (ex. teachers, nurses, accountants, lawyers). Thinking about what you want to do for the rest of your life can be extremely scary, but just know there are hundreds of thousands of kids in the same boat as you! No need to worry. The thing about college is, there are so many choices!
Some people will tell you pick something that is going to pay a ton of money, or that will guarantee you success. The one thing you can't forget about is your own happiness. Sure the BMW and mansion are great, but after a while, those material goods just get boring. And each time you gain another valuable item, your level of satisfaction only decreases. In the end, you have to be happy with your job because it really becomes your life most of the time. I know making millions wont make me happy, but having a family will. Just some things to think about..
Tip of the Day: If you have decided on a major already, make sure you enjoy it for what it is. There is always time to change! If you are still considering your options, take your time and really think about what your passion is. I am sure there is something out there for you!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
College Scheduling
This next post was inspired by Connor Laverty and Andrew Wampler of the SHU!
As my two buddies at school were going over their course options for the spring semester, it got me thinking of this next post. Most universities have things called core requirements, school requirements, and major requirements when it comes to credits and classes. Some of you are probably saying what is all of this? Let me break it down.
The University Core is what every single student in the university is required to take, usually your English, a specified elective or two, basic math, and other core classes. At Seton Hall, the university core consists of 6 classes, or 16 total credits.
Next is the specific school requirements, which is the school in the university that you are enrolled in. For instance, since I am a business major, I belong to the Business School, and Nursing students belong to the Nursing SChool, and Diplomacy students belong to the school of Diplomacy and so on. Each one of these schools have requirements as well. The Business School at Seton Hall has 45 credits of classes (or 15 classes) that are required before graduation, ranging from the basic accounting course to marketing to finance.
Finally, there are major requirements. So if you are majoring in biology or calculus, there are specific courses geared for that particular major. Most majors require between 18-30 credits.
It is essential to comprehend the differences between these requirements, as it can get both frustrating and challenging. Make sure you talk to your guidance councelor or academic advisor to ensure you are on solid footing and making progress to complete your requirements. Who knows, you may even have time for some free electives! I recommend getting the core and school stuff out of the way first, because those are the least interesting courses in my opinion. That way, when your a junior and senior, you can take basket weaving and scuba diving!
Lesson of the Day: Email your advisor today. Even if its just to say hello or ask about your schedule. It is a good idea to keep a flowing communication network with your advisor, as they know most about the university and its academic program.
Happy Veterans Day!
As my two buddies at school were going over their course options for the spring semester, it got me thinking of this next post. Most universities have things called core requirements, school requirements, and major requirements when it comes to credits and classes. Some of you are probably saying what is all of this? Let me break it down.
The University Core is what every single student in the university is required to take, usually your English, a specified elective or two, basic math, and other core classes. At Seton Hall, the university core consists of 6 classes, or 16 total credits.
Next is the specific school requirements, which is the school in the university that you are enrolled in. For instance, since I am a business major, I belong to the Business School, and Nursing students belong to the Nursing SChool, and Diplomacy students belong to the school of Diplomacy and so on. Each one of these schools have requirements as well. The Business School at Seton Hall has 45 credits of classes (or 15 classes) that are required before graduation, ranging from the basic accounting course to marketing to finance.
Finally, there are major requirements. So if you are majoring in biology or calculus, there are specific courses geared for that particular major. Most majors require between 18-30 credits.
It is essential to comprehend the differences between these requirements, as it can get both frustrating and challenging. Make sure you talk to your guidance councelor or academic advisor to ensure you are on solid footing and making progress to complete your requirements. Who knows, you may even have time for some free electives! I recommend getting the core and school stuff out of the way first, because those are the least interesting courses in my opinion. That way, when your a junior and senior, you can take basket weaving and scuba diving!
Lesson of the Day: Email your advisor today. Even if its just to say hello or ask about your schedule. It is a good idea to keep a flowing communication network with your advisor, as they know most about the university and its academic program.
Happy Veterans Day!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Private School vs State School
Unfortunately, Americans live in a world of inflation, and something that effects every college student is rising tuition costs. Most private schools fall in the $35000-45000 per year tuition range. With our economy in shambles, and the unemployment rate hovering near 10%, many households simply can not afford to send their students to private schools. For this reason, applications to state universities have shot up 20% over the last 3 years. There has been such a high demand for state schools, that it is sometimes more difficult to gain acceptance than a private school. Don't get me wrong, even state schools have increased tuition 6.5% over the last year, or roughly $1300. But if your paying $20,000 a year to go to Montclair compared to $43,000 per for FDU, your basically getting the same education (if not better) from Montclair, and saving yourself over $20,000.
There seems to be a negative connotation revolved around attending a state school. As it relates to New Jersey, some of the best schools are state universities (TCNJ, Rutgers, Montclair, Rutgers Newark), and even outperform private schools such as Seton Hall, FDU, Drew, and Monmouth. Now most students pay for their own schooling, so unless they want to be liable for debt when they graduate, I fully endorse a state school education during these tough economic times. High School seniors pay attention: It is what you do with your education, not where you get it from. If you do well at school, you will be succesful. Although having the Princeton degree seems nice and flashly, it will only get your foot in the door. Your personality and intelligence is what gets you far.
In conclusion, college tuition is a major concern for all students. REMEMBER TO APPLY TO ALL SCHOLARSHIPS POSSIBLE, IT IS FREE MONEY!!!!!! Fill out your FAFSA, and go from there. IF you can attend a private school, Congratulations. If it is out of your price range, it isn't the end of the world.
Signing off,
Stefano
There seems to be a negative connotation revolved around attending a state school. As it relates to New Jersey, some of the best schools are state universities (TCNJ, Rutgers, Montclair, Rutgers Newark), and even outperform private schools such as Seton Hall, FDU, Drew, and Monmouth. Now most students pay for their own schooling, so unless they want to be liable for debt when they graduate, I fully endorse a state school education during these tough economic times. High School seniors pay attention: It is what you do with your education, not where you get it from. If you do well at school, you will be succesful. Although having the Princeton degree seems nice and flashly, it will only get your foot in the door. Your personality and intelligence is what gets you far.
In conclusion, college tuition is a major concern for all students. REMEMBER TO APPLY TO ALL SCHOLARSHIPS POSSIBLE, IT IS FREE MONEY!!!!!! Fill out your FAFSA, and go from there. IF you can attend a private school, Congratulations. If it is out of your price range, it isn't the end of the world.
Signing off,
Stefano
Monday, November 9, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog: Teenage Economics. I have decided to start a website in which I will give daily advice on the stresses and joys of being a teenager (or more importantly, a college student) in an economy which is currently under construction. You will find tips on personal finance, money, college problems, daily living, and how the economy effects us on a personal level. I welcome any suggestions to my blog, and I hope I can educate many of my peers. My first post will go up tomorrow!
Thank You,
Stefano Carmelo D'Urso
Thank You,
Stefano Carmelo D'Urso
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)