Ask Chloe

How do I deal with letting go/moving on after facing rejection from a close friend - Anonymous

Anonymous-- Facing rejection from a friend is particularly difficult.The person that has always been a shoulder to lean on, is now suddenly gone. Leaving you unsure of where to turn next. Remember that everything happens for a reason. What is meant for you will find it’s way.

 Stephanie Hall, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, ACS, Associate Professor & Chair of the Department of Professional Counseling at Monmouth University says, “Being rejected by a close friend can be a deeply painful experience... Although you cannot control another person’s actions you can control your thoughts about the situation. Pay attention to what you are telling yourself about this loss. In general, speaking to yourself with compassion is useful. “I did the best that I could” or “I was a loyal friend” are more productive thoughts than allowing yourself to dwell on mistakes that have been made or things that didn’t go as planned.”

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Meal Prepping for Beginners

College students have it rough trying to maintain good grades, manage extracurricular activities, have a social life, all while making time to eat balanced meals. A majority of students cannot maintain healthy eating habits due to their busy school schedules. Luckily, meal prepping can help with that. 

What is meal prepping exactly? Meal prepping is preparing healthy meals (portioned out) in to-go containers, that can be ready to eat in seconds. People usually prepare a weeks worth of to-go meals, that way they are able to keep a record of what food they are putting in their bodies.

Cooking every single day can be a hassle that a lot of college students do not actually have the time for, while juggling their hectic schedules.

Meal prepping can be tricky, especially if one gets tired of having the same food to eat every day. If you crave variety over convenience, then meal prepping is probably not your style of healthy eating. 

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Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

As the door closes on the summer season, another one opens to welcome the most colorful time of year. Yes, the season of flannels, boots, and pumpkin spice has officially arrived; the period for fall foliage and cooler weather is here and ready to stay. 

Fall is a wonderful season, but it comes with a price for students. The time where classes are in full swing, and deadlines and exams are upon us.

You may ask, how can college students find ways to enter the fall mindset when studying and working are their main priorities? Well, here are a few to consider:

Break out your fall wardrobe. The upcoming fall trends are here and ready to ramp up your closet. Fall is all about style – fresh color combinations and making the most out of your outfits. It’s time to store away the tank tops and flowy pants so oversized sweaters, scarves, dark rinse jeans, and boots can thrive. Fall is the chicest season, so wear your best looks and stay warm in the brisk temperatures. 

For countless students, the fall also represents comfort and warmth. Choosing comfort over style is one of the best decisions a student can make, especially if classes are all day. Gabby Ciervo, senior English student says, “Any day I can put a sweatshirt on, I will be the happiest person in the world,” she said. 

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Summer: As Spent by a Local

We all know that the best time of year has finally dawned upon us. Local’s summer. Where there is no traffic, no lines, and you can finally enjoy your beach days without any unwanted crowds.

Although you may not be from a shore-town, being a student at Monmouth University allows you to experience a local’s summer.

While this is an unofficial term, many know that local’s summer begins after Labor Day weekend, and caps off at the end of September. While you still have around two weeks left, it is time to get exploring. Here are some ways you can submerge yourself into the “locals only” culture of the shore towns:

Go to the beach- You may be asking yourself, “Why would I go to the beach in September, when I went all summer?” Being a local means that although you get to enjoy the beach year-round, it is better in the off-season.

For one, going to the beach in the off-season means that you do not have to spend money on a beach badge, or pay for parking spaces. You may notice that everywhere you go in the summer you have to pay for parking or battle for a parking spot. In the off-season, there is no paid parking so this not only helps your wallet, but will save time.

Try heading to the beach after your classes, or early in the morning, with your towel and books. You and a few other seasoned locals will be able to enjoy the still water, and tranquil sound of the waves hitting the shore.

If you can’t make it to the beach during the day, going for a walk at night is a great alternative. Cassandra Capozzi Smith, senior english & elementary education student says, “One great way to enjoy locals summer is going for a walk on the beach during the sunset. Not only is it relaxing, but it will help you get out of the house.”

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Ask Chloe

I graduate in December and want to know if I should come back and get my masters - Anonymous

Anonymous-- This is a question that, as a senior, I have been asking myself as well. The problem with furthering your education to a master’s or doctorate level is that it takes true commitment. You do not want to waste your time, or money at this valuable stage in your life. 

If you are planning on going straight to the workforce or applying for a job that does not require a master’s (and land said job) you may want to begin working in your field and see if you then want to go back to school. 

You may find that there are opportunities and job security within your position without getting an extra degree.  

Marina Vujnovic, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism Studies, teaches graduate-level courses at Monmouth University and is involved with the graduate program. 

Vujnovic says that getting a master’s degree, “really depends on personal and professional goals. Some people these days decide to go straight into the graduate program after finishing their undergrad degree because they believe it will increase their chances to get a higher-level position or a better paying job. Some people want to try and be in their field for a few years, and then see if a masters degree is a path for them...”  

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The Juggling Act

Being a full-time student and working a job is incredibly difficult, but also therapeutic at the same time if you can believe it. 

Working 20 hours a week while attending class and completing assignments, is a reality most college students face. It can seem daunting, never ending and downright hopeless to live a stress-free life.

A full-time student at Monmouth University is anyone who is taking between 12 and 18 credits, which can equate from four to six classes per semester. 

For many students, such as Tyler Karpe  a  senior homeland security student, this is extremely taxing. 

Karpe said, “I find juggling school and work very hard, especially when I’m taking a full course load. I have not found any remedy to the lessen the load to make it not seem overwhelming.” Enrolling in four to six classes per semester means your schedule is generally full each day of the week. Leaving you with early or late shifts for your job. 

As a student, classes and homework come first. Caroline McCahon, senior health studies student with a cluster of public health says, “I juggle school and work by making my work schedule around my class schedule because in my book, school comes first and takes priority.” A way you can make your class schedule coincide with your work schedule is to ask your boss for your shifts in advance or schedule the same shift multiple days of the week. This will establish regularity in your schedule. 

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The Guide to a Successful Semester

Every college student knows the beginning of the fall semester is filled with chaos and stress—stress from realizing your savings account plummeted from buying textbooks and anxiety concerning your future academic performance, constantly fills your mind.

 The first week back on campus all students are in the same boat, struggling to stay awake at 8 a.m. classes with coffee as their only vice. With homework piling up and never ending to-do-lists, it’s easy to forget responsibilities and run back to our beach chairs. 

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Once the time comes to head back to college, the transition becomes easier as the semester progresses.

Whether you are a freshman in college or a senior, you have been mastering your back-to-school routine since kindergarten. Of course, as we get older our routines change and in college there are precautionary measures you can take to help your semester run smoothly. 

One important, yet often overlooked, act of preparation you can take to alleviate stress during the first week of classes is to buy your textbooks in advance. Buying your textbooks in advance not only leaves you prepared for the first day of class, but can help you budget your remaining funds for the rest of the fall semester.  

Once you have your books taken care of it is important to start planning out your assignments, classes, and work schedule.

Caitlin Clarke, a junior english secondary education student, suggests purchasing a planner. “Combine all of your assignments from your syllabus onto a master planner and budget your time so you aren’t stressed,” said Clarke. 

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Reading and Relaxation

It’s finally that time of the year... the sun is out, windows are down, and music is blasting at full volume while on the way to the beach. Students have little worries since classes have officially come to a well-deserved end. Before our brains as students are officially turned off for a four-month break, it might be wise to consider throwing a book or two in that beach bag (along with some sunscreen).

Throughout middle and high school, it is common for students to be assigned summer reading to help them work their brains on days off. Some of the common books assigned include, To Kill a Mockingbird, Fahrenheit 451, and 1984.  After summer break these books were then often  analyzed as a class.

College students, on the other hand, often do not have this responsibility of summer work. However, that does not necessarily mean that they should cease all things to do with reading. It is extremely important that students continue to read over the summer, and there are various reasons why this is so. 

Carly Steakin, a junior English student, finds reading over the summer break to be just as important as reading during the school year. “When you read over the summer, you’re continuing to use skills that you would be using during school,” Steakin said. “It’s a great way to keep up with those higher-level thinking skills.” 

In the summer, students tend to shut their brains off for break. By doing some reading throughout these months, they will be able to relax mindlessly with a book and still be fully prepared for school work when September rolls back around.

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Ask Chloe

“As a college student how can I enjoy going out with my friends, while not wasting my savings,”-Anonymous 

Dear anonymous,

College is a time to experience all that life has to offer, which unfortunately, can costs money. With summer approaching, here are some tips on restricting cash flow. 

John Inzero, a professor of marketing and international business, before teaching, headed a design, development, and international sourcing department in the consumer gifts, housewares, and toys industries, where he learned budgeting. Inzero says, “The best way to save money this summer as well as enjoying yourself with friends, is to have a budget. List out what you will be earning, what your estimated expenses will be (gas, clothes, etc.,) and be sure to figure in a percentage, say 15-20 percent, for entertainment. Be sure to keep to your budget. And know, if things start getting tight, that there are plenty of free things can do.” 

While budgeting is important, look into “forced savings.” Robert Scott, Ph.D.,  a professor of economics and finance, stated, “People should save for many things (retirement, emergencies etc.), so I think college students should not deprive themselves of a trip or time with friends to save a few dollars…The research on this topic is conclusive, the best way to save is called “forced savings.” For example, automatically deduct money for your paycheck (a defined amount every pay period) and have it moved into a savings account. If people don’t see the money, then they are less likely to spend it. Everyone says they will save more, but with a pocket full of money it’s amazing how quickly it disappears.” 

Never feel discouraged or left out if you are not in the position to spend money. Life moves at different paces for everyone, do what is best for your future while enjoying the present. 

Good Luck,

Chloe

If you would like to be featured in the “Ask Chloe” section, you can submit your question to s1106449@monmouth.edu.

How to Buy the Best Lacrosse Sticks

Lacrosse is known as the fastest sport on two feet. In lacrosse, you use your stick, also known as cross, to pass, pick up ground balls, as well as score and defend. There are many players who suffer a broken stick throughout their career, and the importance of getting a new one is crucial to their game. The stick is to lacrosse as a ball is to soccer, or a hockey stick is to hockey. Simply put, you cannot play without one.

When deciding on which stick to get, there are important details to take into consideration. Meghan Shneck, Director of Operations for the Monmouth University women’s lacrosse team, shared her thoughts on the different types of sticks available and at which level a player should begin to use them. “Beginners usually start with a completed stick set. These sticks usually have a wider head and a thicker pocket material,” said Shneck.

As a player advances, so should their stick. “As they become more skilled, a player will look for a narrower head. These sticks start to develop channels to hold the ball in the sweet spot,” continued Shneck. The “sweet spot” being the place below the shooting string where the ball sits most comfortably in the stick. When the ball is in this spot, there is an advantage of having a better shot or pass.

In terms of competing at the highest level, Shneck counsels, “Advanced sticks will have a single piece runner in the middle straight up in the material of the head of the stick. This helps with the ship, speed and accuracy of the ball.”

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