Calm Within the Storm

It's officially that time of year, people. Between midterms, course registration, job hunting (for seniors), and, for the more proactive among us (wherever you're hiding), searching for summer plans, we could all use some serious personal time. A big part of college is learning to balance your life - it's something I'm learning now, and something so important for a healthy mindset and lifestyle. But how on Earth are we supposed to find the time to take care of ourselves and search for the perfect internship when we have two midterms, a paper, a project, and a quiz next week? (Based on a true story. My story.)

Well, I'm not gonna lie to you, I don't have all the answers. But I've made it this far without pulling my hair out, so I'll share my secrets, and some Tufts and Internet resources, so that you can keep crushing it without crushing your sanity. Let's all slow down for a second, let our hair down, and channel our inner philosophical hippie for the rest of this post.

Manage your time and balance your schedule. This is a lesson that I learned the hard way. Last year, I really struggled with managing school, work, extra-curriculars, and everything else that comes with being a college student. I started sacrificing my personal time, time to do the things I enjoyed, to keep up, and one day I woke up and realized that I couldn't remember the last time I did something just because I wanted to. So, I sought help. Some students may not know this, but the ARC offers a (free!) service called Time Management and Study Strategies (TMSS). TMSS hires graduate students as consultants who meet one-on-one with undergrads to help them manage their schedules and teach them about academic strategies, stress management, and general well-being. You can meet with TMSS consultants as frequently as you want, and can change consultants at any time. Last semester, I met with a TMSS consultant once a week for about two months, and she helped me in so many ways that I would recommend TMSS to any Tufts student. The biggest lesson I learned from my consultant was that making time for yourself to relax and destress is not a waste - it is an investment for your next study session, which you will approach with a clear head and renewed focus.

One of my favorite hobbies

Take breaks. This is another lesson I learned from TMSS. It sounds like such a nerdy thing to do, but planning breaks in advance will ensure that you stay on track, and prevent you from looking up from your phone after an hour of procrastinatory Facebook scrolling to find that your 10-page paper is nine and a half pages short. One technique that I've found to be extremely effective is the Pomodoro technique, a time management tool that's been popularized since its creation in the 1980's. The essence of the Pomodoro Technique is to separate your time into 25-minute working periods and 5-minute breaks. There are Pomodoro timer apps for the computer or smart phone, or you can just time yourself with a stopwatch. This isn't the only time management technique out there - a quick Google search will give you dozens of options for you to explore. If you need ideas for what to do on breaks, I'm a frequent user of Calm.com, a site that offers guided meditation sessions for various lengths of time, from 2 minutes to an hour. (It's not as hipster as it sounds, I swear.)

I can post non-Parks and Rec/30 Rock/Friends images, too!

Set aside time for your self-development. If the thought of doing nothing for an extended period of time makes you laugh out loud, there are ways to make breaks productive. One thing that you can do is take a few minutes to think about your career development process. It doesn't have to be a long break - you can do something as simple as scroll through Jumbo Jobs for a few minutes, or draft an email to a recruiter or an alum. This will allow you to take a break from homework and inch your way closer to your career goals. That way, when it comes time to apply for internships or find a job, you'll have already started the process and can finish it with as little stress as possible.

Nothing about this part of the college experience is fun, but it's something we're all going through. But throughout the next few weeks, take some time to relax, take a break, and think about yourself for a minute or five. Your psyche will thank you.

You knew it was coming.

Until next time,
Sean Boyden
Class of 2017

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Get out of the Snow Day(s) Slump!

I never thought I would say this, but I'm done with snow days. That's right, I'm done. I'm over it. I remember the pre-Boston part of my life, when my Mom warned me about the notorious New England snow. I knew that Boston would have a little more snow than home, but I never imagined it would be this bad! As a New Yorker, I never thought snow was much of a problem, until now. With these unscheduled mini-vacations all of my work has come to a standstill. It's so hard to be productive when you don't know if there will be school tomorrow.

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This post will be for all those, like me, who have yet to return to Tufts normalcy. Covering the fundamental steps for getting back on track can help restart your school productivity and get your brain back in gear. With the unprecedented number of snow days this semester, several professors will be trying to find alternative ways to compress more topics and work into fewer school days. This definitely could be a stressor in the upcoming weeks, especially with the looming shadow of midterm exams. Yeah, I said it. Midterms are coming. So, here are a few simple ways to spark your work productivity after days of procrastination and to ensure you are mentally and physically ready for the approaching storm.

Time Management
Starting with time management is a good thing, as most stress is caused by not managing your time well and resulting in the build up of stress. Reducing the stress caused by juggling courses, activities, and your job and internship search is the first step of recovery from Snowpocalyse 2015. Using a planner or an application such as iCalendar, can help set you on the right track. According to this Forbes article practicing time management is not only effective for work productivity but it's also better for your health. Scheduling your life weeks ahead of time and putting it to paper, or online, will not only result in better productivity, but will make it more likely you will complete your tasks. Procrastinators: I'm talking to you. If you need a first step towards digging out from the pile of work that has accumulated like the snow here in Boston, start by mapping out how much time and when you will dedicate to each project.

"Organize your daily and weekly work goals!"
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Academic Resources
There are a variety of resources available at Tufts for students who are feeling stressed because they have a lot of work to do. Take advantage of Tufts Counseling and Mental Health Services.  They have a variety of tools to help you de-stress. They even have a Relaxation Room with a biofeedback chair and massage chair so you can truly relax. Look for departments to host massage sessions, particularly around exam time!

Places of Productivity
Are you tired of Club Tisch? Here is a list of places to catch up on all that work. Try to study in different locations from time to time. According to US News studying in different areas helps with memory retention.

"Find a place where you're productive!"
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• Ginn Library- NOTE: You may have to dress up to fit in with the stylish Fletcher graduate students
• Eaton Computer Lab- Open late night, great for writing papers
• Mayer Campus Center- Food, lighting, great ambiance. 5 stars.
• Tisch Library- Classic Tufts study spot
• Starbucks (Davis Square)- Off campus, free wifi, and trendy
• Tamper (Boston Ave.)- Great tables, modern feel
• Danish Pastry House (Boston Ave.)- Pastries for days!

Recalling Kelly's post on Self-Care, be sure that you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and getting some time outdoors (unless it's subzero). Cabin fever is real, so get some sun and try moving around more. Head to Tisch Athletic Complex, where it's totally acceptable to read while on the elliptical or bike!

I hope this post will help inspire you to get back on track after these crazy snow days. I remember saying that "Winter is Coming," but I really didn't think it would be this bad. Good luck to everyone taking on this snow and this weird semester, and remember to "Treat Yo Self!"

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks
Class of 2016

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The Transition: "Pre-Season to In-Season"

November is here. I repeat November is here. For many of you this month may not have that much significance, but for NESCAC winter athletes, November 1^st is the day that we can finally begin official practices for our respective seasons. The transition from out of season to in season is a big jump, especially since November 1^st occurs right after midterms. Being in season can alter your entire schedule. For winter athletes, practices and games spill over from the fall semester into spring semester, limiting the classes we can take and when we can take them. Hello, 8 am classes - how I have not missed you!

"Early morning classes, after morning practice"
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This post will focus on the skills required to survive this transition, self-care tips like in Kelly’s upcoming post, and resources available to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Registering for Classes

For winter athletes, scheduling is a major concern as the winter season spans both fall and spring semester. This can be a source of stress for many, as availability for classes is narrow. Sometimes athletes are unable to take classes they need for their major, due to the timing of the class or it’s popularity coinciding with an unlucky registration window. For those struggling with scheduling for next semester don’t be afraid to schedule more meetings with your major/premajor advisor, career advisor, or even your assigned academic advising dean (don't know who your advising dean is?  check it out here). I have found speaking to my academic dean to be particularly de-stressing.  My dean is a great person to talk to - she has great insight into how to help students with time-constraints and course selection. If there is a conflict don’t be afraid to talk with your coach. The beauty of the NESCAC is that it's a Division III league aiming to be significantly focused on academic success. After going through the process I’ve also learned about which classes work for me within season. Whether it’s morning classes in the spring or harder classes in the fall, finding out what’s best for you is key towards success both in the game and in the classroom.

Time Management

As I mentioned in an earlier post on the advantages of being a student athlete, good time management is key maintaining sanity during the season. Since the new shift in time constraints can be a source of particular stress it is important to plan ahead in order to have a smooth transition. I know this will sound old school but planners and calendars really do help. Especially if you use a tool like iCal, you can sync your school calendar with your game and practice calendar, both on your phone and computer. This ensures you never “double book” yourself, and you know what’s coming up - team commitments, work, study time, papers, exams - it's easier to plan when you can see everything that's coming up. According to Positivity Blog, the act of writing down all your upcoming events makes you more likely to remember them. So plan ahead now!

Travel

Another large shift during in-season is the travel. Location, location, location. Traveling can take a toll, not only on your body, but on your mind. Look for the best places to study at Tufts as well as places to study when you are on the road. I’ve found some places that are ideal for prime studying. Whether on the bus or in a hotel, you have to get crafty in finding spots suitable for studying and completing homework. Let’s beat procrastination together!

"A lot of travel time"
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Communication

Make sure that you are on the same page with your professors. Identifying yourself as an in-season athlete and let professors know about your time constraints and travel commitments. And communicating this earlier, rather than later, will make it easier to reschedule exams and papers.

Careers & Internships

While the time available for updating your resume, finishing applications and preparing for interviews may seem limited, there are still opportunities for athletes to take advantage of career resources while in-season. For winter athletes who come back to campus during winter break, the Career Center is open regular hours! Winter break is a great time to schedule a career advising appointment  - fewer students schedule appointments during this time, so you'll have a career advisor all to yourself! The Career Center is also open during spring and summer breaks (Who would have thought?). Make sure you take advantage of these valuable resources.

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As we come to the end of these tips for the in-season transition I have to reiterate the importance of time management and self care.  It is important to make sure your body and mind are in sync and healthy in order to be successful (For more on this, stay tuned for Kelly's post). If you need to take a break, don’t be afraid to. Being a student-athlete can feel like working two jobs, so making sure that you are healthy in both mind and body is very important. Don’t forget to “Treat yo self”

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks

Class of 2016

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"Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose": The Student-Athlete Advantage

I mentioned in my introductory post that I'm on the Tufts Women's Basketball team. I thought it would be important to write a post about career opportunities from a student-athlete's perspective. 

Last year, as a sophomore I remember feeling confused and stressed about several things. What do you mean I have to declare a major? I just got here. I have to find an internship? What's a resume, and is that the same as my Common App? If you find yourself at this stage, check out Sean's upcoming blog post on Friday. All of these questions bombarded me as I was taking a heavy course load while dedicating 30+ weekly hours in season and 12 hours in the off season to basketball. I felt unprepared and unable to compete with peers who had time to visit the Career Center and were able to intern in high school and the summer before freshman year.

Coach Taylor on NBC's hit show Friday Night Lights repeated a motto before every game, "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose." This mantra parallels the career approach of student athletes. Though we may not have the same time to commit to career development as other students, by emphasizing our passion and dedication for sports, we can reveal our advantages as potential job/intern candidates. This post will detail the student-athlete advantage in the job market and provide tips for resources.

http://goo.gl/TcZiSb
"Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose"

Time Management

Through many conversations with fellow student-athletes, the issue of "time" frequently comes up as a major factor in their daily lives. As students first, we balance full time class schedules, midterms, papers and final exams alongside film sessions, travel, games, lifts and treatment. Often, it feels like time flies by without explanation. While we constantly try to fit more hours in the day, employers value the time management challenges that we face throughout college. In fact, there many reasons why potential employers value student athletes, according to Fast Company's post "Why Your Employee Should Be a Former Student Athlete". Employers value candidates who have demonstrated self-motivation and responsibility through experience, and student-athletes are perfect examples of this. 

Competitiveness

http://gph.to/1CHCLwW
"#Determination"

Colgate University's resource, "The Athlete's Advantage," lists various attributes that student athletes have practiced their whole lives. Ironically, athletes often don't even realize they are flexing these skills. Usually athletes are so focused on the game, they fail to recognize the advantages of consistently using a goal-oriented mindset. Since many athletes on the collegiate level have been playing their respective sport for most of their lives, they have unconsciously been conditioned to excel and dedicate themselves toward certain objectives. Whether it's mastering a reverse layup, dolphin kick, sprinting, or memorizing formations, we have constantly been performing habits that demonstrate our determination to succeed as well revealing a strong work ethic. As student-athletes performing on the collegiate level, we have demonstrated that we are able to compete at this level while consistently striving to get better. This is exactly what companies are looking for in employees. Student-athletes need to learn how to articulate that competitiveness is a strength both on and off the field.

Communication & Teamwork 

http://gph.to/1vBaWUY
"Group hug y'all"

It goes without saying that communication and teamwork are two of the most important attributes an employee can have. Working towards a common goal with a group of people is something many athletes have experience with. Even if you are in an individual sport, executing tasks assigned by coaching staff (being coachable) while exhibiting personal responsibility are qualities all athletes share. Being able to receive critical feedback is also an important asset that athletes bring. We've all had coaches throughout the years who give feedback in different ways. Whether it was harsh, lacking, or just right, we have been able to take the critique and use it as motivation toward self improvement and reaching our goals. According to a Forbes interview with Douglas Stone, managing partner at Triad Consulting and lecturer at Harvard Law School, feedback is often described in sports vernacular.  Being able to take feedback is very critical in the workplace, as employers don't want to "baby" candidates or have an employee who can't take criticism.  An employee who is a "team player" who is also able to coach is highly valued within business. This is due to the duality of skills: being able to take and apply critique, while also being able to observe and provide advice toward helping colleagues. 

Leadership

Whether you're a captain of your team or not, student-athletes are natural leaders. Knowing one's own strengths while being aware of others strengths helps to make teams more successful. At one point or another, athletes find themselves in situations where the opportunity for leadership is presented. Understanding your teammates and being able to create a successful combination of differing skill sets on the court, field, or rink is a highly specialized skill that is transferable to the workplace. Creating strategy and executing tasks among teammates reveals your leadership capabilities to recruiters, will give you an advantage in the application process. 

Involvement

Here are tips for athletes looking to gaining even more experience and skills through organizations on campus. Athletes should leverage their role to gain leadership experience in the community, on campus, and even among their peers. I recommend the following organizations for student-athletes looking to get involved in activities that are more flexible for a packed student-athlete schedule and popular among current and former Tufts athletes:

• SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee)
• This is a group of athletes representing varsity sports and club sports that meet weekly to promote Tufts Athletics on and off campus. Every team has two representatives on the Committee that work within sub-committees to address tasks pertaining to student-athlete life and the promotion of the image of Tufts Athletics
• Sub-commitees include: Fan the Fire, Community Engagement, Social Media and Promotions, SAAC Development, and Sportsmanship and Policy

• Team IMPACT

  

  Here is Tufts University Women's Basketball with our Teammate Shannon Curley
• This is an organization started by 5 Tufts undergraduates and a Fletcher alumni to pair collegiate teams with children battling life-threatening diseases. They were honored this year at the Tufts Athletics Ceremony in September for their efforts.
• Seven teams on campus are currently involved in Team IMPACT and of course, the organization is looking for more teams to join. Working with this organization demonstrates interest in community service and a leadership/mentor role.

• Fan the Fire
  
• Fan the Fire is one of the more well-known student run organizations on campus to promote Tufts Athletics events and the image of "One Tufts".
• Volunteering for Fan the Fire events is open to all students, and represents a very flexible opportunity to engage in volunteering and to reach out to the Tufts community on and off campus.

• Special Olympics
• This is an organization involved with Tufts that organizes Special Olympic events and clinics on Tufts campus.
• They are always looking for volunteers for organizing and working the events. It's a great opportunity for those with previous experience in Special Olympics and also those interested in volunteering.

• Level the Field
• Another organization with ties to Tufts alumni, this group started a few years ago in connection with the Somerville Community Schools.  They provide short lessons on Friday mornings to teach local children the important qualities of being a student athlete, provide mentor opportunities and organize sports clinics.
• Level the Field occurs every Friday morning and athletes carpool to schools to meet with students. There are different time slots that you can sign up for every week, thus allowing you to create connections with certain classrooms. 

  

  Here are some Level the Field volunteers and Somerville students

• F.I.T (Pre-Orientation for Fitness and Individual Development at Tufts)
• This is for those who are going to be on campus early and are interesting in helping first year students get settled on campus and learn about the fitness and health opportunities on Tufts campus.
• You get to meet freshman and educate them on what Tufts is all about, while getting some swaggy gear.

Alumni Athlete Opportunities & Networking

If you are a first year or sophomore athlete looking for internships and networking connections, reach out to coaches and teammates. Teammates can use their own internship experiences to help you figure out what type of internship may be right for you. Also, teammates may be willing to share with you their professional connections, who can provide advice for next steps in your career path. Coaches are always great sources of networking and opportunities because of their connections to alumni in various fields. Be sure to join various student-athlete networking databases, including the NCAA Career Network and Alumni Athlete Career Networks (your connections do not have to be limited to alumni of Tufts or NESCAC). You can also search for former college athletes through the Tufts Career Advisory Network. The alumni in this database have volunteered to talk with you, and many alumni are searchable by student activities and sports they participated in at Tufts.

The Career Center understands the various time constraints and pressure that student-athletes encounter in and out of season. There are a variety of options for meeting with a career advisor. The Career Center offers daily Drop-In Hours, and if that doesn't work you can schedule a 30 minute appointment. 

I hope the beginning of October brings pumpkin spice lattes and copious amounts of pre-Halloween candy, and remember, "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose."

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks
Class of 2016

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