The Burns Effect: 2017

Can't Afford to Travel Abroad in College? Here's 4 Cheap Ways You Can.

I have always found it funny how college students talk about being broke so much, yet it seems like they're the main ones traveling for spring break. Before I became a college student, I thought that this was impossible, and these people who were complaining were lying about something. Were they even really broke? Or did they photoshop themselves somewhere? Because how are...

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May 24, 2017 by Unknown

Why You Should Live in Maple, Willow, or Larch Hall Freshman Year at ISU

I am going to preface this post by admitting my bias. Larch Hall was my freshman year dorm. Whenever you stay someplace, events, experiences, and people will completely bias you in one way or the other. Before I officially chose to attend Iowa State, I was told during a tour of the college that living in Maple-Willow-Larch would be one of the worst...

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May 22, 2017 by Unknown

In #BlackLivesMatter, A Letter Penned

Dear Dark Skin Girls,

There is so much that I want to tell you right now. You're beautiful. Your skin is beautiful. You're not beautiful "for a dark skin girl." You do not need to stay out of the sun this summer. You do not need to be afraid to get darker this summer. You do not need to lighten your skin. I know that all of...

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May 17, 2017 by Unknown

In Birthday, Celebrate

How to Celebrate your Birthday in College (when you're not 21)

Celebrating birthdays is one of my favorite thing to do. I enjoy getting together with friends and creating memories. The fun seemingly triples when you go away to college. But the kicker here is that many people believe you can only have fun when you're 21-years old or have a fake I.D. I'm here to tell you that that's not true! I do...

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May 12, 2017 by Unknown

In College, College Blog

How to Organize Your College Courses

Time management and organization are two of the most important skills that you can have in college. Not only will they prepare you for your ultimate, full-time position, but they will also allow your time in college to go by smoothly with as less stress possible. I have touched on how I use Trello to stay organized; the Pomodoro technique is also something...

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May 10, 2017 by Unknown

In Code Switch, Code Switching

What in the world is code-switching? And when/why do you do it?

Code-switching happens so often that it's impossible to list all the situations that it occurs. One of the most common occurrences is when someone switches from speaking professionally on the phone to colloquially talking when they hang up. I remember laughing at my mom all the time when I was younger; she was a code-switching queen! At the time, however, I was unaware...

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May 8, 2017 by Unknown

In College, College Life

5 Questions to Ask on a College Tour

It's so interesting how being in college for a year can affect your judgment and perception. Once upon a time, I hated having to speak up pertaining important things unless I was around my family or friends. While that may have to do with me being a bit socially anxious, part of it was simply me being too embarrassed to speak up, out...

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May 3, 2017 by Unknown

In College Blogger, College Life

How to Use Trello for College

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My first-year as an undergraduate student is officially complete. If I were to rate the year, I would give it an 8 out of 10. I gained leadership roles; I changed my major twice (but am officially in love with what it is now); I gained friends and am learning how to maintain healthy relationships; self-care has become a top priority of mine....

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May 2, 2017 by Unknown

In african student alliance, black college students

Student Organizations for Multicultural College Students

The original introduction sentence that I was planning to write went something along the lines of, "attending a predominately white institution is interesting...," but I had to take a moment to reflect. Is it really interesting? I suppose the answer depends on which side of the equation you are on--are you a student of color or are you in the majority? If you...

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Apr 27, 2017 by Unknown

In College, College Life

5 Ways To Make Your Dorm Room Cozy

If you're anything like me, you had high expectations for how your dorm room was going to look as you got closer and closer to graduating high school. It would be your own space (albeit with a roommate, but we can deal with that later); you would be able to decorate to your aesthetic liking. I scoured Pinterest and Tumblr for hours, looking...

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Jan 17, 2017 by Unknown

In College, College Blogger

How to Create A 4-Year Graduation Plan

College can last however long you want it to (or are able to afford, financially; and if you're like the vast majority of college students, this is seemingly the most difficult challenge of getting an education). Traditionally, students graduate in four years; however, it's becoming more common for students to stay for a fifth year. If you're like me, that's something you kind...

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Jan 9, 2017 by Unknown

In College, College Classes

How to Successfully Complete Your Online College Class

College is extremely diverse when it comes to what classes you can take, where you can take them, and how you can take them. Once upon a time, you had to go on-campus to complete your courses; now, you can go to remote sites or stay in your bed. Now, before you get all hyped up about the latter (because, who am I...