She Informs

Category: School

Crafted to support women in their academic pursuits, explore resources that aid in academic success, career planning, and personal growth during your educational journey.

  • Top 10 College Essentials For Girls

    Top 10 College Essentials For Girls

    Attending college can be an exciting experience, so it’s essential to be prepared and have everything you need. Being on your own for the first time can be difficult, so these college essentials for girls will set you up for success.

    Whether you’re going away to college or staying in your hometown, attending college is a privilege not everyone can experience. It’s best to take advantage of that experience and have everything you need for the ultimate college experience.

    Disclaimer: This article contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you purchase after clicking on one of these links.

    Table of contents

    1. Laptop

    Buy on Amazon!

    Your laptop will be your most valuable asset in college. You’ll carry it everywhere with you and complete all of your assignments on it. It’s important to know that without a laptop, or even an iPad, you’ll be depending on the library or other people to get your assignments done. Most assignments will be due at 11:59 pm, and the library is not always open late. Having a laptop will eliminate this unnecessary stress. Again, your laptop will be your most valuable asset in college.

    2. Planner/Organizer

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    College planners are suitable for keeping up with assignments, presentations, and any events you may need to attend. A planner with a calendar that will help you keep up with your day-to-day schedule. It can be easy to forget everything you have scheduled for the day; a planner will keep you organized and up-to-date.

    3. Headphones

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    If you’re attending a large school, then the walks to class will feel like a journey. Listening to your favorite tunes on the way to class will become a part of your daily routine. Headphones are also great for the library if you prefer to study with them or want to block out noise, making them one of the most underrated college essentials.

    4. Bag

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    A bag is vital in college because it serves as an essential tool for carrying all necessary items, such as textbooks, notebooks, laptops, pens, and other study materials. You don’t want a plain old bag; you must carry your belongings around campus in style.

    5. Blanket

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    Every girl has a favorite blanket, and depending on the school, dorm rooms and apartments can be drafty or poorly heated, especially in colder months. College life can be stressful, and having a cozy blanket can be a source of comfort and relaxation. When studying or working on assignments late at night, having a blanket can provide extra comfort and help you stay warm and focused, especially if you’re in a common area or study lounge.

    6. Whiteboard

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    A whiteboard is helpful for planning your week, including your assignments and any crucial tasks you need to remember. Many students also find visual aids helpful for studying. Use your whiteboard to leave reminders for yourself or messages for roommates. It’s an effective way to communicate important information in a shared living space. A whiteboard helps manage academic responsibilities effectively while also providing a space for personal expression and communication.

    7. Notebooks

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    College-ruled notebooks are the best for college because this is where everything you write down will be. The Five Star notebooks are the best because you can scan, study, and organize your notes with the Five Star App. Create instant flashcards and sync your notes to Google Drive to access them from anywhere, on any device. The Five Star college-ruled notebooks are large, come with folders, and will last an entire semester.

    8. Pens

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    Being in college, you’re going to need pens on you at all times. You’ll need them in class, the library, your dorm, the financial aid office…the list goes on. Pens are essential in college because they are versatile tools for note-taking, completing assignments, and organizing information.

    9. First Aid Kit

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    In case of emergencies. I didn’t think I needed this until I started using it. Your mom will not be there to help you with your boo-boo, so you must be prepared. Accidents can and do happen almost anywhere. Something as small as a paper cut will need a first-aid kit. If you accidentally burn yourself cooking, you’ll need a first-aid kit.

    10. Coffee Maker

    Buy on Amazon!

    College life often requires long hours, with extended study sessions, especially during midterms and finals. If you’re anything like me, you might even pull an all-nighter here and there. Waiting in line at a coffee shop can be a time-consuming experience. Having a coffee maker allows you to quickly brew a cup and get back to your studies or other activities. Having your own coffee maker is an investment that will save you time and money.

  • Time Management Tips for Student Overachievers

    Time Management Tips for Student Overachievers

    Whether you’re a full-time or part-time student, school can become an overload. It’s an obligation that must be considered although you may have other things going on in life. Full-time moms, people who work a full-time job, or women who do both. Having a consistent schedule and sticking to it will make your load easier.

    What are some good ways to manage my time you ask? Here are some of my favorite time management tips whenever I feel like I am losing track of time…

    Table of Contents

    Create a schedule

    When you write everything you have to complete on what day, and stick to that schedule, there’s a greater percentage you’ll get everything done. You’d be surprised at how organized and on track you’d be if you just wrote out a daily, weekly, or even monthly schedule. You will be ahead of the curve. Use planners, calendars, or digital tools to schedule tasks, assignments, and appointments. Allocate time blocks for different school work, family, self-care, and leisure activities.

    Prioritization

    One of the main keys to good time management is prioritizing the things that are more important than the other things. When writing out your schedule, be sure to write the tasks/assignments that are more urgent or time-consuming first. So that you can knock those out of the way and make room for the not-so-urgent tasks that aren’t as time-consuming.

    Learn to say “no”

    One of the most important things about time management is that you have to learn how to set boundaries. I talk about the importance of setting boundaries a lot in my posts, but it’s what helps gain control of your own life. If you know you’d be over-extending yourself by being available, then you must learn to say no. There is no proper time management without setting limits on your time.

    Limit distractions

    If you know your phone is a distraction, put it on Do Not Disturb, or put it in another room. If you know you can’t multitask, turn the TV off until you complete your assignments. If you know you can’t work effectively with your friends around, separate yourself and work on your own. This is one of the most effective time management tips because this is what helps maintain 100% focus.

    Give yourself an early deadline

    Sometimes we can see a deadline for later on and we push our tasks on the to-do list for later on. Work on finishing an assignment earlier than the deadline. Once this becomes a habit, you will be ahead of your own time. An early deadline creates a sense of urgency, that you have to finish by that deadline. When in reality, you completed it before the actual deadline.

    Do tasks in micro-doses

    This helps me out when I have a lot to do all at once. I break my tasks down little by little and work on them day by day. These little steps will help with progress and will even get your task completed earlier than intended.

    Working on one task for a certain amount of time and then another task for a certain amount of time is more efficient to me, then trying to complete everything is a smaller window of time.

    By implementing these simple yet effective time management tips, busy students can balance their responsibilities and make the most of their time. It may take a little discipline but with will-power its achievable.

    Thanks for reading!

  • 7 Most Effective Study Habits For Boosting Academic Performance

    7 Most Effective Study Habits For Boosting Academic Performance

    Studying is the one thing that can make or break us in the academic world. You must allocate the time and energy it takes to pass your classes, exams, or anything else you may need to study for. Effective study habits can vary from person to person, but here are some general tips that can help improve your studying:

    Good Note-Taking

    Create a system and structure for your notes. They need to be organized and concise. You should be able to identify the question and the answer with effective note-taking. If your notes are all over the place and don’t identify the problem and the answer, it can be extremely difficult to study the material thoroughly.

    Group Study

    Collaborating with peers can provide different perspectives and help reinforce your understanding of the material. It’s just important when doing group study that the group remains focused on the task, but this is a good way to study if you have difficulty studying on your own.

    Create a Distraction-Free Environment

    Find a quiet and comfortable space for studying. Minimize distractions by turning off notifications and avoiding multitasking. Important that you have a designated study spot that allows the freedom and quietness to focus on your work.

    Have A Study Strategy

    Figure out which study strategy works best for you. Whether it be Cornell notes, flashcards, or study guides. Pick one and make that your strategy every time you study. Making it easier to retain information.

    Studies show that having a specific study strategy boosts your chances of passing and study effectiveness by 25%.

    You may also like: Scholarships & Grants for Single Mothers

    Practice Repetitiveness

    Say your notes out loud and the answers out loud. Say them to yourself over and over again until you can remember the information without your notes. This particular study habit boosts your memory and helps you retain the information better, so when it’s test time you already have the answer in your head.

    Review and Reflect

    Periodically review your notes and reflect on what you’ve learned. This helps reinforce the information in your memory. Read your text and notes so that everything begins to make more sense to you.

    Utilize Multiple Learning Resources

    Don’t rely solely on textbooks. Use a variety of resources such as online articles, videos, and interactive materials to enhance your understanding. You can use your peer’s notes just in case they have some important info you may be missing.

  • Top Woman-Dominated Career Fields

    Top Woman-Dominated Career Fields

    Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

    From school to the workforce, it’s important that in this male-dominating world, women have their own fields to dominate. While men are running the country and making the decisions (not for long), believe it or not, some fields are mostly saturated by women. I’ve included the fields along with the percentages of women, compared to men for each career.

    I would argue that another reason why there is such a huge pay gap and why men get paid more is because of the gender roles placed on society. Being as though the men have to be the ones to take care of the household financially of course. It has become a crisis in this day in age as women are becoming more independent, and more households are splitting financial responsibility in half.

    They’ve come up with a name for these jobs, identified as “pink-collar” jobs. Pink-collar jobs are jobs that a saturated with women and usually pay less. This is why men usually don’t go for these types of jobs.

    Of course, healthcare was a shadow of a doubt the industry that was filled with occupations that were mostly woman-dominated careers.

    Healthcare

    • Registered Nurse – 86%
    • Nurse Practitioner – 86.9%
    • OBGYN – About 85%
    • Maternity Nurse – 90.4%
    • Dental Hygienist – 97.1%
    • Dental Assistant – 96%
    • Doula – 94.3%

    According to Harvard Business Review, researchers have found that the pay gap is not as simple as women being pushed into lower-paying jobs. In effect, it is the other way around: Certain jobs pay less because women take them. 

    Social Work

    • Social Worker – 90%
    • Public Health Nurse – 92.5%
    • Case Manager – 76.6%
    • Children & Family Therapist – 80.8%
    • Child Welfare Worker – 78.7%
    • Foster Care Social Worker – 79%

    Psychology

    • Licensed Clinical Therapist – About 70.4%
    • Clinical Psychology – 64.8%
    • Psychology Professor – 61.6%

    Childcare/Education

    • Teacher – About 71%
    • Babysitter – 94%
    • Child Development Aid
    • Early-Childhood Teacher (Pre-school & Kindergarten) – 97.6%

    Marketing

    • Event Planner – 77.6%
    • Social Media Manager – 61.1%

    Administrative Jobs

    • Administrative Assistant – 94%
    • Secretary – 94%
    • Receptionist – 91.6%

    Cosmetologist/Estheticians

    • Hairstylist – Over 90%
    • Skin Specialist – 85.5%
    • Make-up Artist – 93%
    • Nail Technician – 96%

    Hospitality & Tourism

    • Wedding Planner – 93%
    • Travel Agent – 78.1%
    • Caterer – 61.3%
    • Hotel Concierge – 60.7%
    • Cleaning Jobs – 85%

    Human Resources

    • HR Manager – 76%
    • Talent Management – 61.3%
    • Compensation & Employee Benefits – 63.4%
    • Training & Development – 58.5%
  • Scholarships & Grants for Single Mothers

    Scholarships & Grants for Single Mothers

    With inflation, rising living costs, and many more unmanageable things going on in the world. School can be very costly for just about anyone, especially single mothers. Being a mother is more than a full-time job, it’s a 24/7 job. Taking care of a child, working, and trying to pay bills are tough. Even not having the funds to start a business you’re passionate about can be super challenging. Here are a few scholarships and grants for the single mothers out there who are looking to improve their possibilities.

    $10,000 Scholarships4Moms

    A $10,000 scholarship giveaway for single moms. This one is super easy and includes a one-step process:

    1. Filling out the form on the homepage

    Simple!

    Single Mother Grants

    SingleMotherGrants.org has grants for rent, utility bills, child care, education, medication, housing, medical bills, mortgage, and other things as well. They have over 1,000 grants for single moms to apply for. They also have a FB page for you to join, where they post tips and hack for all moms out there who may need them.

    LouEllen Dabbs Scholarship

    This specific scholarship is for single parents interested in furthering their careers in banking, finance, and business. The requirements include:

    1. Must be enrolled in school for business administration or banking
    2. Must be a single parent
    3. Must have a minimum of 9 credits
    4. Must have at least a GPA of 2.35

    The Life of a Single Mom Ministries

    The Life of Single Mom Ministries is a nonprofit organization that has an extensive list of resources for single mothers. They assist in things like emergency services, such as housing, education awards, utility bill payment assistance, or other financial services. Providing life skill education in 3 core areas: Parenting, Finances, and Health & Wellness, along with life-changing events, such as single mom conferences, boot camps, and more. Life of Single Mom Ministries believes that no single mom should walk alone.

    College Grants for Single Mothers

    StudentGrants.org has a list of grants if you want to further your education in any degree. They range from three important places for available grants: the federal government, your state, and local governments, and private businesses and non-profit organizations. They correspondingly suggest you watch out for scams because there are plenty of websites that will scam you out of thousands of dollars.

    Supermom Scholarship

    The $2,000 Supermom Scholarship is designed to help undergraduate and graduate single mothers and those who have been directly impacted by one, on their path to obtaining a college degree. To apply, you must tell about your experience as a single mother and/or as the child of a single mother. After all, being a supermom is one of the most important jobs in the world.

    Asherah Foundation Scholarship Program

    Scholarship winners receive $2,500 annually to be applied toward expenses pertaining to a four-year college degree, associate degree, accredited vocational program, or other postsecondary career training program. Despite the seemingly long list of qualifications, the impact will be worth it. To qualify, you must:

    • Identify as a woman.
    • Be at least 24 years of age at the time of application.
    • Be committed to the pursuit of postsecondary education and/or training.
    • Demonstrate a financial inability to attain further education/training without the Scholarship.
    • Demonstrate personal discipline and perseverance.
    • Provide a high school transcript, a current transcript from the current school, or other documentation of educational progress.
    • Complete Foundation’s current essay requirement.
    • Provide two letters of recommendation and two references with contact information.
    • Have been accepted into an accredited college or university degree program or a vocational or training institution.

    The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation

    This foundation offers five scholarships every year to women who are at least 17 years old and are mothers with minor children. Wanting to pursue an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or a vocational degree or certificate, and have an annual family income of $28,000 or less (depending on the number of family members). Awards are up to $5,000. Read the website for qualifications.

    Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Single Mother Scholarship

    The Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC’ offers an Annual Single Mother Scholarship to open doors for single mothers and their children.

    Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC will review applications and award 2 applicants with a $1,000 scholarship each. This scholarship may be used to cover school-related expenses, such as tuition fees, registration costs, supplies, and books. Read their website to understand the requirements and the application process.

    Osher Reentry Scholarships

    The Osher Reentry scholarship, from the Bernard Osher Foundation, offers scholarship support for students who have experienced a cumulative gap in their education of five or more years; are at the undergraduate level and pursuing their first baccalaureate degree; anticipate workforce participation for a significant period of time after graduation; demonstrate financial need; and show academic promise and a commitment to obtaining their degree. Requirements include:

    Application Requirements

    • Application form required
    • Transcript required
    • Financial need analysis required

    Custody X Change Single Parent Scholarship

    The Custody X Change Giving Fund awards three scholarships to single parents each year. To apply, you must be a full-time student at an accredited college or university within or outside of the U.S. and have the equivalent of a 3.0 GPA or higher. One of the requirements for the application process includes a 400-500 word essay question that asks, “How will you use your education to improve your family?”

    Thanks for reading!

  • How COVID-19 Has Affected Education System

    How COVID-19 Has Affected Education System

    Image by David Mark from Pixabay

    When the COVID-19 pandemic came about in 2020, it hit everyone like a ton of bricks, including myself. I was actually in my last semester of undergrad, 2 months away from graduation to be exact. But that’s another story. I want to talk about how covid had affected education, how it has changed since then, and what it could be for the future.

    More Virtual Options

    Online programs were available before, but since the pandemic, virtual school and online programs have become more widespread across the country. Over the years, graduate and professional schools have extended the fully or partially online program options. Which could possibly be the future of education. This makes it easily accessible and more compatible for students who may be struggling, working, or that have family obligations.

    how covid has affected education
    Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

    This has also opened the door for more virtual job opportunities.

    According to Pew Research Center, of roughly six-in-ten U.S. workers who say their jobs can mainly be done from home, 59% are working from home all or most of the time.

    Is Education Needed To Become Successful?

    Although the four-year degree has been a default for many, since 2020, a lot of people have decided that it’s not the right path for them.

    Trading school, skill certificates, and entrepreneurial roles have all become a more popular thing. With the internet being so accessible, it’s easier than ever to start a business and even more resources for it to take off.

    At the end of the day, everyone has their own definition of success. So it all depends on what you define as success. What works for you may not work for others.

    The Economy Has Made College More Expensive

    College was already a questionable move for those who do not have the proper resources to go to college straight out of high school. Since 2020 and inflation, tons of people aren’t able to afford education, let alone gas or groceries.

    The cost of living is at an all-time high, gas prices are fluctuating, and groceries are not as affordable these days, which makes college the last thing on the agenda for most people.

    Unless you have the option to go to school for free or are able to pay out of pocket, it just does not seem doable.

    People are taking apps like Tik Tok and Instagram to fill their pockets and become what they use to call an “overnight sensation” and what we now call “viral”. And once you become viral, opportunities start knocking at your door. School can become the last thing on your mind when you feel an ounce of success without it.

    Is it worth the long-term debt?

  • Is Pursuing A College Degree Worth It In 2022?

    Is Pursuing A College Degree Worth It In 2022?

    College is a decision many decide to pursue, but not everyone finishes. In my opinion, the end result is not only about what you’ve learned but about the credentials. More recently, there’s been a growing conversation going around that pursuing a college degree might not be worth all the financial hardship it puts you through. Especially in today’s times since we never know what will end up happening next. Here are my pros and cons of pursuing a four-year undergraduate (and a little graduate) degree.

    DISCLAIMER: I do have a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university and attended a master’s program for a year so this is all based on experience. I’ll start with the cons so we can end on a positive note.

    Cons

    Might be hard to find a good job post-graduation.

    After the four-year-long journey, you are not guaranteed a job because you have the degree. While some might find this debatable, what you did during your time in undergrad and how well put together your resume/CV matters a bunch. Just because you have the degree does not mean you get the job however, it is a plus. For most jobs, experience matters more than credentials, so an internship would help, or any type of skills that you acquired relatable to the job would help as well. You put in the work to get the degree, now you have to put in the work to get the job.

    College is too expensive and will probably leave you in debt for life.

    Pursuing a college degree can be very expensive, leaving most students having to take out student loans in order to pay for it. Your matriculation will be paid for but most students end up stressed six months after. When the student loan payments start. Not being able to take care of your student loan amongst all your other bills, can potentially put you in the hole for a long time–maybe even life. Everyone wants you to go to school, but no one wants to help pay for it.

    People are steering away from school more and more because the world is full of poor graduates and rich criminals. Why should we have to pay so much for education anyway? I wanted to stop living life so linearly. Until recently, I was never not in school. From elementary, middle, high, college, to grad school, I never took a break to see what the world had to offer. Ever since I decided to explore those opportunities, it’s only worked out for the better.

    Some students come out with tons of knowledge but lack the skills they need to properly advance.

    This can depend on what school you go to and the specific department you’re in. Schools may lack proper resources to prepare us for the future, leaving us to have to fend for ourselves in the end. When you do graduate with your degree, nowadays most entry-level jobs require some level of experience and/or an advanced degree that everyone can’t afford. Remember, everybody wants you to pursue a college degree, but no one wants to help you pay for it.

    Which is another reason why you should do whatever you feel is best for YOUR life and not anyone else’s. If you can’t afford it and can’t get a loan, you’ll be constantly trying to find ways to pay for it which could have a big impact on your entire experience. You’ll end up stressed, and more worried about how you’re going to pay for each semester. Working while in school means no free time. You’re trying to manage everything at once might even affect your performance because you aren’t able to give your coursework your undivided attention. Again, this is not always the case, just something to consider.

    I made the decision to pause grad school because I couldn’t afford it. I took out student loans for the time that I did attend and decided I did not want to be in any more debt, so I didn’t take out anymore. Student loans were one of my worst nightmares and unfortunately, while I have to pay them back, I’ll probably just go back when and only when I can afford it. I decided that that is the smartest financial decision for me, so I’m sticking with it. After all, school isn’t going anywhere.

    Pros

    You get to move to another place outside of home.

    Going away for college was one of the best decisions I made, it turned out to be an experience of a lifetime. Living out of state opened my eyes to a world I never knew. I met (and still know) people from all over–different personalities, cultures, and backgrounds. I now see the world beyond what I’ve always known. While going away to another state forced me to be on my own, it taught me independence. Your parents won’t always be there so it was a good start to being able to make my own decisions.

    You meet lifelong friends.

    Pursuing a college degree isn’t just about the education, but also about the relationships you make. These people end up being our children’s godparents and become a part of the family. You’ll be forced to share a room with them and spend the past four years developing a bond, they probably know you more than anybody from your past. They know the current you, not the person you were before you got there. You go through hardships together, from being out there on your own to tackling school full time and facing life all at once.

    They see the ups, the downs, the real you. When school is over and everyone goes their separate ways but you want to bring them along and continue that bond that was cultivated for four years. These people not only watch you evolve over the years but they become a part of the growth process. They are also going through the same many transitions like graduating into real-life post-college.

    It teaches you to evolve.

    The person I was before college, during college, and the person I am post-college are totally different people. Of course, college expanded my knowledge, but it also taught me a tumultuous amount of life lessons. Reading is fundamental in ways I did not understand at first. When you leave college, it is up to you to continue educating yourself because education is one of the most powerful tools you can possess.

    I learned that there’s life beyond your hometown and the people you grew up with. Every city, state, and country has its own culture and way of life. People come from certain backgrounds that instill behaviors, thoughts, and beliefs that leave you with an open mind. I’ve opened my mind and heart to different ways of life after questioning them of course. I don’t do things I used to do or even consume the same food/drinks I used to.

    Unless you are trying to become a doctor or lawyer, there’s always a way to get your dream job if you’re willing to put the work in.

    Although it is up to you to take the proper steps to get where you want to be in life, having a degree might just put you ahead of someone who doesn’t. That’s only in some circumstances because today a bachelor’s degree is equivalent to a high school diploma. Like I’ve mentioned in my blog post, Tips for the Job Search, experience is more valuable.

    Pursuing a college degree (two) showed me a level of professionalism that I wasn’t taught in high school. Both undergrad and graduate school taught me to project, listen, defend myself, and how to exist in a world based on capitalism and everyday survival tactics. And of course, how to dress appropriately for the occasion. I understand my space as a black woman in America and that I have no limitations on where I can go. These are things I will forever take with me in life and beyond.