Category Archives: Helpful Tips and Advice

Tips for Staying Motivated Through the End of the Semester

By Sarah Walsh

Welcome back to UMass! I hope that everyone had a restful and fun spring break. I spent my week off at home with my family and dog and caught up on some much-needed sleep and quality time.

It’s also finally Spring, which means the weather is getting nicer, the walk through the DuBois wind tunnel is getting more bearable and our classwork is picking up as final projects and papers begin to loom. For some, the sun coming out and setting later can bring more motivation, but for many, it can be just the opposite, as the thick of the semester school work picks up. Staying motivated as the flowers bloom is important for keeping up with your school work and being the healthiest you can be. Our peer advising tips for staying motivated this Spring are:

Set time aside for fun: All too often, we hear, “I don’t have time to enjoy X, Y, Z.” Whether that be spending time with your friends or doing something you enjoy, too often college kids use that excuse. College is about academics, but setting aside time for activities you enjoy is just as important and prevents you from burning out too quickly.
Plan accordingly! Check those syllabi: The last thing that you want as we near the end of the semester is to get caught off guard with a big project or test written in the syllabus that you’ve forgotten about. That kind of stress is a sure-fire way to kill all motivation. Check your syllabi, write down important dates and plan ahead!
Check-in with professors and TAs: Along with checking your syllabi, it always pays to meet with your professors and TAs during their office hours. Touching base on assignments, dates and concepts will have you feeling more prepared and supported.
Set aside time for mental and physical health: Whether that’s exercise, meditation, or calling loved ones, you need to prioritize your wellbeing. Nothing leads to faster burnout than a student who is only doing work all the time.
Get outside: There’s nothing like a warm Spring day in Amherst. Do your work outside, change your environment, go for a walk. Getting some Vitamin D after a long and cold New England winter will keep you happy and motivated till May!

Don’t be too hard on yourself if a lack of motivation finds you this Spring. Take care of yourself first, and the rest will follow. If you are feeling burnt-out, come to the peer advising office for drop-in hours, and we will work together to help you find a solution!

Landing a Summer Internship

By Mia Ransom Yance

Summer is slowly but steadily approaching. No matter what year you may be, you may be starting to apply for internships or are actively seeking job/internship opportunities. Here are some tips on how to find internships and set yourself up to be a great candidate!

Finding an internship:

Start Looking Now

It is never too early to start looking for internships. Many summer internship programs open in December-January, so keep that in mind for your future research. As internships continue to open, search Handshake, LinkedIn, SBS Pathways, and Google. There are plenty of opportunities and you will find one that connects to your interests. Make sure to actively read your emails as opportunities are frequently featured in the Comm Connection and SBS Pathways newsletters.

Apply to more than one internship

I know it can be easy to find one thing that interests you and stick with it, but it is super important to apply to more opportunities. Having more options and being able to get your foot into different fields is always better than not having a backup plan. Apply to internships that interest you and even apply to something you are on the fence about. You can learn transferable skills and strengthen your experiences.

Network

UMass is a large campus, full of people who have had so many diverse experiences. Consider talking to a friend, professor, alumni, or even just connecting with someone on LinkedIn to learn about new opportunities. You can connect with SBS advisors to learn more about your specific interests and needs at 128 Thompson Hall or Zoom. The Communication Peer Advisors are here to help you, so if you ever want to talk about our experiences come to our office hours!

Applying & Finding Support

Resume & Cover Letter

Make sure your resume is updated prior to applying. Add in any experiences and skills you feel will successfully reflect your work ethic and personal goals. If you find yourself struggling with formatting or want to see a reference, check out SBS’s resume tips and tricks linked here. As a general note, keep your resume to one page, make sure the font is clear, and ensure that your bullet points are cohesive. A cover letter is not always required but is something you should learn how to do in case it is ever requested. A cover letter outlines why you are a good fit for the job, what draws you into the specific company you are applying for and gives a hiring manager a feel of who you are. For more details on cover letters, click here.

Scholarships

If you have secured an unpaid internship there are resources to aid in your funding. Academic Works provides hundreds of scholarship opportunities that can help support you financially.

Good luck with your search and let us know if you have any questions!

Best Places to Study in the Center of Campus

By Emily Costello

With midterms approaching slowly but surely, it is important for us students to find a study spot where we are both comfortable and can remain focused. Finding a good study spot can create an environment where you can be successful in your studies whether it be group work, doing homework, or studying for exams.

W.E.B. DuBois Library

The library is the first place that comes to mind when everyone thinks of study spots. The Procrastination Station on the first floor gives students the opportunity to grab a snack and a drink to help them stay focused. The library also has a large variety of floors to choose from. One of my personal favorites is floor 9, which is a more group-friendly environment with couches and large tables. This floor is great for group work or if you are looking for more of a loud environment. When I am looking for a quiet place to study in the library, I usually go to floor 11, which is a quiet floor with desks surrounding the windows, which adds a nice view.

Integrative Learning Center

As a Communication major, I have spent hours upon hours studying in the ILC. When I am looking for a louder space, I like to go to Peet’s Coffee and sit in the couches around there. The Communication Hub on the 3rd floor is also a great place to study, as it is relatively quiet and has great natural light, which I find helps me stay focused.

Student Union

The new Student Union is a fantastic place to get work done. I found that since the Student Union is very new, there are a lot of outlets for charging devices, and the furniture is comfortable as well. Earthfoods Cafe makes for a great place to grab a snack or meal while studying too!

South College

The place on campus where I have found the best to do quiet, independent work is South College. On the first floor of South College, there is a large open area with tables and chairs and I have always found this to be a place where I can focus easily. On the second floor, there are study desks and rooms which I find to be a productive environment for myself as well.

Outside!

As the weather gets warmer, I have found that studying outside can enhance my productivity. During a busy day, it is nice to sit outside either on the steps of the campus center or the Adirondack chairs by the student union. Getting fresh air can help you think clearer, even if it is for a short time!

Healthy Habits for a Healthy Lifestyle

By Bella Burbic

It’s almost the end of February, some of us are finally settling in, and some are still trying to find our groove. Some of us are developing a routine, while some of us are struggling to find one that works. Even for those of us with a solid routine, as the semester progresses it can sometimes be hard to maintain that routine. I have listed out here three relatively easy to adopt, healthy habits that you have heard of, but may have forgotten, in the midst of a busy semester. Adopting these habits can make your days more effective and boost both your mood and your productivity. Whether you have a routine or not, making these changes in your life will have a worthwhile impact in some way. It takes just about 21 days to form a healthy habit that can have a positive effect on your life for the long term.

Get in some type of exercise.

I know, you have probably heard this before, but exercise is one of the best ways to boost your mood, give you energy and keep your mind and body healthy. Exercise does not have to mean going to the rec center, it can mean countless things. It can look like deciding to walk to class instead of taking the bus, taking the stairs up to your dorm everyday instead of the elevator, or standing at your desk instead of sitting.. Studies have shown that just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make someone more productive and less tired. If you are looking to develop a workout routine using the rec center, I really recommend signing up for instructor-led fitness classes at the gym. You sign up using imleagues, and all classes are free for UMass undergraduate students. Signing up for classes makes you more likely to follow through with your exercise commitment, and oftentimes push yourself in a way that sometimes working out by yourself is hard to do.

Stay hydrated.

Every part of your mind, body and soul relies on water to operate effectively. Making a solid effort to increase your intake of water will significantly make you less tired and less prone to brain fog. Drinking water also reduces anxiety, prevents headaches, illness, and fatigue. Drinking water also is a great step in the direction of getting in shape as it detoxifies your body and fuels it at the same time. Drinking more water is an easy habit that makes a big difference.

Get some sleep!

As college students, this habit is probably the hardest to maintain. With our social lives, academic studies, clubs, and jobs, it sometimes seems like there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done, let alone get a good night’s sleep. As most of us know, sleep is the most important factor in terms of mood, ability to focus and physical recovery. Planning out your day in a way that allows you to get to bed at a reasonable time is very important. My biggest advice on this one would be to set a time to unplug completely. This bedtime means no TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter after this set time. This allows your brain to relax without distractions or light from your devices keeping it awake.

Getting exercise and drinking water have also been linked to much better sleep schedules, so grouping these three habits together will significantly change your life in a positive way without having to do anything drastic. It may seem simple, but I guarantee you, it helps!

Love and Adventure are in the Air!

By Christine Souaiden

We are kicking off the fourth week of the semester with Valentine’s Day, the day of love! It is important to remember to be kind to yourself and others today. More importantly, do not forget to treat yourself with some chocolate and maybe even flowers! Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, there are a couple ways to celebrate. Have a night in, buy some chocolate, and put on a good movie! If you like to celebrate in a more social setting, go out to dinner and top it off with dessert from some of Amherst’s local bakeries.

After we celebrate the day of love, there are a lot of fun events to explore, let’s run through some of them! Calling out to all the new students. On Wednesday, February 16th at 7pm, a New Student Bingo Night is being held at the Student Union Ballroom. Join for a night of fun, an opportunity to meet new people and maybe even win some prizes. Do not forget to RSVP!

While we are in the midst of Black History Month, we are celebrating with many events, here are some that you cannot miss! On February 17, the 2019 Academy Award winner in Costume Design for her work on Marvel’s Black Panther, Ruth E. Carter will be offering the keynote speech for CHC’s Annual Black Heritage Month. The event will take place at Bowker Auditorium starting at 5pm. As a tribute to the musical legacy of Frederick Tillis, on Sunday February 20th, the Department of Music & Dance is honoring the founder of UMass’ Jazz and African American Music Studies Program. The event will take place at the Tillis Performance Hall starting at 4pm.

As classes lock in and the semester starts to pick up, it might feel like things are getting a little overwhelming. Take advantage of the fun activities that are being hosted on campus to get away from academic stress for a little while. On February 17th, starting at 7pm, the library is hosting a paint night. The event will be held at the W.E.B Du Bois Library, Floor 22. Registration is required to attend the event, click here to lock in your spot.

We are ending the month with a big event. On February 25, American rapper Polo G will be performing at The Mullins Center. The doors open at 6pm and the show starts at 8pm. Attendees must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative result taken within 72 hours prior to entry. Face coverings will be required at the event and must be worn at all times. Follow this link for more information and to buy tickets.

Valentine’s day is the perfect reminder for us to spread love. It is important for us to carry out every action with compassion for others. For the rest of the week, be mindful of your thoughts towards yourself and others. Try to shift into a more positive and loving mindset. You know what they say… love conquers all.

Introducing the 2020-2021 Communication Peer Advisors!

By Summer Kaeppel

This year has been uniquely challenging and it feels as though seemingly everything has changed. Though the Communication Peer Advisors have not been able to provide support to students in person, we have created new models of providing guidance and support to both our students and to each other. It is unclear what exactly the future is going to look like, but one thing that is certain is that this department will continue to be present for its students.

Many of the Peer Advisors, myself included, will be graduating in May. The end of our undergraduate career and our roles as PAs is bittersweet; though many of us are sad to be leaving behind a position that was formative to our senior year, it also means that we are opening up spots for younger students to have their turn. I caught up with the incoming PA team for the 2020-2021 school year and am excited to introduce each of them!

Rebecca Aiken ‘21: Along with being a Communication major I’m also a Journalism major. My favorite class that I’ve taken so far in the Comm Department was Prof. Anderson’s COMM 231: Intro to Film & TV Production Concepts. I’ll be a senior when I’m a PA. I love to travel, I write for Amherst Wire, I love to take the fitness classes at the Rec Center, I work at the Student Success Office, and I’m super outgoing, so I’m excited to meet all of the students that come in for advising! What I’m most excited for while being a PA is getting to help others solve problems and hopefully have them leave with a smile after we meet.

Kyle Balis ‘21: I am currently a junior at UMass, and I got the opportunity this past semester to study abroad in Manchester, England, before unfortunately having to come home due to the pandemic, but it was an amazing experience. I am from Dedham, MA. I am very passionate about film and am currently going through the process of applying to BDIC, to double major Film Studies with Communication. One of my favorite Communication classes I have taken is Comm 441: Principles and Techniques of Film Style Production, where you make short films that really require you to think creatively. I am very excited to be a Comm PA this semester because I’m sure the fall is going to be very busy as everyone returns to campus after a long time away and I’m excited to not only be able to help during this time in any way I can but also to learn a lot along the way!

Sade Brooks ‘22: I’m a rising junior, a Communication major and a French minor. I’m involved in the Black Student Union (BSU) and the NAACP organization on campus. I was previously a History major and I have a strong interest in social justice reform/issues. I’m a dog lover, I have a Havanese-poodle named Milo, he’s 4. One cool thing about me is that I am currently learning two languages: French and Amharic. A life goal of mine is to become fluent in at least five languages. The most exciting aspect of Peer Advising I look forward to is connecting students to academic resources and hosting professional development events.

Hannah Ellison ‘21: I am a rising senior Communication major with a minor in Spanish. I’m from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, which is a small town near Springfield. When I came to UMass Amherst I was undeclared and so unsure about what I wanted to study, but when I learned about the Communication major, I knew it was a fit! Out of all the classes I’ve taken I’d have to say my favorite has been Comm 228: Visual Communication. Besides my studies here, I work as an Office Assistant for University Relations and am part of the Marketing Club. UMass and the Communication Department have made me feel so at home and I hope as your Peer Advisor l I can help answer any questions you have!

Gabby Grondalski ‘21: Aside from being a senior Communication major, I am also pursuing the Education Minor and Media Literacy Certificate. I am from Charlton, MA, which is located in Central Mass. Since my freshman year at UMass, I have been a member of the tuba section in the Minuteman Marching Band. I am also currently a sister of the Music Fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota and will be the Chapter President this upcoming year. This is my first year as a Peer Advisor, and I am excited to help provide guidance to students who are looking to join or are already a part of the Comm Major!

Elizabeth Jacobs ‘22: I am a Communication and Marketing double major pursuing a film studies certificate. My favorite Communication class I have taken so far is COMM 597: Advanced Video Production with Professor Kevin Anderson. I love film production and being in a small class with upperclassmen was super fun, as I was a freshman when I took the course.

Over the past two years I have interned for the Film Studies Department at UMass, doing social media and helping out with the Massachusetts Multicultural Film Festival and the Latin American Film Festival. I am currently working on my honors thesis, which is a feature-length documentary film on my adoption from Cambodia and the baby trafficking scandal behind it. In addition to my interest in film production, I love photography and music. What I am most excited to do as a Comm PA is to organize more events on film production and spur an interest in students about film. I am also excited to meet students and become a friendly face around campus for them to ask any questions that they have.

Grace Keller ‘22: I am a junior Communication major with an IT minor here at UMass. I am from Northborough, a small town in central Massachusetts. I spent my freshman year commuting to Framingham State University, where I took some general education courses. I decided to transfer to UMass my Sophomore year because of all the opportunities I knew UMass held for their students. After getting situated on campus, I joined a few clubs such as Women in Business, the social entrepreneurship club, as well as Campus Crusade. I am constantly looking for new opportunities at UMass and being a Peer Advisor is one I am extremely excited about. I am eager to use my experiences in order to help other Comm majors with their time here at UMass!

Estela Suarez-Hernandez ‘22: I’m a rising junior at UMass, double majoring in Communication and Journalism. I grew up in South Florida and decided to come to UMass for my undergrad education, which was a big adjustment. I have loved my time as a Communication student and I believe my favorite class so far has been Comm. 287: Advertising as Social Communication with Professor Sut Jhally. In addition to being a student at UMass, I am also in a sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, and hold an on-campus job doing marketing and communications for Smart About Money, a peer-to-peer financial wellness organization. I am excited to be a part of the Comm. PA team, especially getting to know and helping other students!

Emaan Tariq ‘22: I’m a Communication major and my favorite Comm class has been Comm226: Social Impact of Mass Media because it is very relevant to media and the culture that comes out of it, and what culture goes into media. I’m on the board for the Pakistani Students Organization which is a great way to keep involved with the UMass community as well as my culture. As Comm PA, I’m most excited to meet new people as well as become more accustomed to the major!

In addition to our new PA’s, two of our current PA’s who are not graduating this May will be continuing on with the team. Kayla Noel and Aaliyah Quintal will be helping our new PA’s transition into the position.

Kayla Noel: I am a double major in Communication and Journalism. I’m here to help you accomplish your academic, social, or spiritual goals. I recommend you write them down and let’s work on them together. College is a different world; take your time, ask questions, be in the moment, and most importantly be yourself. You’re going to accomplish great things!

Aaliyah Quintal: I am a junior English and Communication, double major. I am from Fall River, Massachusetts and I love fashion, gaming, and red lipstick. I am very excited to meet you all and provide whatever help I can to ensure your year goes as smoothly and enjoyably as possible. As your peer advisor, I hope that I can be a friendly face around campus for you all to come to, whatever your needs may be.

Congratulations to the PA’s of 2020-2021, both new and old! This diverse group of student leaders were carefully selected to ensure that Communication students have the best support possible.