2020-07

Summertime: Creating Distraction Free Study Zones

With so much going on in the world, it will be a real challenge for students to stay focused on study when classes return this fall. Some classes will be online. In-person classes will require new public health pre-cautions. Spaces will not be available for larger groups. Sports and other events will not be the same. Family and friends make be affected by COVID-19. And, students still have to take classes. This special episode highlights a panel of student leaders who we asked to share academic advice on staying focused and making distraction free zones that students can think about before classes start. Our student panel consists of Ms. Jamie Turner (a recent May 2020 graduate from Virginia), Ms. Symone Thomas (a current senior from Texas) and Ms.Serenity Magee (a current sophomore from North Carolina). Make sure to tune in for their tips, tools and takes on what works. 

LC Series: Blending Spiritual and Physical Wellness

Welcome to the fourth episode of a special Learning Communities series of Next Up. focused on self-care. This session features insights and advice on Kinesthetic Learning: Blending Spiritual and Physical Wellness. Dr. Tarin Hampton is a Professor and the Chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education & Exercise Science and a community leader on and off campus. She is also our special guest for this episode. Dr. Hampton shares insights on maintaining your true self within the college environment based on her experience as a dancer, educator and spiritual leader. Don't miss this uplifting episode.  

Summertime: Studying Smarter Not Harder

Many times when students hear the word "study," the first emotion to rise is dread. Studying is often correlated with long hours and hassle. In this episode, Dr. Thomas F. Lewis (an Assistant Professor of Accounting for the School of Business) shares his perspective on studying, preparing for class and having the right mindset from a faculty point of view. Tune in for awesome advice on studying smarter instead of harder. 

LC Series: Gardening 101

Did you know that there is a greenhouse on-campus? Welcome to the third episode of a special Learning Communities series focused on self-care. This session features insights and advice on Gardening 101 (including taking care of plants in your home or apartment) for food and relaxation and shines light on our greenhouse. Dr. Stephen Via, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology is our special guest. He shares tips and tools, including utilizing odd or cheap (his word) sources to get started. Contact Dr. Stephen Via at smvia@nsu.edu for a tour of the greenhouse or to see if you can reserve a spot for your plans. Learn more about the Food Access and Advocacy Learning Community here.    

LC Series: School Life Balance – Part 2

Welcome to the second episode of a special Learning Communities series focused on self-care. This series features insights and advice on a variety of topics and success habits well-suited for the summer, when you have plenty of time to get started on the tips and tools for success before classes start in the fall. This session is our second take on a concept called the Superwoman Schema, also featured in Episode 17 in Season One. In sum, research in social work and public health practice revealed a phenomena of women, especially women of color, feeling obligated to take care of everyone and be successful at everything, even when they are stressed and tired. This can be especially true for students who are supporting their families and focusing on college. Join us as Ms. Felisa Smith, Nursing Instructor in the Department of Nursing and Allied Health, shares her take on this dynamic based on her expertise and experience. She follows up with a variety of tips and tools for how students can take care of themselves and facilitate academic success. 

Summertime: What’s Next? Mapping Out Life After Undergrad

While in college, undergraduate students can be conflicted about what to do next. The future can seem to be a scary thing due to uncertainty. However, with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be. This episode features Dr. Desideria Hacker (Assistant Dean, School of Graduate Studies and Research at Norfolk State University). Tune in to hear helpful advice on focusing on your purpose and having an approach for mapping out options and pursing them. 

Summertime: Risk-taking and Scholarships

In life, we sometimes have to decide between taking a risk and losing an opportunity all together. Sometimes that risk involves money, which is a huge factor when it comes to earning a college degree. This episode features Ms. Keisha Woodous, the Assistant Director for Client Services in the Office of Financial Aid. Ms. Woodous explains how taking a chance on applying for scholarships and networking can pay off big time. Be sure to tune in with a pen and pad to take notes on what you can do now to prepare for scholarship applications due later this year and early next year! 

Next Up. Season Two!

Season two starts with a two part episode focused on the best of season one and ideas and plans for season two. This season we promise to build on our success and try new approaches. For example, our very first segment of the new academic year features two students: Tresstin White, a podcast producer and host, and Mikyah Henderson, a senior English major. In the second segment, Dr. Mebane continues her conversation with Dr. Andrea Neal, Associate Vice Provost for the Office of Academic Engagement.