by greekforme on September 1, 2010
There’s tons of blogs out there right now, but there’s only a handful in the blogosphere that we can say we truly adore. ChickSpeak.com is one of these. Christina Twomey is the Founder of ChickSpeak, and together with the Editor, Lindsay Aurora Tigar, and their talented contributors, ChickSpeak emerges as a wonderful advocate of living an inspired life and loving yourself.
We’re especially impressed with their Greek Life section. The blog posts are full of tidbits on Greek life that are right-on, and if you’re currently a Greek or thinking about entering Greek life, this is a must read! We’ve been involved in the Greek system for quite awhile, and we even gained insightful nuggets of wisdom after reading the Greek-related posts on ChickSpeak! We encourage you to head on over to the site, and we just have a feeling you’ll love ChickSpeak just as much as we do!
by greekforme on August 31, 2010
The semester has started and while it may be a time for a whole lot of new beginnings, it can also be a time for goodbyes. College is full of so many fun moments, but it can be difficult to leave home for a few months. After all, you’re not just leaving behind your stuff; you’re also leaving behind friends and family.
To make sure that the transition from home to school is smooth, here are some tips from GreekForMe.com on keeping those home friendships and relationships alive and kicking throughout the semester. Just think – holiday break is closer than you think!
1.) Constant communication is always the best way to keep up a relationship and if you’re worried about drifting away from your friends and loved ones back home, make it a point to keep up the conversation. Make frequent phone calls, write emails, or even do a chat. The point is to keep in touch so that you’ll never be out of the loop.
2.) If you can, schedule visits with your friends from home. Have them come up to stay in your dorm (if it’s within your rules, of course) or make a road trip to a friend’s campus to spend some quality time. Who knows? Maybe your visit will turn into a memorable vacation; just what you need in the middle of a stressful semester.
3.) Send surprises. There’s nothing better than getting something in the mail and if you and your friends are all away at different colleges, then be sure to send things back and forth to keep your bonds strong. Send letters, care packages, movies, photos, or anything else you know of that can bring a smile. Oh! And maybe even send a little something from the selection of Greek gifts at GreekForMe.com 
4.) Come home when you have breaks! We know you have tons to do, but sometimes, you just need a break from school. When you have a break or a day off, come home and visit with friends, family, and loved ones. It may be just the pick-me-up you need when the semester really gets tough.
Do you have any other tips to help keep relationships strong during the semester? Share them in the comments!
Tagged as:
college,
friendships,
relationships
by greekforme on August 30, 2010
Lauren Stewart is the talented blogger behind the Lauren’s Thoughts blog, where she posts on all things college and every day life related! She’s currently in college as a journalism major, and we wish her only the best in her studies, future career, and in her life! Lauren’s here today to share her experience as a blogger and writer.
Lauren Stewart’s Creative Writing Wisdom
Let me tell you, as a journalism major and being a lover of creative writing since I could write, combining the two of these important things can be tough. Especially in college.
If you are like I am, who loves writing and being creative and also has found journalism, be prepared to change your tone a bit. Certain classes teach you to write very specific, short, and to the point articles which leave no room for creativity at all. While this is fine and definitely needed in the world, at times it can be frustrating.
My solution was this: start a blog. Yes, I’ve gotten nasty comments that I surely cannot be a journalism major because my writing sucks, but if you start a blog or do anything out of the ordinary, you will get negative comments. Don’t let it bring you down. Blogs are amazing for creativity. It gives me both worlds that I love. I can be a journalism student and learn the ways of professional writing by day and I can write whatever my heart desires in my blog at night.
If blogs and the online blogosphere aren’t your thing, just simply write for YOU. Keep a journal, type on your computer, anything that keeps the creative juices going. Another way to combine creativity and learning is to take a journalism or writing class, such as feature writing, that allows you to learn professional writing skills but gives you a little more room to play.
So college writers, get out there and explore the world of writing. Learn ways to keep your professional writing crisp and then forget all the rules and write for you. You can do both!
by greekforme on August 26, 2010
You may have heard that college is the time to “find yourself” and get to know exactly who you are and what you’re made of. Yet, just like high school, there can still be a tendency to go with the flow and fall in line – after all, you do want to align yourself with people who inspire you and build you up, but it’s important to maintain your personality, and be confident, fearless YOU! Here’s some tips to give you that confidence-boost you need on even the toughest days in college:
Keep a list of quotes and mantras around you – Whether they’re inspiring, funny, motivational, or thought-provoking, write down your favorite quotes and keep them on your desk, along your mirror, on your notebooks, and even on your cell phone background, if you’re able to. You can even find Quotables magnets with some great quotes already listed on them! You’d be surprised how this can really put a spring in your step, even when you’re bogged down by schoolwork and a full calendar.
Laugh out loud – You may be all about the “lol”ing in text messages and emails to friends, but have you truly laughed out loud lately? We mean one of those spontaneous laughs, whether it’s something funny you just saw, or you’re laughing at a friend’s words. When we’re worried that we aren’t achieving what we should be, or are scared of what’s ahead of us, we tend to hold back our laughter and let our minds fill up with worry and anxiety. Allow yourself to laugh, and it’ll you feel like you just took a breath of the most wonderfully fresh air.
Read blogs that bring out the diva in you – All that celebrity gossip about Paris Hilton and the Kardashians may not be something you want to chat about in your college chem class, but reading celebrity gossip blogs and pop culture blogs like GirlsTalkinSmack.com is a great way to bring out that fearless, so confident inner diva in you. Plus, taking ten minutes to read a celeb, fashion, or pop culture blog is a great stress reliever, and keeps you feeling like, well, you!
People love you for YOUR personality, so don’t tuck it away into a drawer in college! Even when the days are stressful, remember the mantras that are your backbone, remember to laugh, and remember to surround yourself with all things confident and fearless.
by greekforme on August 20, 2010
College Freshmen Need to See Our Dos and Don'ts List
Have the freshman college jitters? Don’t worry – GreekForMe.com has some tips to help you survive your first year. Here are some must-see Dos and Dont’s for any college freshman.
Do try to work part time while in college. Extra spending money is hard to come by when you’re a college student, so try your best to pick up extra cash when you can. Not only will it help keep your debt at bay, but it’ll also make you feel a lot less stressed. You can pay your bills and still have a bit left over to have fun! Also, if you can, try to work for your college through either part-time employment or work study. Sometimes, you can get tuition reduction or discounts in your bookstore by doing so!
Don’t stay in your room all the time. Campus life is fun and vibrant! Keep in touch with what’s going on in your campus by checking with your student life office, reading the campus paper, or checking campus websites. If there’s a great event going on, get together with a roommate or friend and go! College is an experience. It makes sense for you to experience all that your campus has to offer!
Do take advantage of college support services. Whether you need help with a paper or finding a part-time job, there are some services on your campus that can help make that happen. Seek out career services, academic advisers, tutors, and even counselors to get help you when need it, no matter what the issue. Remember – these people are there for a reason! Use them to your fullest advantage.
Don’t sign up for tons of credit cards. It’s true that credit card companies make tons of cards available to students, but just because you’re approved doesn’t mean that you have to have 5 different cards. Be smart with your money and actually sit down with your parents before you sign up for one. Know what you’re getting into if you’re getting a student credit card. Remember, your credit score will help you out in the future. Start building good credit now and maintain it all through college.
Do join clubs and extracurricular activities. Participating in clubs, organizations, service trips, or sports can be a great way to make friends as a freshman, plus, it’ll help you get to know the campus as a whole. Sign up for activities that interest you and give them a try. Just make sure that you don’t overwhelm yourself with too many things to do. And hey, if you don’t think a club is the right fit, try something else. College has lots of options!
Don’t avoid floor meetings. They are an important part of dorm life, and plus, it’s a great place for you to get to know your dorm mates. If you’re new on campus (which you are as a freshman) then you should take every opportunity to meet new people and get to know your neighbors. Who knows? You may end up making some life long friends.
Do look at your college’s course catalog and class offerings before you schedule. Get to know what classes are available and how they fit into your major. If you’re confused, spend time with an academic advisor. It’ll make tons of sense in the long run, trust us. You don’t want to get caught staying an extra semester because you forgot a class. Also, if you can, try to mix up your classes so that you’re taking a variety of subjects at once. Too much of one subject can sometimes be overwhelming.
Don’t expect college life to be a complete party. Sure, college can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work and when you’re in college, you own your successes and failures. Make time to have fun, but balance it with great academic performance. Know going in that college professors are nothing like your high school teachers,all classes are different, and your success depends on how much time and effort you put in. Practice smart study skills, make sure you attend the reviews, and don’t skip too many classes. Remember – you’re paying to be educated!
Do take advantage of college opportunities. When you’re in college, you have the chance to do things you’ve never done before! Take advantage of different activities and programs that your college offers. Learn a new language. Participate in a fundraiser. Attend a service trip. Work with college groups to better your community. Visit a nearby city with a class. Join clubs. Meet people. Expand your network. Hone your professional skills. There’s so much to do and enjoy! Make sure that you experience college to the fullest.
Tagged as:
college dont's,
college dos,
college dos and don'ts,
college freshman
by greekforme on August 16, 2010
Summer’s nearly over, so take advantage of these last two weeks! If you think the the fun is gone and summertime memories are done being made, think again. There are plenty of things that you can do with your friends during the next couple of weeks.
Here are 10 easy – and fun – summertime activities you can do with friends at home before you go back to college:
1.) Go for regular jogs or a run! It’s finally cooling down and what better way to get ready for school than to get back in shape? Invite a friend or two to go running a couple nights a week. It will be fun and healthy!
2.) Schedule an overnight camping trip. Real vacations are tough to schedule during the last few weeks of summer, so just set aside an night instead – even if the trip takes place in your own back yard. Bring the blankets, huddle around the campfire, and indulge in s’mores with some of your best friends from home.
3.) Host a pot luck dinner for your friends at your house! Invite everyone to bring a dish and spend the evening with good food and good company.
4.) Make sure to exchange contact info, email addresses, and any other important info before you all go back so that you can keep in touch throughout the semester.
5.) Schedule a book swap, movie swap, or clothing swap that can take you all the way through the school year. Just make sure that everyone gets a turn to send and receive!
6.) Have the chance to come home during September or the first week of October? Try booking a weekend trip to the beach to take advantage of off-season savings.
7.) Go to yard sales and flea markets with friends to stock up on apartment and dorm essentials together. Or , you can just plan a group shopping trip.
8.) Spend a night watching movies, eating your favorite snacks, and just spending time chilling with your best buds.
9.) Have a party! Throw a back-to-school party with your friends from home and invite all of those special people you want to see before you go back.
10.) Opt to help your friends pack and have them do the same with you. It’ll be the final way to spend time and say goodbye before the trip back to campus.
Tagged as:
activities,
friends,
fun,
summer,
travel
