Eight Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block, By Myriah Strivelli

Writers Block. CC Image courtesy of Christian Gonzalez on Flickr

1) Determine the time of day that you feel most creative. Some people work best in the early morning, and other people work better at night.

2) Schedule a time to work, and stick with it. Try to give yourself at least thirty minutes of uninterrupted time to allow the creativity to flow. Start writing even if you aren’t feeling inspired. Don’t wait for inspiration to show up. Just start working, and eventually the inspiration will come. It is a great practice to work consistently.

3) Focus on the work at hand. Make sure you don’t have any distractions. Turn off your cellphone, or at least turn off notifications from social media. Tell your friends and family that you need some quiet time to work. You might be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you focus!

4) Begin your writing session by brainstorming. You don’t have to write complete sentences with this exercise. Write whatever comes to mind. One idea can lead to the next. This can help you organize your ideas. Feel free to get creative and brainstorm in any way that suits you.

5) Keep a journal or notebook with you at all times to jot down ideas. Other options are to use a tape recorder or a smart phone. You never know when you will get your next big idea. Make sure you write it down right away, so you don’t forget it.

6) Set goals. Make sure you set goals that are achievable. Take one step at a time. Think in terms of short-term goals and long-term goals. For instance, what do you want to achieve this day, week, month, and year?

7) Find a buddy to support your writing. Find someone who will hold you accountable for getting your work done. If you find another writer, you can help each other. You also might want to start a group in which you can talk about your successes and challenges.

8) Give yourself rewards. If you accomplish your goal, give yourself a reward. Be sure to do something that makes you happy to praise yourself for a job well done.

What On Earth is a CV? By Shane Smith

By Gilbert Stuart [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons

George Washington probably never heard of a CV, but in today's world, he would probably need one.


It’s quite possible that you have heard the term “CV” thrown around when individuals are discussing a resume. Some job postings request that you submit a “CV” and/or a resume. So, what is a CV, and why should one construct one to submit to potential employers?

A “CV” is a document known as a Curriculum Vitae. You can pair a CV with your resume when applying for a position. A CV differs from a resume in multiple ways and gives you the opportunity to highlight your academic achievements. This can include your GPA, special groups or clubs you have participated in, presentations at conferences you have attended, etc. 

Generally speaking, a resume is expected to be one page in length. This doesn’t leave room for expansion on specific achievements that could highlight ways in which you are qualified for a position. 

A CV can be as long as necessary, giving ample room to explain your role in various positions. The focus of a resume is to inform potential employers of your occupational background, describing various positions and responsibilities you have had in the past. A CV focuses more on your academic achievements and your academic life.

                

There is no set way to construct your CV. However, there are some standard formatting options that are expected. You should use Times New Roman 12 pt. font and 1” margins. Try not to overuse bullet points and bold. You should only use these items when you are wanting emphasis placed on items. If you use these features on every line, nothing will stand out.

                

There is a plethora of options and examples available online to get you started. By starting your CV and resume now, it will be much easier to keep track of all of your accomplishments, adding to these documents as you go. Trying to remember specific dates and details of events can get cloudy as time passes.

Preparing For and Taking Math Exams, By Sarah Carothers

"Studying" CC Image courtesy of  Steven S. on Flickr

Preparation:

• Begin preparing early

  Pay attention during class: every minute you daydream in class is many more minutes of studying later.
  Do assigned homework problems: math is a building process, and in order to understand the next step, you need to comprehend the present and previous ones

• Simulate test conditions

  After you have studied and think you know the material, practice it under test conditions. Solve unassigned homework problems and see if you can finish them in the allotted time for the exam

• Know your professor

  Study a copy of the exam of a previous class if available;
  Talk with someone who has taken the professor before, preferably someone who has succeeded in the same class

• Form a study group of 3-4 dedicated students

  Not only will other students be able to help you with problems, but by helping others, you will better learn the material. If you are unable teach another student a topic you believe you know, chances are you don't know that topic very well after all. If you can't teach it, you don't know it!

Testing:

• Read through the exam

  Reading through the whole exam you can
1. know what is expected of you
2. prioritize items on the test
3. pace yourself.

• Carefully read the instructions

  Make sure you are answering the question that is being asked!
  Often students know how to solve a problem, but they misread or misinterpret the question itself

• Check that you have correctly rewritten the problem

  If you use a scratch piece of paper, make sure that you correctly rewrite the problem.
  Don't skip steps. Start from the beginning;

• Clearly write each step of the solution

  Be neat and don't rush writing numbers down.
  Keep checking your solution as you are working.
  Neatness makes it easier to recheck your work;

• Double check your math, especially your calculator entries

  Double check your calculator work immediately.
  The chances of hitting a wrong number are high, but the chances of hitting the same wrong number are not;

• Don't Dilly Dally

  If you get stuck on a problem move on and come back to it later.
  When you are finished, recheck all your work.