SAGE Scholars Monthly Newsletter | November 2023

Support Guide for Parents of High School & College Students

Being a parent is an amazing adventure. Along the way, there are once-in-a-lifetime moments that will always be embedded in your memory. Unforgettable milestones like your child's first words, first steps, and when the training wheels came off the tricycle. You may also vividly remember the day you established a curfew, and their graduation ceremonies from nursery school and beyond. These are all significant thresholds that were crossed because of your help and loving support.

Parenting is also an opportunity that allows you to positively influence and guide your child's life. But this role can come with both joy and challenge as you discern how to navigate parenting your teenager who is a burgeoning adult. As you and your child experience this time of transition, you are both learning to swim in uncharted waters. Even if you have a strong recollection of how you were guided through this phase of life and what worked best for you, some of those approaches might not be as effective for your child and their unique way of being in the world. So, how do you effectively support your child while nurturing and growing your relationship with them?

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Concordia University St. Paul Highlights the Benefits of Attending a Private University

Both private and public schools can offer an excellent education, but there are some definite benefits of a private college experience. By comparing different traits and resources, this article will lay out some of the pros of a private university in hopes of helping students through their search for higher education.

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Guidebook: College Juniors Edition

By Justina Thompson

As a college junior, you find yourself at an exciting and pivotal point in your academic journey. You've settled into the rhythm of college life, gained valuable experience, and now you're looking toward and preparing for graduation. Junior year provides the opportunity to shape your future, plan the next steps in life, and make the most of your remaining time as an undergraduate student. This guidebook will provide you with valuable insights, tips, and advice to navigate through graduation, career, and self-care this year with confidence and success. Read More

How to Fix Five Common IT Issues

By Al Dickenson

In the digital age, technology often plays a vital role in college students' lives, ranging from research to virtual class, social networking, and project submission, technology is now an integral part of the college experience. However, while technology has many benefits, there are also many problems college students encounter. These issues can be disruptive to their academic pursuits and overall college life. This article delves into five of the most common technology-related challenges faced by college students and offers ideas to help them resolve these problems. Read More

What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Burnout

By Xavier Royer

Burnout is brutal. I was considering the title "Beating Burnout" or something along those lines. Still, despite the opportunity at some great alliteration, I have been going through burnout for about five years now, and writing as though burnout can be beaten and left in the rearview would be disingenuous and unhelpful. Rather, I will speak from my experience fending off burnout and doing my best to keep it from impacting my life and relationships. A job I had before teaching saw 10-hour days turn to 12 or 13-hour days regularly and kicked my butt so hard it is interfering with my energy and abilities in my current position. Nonetheless, it has gotten better, and every semester I can do a bit more and do a little bit more butt-kicking myself. These are some things I have learned in that process. Read More

SCAD Opens Magnificent Hollywood Backlot for Students and Film Studios

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is delighted to announce the opening of its new Hollywood backlot at the university's Savannah Film Studios. The expanded Savannah Film Studios is the largest and most comprehensive university film studio complex in the nation. The completion of Phase One of the backlot is part of a landmark 11-acre, three-phase expansion, making it the largest, most comprehensive film studio complex at any university in the country. This expansion includes two new soundstages, and production design and costume design shops. A next-generation LED volume for virtual productions opened adjacent to the backlot in 2021.

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Ways To Offer Emotional Support to Your First Year College Student

By Sharon Callender

When your child begins college, it can feel like an emotional tug of war. You want them to flourish and spread their wings, but you also may have moments when you struggle with the idea of them leaving and starting a new journey without you. It is a season of profound change where parents usually experience a sense of loss and sadness. Read More

Why You Should Take a Sociology Class

By Melissa Ortiz

If you're reading this, you've likely never taken or have yet to take a sociology course. In fact, sociology isn't a part of the U.S. K-12 curriculum, so there's a good chance you can go through your entire educational career, including college, without taking a sociology class. Until my current Ph.D. program, I've only taken one sociology course at the college level, and I found it both exciting and challenging. Now that I am required to take a Ph.D.—level sociological theory course, I wish I had taken more sociology courses throughout my K-16 education. I think everyone could benefit from taking at least one sociology course. Read More

Handling Sick Days in College

By Ceanna Hayes Daniels

College is the first time that many students will spend a substantial amount of time away from home. As a result, it's also likely to be one of the first times that they have to handle sick days without much external support. While this can be frustrating and exhausting, planning ahead and implementing a few routines can help to reduce the frequency and severity of sick days. Read More

The Best Ski Resorts in North America Just Minutes Away from Westminster University

Alta Ski Area, Snowbird, and Snowbasin are all ranked among the top 10 best places to ski in the United States, and they're all located within an hour from the Westminster University campus in Salt Lake City, Utah. In a new report by PeakRankings, Alta was listed as the best place to ski in the United States, followed by Snowbird at Number 3 and Snowbasin at number 6. The website says the order is determined by reviewing the resort's snow quality and consistency, terrain quality and diversity, ease of navigation, and "mountain vibe." Westminster students who took advantage of last year's record-breaking snow season say the close proximity to the best snow on earth makes their experience at Westminster University that much better. Read More

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Loan Loopholes for Parents of Borrowers Through the SAVE Plan

By Al Dickenson

The student loan payment landscape is a massive, confusing labyrinth, one in which parents can easily find themselves in a uniquely challenging position. Sometimes, dreams of giving their children the opportunity to obtain higher education can collide with the daunting reality of overwhelming, sometimes crippling debt. There are many stories that reflect the major and minor sacrifices and financial burdens parents face across the nation. Read More

Questions to Ask While Preparing to Study Abroad

By Clara Wodny

Congratulations, you've decided to study abroad! It's time to get excited and start dreaming about your upcoming trip. As you will likely find out, it's necessary to embrace the unknowns and a go-with-the-flow attitude while studying abroad. You'll want to be prepared and knowledgeable before your grand adventure to be best equipped to respond to unexpected challenges and get the most out of your experience. Here are some questions that I asked, or wish I asked, before starting my year-long study abroad program. Read More

Top Pre-College Summer Programs in STEM

By Justina Thompson

As a high school student interested in pursuing a future in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), making the most of your summer break can be key to your academic and professional success. Precollege summer programs provide an exciting opportunity to explore your passions, gain hands-on experience, and connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. This article explores some of the top pre-college summer programs in STEM — helping you find the perfect fit for your interests and goals. Read More

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