Write Your Way To An A

Amanda Laborio

Marketing Intern

As the semester wraps up and finals quickly approach, so are the deadlines for end of the semester papers and research projects.  You may have already turned in other written assignment, but you may still be hesitant about how to best tackle a longer paper or project. No fear, the following is a list of suggestions for making the writing process less stressful and more rewarding.

Don’t wait until the last minute.  I know for most students this sounds impossible, but I promise it is not that difficult. You don’t need to have your paper finished a week in advance. This tip simply means to take some time to think out your topic before you start writing. While you're riding the bus or walking back to your dorm after class, take some time to reflect on what themes have been covered in the course and how they relate to the assignment. Even if you don’t have time to sit down and type until the night before the paper is due, organizing your thoughts prior to the last minute will make developing your paper much easier.

Get other people to read what you write.  After working on a paper for an extended time, it becomes increasingly difficult to spot simple mistakes. Let one of your peers read over your paper to check for these types of errors and they will be much more likely to spot them. In some cases, also try having someone from outside of your field of study read over your writing. They will be able to pick up on issues of clarity and making sure that what your writing is understandable to others.

Pay attention to your professor. Professors each have a special pet peeve when it comes to the writing of their students. Whether it’s an English professor who harps on transitions or a Biology professor who hates commas, listen to what your professor is asking for and then give it to them. At this point in the semester you have probably had a written assignment returned to you, complete with a grade and some comments from the professor. Read those comments and don’t make the same mistakes in your next paper. 

If you can use fewer words, do. Using the words “really,” “very,” and “actually” repeatedly may make your paper reach its ten pages, but they won’t get you an A. Not only do these words not add any meaning to your paper, they distract your professor from the point you are trying to make.  Also, this is not the first paper your professor has graded. They can see right through any shortcut attempts you make to hit that page count without adding worthwhile content.

Cite. Cite. Cite. Every teacher since the fourth grade has more than likely drilled this into your head. Using information without citing the source is a form of plagiarism. At the University of Kentucky, plagiarizing is not taken lightly, with possible punishments being an “E” in the course, suspension, or even expulsion from the University. Luckily, there are numerous resources available to you for citation assistance. The Purdue Online Writing Lab, or OWL has information on all aspects of paper writing, but is especially good for citation information and keys to formatting your papers in the appropriate style. There are also many sites that will help you create the listings for your works cited or bibliography pages. My personal favorite is KnightCite. 

Still struggling? For extra help with tackling your next paper, visit The Writing Center located on the 5^th floor of William T. Young Library. You can schedule an appointment through their website, http://wrd.as.uky.edu/writing-center.

Is Thanksgiving just a Retail Holiday?

Contributer: Katie Avra
For many, this time of year is about family, good food, and warm memories. For others, November 24^th is a green light to the approaching holiday shopping season. Before the leftovers have cooled, these Black Friday shoppers are out the door in search of the best Black Friday deals. The day's name originated in Philadelphia, where it was used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic which would occur on the day after Thanksgiving (Wikipedia, 2011). Since its origin in 1966, Black Friday has become a holiday in its own right. It takes place the day after Thanksgiving and marks for many Americans, an anxiously awaited retail marathon.

Not being a Black Friday shopper, I wanted to find out about all the hype. If you Google search “Black Friday,” as I did, you will find numerous websites solely dedicated to this retail extravaganza. If shopping was a competitive sport than Black Friday would be its “Super Bowl.”

The Black Friday websites cater to the MVPs of shopping. The sites offer scanned copies of shopping ads for nearly all stores participating nationally. Many stores are closed Thanksgiving, like Best Buy and Target, but open at midnight on Black Friday cutting retail employees’ holiday short. This year some stores such as Toys ‘R’ Us and Wal-Mart will be opening at 10pm on Thanksgiving Day. Some stores have time limits on their sales, specials, or “door busters” that end at noon or midnight on Saturday. Stores are also advertising deals all this week campaigning for pre-Black Friday sales.

Check out the websites below for more information on Black Friday and getting the best deals:
Shopping and sales information:
o   www.theblackfriday.com
o   www.blackfriday2011.com
o   www.blackfriday.info

Tips for getting bargains: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/45385396#45385396

Consumer Report’s “Naughty or Nice List” of retailers and their return policies: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/45384317#null

Want to still participate in the shopping madness but you’re not into the crowds, parking nightmares, or fighting it get the best deal? Try Cyber Monday; it is the online alternative to Black Friday in-store shopping. Cyber Monday takes place the Monday after Thanksgiving and this year it is on Monday Nov. 28^th . You can have great deals with the convenience of staying home!

Here are a few Cyber Monday websites:

·         www.dealscybermonday.org

·         www.cybermonday.biz

·         www.cybermonday.org

Healthy Dining at Thanksgiving

Written by Laura McGehee, Marketing Intern

The holiday season is a time for celebrating, remembering, and sharing.  While the events, socializing, and goodies make for a great time, our waistlines may not be happy with our decisions.  Here are some helpful tips when deciding what to pack on your plate this Thanksgiving to avoid packing on the pounds!

            Thanksgiving is all about hearty meals with rich ingredients and major portions.  From cream-based dressings, to sugar-filled desserts, choosing the best option is sometimes a battle of “which worse is worse?”

·         Stop stressing! Family may be coming in from all over and you have a million things to prepare, but guess what? Everything WILL get finished (or done if we are speaking of turkeys).

·         Start your Thanksgiving with a big salad. You will be getting delicious greens and shaving calories off of your future meal.

·         Choose the foods most important to you and don’t waste precious calories on grandma’s cranberry sauce you barely enjoy or on rolls that may have been in the oven a little too long.

·         Help in the preparation of dishes or bring a healthy version of your favorite side item or dessert.  By being involved in preparing the food, you not only get to spend time with family and friends, but you can influence and monitor unhealthy ingredient choices.

·         You are not the turkey- you do not need to be stuffed. Eat until you feel full.  Drink a glass of water, socialize for a while, and then decide if you need a second helping.

·         Pay attention to portion sizes.  A serving size of mashed potatoes is ½ a cup or the size of your fist. A serving of pie should be 1/8^th of the pie- many pies are only cut into 4-6 pieces!

·         Track your food- if you are writing down what you are eating you will be less likely to grab that second, third, or fourth helping.

·         Holiday drinks pack on the pounds just as quickly as the food. Stick to water as much as possible and monitor juices, sodas, and alcohol.

·         Slow down! It’s not a race, so enjoy every bite.

·         Add a little extra cardio to your day.  Want to have that piece of pecan pie? Check out how long it would take to burn it off and you may think twice about going for the biggest piece.

·         When determining which leftovers to take home, choose foods you know you won’t crash your healthy eating.  If you could eat a whole pumpkin pie, forget about taking it home.

·         Leftovers can be made into very healthy options.  Turkey, sweet potatoes, and vegetables create a very balanced meal and there are many healthy recipes that include these foods.

The best advice to remember during the holidays is that you are there to celebrate the people.  Eat well, enjoy the atmosphere, and don’t sacrifice your health!

Pets in College

Written by Marketing Intern, Laura McGehee

            Moving away from home can be a big step for many college students.  To fill the void of missed parents and friends left behind, many students invest in a pet to keep them company throughout their college experience.  While owning a new pet can be a very positive experience, there are many factors to take into consideration when deciding if a pet is right for you.

            First things first- Check with your housing offices to make sure animals are permitted.  Many apartments and houses allow pets for free or a one time deposit, while others charge a monthly fee or may not allow pets at all.  Once you clear the details with your housing manager, check with your roommates.  Kelsey Sprang, college pet owner and UK senior to a Yorkie named Olivander, stated, “Make sure you have help from your roommates to tag-team caring for your animal.  It makes it much easier on you and your pet.”  If your roommates have no pet allergies and are on board with your decision, it is time to decide which pet is right for you.

            For many individuals with very busy schedules, a large pet may be too much responsibility to handle.  Fish are a low maintenance pet option and are permitted in most residence halls on campus.  UK graduate student Katherine Avra, owner of a gold fish, Bentley, and an emerald catfish named Gumpert, says, “I love my fish because they are happy, get along, and are fun to watch.”  There are thousands of types of fish available at pet stores and just the presence of an animal in the room can lift your spirits.  Other small pets suitable for college students include hamsters, turtles, lizards, and rabbits. 

            Hamsters, like most college students, are nocturnal.  They require minimal care, but can be very fun playmates.  Hamsters come in many sizes/colors and, if not woken up during their sleep cycle, can be very friendly pets.  Turtles and lizards are perfect for pet lovers with hair allergies.  They may not be cuddly, but they can be an interesting companion for many students. They are relatively inexpensive and require a small cage with little maintenance.

            If you feel you are up to the challenge of a larger, more dependent pet, a dog or cat may be an appropriate choice.  When determining if you are ready for such a responsibility, factor in the costs such as vet visits, food, heartworm medicines, etc., the demand of your class and work schedules, and if there will be someone to care for your pet in case you are caught with an emergency.  Sprang says, “Make sure you are financially stable.  Pets get sick unexpectedly and a trip to the vet can be expensive.”

Cats are great for college students because they can be litter box trained and would not require you to leave class to let them out.  They are loving and sensitive and most are very calm.  While they may not be a guard for your house or apartment, they are very quiet, allowing you to study while enjoying their company.

Dogs can be a little more work, but are considered man’s best friend.  Certain types of breeds are better than others when it comes to college living and choosing the dog perfect for your situation is extremely important.  If you are living in a spacious house, a Labrador or Golden Retriever can be a perfect companion.  Most college students, however, have limited space and a medium to small sized dog would be more appropriate.  Saving a dog from your local animal shelter is always a respectable choice. John Hughes, UK senior and owner of a Chocolate Labrador, says, “I saved my dog from a shelter and in return she has taught me a huge lesson in responsibility and care.”

While having a pet in college may not always be easy, if you can handle the responsibility, it’s definitely worth the work.  Sprang says it perfectly, “It’s hard to leave him everyday, and it can be stressful letting him out between classes.  But, he’s such a goofball and it’s fun knowing I have him to come home to everyday.” 

So weigh your pet options carefully, examine your financial and time responsibilities, and decide if a pet is the right choice for you!

Brain-Boosting Tips!

Check out this article from Scientific American: MIND on Brain Boosting for Speed Learning!
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=brain-boosters

Check out this article from Science magazine on Writing Away your Test Anxiety!
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/331/6014/211.full.pdf

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE...oh my!

Contributer: Katie Avra

You’ll Need:
Crust:
·         1 ½  Cups graham cracker crumbs
·         1 TBS white sugar
·         4 - 5 TBS melted unsalted butter

Pumpkin Cheesecake Mixture:

·         2/3 Cup light brown sugar
·         1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice
·         ¼  teaspoon salt
·         2, 8 ounce bricks of cream cheese, room temperature
·         3 large eggs, room temperature
·         1 tsp pure vanilla extract
·         1 Cup canned pumpkin puree

Sour Cheese Topping:

·         1 Cup sour cream, room temp.
·         1 tsp pure vanilla extract
·         ¼ Cup white sugar

Directions:
·         Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
·         Place the oven rack in the center of the oven.
·         Butter, or spray with a non-stick spray, an 8 inch spring form pan.  

For the Crust:

·         In a medium sized bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly onto the bottom of the prepared spring form pan. Bake 8-10 minutes or until set. Let cool while you make the cheesecake.

For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Mixture: 

·         In a separate bowl, stir to combine the sugar, pumpkin pie spice and salt.
·         With a hand mixer), on low speed, beat the cream cheese until smooth (about 2 minutes).
·         Gradually add the sugar mixture and beat until creamy and smooth (1 to 2 minutes).
·         Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well (about 30 seconds) after each addition. 
·         Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
·         Pour the filling over the crust and place the spring form pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
·         Place a baking dish like Pyrex, filled halfway with hot water, on the bottom shelf of your oven to moisten the air. (This is important in making sure your cheesecake doesn’t crack.)
·         Bake the cheesecake for 30 minutes and then reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees
·         Continue to bake the cheesecake for another 10 - 20 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake are puffed but the center is still a little wet and jiggles when you gently shake the pan.
·         Total baking time is 40 - 60 minutes.
·         Meanwhile whisk together the sour cream, vanilla extract and sugar.
·         Spread the topping over the warm cheesecake and return the cheesecake to the oven and bake about 8 minutes to set the topping.
·        Then place a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the pan so the cheesecake will cool slowly.
·        Turn off the oven, leave the cheese cake in the oven for 1 hour with the door cracked open. This is another method to ensure the cake doesn’t crack.*
·         Refrigerate the cheese cake for 2-24 hours before serving.

To Serve:

·         Loosen the cake from the pan by running a sharp knife around the inside edge. Cut and serve.
·         Serves 10-12 people

Sources: Crownover, Mary. Cheesecake Extraordinaire. Taylor Publishing Company. Dallas. 1990.

*Katie’s suggestion.

Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com/PumpkinCheesecake.html#ixzz1dPkTmqaq

Does your Student Organization need a Presenter?

Academic Enhancement offers a wide variety of FREE presentation topics surrounding college success including: time management, memory enhancement, goal setting, and test-taking strategies. For more information, to see a full list of presentation topics, or request a presentation, go to our website.  Please hover over faculty and staff, select presentations, and click on the information you would like to view. We look forward to presenting for you!

MIX IT UP WITH Chex Party Mix!

Contributer: Katie Avra
Chex Party Mix is an easy treat for time with friends or an evening spent at home!

You will need:

3 cups Corn Chex® cereal

3 cups Rice Chex® cereal

3 cups Wheat Chex® cereal

1 cup mixed nuts

1 cup bite-size pretzels

1 cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips, or regular-size bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces, or rye chips

6 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Optional Items: hot sauce, cheez-its, gold fish crackers, or Cheetos.

The original recipe includes Corn Chex®, Rice Chex® and Wheat Chex®. You can mix and match to suit your taste—just use a total of 9 cups of cereal.

To enjoy:

Microwave Directions:

1.       In large microwavable bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside. In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in seasonings. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.
2.       Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 6 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container.

Oven Directions:

1.       Heat oven to 250°F.
2.       In large bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside.
3.       In ungreased large roasting pan, melt butter in oven.
4.       Stir in seasonings.
5.       Gradually stir in cereal mixture until evenly coated.
6.       Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
7.       Spread on paper towels to cool, about 15 minutes.
8.       Store in airtight container.

Check out variations for chex party mixes at: http://www.chex.com/Recipes/Default.aspx.

Avoiding Student Loan Debt: Apply for Scholarships!

Jason Majewski

Marketing Intern

Student. Loan. Debt. They are possibly some of the most frightening words facing young college graduates these days, along with “job search” and “real world.” It’s not news that college is expensive, and many students have no choice but take out expensive loans that can quickly accumulate over a college career. In fact, according to a New York Times article, the average student last year graduated college with $24,000 in student loan debt. Combine that with a tough job market and the idea of graduation can seem a little overwhelming. There’s good news though: If you are currently in college there’s still time to save yourself from some future debt, and it comes in the form of scholarships.

A lot of students assume that if they didn’t receive a scholarship coming into college, there aren’t many opportunities for them. In actuality, it only requires some persistence and a little hard work to obtain one. You also need to know where to look. You might be surprised how many resources are at your disposal—yes, there are people that want to give you money for college! If you talk to people who have applied for and received scholarships, a lot of them will tell you that half the battle was simply putting forth the effort. It actually plays into your favor that other students don’t think they can get a scholarship. I’m going to assume you’re smarter than all of them, since you’re reading The Study Guide, so here are some resources you should check out for obtaining scholarships:

Departmental Scholarships

When seeking a scholarship, one of the first places you should look into is your own college. UK has a number of departmental scholarships available based on grades, need, experience, career aspirations, community work and other factors (varying by the department). Most of these scholarships simply require an application and an essay for consideration. Some departments only require one application that can be applied to any scholarship that the student is eligible for. For more information and listings of scholarships available by department visit UK’s departmental scholarship page at:

http://www.uky.edu/AcademicScholarships/departmental.htm

Academic Excellence Scholarships

UK offers scholarships based on academic excellence. To be eligible for these, you must have a 3.5 or greater GPA and have completed at least 12 hours at the university. Learn more about UK’s Academic Excellence Scholarships here:

http://www.uky.edu/AcademicScholarships/current.htm

Other UK Scholarships

UK also offers scholarships for diversity, legacy, needs and background. These scholarships vary in nature and eligibility and there’s a wide-array of them. Among them are scholarships for first-generation college students and minority students. You might be eligible for any one of them, take a look at all of UK’s scholarship offerings here:

http://www.uky.edu/AcademicScholarships/index.htm

Corporate Scholarships

If you have a job, you might want to see if your employer offers any sort of scholarship opportunities. Many larger corporations offer scholarship money to their employees so you might as well check and see if you’re eligible. Some companies even offer scholarships to family members of their employees, so check with your parents too!

There are a number of outside resources for finding scholarships, including the websites below. Remember, half the battle is putting forth the effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get chosen for a given scholarship. Just keep your head up and move on to the next one. There are plenty to go around after all, and you will thank yourself later for putting forth the effort.

Other resources

http://www.scholarships.com/

http://www.fastweb.com/

http://www.collegescholarships.org/

Tips on filling out Scholarship Applications and Writing Essays

http://www.usatodayeducate.com/staging/index.php/toolbox/how-to-avoid-student-loan-debt-with-scholarships-and-a-little-hard-work

Written by Laura McGehee, Marketing Intern

With an upbeat attitude, bright smile, and positive outlook on life, Lauren Barnett is our Student Spotlight of the month!  Lauren is an intern at Academic Enhancement and has worked in various roles over the past 3 years.  Graduating in December, Lauren is excited for whatever opportunities come her way.

NAME: Lauren Barnett

MAJOR: Nursing

HOMETOWN: Louisville

CLUBS/EXTRA CURRICULAR: UNAAC, Teaches Sunday school at the Newman Center, Habitat for Humanity, and Center for Courageous Kids

HOBBIES: Running, reading, and camping

FAVORITE FOOD: Cereal of all kinds!

MUSIC: A little bit of everything but really enjoys Bluegrass folk music

FAVORITE MOVIE: Remember the Titans

PET: Family Boarder Collie- Socks

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Chipotle

COLOR: Green

HOLIDAY: Thanksgiving

BEST PLACE TRAVELED TO: Switzerland

MOST DARING MOMENT: Paragliding in Switzerland

WHY UK: All of her family has gone to Kentucky and she wanted to follow in their footsteps.  She loves the people, atmosphere, and the opportunities UK makes possible

FAVORITE CLASS AT UK: Ballroom Dancing

FAVORITE PLACE TO STUDY: William T. Young Library

FAVORITE TEACHER: Her High School English teacher

ADVICE TO OTHERS AT UK:  Take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you here at UK

LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: Would like to pursue nursing with an emphasis in Pediatrics

WHY DOES SHE LIKE WORKING AT THE STUDY: She feels she has gotten to meet so many new people and interact with a diverse crowd

AE wants you to be our next Marketing Intern!

Are you looking for an on-campus internship?
Do have marketing and digital media experience?

If you answered yes, Academic Enhancement would like to invite you to apply. For more information please contact The Study. To apply online go to https://ukyjobs.uky.edu, select STUDENT JOBS, and our requisition # is 538258.

Beat the cold: Staying healthy as the weather changes

Amanda Laborio
Marketing Intern

As the leaves begin to fall and the colder weather sneaks its way along your daily walk around campus, you may find yourself feeling a little under the weather. Add on the stress of midterms and finals and you have the recipe for a health disaster. Here are some quick, and easy, tips to help you sail through the changing seasons without catching a cold.

The first tip may be a tough one for you all-night studiers to wrap your heads around, but it’s essential to being a healthy and happy student. You need to sleep. The number of hours of sleep a person needs to function their best varies by individual, but in general The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. As you sleep your body gets the chance to restore itself. Not getting enough sleep can lead to increased pain, weight gain, and may also impair your ability to think clearly. 

After you get the hang of catching some ZZZZZZ’s, try catching something else, like a football or basketball. You’ve probably guessed it, but tip number two is to exercise. Regular exercise can help improve your mood, give you an increased level of energy, and help control weight gain. Most importantly, exercising can help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, and certain types of cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.  

If you’re heading outside to get your exercise, or even just to walk to your car, remember tip number three: dress warmly. This may not be pertinent everyday considering unpredictable Kentucky weather, but you should always be prepared. If there is a chill in the air, remember to grab your coat before you trek to class. Wearing warm clothes as the temperature starts dropping will help your body fight off colds and decrease your chance of having breathing problems. 

In addition to bundling up, tip number four is another way to keep germs at bay: wash your hands regularly.  As you go through your daily routine you undoubtedly encounter numerous surfaces many other people, and their germs, have come in contact with. Washing your hands regularly will ensure that you don’t pick up illnesses that others may be leaving behind, like the flu. 

Another way to prevent catching the flu is to get a flu shot. University Health Services offers the flu vaccination to students for $10 with your student ID. To set up an appointment, call UHS at (859) 323-2778. On a similar note, if you are feeling poorly, go to the clinic. You may be contagious and unknowingly spreading your illness to others. Also, if you have a condition that needs to be treated with medicine, going to the clinic will get you feeling better sooner.

Pumpkin CUPCAKES!

Contributer: Katie Avra

You'll want to stay in this weekend and make these wonderful pumpkin treats!

You’ll need:

·         24 cupcake wrappers, 2 cupcake pans

·         1, 18 ½ oz. box of yellow cake mix (plus the ingredients called for in the package directions)

·         1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

·         1, 15 oz. of canned pumpkin puree

·         2, 8 oz. bars cream cheese, at room temperature

·         2 cups confectioners’ sugar

·         24 pieces candy corn

To enjoy:

·         Heat the oven to 350° F.

·         Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.

·         Prepare the cake mix as directed but with the following change: Add the pumpkin pie spice and substitute the can of pumpkin puree for the water called for in the package directions.

·         Divide the batter among the prepared muffin tins.

·         Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes.

·         Let cool.

·         Use an electric mixer; beat the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until creamy.

·         Spread on the cupcakes and top each with a piece of candy corn.

Adapted from: www.realsimple.com