4 Tips to Prepare for Spring Semester

By Monique Beaupre, Toppel Peer Advisor

Another semester approaches its close. Finals are around the corner and the study scramble will soon be in full swing. At the conclusion of this hectic time, however, there is a light at the end of the tunnel: winter break.

Being your laziest self will surely leave you refreshed and energized for the new semester. Follow these tips and get off on the right foot for spring!

Sleep – at last!

Take this grand three-week opportunity to catch up on all the sleep you missed out on when you were cramming for finals. Sleep deprivation is harmful to your health and should be avoided whenever possible!

Enjoy all of your favorite comfort foods.

This is the time to take a break from the dining hall or cooking food yourself. Savor the home cooked family meals you missed so much while away at school. Also be sure to make trips to all of your favorite restaurants.

Visit with family and old friends.

Going home is an escape from the constant buzz of the fast-pace of Miami. A break from this busy academic and social environment gives you a chance to cleanse the mind and enjoy the simple pleasure of catching up and sharing stories with loved ones. Getting in touch with your roots can be an opportunity to come back down to earth after the excitement of a stimulating semester.

Pick up old or new hobbies.

Swap out the textbooks and study guides for recreational reading. Try a month-long trial at a hot yoga studio or kickboxing gym. And who doesn't love winter sports.

Shout-out to December graduates:  CONGRATULATIONS! You should take the time to relax just as much as – if not more than – students this holiday season.

Did You Know?

By Alysha Gomes, Toppel Peer Advisor

 

 “You never know in today’s day and age,” is what my mother always told me when I asked her questions about impossibilities. I was always that annoying kid pulling on every adults arm asking why and for good reason. Today, anything is possible and when I say anything, I truly mean ANYTHING.

First, please watch the video above if you haven’t already. It gave me chills and in case you didn’t catch the video’s most relevant information regarding students; we’re living in a time where the amount of technology doubles every 2 years. That means that information freshman students receive, who are seeking a technological degree, is outdated by their junior year.

Second, here is some information that boggles my mind.

Did You Know:

This year the US Department of Labor recognized and defined 24 new jobs in their Economic Statistics report. It is predicted that 50+ new jobs will emerge within the next 2 years that have never existed before. 

Virgin Galactic is a spaceline that is planned to take tourists into space next year. Tickets have been available since 2005 and are currently $200,000. 

Stanford University has engineered a genetically programmed cell that can be inserted into the body to detect proteins associated with cancer and, when in contact, produces a protein (drug) that combats the cancer. It is a step toward putting computers into living cells, which MIT researchers are currently working on and predict to accomplish within the next year.

The Ghent University’s Center of Microsystems Technology has developed a curved LCD display that can be embedded in contact lenses and handle projected images using wireless technology. That means text messages, GPS directions, and even projectable sunglasses can be transmitted directly to your eye!

  

 

The Art of Tying a Tie

By Kayla Lott, Toppel Ambassador

For some reason, it seems in our society today, the art of tying a tie is slowly being lost.  I didn’t even notice it until one of my male friends brought it up to me the other day.  Maybe it’s because we have become busier or lazier; however, regardless of the answer, less and less people, and that goes for men and women, know how to tie a tie.  But don’t fret!  Learning how to tie a tie can be simple, easy, fast and fun, and if you don’t feel that way, you should learn anyway.

Step 1: Start off with the tie under your collar and evenly hanging. 

Note: The smaller end of the tie should essentially be stationary throughout this process, hanging in the middle of your body.

Step 2: Take the side of the tie with the wider end and cross it over the smaller side making an x.  

Step 3: Cross the wider end of the tie under the smaller end so that it makes a one sider t.

Step 4: Wrap or cross the wide part across the front of the smaller end.

Step 5: Pull the wide part up the back and through the loop in the front.

Step 6: Tighten and adjust.

Congratulations!  You have now learned how to tie a tie!  You no longer have to put on a clip-on or have your roommate do it for you, and if you didn’t understand any of the steps, that’s okay.  There’s a picture here that will show you how to do it.  

Happy tie tying!