Dear Aunt Martha,

Unpredictable circumstances have led me to have a lot of free time on my hands this summer, and I am trying to find ways to spend it productively. Since I enjoy reading to pass time by, do you have any book recommendations for someone who is trying to not only academically, but holistically grow? I want to end this summer as a new and rejuvenated person!

Best,

A Motivated Student

Dear Motivated Student,

Summer is a wonderful time to catch up on books you’ve been wanting to read and it’s a great opportunity to take care of yourself, open your mind, and learn new things. We have 5 book recommendations for you, which we hope can help you on your personal journey of growth during this time!

1. Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness

By Ingrid Fetell Lee

Through research, designer Ingrid Fetell Lee has uncovered the linkages between the small changes you can make in your personal environment and the remarkable happiness that they can bring to your life. Looking out toward the physical space you inhabit, and taking time to notice the effect it has on you, can be just as effective as practicing acts of looking inward, such as through meditation. Lee emphasizes the importance of harnessing a safe and positive environment, and the tremendous benefits such a perspective can have on your mindfulness and productivity. And with the increased time that we all have spent indoors recently, Lee’s advice and knowledge can help us construct a space of comfort and joy, enabling us to have better well-being.

2. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

By James Clear

Free time can allow yourself the headspace to build some new habits that you may not have had time to delve into before. Author James Clear identifies that it is not the individual who is at fault for bad or unbreakable habits; it is the system, or method, you employ to carry them out. He is also able to distill the complex topic of constructing a habit into simple behaviors that can be used to work your way to achieving your goals. Atomic Habits will help you set up the time to develop new habits, hurdle the aversive lack of willpower, cultivate an environment that facilitates success, and more. Habits are facets of our lives that we apply every day, and Clear’s expertise in this field can help you achieve success through building habits that are constructive and productive.

3. We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships

By Kate Vellos

Social isolation has led many of us to feel, well, isolated. Luckily, experience designer Kat Vellos has put together a book that contains the ways to counter what she identifies as the four main setbacks against adult friendships. These are: relocation, degree of busyness, relationship demands, and the negative impacts of social media on people’s sense of intimacy. With these four concepts in mind, Vellos has proposed a series of methods that can improve social interactions, reduce digital dependency, pinpoint the relationships that are most important, and develop a healthy balance between social and work life. We all strive to have supportive and close groups of people we can trust — and Vellos has provided the methods by which we can achieve them.

4. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

By Elizabeth Gilbert

Author Elizabeth Gilbert discusses in this book how to harness our curiosities and fuel inspiration. Additionally, she helps with overcoming the fears and roadblocks that prevent some from tapping into their creative selves, identifying habits and approaches that can make realizing your creative potential a lot more attainable. Current times have led to extreme restrictions and limitations on “normal” lives, and tapping into unrealized creativity can be a useful skill in order to make the most out of the situation. Whether this be starting up a new hobby, setting off to learn something new, or just be productive when passing time, Gilbert’s book can help us achieve these goals and lead more creative lives.

5. Dining In: Highly Cookable Recipes

By Alison Roman

For anyone, and especially college students, being able to cook is an invaluable skill. Alison Roman’s Dining In presents a variety of recipes that are delicious yet cost-effective, which cater to even the most fundamental of home chefs. On top of providing easy recipes, Roman also offers advice to help add flavor to your meals as well as reduce time in preparation. This book is great for anyone who is looking to save money while also being able to provide themselves with delicious and nutritious meals, making cooking at home a pleasurable rather than tedious experience. 

We hope that these book recommendations can inspire you to grow and develop into a version of yourself of which you are proud. Remember, cultivating who you are is a process that takes time so make sure you give yourself the love and patience that you need to grow. It’s all about the journey, not the end result!

As always, stay safe and healthy!

Take care,

Aunt Martha

Dear Aunt Martha,

“With many internship opportunities being cancelled due to what’s going on, I’m not sure that I may be able to work this summer. What is another way that I can continue to expand my knowledge about industries or careers that I am interested in while not necessarily having hands-on experience?”

Sincerely,

A Determined Student

Dear Determined Student,

That’s a great question and an extremely relevant topic to the current situation many students’ have found themselves in. With many companies deciding to rescind internships in light of COVID-19, many students are scrambling to find a different internship that can be done remotely or are trying to figure out what other experiences may be available for the summer. If you’re a student looking to find resources on the different ways you can learn more about the career or industry you’re interested in, keep on reading!  

Doing Research

One of the first things you can start with is simply doing your own research on the career or industry you’re interested in. Know any major companies within that field? Check out their websites and any journals they’ve published. You can read over those resources to learn more about what they do as a firm, and it also gives you an understanding of what kind of mission or culture that company has. Establishing this knowledge can help you further down the road when it comes to applying for a job or internship at a specific company. Should you be selected for an interview and present yourself as knowing a company’s mission and culture, and you are able to articulate that knowledge in your interview, it shows the recruiter that you’ve done your research and can set you apart from other candidates. Doing your own research can also narrow down your interests in a certain industry or even help you establish connections between your different passions! In addition, you can do research on what the up-and-coming trends are within your industry of interest. This isn’t just useful to know while you’re learning more about the industry, but consistently being up-to-date with industry trends also shows potential employers that you’re passionate and well-informed. 

Connecting with Alumni & Industry Professionals

A great way students can learn more about a specific industry or career is to reach out to Alumni and industry professionals. Although it may seem daunting at first, connecting with industry professionals is a great way to learn about their journey, gain a first-hand perspective on a company’s culture, and get rich insight into what exactly a “day-in-the-life-of” in that career might entail. Cornell has several different online networking platforms that students can use to connect with alumni, which includes Handshake and CUeLinks. These two resources allow students to specifically message Cornell alumni and community members to ask about their experiences in graduate school, careers, and more. It also gives students the tools to establish professional relationships. In fact the Human Ecology Young Alumni Council is offering alumni-led webinars to students for free. These webinars are an opportunity for alumni to share valuable information and advice about their career experiences and finding internships and jobs, so make sure to check them out! 

Another resource students can use is LinkedIn. Although this isn’t Cornell-specific, it’s still a great resource for students to connect with alumni and industry professionals and establish important connections. Before sending a request, make sure you have a solid LinkedIn profile with a clean photo and an articulate “experiences” section. Since your LinkedIn profile is like a “digital resume”, take care into what you include on your profile and how you describe yourself and your experiences. If people see that you’ve put work into your profile, they’ll be more willing to connect with you. Once your profile is ready, when you send a request to connect with someone, send a personalized request to the individual rather than a generic request message. Tell them who you are, your background and why you’re reaching out to them. This will show the person that you are focused and aware of what your connection means to them and yourself. Sometimes you might not get a response but don’t be discouraged! Some people may be extremely busy and others may simply not be interested. Don’t let this stop you from reaching out and building connections because you will eventually connect with someone who aligns with you, understands your passions, and is interested in what you have to offer. Lastly, it’s extremely important that you thank them for their time and assistance, both in writing (via email) and live (via Zoom or phone). You should always express gratitude to show that you truly value their willingness to help and in turn, they will appreciate that fact and may be willing to provide more help in the future.

Personal Projects & Exploration

One of the best ways to stay productive in skill-building and becoming more acclimated to what you may want to do in the future is pursue side projects. These can pertain to what you are learning in school, but they can also involve exploring new areas or fields that interest you. You can use personal projects as a means of learning more about what intrigues you, without being within a classroom environment. You can also use personal projects to learn more about what you may not want to do. Sometimes a part of finding out what piques your curiosity is finding out what doesn’t, and this is a completely normal part of the process. As an undergraduate university student, you aren’t expected to know exactly what you may want to do in the future, whether it be in further education or in a career. Nevertheless, freely pursuing and exploring other areas beyond your school concentration can in times be one of the most effective ways in discovering more about yourself. Build the bridge — however intertwined it may be — between where you are now and where you want to be.

We hope that some of these tips can help you navigate your career options during this time. If you still have any questions or just want someone to talk to regarding your career, feel free to reach out to our Career Assistants by signing up through Calendly! Even though we’ve transitioned online, our number one priority is helping students with career exploration. As always, stay safe and healthy!

Warm Regards,

Aunt Martha 

Dear Aunt Martha,

With academic courses transitioning to virtual learning, I’m worried that I won’t be able to stay as motivated as I was on campus. What strategies do you recommend for students to stay productive and accountable during this time, while also taking care of my physical and mental health? 

Sincerely,

A Bewildered Student

Dear Bewildered Student,

I’m glad you asked that question as I’m sure you’re not the only student feeling this way. Many of us have never experienced anything like this during our lifetime and undoubtedly, it’s a huge adjustment for us all. Attending classes and completing assignments remotely, while also making sure you and your family are staying safe and healthy during this time can create a lot of anxiety and additional stress. I’ve included several strategies and tips to help you create a healthy at-home working environment as well as some self-care tips to keep your physical and mental health in check.

Creating a Healthy Work Environment

Make a Schedule and Stick to it

One of the most important parts about working from home is establishing boundaries and creating rules for yourself. By having a defined schedule, you can keep yourself motivated and productive, while making sure you aren’t under or overworking yourself. It’s important that you try to develop a routine that you can easily work with and support your academic goals as well as any house chores you may have to complete. If you are living with other people, make sure your schedule doesn’t interfere with anyone else’s so you and others can stay on track. Writing down assignments and projects in a checklist or a calendar can help you keep your headspace clear and visualize which tasks need to be prioritized and completed.

Change out of your PJs

Being at home makes it easy for us to wear our comfy and cozy lounge clothes but this could actually detract from your productivity and demotivate you to complete work. When you wake up in the morning and do your routine, try to change into clothes you’d wear on a typical school day. By creating an outfit that you like and feel good in, this can lift up your mood and trick your mind into thinking that it’s time to get work done. It also doesn’t hurt to wear something other than your PJs if you’re in a Zoom call with your class! 

Setting Up a Workspace

By setting a defined workspace, you can establish which spaces are designated for work time and which spaces are for home time. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have your own office space, but this could be as easy as designating one corner of your room to be your workspace. Once you pick a place, whether that be your desk or the kitchen table, make sure you keep the space clean and clutter free. Eliminating mess can help increase your productivity and concentration, as well as give your mind space to think.

Eliminate Distractions and Take Regular Breaks

Being at home could mean that there are more distractions around your work environment in addition to distractors like phones and social media. Try to set a certain amount of time to a specific activity (i.e. 25 mins) and then give yourself a micro-break (i.e. 5 mins) to briefly rest your mind. Try to make these breaks meaningful rather than making them an opportunity to check Instagram or TikTok. Slotting in time during the day where you take regular breaks to stretch or grab a cup of coffee/tea and snacks can help keep your body hydrated and fueled while you work. 

Keep Yourself Connected

It’s no doubt that self-quarantine has led to isolation and separation between family and friends. However, if you’re reading this, there are ways in which online resources can be used to bridge this separation. As we have all heard by now, most classes will be facilitated by Zoom for the rest of the semester. Zoom, a video conference platform, can also be used as one of many applications to contact those close to you. Other methods such as texting, calling, or emailing are also helpful to stay updated with the people in your life who you may not be able to see at this time. If you have any group projects, make sure you have consistent communication with your peers so that everyone can keep each other updated on any progress or concerns relevant to the project. Lastly, keeping up to date with the latest global news is helpful to keep ourselves aware of what is happening.

Staying Physically & Mentally Healthy

Go Outside (when it’s nice out)

Everyone’s situation is different during this time, and everyone is dealing with it in different ways. While we should all be very cautious about outdoor interactions with others, we should all try to get some fresh air and go outside when we can. Nature has restorative benefits, and can help improve mood and health just by going outside. Playing outside near your home, walking, running, and biking are just a few of many ideas that can help you stay active while maintaining safe distances from others. However, if your situation does not accommodate for this, even just opening a window and letting in fresh air can help you access the benefits of nature.

Maintain Physical & Mental Wellness

Even though gyms are closed right now, a lot can be done with physical activity even at home. Lots of online fitness instructors are providing a range of free workout routines for people to complete while at home. You can find a wide variety of these workout videos on Youtube and Instagram. Many of them include both body-weight exercises as well as weighted exercises, accommodating whatever home-gym situation you have. In addition, try to explore other forms of at-home activities that you previously didn’t have the time to do, like yoga, dance, or meditation. Meditation is a great way to reduce any anxiety you’re experiencing and offers an opportunity for you to check-in with your mind and body. Apps like Headspace or Calm are a great way to start meditating and practicing everyday for even 10 minutes can help you reconnect with yourself. Lastly, make sure you include a stretching routine during your day, whether it be 5 or 20 minutes long, to keep your blood flowing if you are sitting more than usual. 

Develop (or Discover!) a New Hobby

Being off campus has shifted the day-to-day habits for everyone, and we are all still adjusting to the changes that have occurred in the past few weeks. Therefore, consider taking up a hobby in something you’ve always wanted to do, or teach yourself something you’ve always wanted to learn but didn’t have the time for. It doesn’t have to be a new activity; just giving yourself time to unwind for a small period in the day is enough to ease your mind and body. We are all going through this process differently, but even a small window of time each day can make a tremendous difference.

Mindful Eating

Eating is by no doubt something used in a wide variety of contexts. We eat for essential meals and snacks, but stress eating is another common and more negative form of consuming food. Being aware of what you are eating and making healthy eating choices is very important to make sure you are getting sufficient vitamins and nutrients your body needs. Eating consistently and moderately is also important during this time, since it is essential to keep your body and its processes in good and healthy shape.

Stay Clean

Hygiene has become one of, if not the most important things to keep us healthy at this time. One of the best practices to maintain good hygiene is to wash your hands for 20 seconds every time you come back to your home from outside or from contact with anyone outside your self-isolation circle. Another tip to keep yourself hygienic is to avoid touching your face, since areas such as the mouth and nose are where you are most at risk. Lastly, although physical activity may be lower than usual, cleansing yourself consistently in showers and other routines will help your entire body stay sanitary.

I hope that these tips are helpful for you in whatever situation you are in! Maintaining a healthy and productive lifestyle is one of the most important things that you can do right now, as well as supporting family and friends in need. If you need any help, feel free to reach out to our Career Assistants. Stay healthy and safe!

Warm Regards,

Aunt Martha