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hema

Lessons At The Midpoint

I can’t believe the first half of the “best four years of my life” are already over.

College goes by so quickly, and we often get so caught up in everything that we’re doing that we don’t even realize it. If you’re like me, and are just now having this crazy revelation that life is really short, I think it’s a great time to reflect on what you’ve learned so far.

The past two years haven’t been perfect, but I’ve certainly learned a lot that can be applied to the next two years (and beyond). so, to complement Thomas’ lessons he learned from turning 21, here are a few of the things I’ve been reflecting on lately–some are about school, some are about life at large, and some are just random yet powerful lessons. Read More →

Shopping for College: The Holiday Edition

Hema Karunakaram Fun Stuff

We’ve all had busy semesters, and we’ve all been going about our classes, extracurriculars, and social life, when—BAM—it hits you. Not only is it finals time, but it’s Christmas. Or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or [insert other winter holiday here]. In any case, regardless of what you celebrate, it’s gift-giving time. And you’re a broke college student that doesn’t have time to get presents (not to mention you totally forgot about all this after Thanksgiving, when you could have shopped for all of this on Black Friday). Now there’s only two weeks left and you’re hearing your friends say that they’ve already bought your presents… so what do you do? Read More →

Shopping for College: A No-Nonsense Approach to Fashion

Hema Karunakaram Gear, Tips

This is the first post in a mini-series about back-to-school shopping. While aimed at incoming freshmen, these tips can apply to any college student.

I think I’ve wasted a solid amount of my free time over the past few years scanning through countless fashion blogs. And as much as they all try to bold, italicize, and highlight words like “unique”, “affordable”, or “easy”, I’ve found that that’s rarely true. You’d think one should come away from reading such blogs feeling inspired, but I usually feel boring, poor, and too busy to look like all the people in those pictures and ads.

Geek Reads 08/11: Beat the Summer Doldrums

Hema Karunakaram Books

Yes, it’s that time of year again–that sticky, slow, monotonous period in the middle of the summer where everything seems to come to a standstill. The excitement of the beginning summer has long passed, and you’re probably working somewhere to make yourself useful, or taking classes, or researching, or doing something to occupy your break. Or maybe you’ve found yourself sitting around with nothing to do. And it’s not quite time to start shopping or packing up for college quite yet. So how can you stay entertained during the inevitable boredom of mid-summer?

Pick up a book, of course! Read More →

Yoga: Ctrl + F5 for your Body and Mind

Hema Karunakaram Health

“I’m not flexible enough.” “I don’t have time.” “It doesn’t do anything.”

It’s the same excuses I always hear when I tell people to try yoga. Just the thought of the ancient practice conjures up images of yogis bent over in awkward, excruciating, contorted positions, and it doesn’t take much for people to be immediately turned off. What most people don’t know is that you don’t have to be flexible at all to do yoga–you just have to be willing to try. Read More →

Watching What You Say

Hema Karunakaram Communication

This is the first post from one of our newest writers, Hema Karunakaram. Let her know what you think in the comments!

As much as college may be about learning and discovering new things and finding yourself, it’s just as much about meeting new people, building relationships, and networking. College has the potential to totally alter your life—and not just because of what you learn. Suddenly, you’re meeting tons of new people every day, and you’re in such close proximity to so many of your peers all the time. Now, more than ever before, the words that come out of your mouth could have enormous effects on you and those around you. Read More →