leti's studyblr

As a cognitive neuroscience major, I read a lot of lengthy academic papers. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from having done so many damn readings, it’s that you don’t actually need to read every single word in the paper to understand it. A lot of times, the author will repeat themselves over and over, or offer evidence/explanations that aren’t essential to understanding their argument. Instead, I recommend using the first/last method, which is essentially a guideline to what you should read in order to understand the main gist of an academic paper. 

Any academic paper consists of three structural units: the paper as a whole, the sections/subsections that make up the paper, and the paragraphs that make up each section. The paper as a whole typically follows a certain form: intro/abstract, main argument separated into sections, conclusion. The sections cover one facet of the main argument. The paragraphs provide specific details or explanations for the topic currently under discussion.

The first/last method is exactly what it says on the tin: you only need to read the first and last bit of every structural unit. This means you will read the following as they are presented in the paper: 

abstract, intro, and conclusion

definition of terms, if provided

first and last paragraph of each middle section

first and last 1-2 sentences of each paragraph

The main argument is typically summarized in the intro/abstract, conclusion, or both. The main claim of each section is usually presented in the first paragraph, and the conclusion of the section typically expresses the implications of that claim. Finally, paragraphs will usually start with some kind of topic sentence and end with a conclusion. By reading only these things, you’ll pick up at least 70% of the meaning of the paper, and you’ll save yourself a lot of time and frustration. 

If you’d like to bump that comprehension up to 95%, I recommend skimming the paper for italics, lists, and descriptions/summaries of other arguments and reading those things when you encounter them in addition to the things mentioned above. The key to this is to skim for certain cues, and not read every single word. Italics serve as a visual cue, lists are cued by indicators like “first”/”second” or “1)”/”2)”, and summaries of other arguments are typically indicated by copious citations or usage of another author’s name.

Some notes from my business and economics class. You may be able to see the typed notes behind which are also mine, which is the other way I write my notes ⭐️

211017 | 🎧 : Firework - Got7 Revision notes I made for my upcoming chemistry exam.

coupon for mochiandmoon stickers here // bestself co here

1. there is no shame in asking for help (academic, emotional, or mental) 

2. there is no shame in going to tutoring 

3. there is no shame in getting Bs, Cs, Ds, or Fs 

4. there is no shame in not knowing what you want to study 

5. there is no shame in having a job 

6. there is no shame in struggling in a so-called “easy course” 

7. there is no shame in withdrawing from a course you don’t feel comfortable in 

8. there is no shame in changing your major 

9. there is no shame in not taking a full load of classes in a semester 

Ever wonder what your life would be like if you lived up to your full potential? Would your body be healthier? Your skin clearer? Bank account bigger? I think about these things all the time, and, judging my a previous post, you guys do to. Below is a chart designed to help all of us live up to our full potential. I’ve broken it down into time frames to help keep you from getting overwhelmed. Write the chart down and hang it someplace where you can see it all the time. I will be starting this challenge tomorrow, 9/8. I’ll check in with you guys every Sunday to track my progress. I have specific goals in mind for myself, and you guys should make some too! I really want to know how you guys are doing. Tag your progress posts with #sbfpc so I can track it and take a look. Let’s get to it!

EVERY MORNING

Stretch. First thing. Really give your body enough time to wake up. Touch your toes. Roll out your shoulders. Do not hit snooze!

Do your full skincare routine. I have mine detailed here, but do whatever works for you and your complexion. Be gentle and consistent. 

Brush your teeth and floss. I used to be a big floss-skipper too, but you’d be amazed at how dig of a difference it makes. Rinse with a whitening mouthwash. I use one by Crest, and I notice a major difference in my teeth’s overall whiteness in just a few days.

Give yourself enough time to get ready. Whether you’re a wash-and-go kind of girl, or someone who spends an hour doing a full contouring routine before class (and either one is fine!), make sure you aren’t rushing. If you need to wake up a few minutes earlier than normal, so be it. Rushing sets an awful, stressed-out tone for the rest of the day. Allow yourself to be relaxed before taking on the day.

Eat something. I’m not going to say eat a big breakfast, because some people (myself included) just can’t eat in the morning. But you should eat, or at least bring a little something with you to work or school. If you can’t eat a full breakfast, grab a fruit! You won’t be as hungry come lunch time, making you less likely to gorge yourself.

Shower. You can do this at night, in the morning, whatever. Again, this is something you should allow some time for. I don’t wash my hair every day, but I do condition it every day (from the ears down). Scrub yourself with a delicious-smelling body wash. If you shave, make yourself as smooth as a dolphin, dude. If you don’t, then don’t and don’t ever ever ever let anyone make you feel bad or weird about it. When you get out of the shower, wrap yourself in a fluffy towel and totally slather your sexy self with lotion. Top to bottom. Do it as soon as you can post-shower so it can really sink in. 

Put leave-in condition throughout your damp hair and comb it through.

Put on an outfit that makes you feel good! So important!

Drink water. Drink water. Drink water. Drink water!!!!!

Take a look at your daily to-do list. Knock out the most pressing stuff first. Take pride when you cross things off your list.

Make your bed! Oh my god, make your bed. Do it. Do it. Do it. 

EVERY AFTERNOON 

Follow the “touch it once” approach. This is a truly life-changing thing. When a task is in front of you, no matter how big or small, just do it right then and there. How many times have you gotten a work email or homework assignment and thought, “Eh, I’ll do it later”? And then later never comes? Once something pops up, do it once. Squash it and be done. Cross things off your list and feel like a badass.

Try to go for a walk at lunch. Even one little lap around the block or campus will reenergize you like nobody’s business. 

Drink water. Drink water. Drink water. Drink water!!!!!

Be present. This is so hard for me too, but you have to make a major effort to be present in whatever you’re doing. Be engaged and plugged-in and just exist in the moment. Give 100 percent.

Be friendly to friends and strangers. A smile goes a long way.

Eat something. Eat what you packed for lunch (see below) and take a break from working while you do it. You need “you time”!

EVERY EVENING

Take your makeup off as soon as you’re in for the night. Wash your face with your full routine and let your skin have a break. 

Workout. You can also do this in the morning. Whatever works for you. Make a great playlist and go hard af. Get your cardio in. Get your strength training in. Earn every freaking sweat bead forming on your forehead. Earn your shower!

Knock out your homework. Life is infinitely better you don’t have anything hanging over your head. Half the time, the energy and emotion you spent dreading/putting off your work is ten times worse than the work itself.

Make a list of what needs to be done tomorrow. It’ll set you up for success the next day, and you won’t forget anything!

Drink water. Drink water. Drink water. Drink water!!!!!

Lay out your clothes for tomorrow. This will save you SO MUCH TIME in the morning omg I can’t even tell you how important this is.

Eat something great. And once you’ve decided to be done eating for the night, be done. Brush your teeth so you can’t eat again.

After brushing, do a whitening treatment. Whether it’s classic baking soda, a Crest white strip, or a laser. Do something. And floss! Retainers in too, ladies 0:)

Relax! Take a few hours to do what YOU want to do. Scroll through Tumblr, binge on some Netflix, FaceTime gossip with your friends, anything. Do whatever makes you happiest. 

Shut the electronics off an hour before you want to go to bed. Put your phone on sleep mode. If you stare at the screen, it will keep you awake and alert and you won’t be able to fall asleep. A good night’s sleep is crucial for weightless and general happiness lol

Do a quick sweep of your room and see if there’s anything you can put away real quick. A clean space is a happy space.

Crawl into your bed (aren’t you happy you took the time to make it?!) and read a book by lamplight for a while. When you start to feel sleepy, go to sleep. Don’t push it. You kicked ass today and you deserve rest. 

EVERY WEEKEND

Do something with your friends. It just has to be one thing. Even if you’re just hanging out at the coffee shop, spending time with your squad will make you a better, happier person.

Drink water. Drink water. Drink water. Drink water!!!!!

Do something just for you. Set your laptop up in the bathroom and watch a Netflix marathon while you take a bubble bath. Buy an old school bottle of Mr. Bubbles ($3 at Target!) and really just soak. Relax. Light a candle.

Do something creative. You can read a book, write, blog, draw, code, anything. It just has to be something that speaks to your passion.

Track your progress. Just do this once a week so it doesn’t become all-consuming. And remember that non-scale victories are just as important as shedding pounds.

Take the time to be grateful. Tell your friend how much you admire her taste in music. Mention to your mom how much you love her cooking and how happy you are that she takes care of you. Thank your teaching after an especially interesting lecture. When you do something awesome, take a moment to admire yourself. Be grateful for even the little things.

HOW TO BE PRODUCTIVE ON THE WEEKENDS

Hi study buddies it is Saturday night and I’m home alone and one thing I hate about being alone is that I really never get anything done. I’m either cooking or I’m in my bed and I just hate doing that because I’m so unproductive. I know a lot of us just hate studying especially during our “down time” and we also have other priorities we need to do during the daytime. So today I’m going over some tips on how you can make your weekend a little but more productive and studious. 

there are 60 hours between the end of Friday after getting out of school and the end of Sunday, substracting let’s say seven hours of sleep every day you have about 39 hours of free time.

That is plenty of time to relax, do all the activities you need to do and also be productive to work on assignments. The first thing you need to do is plan out your weekend and make a schedule.

if you don’t want to read everything, i made a video explaining the same exact productivity tips on my youtube channel {link}

STUDY EARLY + PLAN A SCHEDULE

Weekends are a time for you to relax, but if you can, try to start working early in the morning because you’re going to be more productive and your brain can actually function properly. 

By 12-1 AM at night is the time where the majority of people including me cannot be productive so just try to avoid working during that time period because it’s just not a good time to be trying to memorize math functions and write a week pieced essay. I know that every time I try to study during 1 AM or 2 AM I always end up being so slow at retaining information, it just becomes counter productive. 

Start your assignments on Saturday night or the afternoon and try to finish it during Sunday morning. (recommended)

if you have the motivation to start your homework during Friday obviously do your homework during Friday, that is the best thing to do, but for the majority of us I know we would like to relax for a little bit.

So just try to plan a routine and schedule that matches your weekend

FIND A STUDY PARTNER

So now that you have created a routine or something or you can follow. I’m going to go over some tips on how you can be more focused and concentrated on doing the stuff that you need to do.

find a study buddy or just a friend that you know can keep you company. 

go to your local coffee shop or someone’s house and work there because if you have someone nearby, they can keep you accountable for actually doing your work  (obviously find a friend that will not distract you).

 If you can’t meet them in person Skype them I know a lot of people go on Skype chats with your friends and do homework. I think that is a really good idea I’ve done it a few times myself and I’ve been pretty productive during them. So try to have someone nearby that can keep you on track so you don’t spiral down into a YouTube and Netflix day.

NO MORE DISTRACTIONS

Another thing you can do is actually download some applications  that can keep you off sites like Netflix, YouTube, and Facebook.

I talked about this in my how to be productive after school video and basically just download this app called “self control” {link}

what it does is that a blocks you from using sites that you would normally get distracted on.

So you can and manually put in sites like Facebook.com and Netflix.com The app will block you from using it for certain amount of time that you put in, so usually when I’m studying I block myself from using YouTube for about 30 minutes to an hour limit.

FIND A STUDY SPACE

Experiment with where you’re studying because I know I cannot concentrate for my life In my bedroom.

The majority of the times where I’m the most productive is in my kitchen

experiment with where you’re studying and find out if you were the most productive in your bedroom or if you’re the most productive sitting on a couch or on a dining table.

TO-DO LIST

My fourth tip is to have a to-do list of all the things you need to do.

 having a written down to do list is really important because sometimes you just forget about tasks and you might end up not doing some of them.

having a physical piece of paper saying that you need to do all these things by the end of it this day will help you to keep you on track.

LISTEN TO MUSIC (or not, it depends)

Another thing you can do is actually play some music

music helps a lot of people, including me, study more efficiently because it blocks out all the distractions from the outside world and keeps you focused inside your little bubble so you can work on your assignments

note that music isn’t always the best thing to listen to while studying especially for classes like history or english but I do really recommend it if you’re doing some math problems because it can be quite relaxing

And if you don’t know what to listen to I really recommend checking out my study playlist which is study & chill  {link}

study session playlist - instrumental music, piano solos, soundtracks from movies {link}

I got like at least 10 asks on gouache and how to use them…this is just a basic stuff :V

092117 // 12/100 days of productivity:

Masterpost I: DESIGN Resources* ⎯⎯ by Nicole*** of CMPSBLS

i get a lot of asks/messages about graphic design so heres a rec list!
 ***note: i am not a graphic designer so these are just recs!（○＾▽＾○） *- some sites may have products you have to pay for please look carefully!
 ⟡ - personal faves! || © - sources

GRAPHIC DESIGN:

is art with a purpose. It involves a creative and systematic plan to solve a problem or achieve certain objectives, with the use of images, symbols or even words. ©

how to speak designer: terms (v useful) (*´∇｀*)

TYPOGRAPHY

it is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. ©  

lets talk more about my bf typography ♥（ﾉ´∀`）

90% of design is typography (infographic)

IMITATION VS. INSPIRATION

as we go through these websites note that graphic designers work hard  but so pls take care of the artists (he)art please!

simply put: don’t plagiarize dont copy any art ever in the end you’re going to regret it. （；へ：）

DESIGN RULES GUIDELINES there are no rules in art be freE!

6 principles of design + principles of design!

20 design principles ⟡⟡  fav! the inforgraphic is so wOW!

10 commandments of design

effective visual communications ⟡

iOS cheat sheet dimensions + file formats

WEBSITES for inspiration/resources

BEHANCE ⟡⟡⟡ ⎯⎯ for layout ins/fonts

DRIBBLE ⟡ ⎯⎯ for inspiration

FROM UP NORTH ⎯⎯ for lettering/typography ins

THEDSGNBLOG ⟡ ⎯⎯ for everythigN

CREATIVEBLOQ ⎯⎯ for advice/articles!

CREATIVE MARKET ⟡ ⎯⎯ for resources/psds

PIXEL BUDDHA  ⎯⎯ for resources

ultimate list

go to places for inspo (i feel alive bc these r great!)

2500 resources omfg…i M ALIVE I am fiLLED with energy

TUMBLR BLOGS for advice/inspiration ++

@goodtypography

@behance

@studioblrcollective - art studyblrs!! lIEK?? omg so useful

TUMBLR POSTS of advice/info & everythign!

@educatier‘s graphic design mps! (all her mps tho!! A+++)

answers by @genspen! (one) (two)

masterposts abt graphic design by @rorystudies

FONTS how to use them & where to get them!

dafont ⎯⎯ rly easy to dl fonts here!

googlefonts ⎯⎯ another rly common site but NICE!

1001 fonts

freebiesbug ⎯⎯ also for icons/mockups!!! fav

behance ⎯⎯ i can depend my life on this sItE

fontsource

100 best free fonts

18 rules, another pin, top 5 rules

you need a font? (infographic)

COLORS & palettes /throws flowers everywhere/

coolors

computerhope

colourlovers

prettycolors

colordot

the art of color coordination (infographic)

color psychology

PICTURES free stock photos backgrounds & gradients!

free stock photos

 mp by pistachi-o , neonbikethemes

PLUS stuff fr Nicole

my design & art board on Pinterest

info abt my printables | my printables tag

Pages from my Starbucks x Moleskine 2016 planner: What a busy busy January! (And we still have a week of it left!) I can imagine that the next few months wouldn’t be any different, but we studyblrs can make it through, right? 💪

April 4, 2016 // [1/100]

67 days until graduation, but it’s still snowing here in Chicago and I’ve still got an awful lot of a BA to write, so that two-month-away-impending-reality isn’t hitting me hard just yet.