Don't Over-do in the Weight Room

One day in the weight room, I got confident. I felt strong and sensed I could lift anything. I decided to put more weight on the bar. I was also stupid for not asking someone to spot me. While bench pressing, I struggled getting the weights off my chest. Thankfully, someone noticed and assisted me. I learned a valuable lesson that day. I take no more chances when lifting.


Students, don’t lift more than you can handle. When you do, you risk injury and perhaps worst. Don’t allow adrenaline to pump you so much that you wind up like me. To the females: I know you don’t lift weights that much, but you can apply this lesson to any type of exercise you do.


The weight room brings the best out of students. They see others lifting more than them and become frustrated. Don’t get frustrated. The individuals who lift more are either built differently or have lifted longer. Just think: if you consistently lift for a while longer, you’ll be like them. Strength accumulates, so you have to work at it. Second, if they’re built differently, it means their body can handle lifting more. There’s nothing you can do regarding body frame.


Over lifting leads to improper form. I see many students lift weights incorrectly. They’re ruining parts of their body. When this happens, they’re likely lifting weight they can’t handle. Students need to focus on form rather than amount. Honestly, lifting wrong is cheating. Students may be able to lift the weight, but their muscles won’t develop because they’re using them incorrectly. I cringe when seeing someone do bicep curls with their back bent every rep. That’s begging for punishment.


There are ways to avoid these mistakes. Planning your progress is a good start. Not only plan, but stick to it. If you do, you’ll have no choice but to lift what’s in the plan. If you have trouble making a plan, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are numerous trainers on campuses. Speaking of trainers, ask them for tips on lifting. You can’t go wrong with a trainer. Also, find a workout partner. Partners will keep your ego in check. If you’re doing something wrong, they’ll tell you. And so what if partners slow you down. If you want the best results, you’ll abide.


Be smart when lifting. Don’t damage your body and stress yourself because of weights. When over lifting, you strain which leads to head pains. And you know what head pains can lead to. I’m not trying to scare you. I want you to have the best success while lifting.

Map of Mall/Shoppes in the Lehigh Valley

View Malls/Shoppes in the Lehigh Valley in a larger map


This map is mainly for Lehigh University students. Sorry everyone else. Anyways, many Lehigh students talk about only one mall: Lehigh Valley. So, I'm assuming that it's the only one everyone knows about. So, I've included a list of other malls/shops that are just as good as Lehigh Valley. Students will be surprised at the number of places to shop in the area.

When pinning the malls/shops, I tried to get as much of a variety as possible. Many students know what all malls have. However, each place offer something different. Not every mall has the same stores as the others. But through my map, students will discover why it's not good to go to the same place for every shopping experience. Each mall/shoppe has its own unique feature. Whatever students are looking for, they can find at one of the spots on the map.

Sit in the Front of the Class

Last year, one of my professors paid more attention to students sitting in the first few rows. I happened to sit on the next-to-last row. It was frustrating to see the professor show favoritism. Then, I thought a minute. The students on the last few rows didn’t pay much attention to him. He had no choice but to favor those students. After noticing, I sat on the first row for the remainder of the semester. I felt important because the professor noticed me. He called on me to answer questions and directly asked if I understood the material.

Students, sit in the front of the class. There’s nothing nerdy about it. You don’t have to be a genius. Professors respect students who do so. It lets them know you care and want to learn. I make it a habit to sit close in all classes. I want my professors to know I’m in the class. They won’t know you if you sit further back. You’re just “another student in the class”.

Sitting in the front makes students pay attention. They can’t text or talk; unless you’re rude. They have no choice but to understand the subject. Generally, students who sit in the front have higher grades. They take good notes because they comprehend better and are more engaged in class discussions. It’s a mystery why many students fail to realize the benefits.

Many students would like to sit in the front but they’re scared. Their friends are likely in the same class and they want to fit in. Students feel they’ll get teased with names such as “nerd” and “teacher’s pet”. One time, a girl sat in the front. Immediately, her friend started ragging her. I commend the girl for ignoring the comments and remaining seated.

Students also fear being called on. They feel that professors have a tendency to ask students in the front more questions. Students should take that as an honor. Professors don’t exist to embarrass students. Their job is to make sure we understand what’s going on. If we don’t, their job is a failure. So, don’t take it personal when called on. View it as an opportunity to increase your understanding. I relish being called on. I may not always know the answer but I’m willing to give it a shot. When I sat further back, I felt out-of –order. I didn’t feel a part of the class or discussions.  I couldn’t stand that feeling; which is another reason I appreciate being called on.

So don’t hesitate to sit close. Make it a habit by starting now. Classes don’t have assigned seats. We’re not in kindergarten. If your friends tease you, ignore them or invite them to join you. If they don’t, let them talk. They’ll notice the effects when viewing your grade compared to theirs.

Don't Hesitate to Visit the Campus Doctor

At one point last semester, I suffered painful headaches. These were the worst headaches of my life. I thought they would depart like always. After a few days, they still lingered. My only choice was to visit the campus doctor. During the visit, we learned I was suffering from migraines. I thought: Migraines? I never had those before. Anyway, we also discovered the root of the problem. My allergy medicine caused me to become tired, which led to the headaches. I stopped taking the allergy medicine and began taking Ibuprofen (the doctor’s suggestion) for the headaches. Since then, there’s been no trace of migraines.

Students, don’t try to heal on your own. When you feel sick, visit your campus’ medical office. The doctors are just as qualified as your doctors back home. They’re here to help you. So what if they fail to cure you completely. The least they’ll do is provide you with medication. Their medication is likely a better treatment than what you have. If they don’t have a cure, they’ll refer you to better help. Either way, you’ll get assistance.

Flu seasons are the worst. Students inherit the flu and let it wear off. One of my friends had the flu a couple of weeks ago. He said he didn’t go to the nurse. I thought he was crazy. If I had the flu, I’d be in the doctor’s office once I came down with it. All students should have this mentality. It’s not good to let the flu linger and spread to others. Even if you don’t want medical treatment, do it for others. Students frequently come to class coughing and sneezing. Me being paranoid, I lose concentration because I’m focusing on ways to avoid catching whatever that person has. I’m pretty sure other students feel the same way.

Pride is one reason students don’t visit a doctor/nurse. They feel college is a chance to display independence. They figure they’ll be their own parent and treat whatever sickness they have on their own. Most students don’t even bring an Advil to school; so what makes them think they can cure themselves?

The doctor’s office is on campus. You don’t have to take a 20-minute drive to see him/her. If you feel like crap, that should motivate you to take the short walk to the office. It’s better to be safe than sorry. I learned that lesson during my last visit. If not for that visit, who knows what the unknown migraines could’ve lead to?

So, do yourselves a favor and get treatment. Suffering is not cool.

Eat your Fruits and Veggies

During my first two years of college, I avoided fruits and vegetables. I didn’t avoid them on purpose; they just never crossed my mind. My goal was to eat as much of the good food as possible. During dinner, I would eat meat, pasta, and rice. If I was still hungry, I would grab a burger. This was not the healthiest of meals. This year, my eating habits changed for some reason. I make it a habit to eat vegetables every day. To be honest, it makes me feel good about myself.

Students, eat your fruits and vegetables. I know you’re tired of hearing it because you’ve heard it your whole life. But reality is: they’re good for you. They contain the vitamins and nutrients we need. Walking around campus can be tiring. We have to carry heavy book bags from class-to-class; and walk up and down hills on a daily basis. My school sits on a mountain; so I feel your pain. This may sound crazy, but fruits and vegetables help you physically. I’ve noticed a change in my physical endurance. Last year, I’d get tired after one game of basketball. This year, I can play three games without feeling fatigued. Eating healthier plays a role in my increased energy level; and it will do the same for you.

Studies show that fruits and veggies reduce our risk of chronic diseases, notably heart failure. They also reduce the risk of strokes. This should motivate you to eat healthier considering the stress we go through on a daily basis. Eating healthy refreshes and allows you to think clearly. Fruits and veggies serve as internal cleansers. They help clean whatever junk we eat.

As expected, fruits and veggies help control our weight. This should motivate the students who worry about how much weight they’ve gained lately. Healthy eating helps alleviate these worries. They give you one less thing to worry about. We have too much to focus on academically to worry about our weight.

In general, eating healthy makes you feel good about yourself. At some point, observe the differences in how you feel after eating a salad as opposed to a burger and fries. After eating a burger, you feel guilty and fat. After eating a salad, you feel healthy. Fruits and veggies are an alternative of working out. Your schedule may not allow you to work out as much as you should. Eating healthy is one thing you can do to stay in shape.

So when you’re at the food court, put a few vegetables on your plate. If you feeling like eating more, grab a fruit. Eating fruits and veggies is no longer a choice. They are a need.

Don't Eat Alone

As I’m walking to the food court one day, I thought: man, another day eating by myself. I can’t take this anymore. I know I have a tendency to eat early but there’s got to be someone there I can sit with. My wishes were granted. My roommate and a girl I know happened to be eating at the same time. We sat together and had a good time. That experience made me enjoy dinner a lot more.

Students, get in the habit of eating with others. No matter when you eat, there will likely be someone you know eating as well. It doesn’t matter how close you are to the person; just sit with him/her.

Eating alone is not a good experience. I experienced this my first year in college. It didn’t bother me at first. The more I noticed I was in the minority, the eager I was to fix the problem. It was easier said than done. I’m not much of a social person; but I was able to come out of my comfort zone. To this day, whenever I see a familiar face, I sit with him/her. It causes me to take my time eating and develop people skills.

OK, let me get back on topic. Just use my experience as a lesson.

Conversations while eating are boundless. You can talk about anything from academics to personal life (don’t get too personal though). There’s been a few occasions where others told me too much while eating. In general, conversations mainly focus on academics. It’s good to discover that others have similar feelings regarding scholastics; most of the time, you find this out over dinner.

Research shows that eating with others causes students to eat healthier. Students have a tendency to consume more fruits and vegetables. This is true because it applies to me. One time, I ate chicken wings and fries. The person I sat with ate a healthier meal. Yeah, I felt guilty; but I still enjoyed my wings. However, it made me think twice about my food consummation during future social interactions. I now say: since he/she is eating vegetables, let me put a couple on my plate.

Anyways, don’t put too much into the study. I was just throwing it out there.

Eating with others will benefit in the future. Many job interviews take place over lunch. So why not practice now? Company meetings also take place over lunch. It’s time to learn how to conduct yourself. Employers don’t want to hire slobs. My uncle always tells me about proper etiquette while eating. I’m glad he stayed on me because I’m reaping the benefits. I can eat in front of others without wondering what I’m doing wrong.

So when you’re at the food court, sit with someone, especially if that person is alone. Chances are they want company. Just because someone sits by their self doesn’t mean they’re happy about it. And, don’t be nervous if you see a familiar face eating with others you don’t know. This scenario helps you make friends. The more people you meet, the more people you have to eat with.

Talk to your Advisors

Last year, I had the opportunity to speak with my advisor. During the meeting, he outlined all the major courses I needed to take to graduate on time. He also told me exactly when I should take them. I still follow that outline and appreciate my advisor taking the time to organize it.

Students, talk to your advisors. Find out what you need to do in order to graduate on time. It would suck to scramble around during your senior year trying to figure out how you’re going to catch up on credits. It can be avoided by taking the time to see what courses you should be taking.

Students tend to get lackadaisical regarding their progress toward graduation. They assume they know it all and don’t need help in deciding their class schedule. It hurts me to see students in school for an extra semester.

Advisors not only help academically. They also assist in researching employment opportunities. Once again, don’t think you have to find a job on your own. Advisors have more connections than you think. You have to take advantage.

Most advisors have gone to college. They have experienced everything we go through on a daily basis. They’ve had their share of ups and downs, both academically and socially. Their college experience means they have solutions to many of our problems. More than likely, their solutions are better than ours.

Advisors are parents away from home. They keep us on track and make sure we’re doing what we have to do; like our biological parents do for us at home. I approach my advisor like a parent. I worry a lot when it comes to academics. I’m constantly thinking about whether I’m doing what needs to be done. That’s when I go to my advisor. After meeting with my advisor, I feel relieved of whatever was stressing me. I’m not saying you have to go to your advisor all the time. At least go once a semester. You never know what may change regarding your school’s policies; but your advisor knows. It would suck to be thinking one thing when your advisor knows the truth.

Advisors are approachable. It’s their responsibility to assist students and they don’t mind doing so. Whatever questions you have, they will answer without a problem. And if they don’t have the answer, they’ll refer you to someone who does; so it’s a win-win situation. Stop trying to figure everything on your own; because more than likely you never will.