First Year Experience

About the Author 

Chapter 1 Welcome to College 
Understanding Neuroplasticity 
Myth-Busting the Brain’s Ability to Learn Later in Life 
Understanding GRIT 
     Life Hack—Gratitude 
Overview of Chapters and Concepts 
     Accept the Challenge 
     Mindset Moment 
     Self-Reflection 

Chapter 2 Managing a Growth Mindset and Resilience 
Understanding Mindsets 
     Growth Mindset 
     Fixed Mindset 
Why It Matters: Benefits of a Growth Mindset 
     Academic Success 
     Personal Development 
Strategies for Developing a Growth Mindset 
Life Hack: Power of “Yet” 
Application and Reflection 
Understanding Resilience 
     Components of Resilience 
     Busting Myths Around Resilience 
Strategies for Developing Resilience 
Overcoming Common Obstacles 
     Perfectionism 
     Fear of Failure 
     Negative Self-Talk 
Life Hack: Power of Self-Compassion 
     Accept the Challenge 
     Self-Reflection 
Final Thoughts 
Key Concepts 
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 3 Managing Your College Experience 
Understanding the Importance of Campus Involvement and Resource Utilization 
     Why It Matters: Getting Involved 
Step out of Your Comfort Zone 
     How to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: 
Myth-Busting First-Year Misconceptions 
Maximizing Your Campus Experience 
     Student Life and Organizations 
     Academic Support Services 
     Career Services 
     Health and Wellness Services 
     Financial Aid Services 
The Importance of Building Relationships with Professors 
     Why Building a Relationship with Your Professor Matters 
     Accept the Challenge 
     Strategies to Contact Your Professor 
Strategies for Academic Success 
     Note-Taking 
     Reading Strategies 
     Tips for Better Test-Taking 
     Maximize your Flashcards 
Balancing Act 
Final Thoughts 
Key Concepts 
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 4 Managing the Path to Your Future Career 
Choosing a Degree Plan 
     Workforce Certificate 
     Associate Degree 
     Bachelor’s Degree 
Strategies for Deciding on a Major 
Understanding the Difference Between a Job and a Career 
     Job versus Career 
Career Development 
     Strategies for Career Development 
     Busting Common Myths Around Finding a Job 
Managing Your Professional Tool Kit Development 
     Understanding Resumes 
     Understanding Cover Letters 
     Understanding Elevator Pitches 
Final Thoughts 
Key Concepts 
Dig Deeper - Resources 

Chapter 5 Managing Your Finances 
Understanding Finances 
     Understanding Budgeting Basics 
Understanding Credit and Debit Cards 
Understanding Savings and Strategies 
Understanding Compound Interest 
     Compound Interest as Your Friend 
     Compound Interest as Your Foe 
     Debt Snowball 
Budgeting 101 
Final Thoughts 
Key Concepts 
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 6 Creating Habits to Achieve Your Goals 
Understanding the Importance of Goals 
     Busting Myths About Goals 
     Why Setting Goals Matter 
     Life Hack: Know Your Why and How 
Motivation versus Momentum 
     Strategies for Cultivating Intrinsic Motivation for Long-Term Success 
     Creating Momentum 
     Strategies to Set SMART Goals 
     Accept the Challenge 
Understanding Habits 
     Why Habits Matter 
     Strategies to Build Habits 
Adapting and Adjusting Habits Over Time 
     Why Be Flexible with Habits and Routines 
     Strategies for Adjusting Habits 
Final Thoughts 
Key Concepts 
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 7 Managing Stress
Understanding Stress 
Busting Myths About Stress 
     Types of Stress 
Recognizing Emotional Responses to Stress 
     The Physiological and Psychological Impact of Stress 
     Developing Healthy Coping Strategies 
Final Thoughts 
Key Concepts 
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 8 Managing Time 
Understanding Time Management 
     Time Management and Stress Management 
     Busting the Time Management Myths 
     Strategies for Effective Time Management 
     Organizational Techniques 
Time Management Systems 
     Eisenhower Quadrant 
     Time Blocking 
     Life Hack: Pomodoro Technique 
The Procrastination Cycle 
     Understanding Procrastination 
Identifying and Eliminating Time-Wasting Habits
     Life Hack: Two-Minute Rule 
Audit Your Time-Wasting Habits 
Common Procrastination Patterns and Strategies to Overcome 
Procrastination and Stress 
Final Thoughts 
Key Concepts 
Dig Deeper 

Chapter 9 Managing Communications, Connections, and Critical Thinking 
Understanding Connection: The Power of Meaningful Relationships 
     Making Friends in College
Strategies for Connecting 
Strategies for Effective Conversations 
     Accept the Challenge 
Understanding Confidence: Empowering Belief in Your Abilities 
     Practice Positive Self-Talk 
Understanding Critical Thinking
     Myth-Busting Critical Thinking 
     Why Critical Thinking Matters 
Final Thoughts 
Key Concepts 
Dig Deeper