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4 Writing Tips for College Freshmen

July 22, 2020 by Mandy

Starting college is a challenge for all freshmen. This statement was true in the past, but now, in the midst of a global pandemic, new college students may be understandably stressed about making the transition to higher education. While we may not be able to explain how best to engage in the college experience from a virtual standpoint, we can share some key writing and communication tips that will prove extremely useful now and well into the future. Check them out here:

Avoid Slang, Emojis, & Informalities

Generally speaking, it’s a good idea for college students to refrain from using informal language when communicating with professors and administrators. Sure, some people won’t mind if you make the odd mistake in an email communication, but it’s still best to write every email, message, and social media post in college with a certain level of professionalism. At worst, it will help you build good habits, and at best, enable you to avoid potentially awkward situations.

Look Everything Up

This might sound obvious, but you should never discuss a theme, concept, or issue that you don’t understand in writing. Even using a word incorrectly could cost you points in the eyes of some professors. So whether you’re writing an essay on syndicated research methods or 18th century French literature, don’t explore a topic unless you’ve researched it thoroughly. You won’t get away with breezing through a tough subject in a college paper.

Keep it Simple

Understandably, many college students feel pressure to write long, complex sentences and to use obscure words and phrases to “enhance” their writing style. This is almost always a bad idea. Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, just focus on writing in a clear and concise fashion.

Write in active voice, eliminate run-on sentences, and structure your writing in a coherent manner.

Read it Out Loud

The best way to ensure that your writing makes sense is to simply read it aloud to yourself. This doesn’t require much time or energy, but it will allow you to spot common grammatical, stylistic, and spelling errors that you might otherwise miss. True, having a friend or classmate review your work before you submit it is also beneficial, but you may not have that luxury –– particularly if all of your classes are online.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it’s okay to make mistakes and to encounter difficulties in college. Growth requires some struggle. Just be sure to try your best in every class. You never know which course will prove beneficial to you and your future career prospects. So don’t miss any opportunities to learn new skills or to hear new ideas.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: college, education, freshmen, writing

The Lost Art of Writing a Letter: Tips and Tricks

April 30, 2018 by Mandy

men with pen

Long gone are the days where writing a letter to say thank you or in times of celebration was the norm, but it’s time to bring that back!

Have you ever had a pen pal? Do you have a box of old letters (not store bought cards) from friends and loved ones that you’ve gathered over the years?

Unless you’re a senior citizen, you’ve probably never done such a thing. These days, more people are calling, texting, emailing, and using social media to stay connected.

There seems to be no need to write a letter anymore, but that’s just not true! Writing a letter is still a classic, genuine way to show someone you’re thinking of them. It’s a timeless tradition that is arguably more thoughtful now than it was back when letters were a main form of communication.

Here are all the ways you can bring letter writing back into your life and those you care about.

Different Reasons for Writing a Letter

Maybe you’re interested in working on your handwriting and putting your thoughts to pen and paper, but you just don’t know who to write a letter to. Many people talk themselves out of writing a letter because they’re in constant contact with the important people in their lives every day.

You either live with your significant other or you’re in technology-based conversations with them 24/7. You Facetime your parents, grandparents, and siblings, or use some form of photo and video sharing to catch up. Even dating and educational conversations are online now.

Think of the people who have significantly impacted you. Write a letter to impact them in return.

This could be for a partner, an old friend, a great teacher, or even a mentor.

The following are a few reasons when writing a letter is the best way to get your thoughts across.

To Say “I Love You” or “I Miss You”

Stop sending heart-eyed and kissing emojis and send someone you love a message with more depth. Write them a letter and mail it. Even if this person lives down the block or sleeps on the other side of your bed, give the letter the effort it deserves.

Sit down and express all the things you wish you’d say more of. Or, turn writing a letter into sharing one of your favorite memories and recreating the story. Maybe even use this as an opportunity to talk about your dreams for the future together.

Whatever you’re focusing on, the letter is sure to come across as straight from the heart. Use it to remind your partner, parent, or grandparent how much you truly care for them.

If there’s someone special in your life you haven’t seen in a while, write the letter just to say you miss them, and to fill them in on what’s been going on in your life! You’ll be surprised just how nice of a surprise this can be – and who knows, you may have a newfound way to stay in touch with those you love who are far away.

To Show Appreciation

Sometimes, love isn’t romantic, but still something to celebrate.

Think of your favorite college professor or the mentor who helped get your business off the ground. When was the last time you spoke? Even if you talk to this person on a regular basis, consider making the conversation a little more meaningful.

Write a letter thanking them for something specific that has impacted you. This could be a lesson you learned ages ago that you recently had to apply or a recent experience that made you think of a certain memory together.

To Invite Someone to an Event

There are times when you’ll find yourself writing a letter to both the people you speak to regularly, as well as those who you’ve grown a little distant from. Think, wedding or graduation invitations, or maybe even a baby announcement!

Sure, you’re probably going to make a social media post and follow up with certain people over the phone. But, send a few letters to the guests you definitely want in attendance. Write letters to each of the bridesmaids you plan to have at your wedding, or to the teachers who helped make your degree possible.

Such gestures make your invite even more welcoming.

Formatting and Writing a Letter

Whoever you decide to write a letter to, consider a few things before you get started. This isn’t a journal entry you just scribble down and put aside.

Writing a letter takes patience and thoughtfulness. Make every word with care and try to make your thoughts flow together. The more you do this, the better the letter as a whole will turn out.

Keep the following two things in mind as well.

Address the Other Person

Speak from the heart, but know who you’re speaking to. There’s a big difference between writing a letter to your lover versus writing one to an old boss or your current mentor.

Still, don’t be afraid to be a little personal. This is a person who knows you on a deeper level than most, whether on a professional or more intimate standpoint. Share your thoughts with them freely.

Write with Eloquence

Although you should encourage your thoughts to flow, you have to ensure they make sense.

Pay close attention to your grammar and punctuation. Find ways to use different words, tenses, and sentence structures to make the letter more engaging.

The other person is going to enjoy it no matter how good of a writer you consider yourself to be. But, it’s worth trying to write as best as you can.

Make It Special

Just when you think the letter is ready to be folded and sent off, add a few final touches. Write your signature with a bold pen, a few lines down from where the message cuts off. Then, print your name below it and record the date if you haven’t already elsewhere in the letter.

For an even more special touch, spray the letter with a scent. Lovers will appreciate your go-to perfume, wedding guests will think a floral scent is a nice touch – or something themed around your wedding like a warm, cozy smell for a fall wedding or an ocean smell for a beach wedding. Maybe skip this step for more professional letters, though.

Finally, consider sending the letter with a small supplemental piece, like a photo or a postcard. This gets guests excited about an upcoming event and adds a little more meaning to sending a letter. To get the postcard just right, click here.

Get Your Message Across the Old-School Way

Sometimes, you get so excited to share good news with someone that you Facetime them in the middle of the workday. Other times, you make a long, sappy post on Facebook for the world to see.

But, there are moments when nothing gets a message just right like writing a letter does. Start making this more of a habit, and watch how your relationships blossom.

Letters are great for those you grew up with, those you’ve grown a bit distant from, and everyone in between. They can be to wish a person well, tell them you’re thinking of them, or cheer them up as encouragement through a tough time.

For more ways to offer cheer and joy, check out these five great ideas.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: education, writing, writing tips

How to Set Up a Blog At Speed

July 23, 2017 by Mandy

Around 5 years ago my lawyer buddy Jonathan Bunge and I set up a blog that was dedicated to lovers of Star Wars and for people who loved to collect memorabilia. My memory of that time was that it took us weeks to try and set up our own blog as we had absolutely no technical ability whatsoever and we were relying solely on forums and online guides to show us how to get set up needless to say, it didn’t look great.

I decided to help my 10 year old set up a blog recently and I was absolutely stunned how easy it now is and in fact, it took my just under an hour to go from nothing to a fully designed blog. If you want to set up a blog and you’re worried that you don’t have the technical know how then don’t worry as it is very simple, and here is how.

Buying the Domain

First step is to head over to GoDaddy where you can buy the domain name that you want (www.janedoe.com for example. You simply search for the domain that you want and if nobody already owns it, click buy. This shouldn’t set you back more than $15.

Hosting the Domain

Every domain in the world needs to be hosted by someone, it is kind of like renting land where you can put your house. With a quick Google search you can find a host and this shouldn’t cost more than $2 each month.

Content Management System

The reason why you don’t need much technical knowledge to se up your very own blog is of content management systems such as WordPress which allow you to manage and design your site in simple terms. Once you have decided on your content management system, you can start to put together the blog which people are going to see.

Designing the Site

Don’t worry too much when it comes to designing your site as the CMS makes it very easy for you to do so. You can easily add and change fonts, colors and designs on your site from preloaded options. Equally, if you are in any doubt or lacking creativity when it comes to your web design, you can use one of the templates that has already been designed for you and then tweak it to your liking. If you want to find some inspiration then have a look around at some of your favorite websites and borrow their color scheme or layout.

Content

The final piece of the puzzle is to add content to your site and the beauty is that you can add absolutely anything that you like on whatever subject matter that you see fit. Here you can write articles or add photos and videos to your blog and the only key to doing so is that you are putting high quality content on your blog and that you are giving you readers value.

And that ladies and gentlemen is how to set up a blog at speed.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: articles, blog, blogger, blogging, journal, writing

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