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The Honest Guide to College

I’m not going to lie, sometimes college can be a lot. After my first year, and befriending quite a few upperclassmen, I’ve learned some helpful trick that has helped keep me sane and on top of things. So I thought I’d pass them on! Also, I essentially consider this part one of the honest guide to college, this one will be all about scheduling classes, going to them, and homework. I’m sure part two will come soon!

Scheduling Classes – Take a full load, but remember to keep it balanced.

Don’t schedule all of your tough classes in a single semester
I learned this hard way in the spring of my freshman year when attempting to tackle Human Physiology and Human Kinesiology (which had a lab). I then received amazing advice from my physiology professor in the summer when I re-took the class after dropping it in the spring. He shared the advice: “Science is like liquor, you don’t mix your -ology’s just like you don’t mix your liquors”

Try to schedule it so that you have a variety of homework.
Nothing’s worse than being bogged down by a bunch of writing heavy courses, it’s best if you can have a mix. Some writing, tests, and worksheets are best to help break it up and not burn you out.

Speak to your advisor before scheduling classes
They’re there for a reason, to help guide you and make sure you stay on track. Plus, they also know if a class is easy, hard, writing-heavy, etc.

Keep in mind you WILL NEED time for homework and online classes when making your schedule
Which might mean choosing not to have classes on certain days, putting a two-hour break in between classes, or having all of your classes in the afternoon so you can study the mornings

If possible, keep your personality in mind when picking times
Sometimes it’s not possible to avoid 8AMs, but if you’re not truly a morning person and can schedule the class later in the day, do so! Due to my major, I had 8AMs both semesters freshman year, and I had friends who either fell asleep in class, were late, or missed because they just weren’t morning people.

Be sure to have a plan for eating meals!
Some professors will allow you to bring your lunch into class, but I prefer to have a break during lunch so I can relax while I eat.

Classes

Never go to class without a bottle of water and a pen and notebook
It’s amazing how much water you will drink throughout your day. Between walking around campus to class, all the time spent in class, etc. It’s good to have a bottle so you can get a drink without missing class. Plus, despite being a person who types all of their notes on their laptop, the number of times I’ve had a professor require us to take out a pen and piece of paper is amazing! So before leaving your dorm/apt before heading to class, ensure you have a water bottle, notebook, and pen!

If it’s a workday and you’re given the option to leave class and work elsewhere, actually use that time to work.
Freshman fall semester, my 8 AM was a class that was worksheet heavy, and my professor would give workdays, and I never took them, and would sleep in and would do it later – on Tuesday it was my only class, and on Thursday I had a night lab. But I wouldn’t have been able to do that in the spring.

Sit wherever you’re comfortable!
Most posts say to sit up front, but I where I sit depends on the class. If it’s a major related course, I sit closer to the front, but if it’s a block/gen ed class I sit further back. Also if you fidget or get up during class, sit further back to not distract others!

After the third class (usually), seats may as well be assigned
After the third class – roughly first week – whatever seat you’ve sat In is now yours. Don’t move and throw everyone else off unless you absolutely have to. Keep in mind this may not always be the case. My freshman evolutionary biology class constantly moved around even when we took our final.

Always be respectful and kind to your professors, TA’s, and classmates
Professors and TA’s are there to help you, and truly want you to succeed in the class, and there’s no reason to not be nice to your classmates. You could possibly make a friend, or just have someone to help you out with notes if you miss class.

Make at least one friend in every class
You don’t have to be BFFs, but chat with the person you sit beside every class so that you have someone to study or share notes with if you need to.

Homework

Unlike high school, you really can’t skip homework!
Homework in college piles up quickly and tends to be worth a decent percentage of your grade. Plus, they tend to be a bit bigger projects or papers, that consume quite a bit of time. It’s best to stay on top of it!

Break larger projects up into smaller deadlines
By doing so, it makes it easier to work on and helps prevent you from leaving it until the last minute

If a class has a lot of worksheets as homework, start a study group!
This is really helpful in math classes, especially if you get stuck on a problem cause then you have others who may be able to help.

Try to start homework as soon as you get it!
This is a big help! Try and start your homework once you get back from classes for the day, to ensure it gets done and doesn’t get pushed off till the last minute.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Whether it’s from your professor, TAs, tutors, or classmates. Don’t be afraid to go to them and ask for help.

Don’t ignore the syllabus!
As soon as you get the syllabus, enter all of the due dates into your planner. If you want to go the extra mile (hint: you do), go ahead and add in dates to start working on projects, too.

Work ahead, so you have flexibility in your schedule
– Work ahead, so you have time to hang out with your friends at the last minutes instead of being stuck in the library working on a project that’s due first thing in the morning.

NEVER PLAGIARIZE!!
I can’t stress this enough! It’s the fastest way to get kicked out of class, your program, or even school. If you’re not sure if it needs a citation, it needs a citation.

Number one rule
Do all of your work and do it the best you can. As long as you follow that, you’ll be golden.

Ally Gonzales

Ally Gonzales is the founder & editor-in-chief of RunningSoleGirl. Along with blogging she is also juggling attending college and majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with a Sports Management minor.

How Often Should College Students Get a Dental Checkup

Unfortunately, college students are at a high risk of cavities. Since college offers them the freedom that they may have never experience before, many college students choose to do whatever they want, whenever they feel like it. If they are not in the mood to brush or floss, they simply won’t. When this happens, they leave some parts of their mouths susceptible to plaque and bacteria.

College students are also known to eat foods and sip beverages that are loaded with sugar and can damage their teeth. They may also get into smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol, two behaviors that can cause dry mouth and gum inflammation.

If college students do drink, they should opt for lighter beers, which contain calcium and silicon and less damaging ingredients than other types of alcohol. Drinking from a straw is also encouraged as it can prevent stains and makes it easier for college students to control how much they drink and reduce their exposure to harmful bacteria.

By visiting the dentist every six months or so, college students can reduce their chances of cavities, gum disease, and other oral complications. If you are the parent of a college student, it’s wise to work with your child to find dates and times that are convenient for them to visit the dentist. You can schedule dentist appointments on their behalf or encourage them to do so on their own.

Although college students are usually busy juggling classes, extracurricular activities, social events, and internships, oral health should not be ignored. If your child goes to school in the Raleigh area, they are welcome at Lane & Associates, a highly rated North Carolina dental practice.

Ally Gonzales

Ally Gonzales is the founder & editor-in-chief of RunningSoleGirl. Along with blogging she is also juggling attending college and majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with a Sports Management minor.

Should My Daughter Get a Permanent Bottom Retainer?

If your daughter is done wearing braces, you are likely pleased with her beautiful, new smile. Unfortunately, orthodontic treatment doesn’t end once her braces are removed. Your daughter will likely be required to wear a retainer to keep her teeth looking fabulous and prevent them from shifting back into their original position.

Since the bottom six teeth at the front of the mouth are particularly susceptible to shifting, it’s essential that your daughter adheres to her orthodontist’s instructions for wearing a retainer. If you are concerned that she’ll have a tough time wearing a removable retainer, a permanent bottom retainer may be the ideal solution.

A permanent bottom retainer can make life easier for your daughter and ensure that her teeth remain in their new position. Your daughter won’t have to worry about remembering her retainer when she’s sleeping over a friend’s house or traveling. When she goes to a restaurant, she can thoroughly enjoy her meal without having to take her retainer out and being afraid of forgetting it or accidentally tossing it in the trash.

A permanent bottom retainer will allow your daughter’s retainer to be out of sight and out of mind. Your daughter won’t have to think about her retainer or do anything to care for it. She can go about her regular routine while keeping her teeth in their optimal condition.

By investing in a permanent bottom retainer for your daughter, you can ensure that all the money and time you spent on straightening her teeth does not go to waste. For further information about bottom retainers, contact Sims Orthodontics.

Ally Gonzales

Ally Gonzales is the founder & editor-in-chief of RunningSoleGirl. Along with blogging she is also juggling attending college and majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with a Sports Management minor.

Will My Teeth Hurt When Running at Elevation

Elevation changes may lead to tooth pain or a condition known as barodontalgia. If you are an avid runner, you may find that your teeth hurt every time you run at elevation. In many cases, the pain associated with a high altitude toothaches is caused by air that is trapped inside of a filling or cavity. Due to the fact that teeth cannot expand to accommodate pressure changes, the buildup of pressure may lead to intense pain in fillings or root canals that have been performed poorly.

You may notice that when you return to ground level, your pain completely stops. Even if this is true, it’s essential to visit a dentist as soon as possible, if you experience barodontalgia. A dentist can evaluate your teeth, mouth, and gums and determine whether there is an underlying condition that is causing your pain.

Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent this condition. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene and brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis. Also, visit the dentist every six months or so for regular exams and cleanings.

Although running is a great exercise that can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your cardiovascular health, you shouldn’t continue to run at elevation if your teeth hurt until you find out the underlying condition that’s causing it and take certain steps to prevent the pain.

If you have further questions about teeth pain and running at elevation, feel free to contact Dr. Brian Levitin at Mile High Smiles.

Ally Gonzales

Ally Gonzales is the founder & editor-in-chief of RunningSoleGirl. Along with blogging she is also juggling attending college and majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with a Sports Management minor.

Should I Be Worried About My Son’s 6 Year Molars?

When your son turns 6 years old, their initial transition to adulthood will likely begin. This is the age where he will develop his first set of adult teeth known as 6-year-old molars. His 6-year-old molars will grow in behind his baby teeth.

You may notice that during this process, your son becomes irritated and experiences some discomfort. Rest assured that this is completely normal. Headaches, low-grade fevers, cheek biting, ear pain, and jaw pain are all common symptoms of 6 year molars. The good news is that these symptoms eventually subside and there are certain ways you can help your son find relief.

Most dentists recommend feeding children in the 6-year molar phase more liquids such as yogurt and applesauce as these foods will feel better than harder ones. It’s also important to show your son how to properly brush and floss his teeth. On days where he is particularly uncomfortable, you can give him an over-the-counter pain medication.

This transition from baby teeth to adult teeth will continue until your son turns 12 or 13 years old. During this time period, it’s essential to bring him to the dentist every 6 months or so to ensure that his teeth are growing in properly and there are no issues. A dentist can also provide you and your son with valuable advice on how to avoid complications.

If you are concerned about your son’s 6-year molars for any reason, contact Costa Smiles & Cosmetic Dentistry.

Ally Gonzales

Ally Gonzales is the founder & editor-in-chief of RunningSoleGirl. Along with blogging she is also juggling attending college and majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with a Sports Management minor.

At What Age Should I Take My Child to the Dentist?

Many parents are unsure of when to first take their child to the dentist. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should begin visiting the dentist as early as six months old and no later than one year old.

An early dentist visit can help you ensure that your child’s teeth are growing in correctly and they are not facing any tooth decay. It’s also a great time for a dentist to educate you on how to properly care for your child’s teeth.

At your child’s first dentist appointment, you can expect a dentist to evaluate your child’s mouth and determine whether their teeth are growing in properly. Although x-rays are unlikely, a dentist may perform a brief cleaning. Fortunately, pediatric dentist offices make an effort to create a fun environment for young children and will work with you to ensure your child’s experience is pleasant.

After your child has visited the dentist for the first time, it’s important to schedule regular appointments for them every six months. As your child gets older, these appointments will become longer and include x-rays as well as comprehensive exams and cleanings.

Caring for the Teeth of Babies and Toddlers

Before your child begins teething, you should take a warm, wet washcloth to remove any food or debris from formula and prevent bacteria buildup. You can also invest in a baby toothbrush to clean their baby teeth twice a day.

For more information on dental care for young children, don’t hesitate to reach out to Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.

Ally Gonzales

Ally Gonzales is the founder & editor-in-chief of RunningSoleGirl. Along with blogging she is also juggling attending college and majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with a Sports Management minor.

Can I Wear Invisalign to Play Sports

Many Invisalign patients lead active lives and play a variety of sports. If you play sports and are considering Invisalign or are currently undergoing treatment, you may be asking yourself if you can wear Invisalign to play sports.

The answer to this question depends on the type of sport you play. If you play a contact sport such as football, you should wear a mouth guard. In addition to reducing your risk of injury or trauma such as broken teeth, a mouth guard can protect you from a serious head injury like a concussion.

Therefore, if you play a contact sport, it’s wise to remove your Invisalign aligners before you put on your mouth guard. Do not wear your Invisalign aligners underneath your mouth guard so that your mouth guard can provide optimal protection for your teeth and lips.

The majority of school sports teams and athletic organizations require participants to wear mouth guards. While Invisalign may seem like a good substitute for a mouth guard, it cannot provide you with the complete protection you need while playing contact sports.

If you play a sport such as golf that does not require a mouth guard, you can keep your aligners in your mouth. You won’t have to worry about any sharp brackets or wires hurting your mouth during the game and can continue treatment without any issues.

As long as you wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day, you’ll enjoy great results at the end of your treatment. For further information about Invisalign and sports, reach out to Raleigh Orthodontist Dr. Jason Gladwell of Gladwell Orthodontics.

Ally Gonzales

Ally Gonzales is the founder & editor-in-chief of RunningSoleGirl. Along with blogging she is also juggling attending college and majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with a Sports Management minor.

How Soon After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can I Run?

While wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure, it is still considered a surgery that comes with certain postoperative care directions. If you’re a runner, you may be wondering how wisdom teeth removal will impact your running schedule.

After your procedure, you should avoid your regular running routine for about a week. If you do wish to run, try to plan a light run that includes a longer warm up and a jog rather than a full-blown run. When you run, be sure you are not clenching your jaw and keep your posture upright.

Once a few weeks since your wisdom teeth removal have passed, you should be able to get back to your regular running routine. When you do so, remember to warm up, drink plenty of water, and stretch once you’ve completed your run. It’s also wise to focus on your core so that you can strengthen your abs and back and reduce stress on your neck, lower back, and jaw.

Since every patient’s wisdom teeth removal experience is different, you should wait until your dentist or oral surgeon has cleared you for exercise before resuming your running routine. If your wisdom teeth were non-impacted, you will likely be allowed to get back to running quickly. In the event they were impacted, your dentist or oral surgeon may advise you to wait a bit longer.

If you have further questions about running and wisdom tooth removal, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Brett Wells of Wells Family Dental Group.

Ally Gonzales

Ally Gonzales is the founder & editor-in-chief of RunningSoleGirl. Along with blogging she is also juggling attending college and majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with a Sports Management minor.

Staying Fit as a Digital Nomad

So you’ve taken the jump and are now living the life of your dreams, good for you!

You don’t have to tie yourself to a desk, you never sit in traffic, and you choose when and where you work. Could there be a sweeter way for a woman to make her way in the world? Well, how about the downsides? Granted, there aren’t all that many, but if you want to get the most out of it, you need to take a few simple steps to stay in shape and feel great.

Ditch the Junk Food

An extra bit of cake in Starbucks or some Thai noodles as a last minute takeout are both fun things to do; no one’s pretending they’re not! But you want to do it in moderation as with all good things. The trick is to remember that if you want to enjoy your newfound nomadic freedom, you need to give your body the energy that it needs to really thrive. You can’t really snooze at your desk because you don’t have one, and if you’re always run down, you’ll just end up working from home. And that’s pretty boring, right?

Cut out the junk food by making a few healthy choices throughout the day and healthy eating will become the one habit you never want to break before you know it. Starting the day with a smoothie is awesome. Have a light lunch with a salad and some lean protein like chicken or raw fish, and then make dinner a real event.

Cooking is Fun. Don’t Forget it!

The great thing about cooking is that the more you get into it, the more fun you’ll have doing it. If you want to be able to stick to your new healthy lifestyle, then making sure that your kitchen is always stocked up is the perfect way to get the ball rolling.
Anyone who’s always out and about or loves a bit of freedom throughout the day will love to come home in the evenings and relax. By having a fridge bursting full of healthy choices like organic meat and fresh fruit and veg, you’ll be the girl that your friends envy in no time as you show how easy it is to stick to a diet when you make it fun.

Try a dozen or so different recipes and tweak your favorites so that you can put your own spin on things. Before you know it, you’ll have a home menu that is to die for. Just make sure you have enough in for the friends you meet along the way as they all make a path to your door.

Stay Active: Embrace the Nomad Life

The great thing about being a nomad is that you don’t have to follow the crowd and sit in traffic at the same time each day. Doing that is just no fun, which is why you decided not to do it! Make sure you never lose sight of that by always making the best use of your time and working up a sweat at least once a day.

You could have a set time you work out in the local park if it’s sunny. Or you could join the gym and get through some work before and after at the nearby juice bar. Life as the nomadic woman everyone else envies is all about making time for everything life offers you. If you put aside half an hour a day to work out, you’ll feel the difference in no time at all.

Make the Most of Your Flexibility

People who are chained to their desks in offices all year round wait for those magical two weeks of summer holiday every year. You’re not like that, so make sure you make the most of your hard earned freedom and flexibility by taking yourself away for plenty of week-long breaks and long weekends when you can.

A great way to chill out and get back in touch with the real you is to take a walking holiday every couple of months. By exploring a new country and culture you’ll be able to meet a whole host of new people, enjoy great food, and see some amazing sights along the way.

The Camino de Santiago is a great candidate for your next trip as it boasts hundreds of miles of intertwining trails that can be walked by people of virtually any fitness levels. Ideal if you want to sample some Spanish delights and stretch your legs without burning yourself out.

Anything Else?

Just remember to enjoy the fruits of your labor. You’re someone who’s taken a chance and shaped the life that you want to lead, rather than following the crowd.
A true digital nomad should be out there in the world, exploring anything and everything that takes her fancy.

Ally Gonzales

Ally Gonzales is the founder & editor-in-chief of RunningSoleGirl. Along with blogging she is also juggling attending college and majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with a Sports Management minor.

Beauty for Busy Active Women

We’ve all had those days when we’re too busy running around to stop and properly go through our full skincare routines. What happens if “busy” is your default way of life? If you are a woman with a very active lifestyle, here are some tips on how you can still take great care of your skin without having to come to a halt:

Nourish Your Skin from Within

Beauty companies like Well Within Beauty believe that great skin is the result of an overall healthy lifestyle. What you feed your body and how you treat it are just as important as the products you use. As an active woman, you probably already know that eating a balanced diet and taking vitamins affects your body in several different days, not just one.

Besides high-quality organic skincare products, Well Within Beauty also offers nutritional supplements keep your skin healthy and glowing from within. These plant-based supplements are packed with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and antioxidants that renew, strengthen and protect your skin while boosting your overall health as well.

Master the Art of Cleansing

Proper cleansing is one of the most important steps in skincare. If you have a busy, active lifestyle, chances are you accumulate a lot of dust, sweat and excess oil on your skin when you come home at the end of the day. You need to cleanse your skin properly to keep it clear and healthy.

Master the art of the double cleanse. Double cleansing means that you first go in with an oil-based cleanser (you can choose from cleansing oils, cleansing balms, or straight up facial oils) to remove your makeup, sunscreen and all the grime that is sitting on the surface of your skin. You would then follow this up with a water-based cleanser (your favorite foaming or non-foaming cleanser) to get rid of any lingering traces of oil or dirt.

Why an oil-based cleanser first? The idea is that oil mixes with oil, so an oil-based cleanser can do a better job at breaking down the natural oils that gather on your skin at the end of the day than plain water can.

When it comes to your second cleanser, choose a gentle cleanser with a pH level of about 5 to 6, so that it mimics the natural pH level of the healthy skin. Anything too basic or alkaline can cause dryness or irritation and compromise your skin’s natural protective barrier.

Moisturize Religiously

As a busy, active woman, you probably don’t have the time to go through a complicated beauty routine. A lot of the steps in an elaborate skin care routine are aimed at targeting specific concerns, so if your skin is already in pretty good condition, you can skip these to save time.

One step you should never skip, however, is putting on moisturizer. The healthiest skin is the type that is well hydrated and moisturized. Healthy, hydrated skin does an excellent job of maintaining itself, so if you keep your skin well moisturized, it will do the rest of the work for you.

Never Skip Sunscreen

Lastly, you should remember to wear sunscreen daily. This is especially important if you are active woman, as you may be more exposed to the sun’s harmful rays in your day to day activities. Sunscreen is the single most important anti-aging product you can add to your skincare routine, so if you’re wearing sunscreen every day, you can skip all those other fancy creams and serums that promise to delay signs of aging.

These are some quick, easy tips on how you can enjoy great skin even with a busy, active lifestyle. As you can see, it doesn’t take much to have good skin—our skin is already pretty good at taking care of itself, we just need to support its natural abilities and avoid irritating it.

Ally Gonzales

Ally Gonzales is the founder & editor-in-chief of RunningSoleGirl. Along with blogging she is also juggling attending college and majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with a Sports Management minor.

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