Category: Thrive Guide
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What Every Freshman Should Know About Canvas
Transitioning into college comes with an entirely new academic rhythm, and learning to manage the required digital tools is a major part of that shift. One platform you’ll use in every course is Canvas. Canvas is Langston University’s learning management system (LMS). It’s where professors post course materials, assignments, announcements, grades, and sometimes even conduct…
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Paper, Apps or Both? Finding a Planning Style That Works in College
In my first year of college I learned quickly that mental checklists were not going to cut it. There is a particular kind of sinking feeling that comes from walking into class ready to participate, only to realize far too late that there was a quiz you forgot about. Or thinking you are on top…
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Becoming Self-Reliant After Moving Away from Home
Despite whether you were raised to be independent or not, moving away from home can be intimidating and sometimes scary, there’s no shame in admitting that, but there are things you can do to make the transition a little easier. I will admit, I very naively had no idea what I was signing up for…
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Advisors, Plan of Study and Degree Works at Langston
One of the biggest misconceptions people make when entering college is believing all academic advisors are aware and readily equipped with the necessary information to make sure you graduate within your preferred timeline. Unfortunately, as a semi-recent graduate myself, I’ve seen one too many students have blind faith in their advisors and live to regret…
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Apply for Scholarships: Your Future is Worth the Effort
One of the most important things to understand about scholarships is this: they are free money, not loans. When you receive a scholarship, that is money you never have to pay back, which means less stress, less debt, and more freedom after graduation. As a Langston University alum, I can confidently say that scholarships played…
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How to Win as a Student Athlete
Being a student athlete at Langston University is both a privilege and a challenge. For four years, I balanced being a full-time honors student with the demands of playing collegiate softball, and I quickly learned that success didn’t come from being perfect, it came from being hardworking and intentional. Between early morning workouts, long road…
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A Realistic Guide to Studying Well in Your First Year of College
College is less about raw intelligence and more about learning how to approach information strategically. As a recent graduate of Langston University, I had to figure out what actually worked when it came to studying. What I learned is that strong performance rarely comes from simply spending more hours with a textbook open. It comes…
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Present Like a Pro: Tips for Confident, Effective Presentations
Whether it’s your first class speech or a group project, standing in front of your peers and professor can bring nerves, self-doubt, and a lot of pressure to “get it right.” The good news is that presentation skills are learnable, and once you master them, they’ll benefit you far beyond the classroom. Choose the Right…
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Making Your Meal Plan Work for You: How to Choose the Right Plan After Freshman Year
One of the biggest adjustments during freshman year is learning how to navigate campus dining. For most students, there is not much choice at first. The 19-meal freshman plan is required, and while it helps you get familiar with dining options on campus, it may not be the best fit once you have the freedom…
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Yes/No Balance: How to Make Smart Commitments Your Langston Experience
The Illusion of “Doing It All” When you first get to college, it can feel like everything is happening at once. Interest meetings, group chats, campus events, job opportunities, study sessions, and somehow, people are still finding time to have a social life. It is easy to believe that if you just say yes enough…