Today on the blog I am sharing an interview with Monique Lawrence, a Sophomore Business major at Siena College. In this interview Monique shares great advice on everything from studying to roommate communication. I am so excited to share her answers with you today. So without further ado, let's start this chat.
Name: Monique Lawrence
Major: Business
Concentrations: Entrepreneurship, Marketing Communications, Digital Marketing
Year: Sophomore
What made you decide to attend college?
I attended a charter school for all of middle and high school where college is something that was always talked about and encouraged. I was able to look at college campuses and took that we can do anything we put our minds to. My parents wanted me to attend college because they have not been able to get a degree and they wanted me to have a better life. I made the decision to attend college because I wanted to gain more independence, meet new friends, become more open-minded and explore myself as well as new places.
What has been the best memory of your collegiate life thus far?
The best memory I had in college so far was that I was interviewed by a CEO of a non for profit that tries to help students with the college process because college access is something that is really important to me. A week after the interview, I find my face on a Forbes articles talking about my goals as a entrepreneurship. I was able to catch the attention of the Center of Innovation and am planning on working with them on making a natural hair business in the future. This taught me that resources are all around me in college and I just have to find them as use them well.
What is the best piece of advice you have for incoming freshman?
The best piece of advice I have for incoming freshman is to meet new people. During my freshman year, I joined the Hip Hop Club on my campus and I meet some of my close friends. I also started hanging out in the cafe on campus a lot more and I also meet a lot of the commuters so are really amazing people. This helped me to feel accepted on campus and find out about events and clubs that I joined on campus.
What organizations are you involved in?
I am a Bonner Service Leader, where I serve 8 hours at a local high school. I am on the EBoard for The National Society of Leadership and Success chapter on campus. I am also in Hip Hop club, The Black and Latino Student Union and the Siena College Entrepreneurship Organization.
What is your best study tip?
My best study tip is to figure out where you like to study. During my freshman year, I was a Computer Science major and I would stay in the science building and finish all of my homework. During sophomore year, I changed to Business and found myself doing work in either the library or in the student union. You do not have to be in the library to do your homework. Most of my friends like to do homework at their personal desk or at the Dunkin or Starbucks up the street. Everyone is different with their study space.
What is your best tip for surviving living in the dorms/residence halls?
My best tip for living in the dorms is communication is important. Most of the issues I had faced could have been solved if all of the roommates talked to each other face to face instead of over text. Even if it something as simple as someone is coming over to work on a project, just give your roommate a heads up. They will appreciate it at the end of the day.
What is your best tip for eating healthy in college?
The best tip for eating healthy is to track what you eat. I have an Erin Condren planner and one of the boxes on my layout is used to write down what I ate during the day. I do it so I can have an idea of the things I ate and if it is really okay to have another cupcake. While it is important to treat yourself, you have to do it in a way that will make you a better person in the end.
What is your best tip for sticking to your budget in college?
The best tip is write out a budget each week with how much you want to spend. For example, I spend at least $15 on coffee a week so I started to make my own in my room. Some apps that do this is Mint, which is what I used to track my shopping and food budget.
Love Monique's advice and want to see more from her? Check out her studyblr on Tumblr or check her out on Instagram and Twitter.
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Amanda Cross
Amanda is the original voice behind The Happy Arkansan. She is a happiness enthusiast with a passion for helping others, marketing, and red/purple lipstick.
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