GRE Guide

I know that lots of people are interested in going to graduate school. Many programs accept the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admissions. Your entire application will include your transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement and other activities such as volunteering, organizations you are involved in and leadership positions. The GRE is also an important part of your application. It is a standard test all applicants must take.

What does it test?

Do not be afraid. The GRE tests:

• verbal reasoning
• quantitative reasoning
• analytical writing

You can get more information about the test from the official website here. I suggest you read everything here before getting started with your studying. You will learn about specific topics as well as time constraints.

How I Studied

I studied over one summer using a Princeton Review GRE Book. I studied for maybe 3 hours a day and I took a day off each week because I was doing research. The most important thing is to stay consistent and get through the entire book. I took the tests that came with the book as well. In addition to this, there are many free resources out there. I suggest playing word games to help increase your vocabulary knowledge.

After taking the test you will get a range so no need to stress about how you did. With this preparation and making sure that I went over problem areas instead of focusing on what I do well with (which is the analytical portion), I got a good score and only took the test once. I got into many Public Health graduate school programs using this score including two that are ranked top 10 according to US News rankings.

Good luck with your future endeavors.

-XOXO

Enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace for 2017

In my health spotlight for this month I will be briefly going over some facts about signing up for health insurance for 2017. If you need to sign up for insurance you will visit Healthcare.gov. December the 15^th and January the 31^st are both listed as deadlines to enroll in or change a 2017 plan.  Those who need to sign up are those who do not have insurance through their job, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP or other.

You create an account on the website and what you pay for your insurance plan depends on your income. In addition, you can apply online, by phone, with in-person help or with a paper application. If you are having difficulties signing up or understanding which plan is best there are people to help you. Give them a call! All US citizens and nationals are eligible to use the marketplace (but you cannot be incarcerated).

-XOXO

2016 Holiday Gift Guide

2016 Holiday Gift Guide by eboni-g-stafford featuring Belgique

A 2017 Planner is an essential! A cute planner always helps me feel good about scheduling my busy life.

Earphones. These wireless headphones are stylish and will be great to use in the gym.

New sneakers for working out or just getting around on those days you are running errands.

Tea kettle! I love tea and I need one to brew loose leaf tea myself. I will miss the positive messages on the premade tea bags.

Boots. These are another winter essential. A neural color can dress up an outfit in a snap.

Money and gift cards are always welcome. Find out where the person you are buying for likes to go, and a visa gift card that you can use anywhere is perfect if you are not sure.

Scarf. This is a packing tip: Lots of bags look the same when they come out on the conveyor belt so to avoid grabbing the wrong bag use a scarf (tied around a handle) so you can identify your luggage as soon as it rolls out.

Passport Holder. My sister bought me the cutest passport holder one Christmas and this is the perfect gift for your friend or family member who is always on the go!

Clutch. I personally LOVE clutches! A simple clutch that can be used with a variety of color pallets and outfits is ideal and can be used over and over.

Happy Shopping!

-XOXO

Easy Tips to Clean up your Eating Habits

Don’t eat anything out of a can, seriously unless it’s soup (and even that has lots of sodium). You can make your own soup; yet another reason why I love my crock pot.

If you don’t want to get fresh veggies, frozen is the next best thing.

Substitute fruit in for desserts if you have an overactive sweet tooth (like me).

Limit your fast foods & fried foods to once a week. Have one cheat meal or a treat on a cheat day, don’t binge cheat all day.

Keep healthy snacks in the house. If you don’t have them you will be tempted to eat anything.

Remember how you felt after Thanksgiving dinner? You stuffed yourself and went to sleep didn't you? It doesn't have to be that way. Enjoy your food for the holidays, but don't go crazy. Don't eat to fast and when you are full STOP. You can always wrap your food up and eat the rest later. 

-XOXO 

Flu Facts

What is it?

Influenza (Flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs.

-All information from the CDC.

 

Symptoms

Fever/chills, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and extreme fatigue

Prevention & Treatment

Since the strain of flu is ever changing it is best to get a seasonal flu shot and simple actions like avoiding sick people and frequent hand washing to slow the spread.

The flu is treated with influenza antiviral drugs. Taking steps to prevent contracting the virus is the best because people can and do die each year from the flu. Please take the necessary steps to protect yourself.

-XOXO

An Open Letter about being Thankful

2016 has been a difficult year for me. With the stress of finishing my Master’s program, deciding what I want to afterwards and looking for a job, I try to remain thankful during the good and the bad, but it gets hard. At the beginning of the year I started a gratitude jar in which I put happy memories and things I am thankful for throughout all of this time. I was going to read them on New Year’s Eve or Day, but I decided to do it on Thanksgiving. When I looked at the sheets of paper (I did not write one each day, but I still had plenty) they all centered around friends, loving family and those intangible things.

I often remind myself that it is okay to not have everything together. I can be hard on myself all of the time. I think it’s how most of us feel in our 20s. I get frustrated, I cry and feel sad about whatever may be bothering me BUT I make an effort not to stay there. A little inspiration can go a long way, whether its daily affirmations or reminding yourself that you have time. In their 20s:

Oprah was fired.

J.K. Rowling was fired.

The Amazon founder was flipping burgers at McDonald’s.

Along with a whole list of other people who are very successful now.

Point being, you become who you are because of the rough times, perseverance and the lessons you learn. It is difficult, but maintaining thankfulness is a priority in my life that keeps me focused on the things that really matter.

-XOXO