Is College Worth It?

Every year around this time, the same question is asked  and debated on between academics, college administrators, officials in the public/private sphere, and students--is college worth it? The question is of the utmost importance for recent high school and college graduates, along with their parents, who often participate in paying for the college education. They generally want to know if the experience is actually worth the cost, and if the time and money spent will increase the chances of finding a better job in an expanding economy. No doubt that students currently attending or planning on attending UT Tyler have asked this question during their time here.

The answer, according to David Leonhardt from the New York Times, is an unequivocal yes. Leonhardt looks to the college wage premium to make this determination. The college wage premium is how much more college graduates earn than everyone else, based on changing job requirements and overall economic health. Leonhardt finds that the premium is the widest it has ever been, meaning the benefits of a college degree outweigh the potential benefits of finding a job straight out of high school.

Leonhardt also note that, despite mounting fears about student debt levels in the United States and their potential deterrent effect on matriculation, the average student's loan burden pales in comparison to the long-term benefits of a bachelor's degree. That effect is strengthened with more time spent in the higher education setting; i.e. obtaining an MBA, PhD, M.D., J.D., etc.

However, one should not assume that attending college grants the same premium effect as graduating from college. Leonhardt finds that the wage premium for people with some college experience but no degree has been stagnant for years, even as debt levels has been rising. The result is that college dropouts may be worse off than people who never even enrolled. Thus, when one asks themselves "Is college worth it?" they must evaluate both the potential of a college degree and the likeliness of obtaining said degree.

FiveThirtyEight Blog's Ben Casselman breaks down the numbers for the chances of graduating from college in today's social and economic environment. He finds that less than 60 percent of full-time students enrolled in college for the first time graduate for six years. This number decreases for part-time students, racial minorities, and older and low-income students. This means the potential to work within the college wage premium decreases based on various demographics, but it does not mean that the effort to obtain a college degree should be changed. Leonhardt argues that these numbers are not reasons to decide against college; they are an argument for strengthening programs aimed at improving graduation rates.


For future and returning college students reading this post, refrain from reading this in a skeptical or pessimistic lens. Take this as motivation to finish what you started, or what you are about to start. If you have decided on attending UT Tyler, or if you are questioning your return in the Fall of 2014, keep in mind the benefits of a college degree in today's economic climate versus dropping out or not enrolling in the first place. College is a great catalyst for future success, but the only way to achieve that effect is to graduate.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Space!

So, it is finals week and between studying for exams, many people are packing up to go back home for the summer. While I am one of those people and I have been living on double shot espressos for about a week, I am already planning my decoration for my apartment for fall semester when I move back in. Why? Potentially a combination of lack of sleep, an over-abundance of creativity, and just wanting to have an entire summer to plan and organize where I want to keep things so I am not scrambling around midterms trying to find things that haven’t been moved for an entire half semester. What some call organized chaos is what others call a disaster area.

Are you going to be this guy?

When moving in to your new place, whether a dorm or an apartment, it is important to keep a few things in mind. It takes a lot longer to set your decorations up than it does to tear it all down at the end of the year when you have to move out (unless you are living there over the summer!) In honor of UT Tyler’s new housing option called Eagle’s Landing, I have made a list of helpful tips for redecorating your place while making the most of your space!

What Not to Do During Finals Week

So in a little less than two weeks, it will be summer time! However, the only thing keeping us from enjoying sweet, sweet summer are those dreaded final exams. With a case of spring fever and wanting to jump in the pool, how does one throw study time into the mix?

There's always a few like this in class with you, haha!

Here are some ideas of what not to do while preparing for finals week!

The Mystique of As Seen on TV Products: Can You Resist?

Ah, summer: the time of the year when the days are the long and the nights are awesome, there’s no class schedules to keep up with, and no finals to stress over. Let the Netflix binging begin! While some use the summer as a chance to take their passports and go all over the world, others use summer as a chance to unwind and have a nice “staycation”. Want to know some of the fun from having that staycation? Getting to see some of the hilarious, “how have I lived my entire life without this product” As Seen on TV commercials!!

I’ve compiled a list of some of the best As Seen on TV products that really caught my eye. Many of them are available at a Wal-Mart near you!

When in doubt, go with bacon!

-Perfect Bacon Bowl: because scrambled eggs on a plate is so passé! Cure the gustatory doldrums with a bacon bowl. Delectable bacon is the answer to all of life’s problems. Don’t know what to put with your boring, old macaroni and cheese? The answer is always bacon.

Call me Harry Potter, because this is magic!

-Moo Mixer: you will never have to struggle with having to mix chocolate milk with a spoon again. The struggle doesn’t have to be real anymore, folks! Press the trigger on the cow print handle and watch it automatically stir. No longer will you have to stir chocolate milk like a muggle! 

-Ice Cream Magic: so I know that the intended audience for this product is most likely small children, however I know many college students that would be super excited over this product.  with a variety of options such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry available, how can one’s inner child possibly be suppressed? I know mine can’t. I am planning an escapade to Sonic for a milkshake as I type this because I don’t have an Ice Cream Magic yet.

Ice cream is the most amazing thing <3

-Chillow: as anyone in Texas can attest to, it gets super extremely hot in the summer. The chillow is a pillow that you can put in the refrigerator and it will get cold! This is very handy here because it is absolutely unbearable to sleep on a hot pillow when it is hot outside and there is only so much air conditioning can do.  I’m already on my way to trying to develop a Chillow bed. I’m thinking of calling it “The Chill-ed”. Don’t take it from me! It’s as good as patented!

If I can get my hair to look like this, I will be winning. Just add pink!

-Air Curler: this looks really cool! Like honestly. The reviews said it worked pretty decently for both long and short hair. It also seems like it wouldn’t damage hair as badly as my usual morning routine of blow drying and straightening/curling it in the mornings. Instead of doing both, I’m just doing one and it would be on a lower setting! As long as one uses hairspray or mousse, the curls should hold. This one is definitely worth a try. 

 While some most As Seen on TV products are just silly and make the people in the commercials look like they are completely inept at living, there are some that are worth a closer look!

UC Celebration at Patriot Days!

On April 16, there was the UC Celebration for Patriot Days. When I saw the flyer talking about the mini food show and the caricature artist, I got ridiculously excited. Freshman year, we had an artist who would draw people’s backsides! I love the variety of events that UT Tyler brings to our campus. There was so much great energy in the UC.

#no filter #foodie

-I stood in line and got some Ciobani Greek Yogurt, along with some delicious Arizona tea. There was some really neat food, like the potato balls. Those made me so excited, but when I got up there, they were all gone. That means that they must have been absolutely delicious!

Land in a spot and get a discount? Don't mind if I do!

-One of my favorite things was the Bookstore Twister game. I saw brightly colored spots on the ground with different percentages. The point of the game was to throw the eagle and have it land on a discount spot. My aim was so great that I got a 20% discount off any item in the bookstore!

Always say yes to a free smoothie and t-shirt

-There was also a Fitness Expo, where we got a ‘passport’ with different fitness challenges like flexibility and vertical jumps. If you completed all of the fitness checks, you got a stamp in each category. I found out that when you get all the stamps from each station, you could win a free t-shirt! Also, there were free smoothies. I was completely sold. I love smoothies!

Noms for Humanity!

-Humans vs. Zombies registration is up and running! They were having a bake sale in the hallway by the One Stop Shop. With treats like cookie brownies, cheese biscuits, and brain shaped jelly cupcakes, it is clear who the favored winner is. Grab your Nerf gun and get ready to fight for humanity! 

It was so great to see so many people celebrating in one place and being excited to be patriots. Nothing brings people together like free food and loud music (: If you missed it this semester, that's okay! There will be another one next semester and it is going to be fun too!

Patriot Days at The University of Texas at Tyler!

This week has been a whirlwind of fun here at The University of Texas at Tyler! We had many events happening for Patriot Days. There was much free food, festivities and educational information for FREE to all students. It was perfect timing too, everyone needs a pick-me-up during the craziness that IS April. Finals are coming quickly, the world is turned upside down momentarily, you think you are about to totally lose your cool.... and then the University gods come and bring loads of free food, balloon artists and spray-paint artists to entertain you. It's like the ultimate "HEY. DON'T DIE" from the University!

Also, here's a "HEY. DON'T DIE" from yours truly: 

I decided to cover the Health Fair during Patriot Days. I'm really glad I did, because all of the food offered wasn't super vegetarian friendly and the UC second floor was turning into a land of pure temptation. So I went upstairs and these are a few things I found....

Tips for Studying Abroad at UT Tyler!

With GATE interviews just around the corner and a new class of GATE students about to be accepted into the program, I have come to realize that my time with GATE is limited. It seems like just yesterday that I was anxiously waiting to apply for the program. I first learned about the group when I was on a tour of the campus and I almost walked into a door with one of their fliers on it. I was immediately curious. The flyer I saw was advertising the opportunity to study abroad and travel! What was this GATE program and how could I be a part of it?

My face upon reading that flyer!

GATE stands for Global Awareness Through Education and it is a two year program for freshman and sophomore students. The classes that GATE students take have a global focus, such as Music of the Americas and World Literature, just to name a couple. Through GATE, I have met some of the best people and I honestly don’t know what I would do if I hadn’t have made those friends. When we were all at the first social getting to know each other, it felt like the Brazil and Argentina trip was so far away. It felt like such a colossal undertaking to get 30 students on the same page in studying abroad! Now that the trip is almost a month away, I have no fingernails anymore because I can’t believe it is finally here.

Here are some tips to make getting ready to go on a study abroad trip less scary:

UT Tyler Holds Its Annual Crawfish Boil at Harvey Lake

On Monday, April 14th at The University of Texas at Tyler, the Office of Marketing and Communications hosted its annual Crawfish Boil at Harvey Lake deck, one of the kick-off events for Student Appreciation Week, an event that runs all week (April 14th through 18th).

Despite the cold and rain, hundreds of students began lining up before the actual start time of 11:30 for the lunch. The crew in charge preparing and serving the crawfish began setting up for the event well into the morning, graciously braving the cold weather to provide the students with an excellent free lunch. They cooked hundreds of pounds of crawfish, corn on the cob, and potatoes today, and for that we are extremely grateful.


Hundreds of students were eager to eat, as the line ran from the source of the food all the way to the cashier's office, and even longer after students got out of their morning class to make their way to the food. The 10+ minute wait was well worth it, because the crawfish was ridiculously good. Definitely worth going next year if you missed it on Monday!

Go to more events this week for Student Appreciation Week! There will be events on campus, such as movie nights and sports games all week, as well as many more fun things to do, all for the students at UTT!

Rainy Day Fashion Tips!

While the sun seems to be out and shining for good now, given Sunday’s deluge and the unpredictability of Texas weather, it seems to be a pretty good idea to have a variety of options available for what to wear. Everybody loves a good spring cleaning, but it can be quite an unpleasant surprise when the day after taking one’s winter wardrobe into storage, the weather decides to make one last encore performance of Disney’s Frozen.

Much true, Very cliche, so relate-able

Don’t be caught off guard! Here are some fun ideas for rainy day fashion (:

Cosplay, Fandoms, and Getting Involved-Oh My!

Everyone has a “thing” that makes their eyes widen and their mouths go a mile a minute. For some people, it’s Dr. Who, for others it’s Supernatural, and so on and so forth. So many fandoms and so little time! How do you find where you belong? The best advice I can offer is to get involved, whether it is with a trusted friend or a full blown convention of your choice. The sky is the limit and it is all about what you are comfortable with.

I never knew how true this was until I went on my fandom vision quest!

Coffee with a Cause

What seemed like a totally normal day in my Lifespan Development class turned out to be anything but normal. The class is so thought provoking and leaves me feeling intellectually stimulated. For real, every axon feels charged in the best possible way! After our usual 7:30 break, we got a guest speaker. I lowered my laptop so I could see her (I sit in the back row), excited to receive the message. I had no idea what it was going to be about, but I knew it was going to be good!

above: Ms. Missy Zivney (in pink)

UT Tyler Celebrates Holi!

While most everyone was celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and pinching each other for not wearing green, there was an entirely different celebration taking place Monday! This colorful Indian holiday is known as the Holi, a celebration of the end of winter, love and unity, and the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated by tossing vibrant paint powder all over each other, dancing to special Holi music, and eating traditional food. On March 17, 2014, The University of Texas at Tyler celebrated had their first annual campus Holi festival on the patio by the Met!

From India, with Love  

College Board Announces New Plans for the SAT

The College Board announced on Wednesday, March 5th, their plans for changing the SAT. Saying that the test does not focus enough on the academic skills most important for higher education and the working world, the main changes are the elimination of obligatory essays, removing the penalty for guessing wrong on the provided questions, and cutting obscure vocabulary words from the Reading section that are not applicable or relevant within higher education.

David Coleman, College
Board President

David Coleman, president of the College Board, argued that the SAT "has become disconnected from the work of our high schools." A large motivator for the change comes from the common criticism that high school grades are a better predictor for success in higher education than standardized testing, so much so that some colleges have made these test grades an optional portion of the application and enrollment processes. The changes are meant to bring the test back to the same wheelhouse as the topics discussed in high school settings, thus allowing for a better metric of success for students intending on applying for college.

Along with the announcement of the changes to the SAT, Mr. Coleman announced new policy changes for The College Board. First, if a student qualifies, they can receive four fee waivers to apply to colleges, free of charge. They will also be offering free online practice problems from previous tests, along with instructional videos showing how to solve them.

The changes to the SAT are quite extensive. Beginning with the reading section, the vocabulary used will be shifted to what College Board considers to be "rarefied" to words that are common in the college setting. The math questions, once varying over a litany of different areas and topics, will not be focused on linear equations, functions and proportional thinking. The essay section, once mandatory, will now be an optional portion at the end of the test, along with a separate score. The test will be offered on both paper and on a computer. Finally, the scoring metric will revert back to a 1600 range, where a student's top score on the Math section and the "Evidence-Based Reading and Writing" can be 800, each.

This exam will be released in the Spring of 2016. Are these changes good for the test as a whole? Are these changes that could potentially bring the test in line with what is learned within the average high school? High school testers, along with college admissions offices, will make that determination in 2016.

March Madness at UT Tyler!

So this is the end of sweater weather! As of March 22, 2014, it will be the first of spring. With Spring Break a mere few weeks away (it starts on March 8!) and the weather warming up, I think it is safe to say that the cold weather is a thing of the past. Long live the days of rolling the windows down and cruising down the highway to your favorite jams on the radio! Okay, maybe that is just me.

Let's just take a deep breath and say it with me!

UT Tyler FAFSA workshop!

Have you been making sure you turn in a FAFSA every year? If not, you may be losing valuable financial aid from the University of Texas at Tyler! Not sure how to fill one out? No problem! UT Tyler is holding a workshop to help you out!

My Most Anticipated Album List for 2014- Music that all UT Tyler Students Can Enjoy

In my day-to-day lifestyle, I’m rarely not listening to music. Most of the time it’s either via Pandora or Spotify, and lately, it has consisted of nothing but fantastic music released in 2013. Most notably, albums such as ...Like Clockwork from Queens of the Stone Age, Yeezus from Kanye West, and Random Access Memories from Daft Punk. As great as these albums are, I am really excited for the music expected to release in 2014, as it will add some really great variance to my current playlists.  Here’s a few of my most anticipated albums for 2014:

Note: keep in mind that some of these are speculative, but most likely will be released

Beck- Morning Phase due February 25^th

My favorite episode of Futurama is where Bender meets Beck’s head (it’s not grotesque, I swear), and he tells him “I always dreamed of being a musician-poet who transcends genres even as he re-invents them, just like you.”  This is an apt description of Beck, one of my all-time favorite musicians. If you don’t know Beck by name, you probably know his most famous song Loser. If you do know Beck and have listened to a large portion of his music, you would understand why I am eager to hear Morning Phase. Beck is returning to the musical style he used in his critically acclaimed album Sea Change (2002), though it is also inspired by 1960s California folk-rock. He has already released a single from the album, Blue Moon, and trust me, it is wonderful. As Bender says at the end of the Futurama episode “Well, everyone, prepare to have your guts kicked out by folk singers.” That’s what this album will most likely do to me.

Note- while in the process of writing this blog, Beck released his album a week early to stream on NPR. Stop everything you are doing and listen.

Foo Fighters- TBD

The Foo Fighters are in the process of recording their
eighth studio album, as teased on their Instagram account.

The Foo Fighters are a rock band prolific in both talent and worldwide appeal. They hardly release any material that is not renown by both critic and popular opinion, which is why the talk for their new 2014 album has me ecstatic. Front-man Dave Grohl has hinted at this release since late 2013, saying its production will be similar to that of their latest album Wasting Light: recorded in singer Dave Grohl's garage and was recorded on tape to give the clean and raw sound of the band.  Expect this album to be released between the summer and fall of 2014.

Kendrick Lamar- TBD

Whether you think the Grammy awards are important or not, the ceremony held at the end of January proved that Kendrick Lamar has a strong future with rap music. His last album, good kid, m.A.A.d. city, sold well over a million records, was nominated for seven Grammy Awards, and is considered to be a universally acclaimed rap classic. The snippet of his new work featured in a recent Beats By Dre ad sounded incredible. Let's hope the rest of the album can match what he has previewed to this point.

Johnny Cash- Out Among the Stars due March 25th

Whether you are a fan of country and rock and roll or not, a new Johnny Cash album should always be worth your attention. Despite passing away in 2003, Cash's music is still making an impact on the world in a tremendous way. The singer's son, John Carter Cash, discovered the master tapes for this album in 2012, and since then they have developed into what will be known as Out Among the Stars. Never-before-heard, the album was recorded during the early 1980s, but it was shelved when Cash was dropped by his then-label Columbia. The album contains 12 songs, with duets with June Carter  and Waylon Jennings. 

Frank Ocean- TBD, due Summer

Following his debut album channel ORANGE from 2012, which some claim to be one of the strongest debut albums in recent memory, R&B singer Frank Ocean will most likely be releasing his follow-up in the Summer of 2014. It is rumored that contributing to the album will be Tyler the Creator, Danger Mouse, Pharrell, and Tame Impala (all awesome, by the way), hinting at how strong the follow-up can be.  In my opinion, if it is even remotely as good as channel ORANGE, it will be nothing short of amazing.

Kanye West- TBD, due summer 

The album cover for Yeezus, arguably the best album from Kanye West.

This one will be a quick follow-up from the artist's last album, Yeezus, which topped more critic top 10 lists than any other album in 2013.  And it was well deserving of that recognition.  Kanye West proves time and time again to be one of the most consistent and powerful rap artists in the industry, and his new album this summer will most likely live up to that reputation.  As outspoken and downright belligerent he can be in the public eye, his music makes up for the bad press.  Assume this album will only bolster his reputation for being an outstanding artist and performer.
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These are only a portion of the great music that will be released over the next 10 months, but this alone has me quite excited.  Whatever your music genre preference is, 2014 will have something for you to truly enjoy.

Happy Single's Awareness Day! (For Real!)

You see it everywhere. The hand holding, red roses and pink carnations, ‘just girly things’ referencing The Notebook: Valentine’s Day is about as inescapable as Justin Bieber’s fate as being Lindsay Lohan’s roommate in rehab. Too soon?

You tell them, Christina!

Putting a Spring into Your Step at UT Tyler!

Now that we have been in school for a few weeks and we students are getting back into our normal, “oh good God, this paper is due! We have a quiz!” routine, it’s time to find a way to cope with this transient, fleeting time of the year. In the past few posts of mine, we’ve discussed how to handle not always excelling at things the first time around and the complications of Texas weather on fashion. However, this semester is going to fly by! I know it seems like it just started, but it is already February: the shortest month of the year with only 28 days. At the risk of sounding like that obstreperous Rebecca Black song, March comes after that! That means if you start now, that only leaves about a little over a month to plan the perfect spring break! It sounds like a really long time, but we all know how time flies when you’re taking quizzes, having perfect attendance in that 8 am class (am I right?), and studying late into the night for all those exams.

This bunny is in your home, studying your notes!

Here is a spring board of fun ideas to do over Spring Break and why they’re awesome! Check it out:

-We Will Rock You the Musical: this musical based on the works of Queen will be happening in scenic Dallas, Texas! They will be doing theatrical renditions of Queen’s biggest hits. This ‘killer queen’ is super excited and looking at ticket prices right now. Ticket prices start at $32! Come see We Will Rock You the Musical in Fair Park!

Hockey: Only thing manly when put on ice

-Ottawa Senators vs. Dallas Stars- come get your cheer on and watch a really great hockey game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas! :D Okay, so truth be told: I love hockey and really get into it, so bring earplugs because there are others like this. But seriously! Ticket prices start at $28. Face off, March 22 at 2 p.m.!

-Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center- Okay, anything that promises both liquid nitrogen ice cream and an IMAX theatre sounds really awesome in my book! For non-members, the combo fee to enjoy both the exhibits and the IMAX theatre is only $18! It’s fun, educational, there’s ice cream, there’s science… what more could you want?

I want all the brightly colored things!

-Jasper Azalea Festival- this sounds like a blast. On March 15, 2014, there’s going to be arts and crafts and a butterfly release, garden tours, live music, and vendors! When I checked the website, they said there was going to be a petting zoo. I know where I am going to be! Seriously, I am hoping there’s an alpaca. They are such mysterious creatures! The fun starts at the Jasper County Courthouse Square at 9 a.m. sharp! Be there or be square J

So, I know there’s quite a bit of time between now and spring break, but you don’t want to be stuck buying tickets at the last minute! (These can get expensive!) Happy planning and may the odds forever be in your favor.

Hypothermia, Meggings, and Flip Flops: Oh My!

So even though Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Epiphany have all passed- it is still cold outside sometimes. Now, I know I already made a post about ideas of what to wear before, but when I was sitting in my apartment and drinking my Caramel Flan Latte, I realized: when explaining the rules of a game to someone, one does not tell them what all they can do, but rather what they shouldn’t do. I mean, seriously- everyone has that memory of being in elementary school gym class and not always sitting out right away when it was time to play dodgeball. And what happened? The coach saw! Best case scenario? You could play it off as being on your way out. Worst case scenario? How about being branded a ‘cheater’ in front of the class and having that incorrigible ‘ooooooh’ sound when your classmates know someone’s about to get it.

A flashback could happen at any moment!

Horrible, awkward gym class memories aside- here is an interesting phenomenon that usually happens every year around when it is just after the winter holidays and just before spring. A few mornings ago, I was outside walking to my 8 am class and it was about 40 degrees outside when I checked my weather app. Needless to say, I was wearing boots, a coat, jeans, and a scarf. In front of me were two people (not one but TWO!) wearing short shorts, tank tops, and flip flops. They were complaining about how cold it was and all I could think of was, “Of course you are going to be cold when you don’t have any clothes on!”

To avoid looking seasonally confused, I have compiled a list of What Not to Wear:

-If there’s a risk for your lips to be turning blue, save your flip flops for another day. Why subject your toes to below freezing temperatures willingly? Blue toenails? Cute! Hypothermia? Not cute.

This captures the essence of a college student perfectly.

-If there’s frost on the car windshield, there’s your sign that you need a jacket, coat, sweater, whatever warming agent you would like to warm yourself with. There’s no shame in walking wrapped up in a blanket either.  

-Want to wear something bold and daring? Go for it. Wait! My neck is exposed! What if a winter loving vampire attacks me! That is okay. Wear a scarf and foil their attack. What scarves are also good for is keeping your neck warm and toasty. Don’t like having the ends dangling in the breeze? Wear an infinity scarf like a necklace. There are some really cool tricks on Pinterest on ways to tie them up too!

-Please, on behalf of all humanity, wear something to cover the lower half of your body. Jeans are a beautiful invention and they come in a wide variety of styles and shades. Yes, I know- tights are a “thing” and so are “meggings” (can we all just join together in a collective shudder of revulsion here?) But honestly if you want warmth, coverage, and durability (how often do jeans snag?)- jeans are the way to go?

Wear to even begin?

This cold weather isn’t going to last very long, but it is okay. Let’s make the most of this beautiful, fleeting time while it lasts!