Many educational journeys start at a very young age and continue over multiple decades. Your academic path is unique, and how you choose to follow it is up to you. What’s important is taking a proactive role in advancing your education. Here are some ways to stay in charge.

Your culture is a part of you. Whether it informs how you live your daily life or it’s simply one part of what makes you you, staying true to your culture is important. During times of change or stress, especially when you’re away from home, this can be difficult. Here are some ways you can remain true to your culture.
 
Determine What Is Important to You 

Just when it seems like you’ve finally gotten the hang of high school, it’s time to think about college. The college application process may seem daunting, and with so many things to keep track of, like deadlines, essays, and financial aid, it may seem like you’ll never get through it. Don’t get overwhelmed. Instead, use the tips below to help understand and navigate the college application process.
 
Figure Out Who You Are and What You Want

The AISES National Conference in Spokane, Wash., is just a month away! It’s sure to be an exciting and impactful event as thousands of Indigenous STEM students and professionals from across the United States and Canada gather from Oct. 19–21 for three days filled with learning, networking, and celebrating their culture. There’s a lot to take in, and it can be overwhelming, so here are some tips to help you make the most of your time at the conference.

Roommates are an integral part of the college experience. Whether it's dorms, suites, or apartment rentals, roommates are bound to be there. First, it's important to recognize that for some students living at college may be their first time away from home. It’s a big transition from living with your family to living with a complete stranger. Here are five tips for getting along with roommates to make everyone’s experience safe, productive, and fun.
 
Communicate expectations 

You know the feeling: school’s out for the summer and you can’t wait to sleep in, hang out with your friends, and completely forget about school until September. But while it’s tempting not to crack open a book or review any of your lessons from the past school year, taking such a long break can lead to forgetting much of what you have learned. As a result, you may go into the next school year with lower knowledge levels than when you left. Here are some ways to prevent brain drain and stay sharp over summer break.
 
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Choosing the right college can be a daunting task. Size, location, and available resources are all factors that need to be considered by prospective students and their families. Taking time to tour a college campus is the best way to get a sense of what it’s like to be a student there. Here are some tips to make the most of your college visits. 

Your first trip by air is exciting. It also can be anxiety-inducing. Those nerves are best overcome by being well prepared. Familiarize yourself with the travel process, including navigating the airport and knowing what to expect during the flight. Here are some tips to help guide you through your first flight. 
 
Pack Wisely 

The end of the academic year is near, which means the pressure of finishing projects and exams, landing summer internships and jobs, and lining things up for the fall is in full force. You want to finish out the year strong, so it’s important to remember to use the tools you have to support your mental health. Ideally, you’ve set yourself up for strong mental health all year by following a healthy routine, joining clubs, and spending time with supportive people. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed, however, there are steps you can take to regain control.   
 

Proven industry experience can make all the difference when it comes to landing your first professional job. But how can a student gain professional experience? That’s where the internship comes in. An internship is a temporary position that typically is associated with a student’s academic major or career interest. During their short tenure with an organization, an intern can gain valuable hands-on experience and insight while working in a professional role.