Nutrition Major

  • How to Build Relationships in Your Field of Interest as a Dietetics Student

    Implement these five key strategies to build relationships with dietitians in your field of interest as a dietetics student.

    As a dietetics student, you are probably aware that there are numerous routes you can take when searching for your dietetics niche. Perhaps you want to be a registered dietitian (RD) in clinical, a sports RD, a community RD, or something else. With what seems like an endless number of paths to take, discovering which area of the field you are interested in can be exciting yet daunting.

    Now, your next thought may be: where do I begin? To relieve some stress around this process, below are a few tips to help motivate you to build relationships in your field of interest as a dietetics student and bring you one step closer to becoming the RD you imagine yourself to be!

    Connect with your professors 

    As a student, you have potential connections all around you. When you are in class, several opportunities are waiting for you to make the first move. Making an effort to build relationships with your professors is one of the simplest ways to get your foot in the door.

    It is crucial to building relationships with professors who teach classes specific to your area of interest. Chances are, they work in that particular field or may have previous experience in the field to assist you in your journey.

    However, do not limit yourself to building relationships exclusively with those professors. Your medical nutrition therapy professor likely knows another RD who works in your field of interest or can provide you with a reference and sound advice to get you started. At the very least, your professor may know what you are interested in and will have your name in the back of their mind should an opportunity come up that could be a fit.

    Example

    I spent my entire freshman and sophomore years as a dietetics student hiding in the back of every classroom and seeing no reason to talk to my professors. That was until I met one of my new best friends in my junior year, who told me about her current internship and a past nutrition expo she had worked as a volunteer. As a dietetics student, I knew the importance of getting intern/volunteer hours, and I wanted to build those types of relationships. After asking my friend how she found those opportunities, she told me they came through her professors. At that moment, I knew I needed to do the same to get myself the options I saw myself in.

    I began speaking with my professors to form a connection, even if it was just small talk. It did not take long before I was given two contacts to reach out to for intern experience. Three weeks later, I had my dream internship as a student. Who knows where I would be now if I decided to reach out to professors earlier. It is never too late to start! 

    Join an association connected to your field of interest 

    Once you discover your calling in dietetics, it is time to become a part of organizations and associations related to your field. A simple Google search will help you discover precisely what those are. For example, suppose you are interested in becoming a sports RD. In that case, the CPSDA (Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association) is a great way to become a part of the sports dietetics community.

    Through organizations such as the CPSDA, you can connect with RDs who already work in the field. Typically, there is a list of practicing RDs who you can reach out to. By becoming a member, you gain access to free educational materials, discover intern and job opportunities, and learn more about what working in your field of interest will look like once you become an RD. These tools may give you more to talk about and potentially more questions to ask when reaching out to these dietitians. Being an active member of their association or organization will show how genuinely interested you are in the field.

    Example 

    When I was a  dietetics student, I had professors (the ones I built relationships with!) and peers tell me about the CPSDA. Once I discovered it, I was excited to research and connect with the full-time sports RDs in this network. I took the initiative to introduce myself, let them know that I found them on the CPSDA website and that I was an aspiring sports RD. To my surprise, I received responses from almost all of the RDs I reached out to. I was even asked for my resume by a few of them. I often check in with many of these RDs and regularly interact on social media. These relationships formed when you are a student will prove to be the most important in building your future career.

    Reach out to other professionals via social media or email 

    Now that you are a member of the association/organization (wink, wink!), you can take the list of RDs and begin searching through Google or social media to start the conversation. The Get Hired Course has a section dedicated to networking on social media.

    Send the RD a tailored direct message on a particular platform or a professional email if their email address is public.

    When sending an email to build a relationship with an RD, let them know that you are an aspiring RD interested in their specific field. Express genuine interest in their professional journey to learn how they got to where they are today. Ask if you can have 15-minutes of their time through a scheduled phone call. Do not expect an internship or paid opportunity through relationship building; the possibility of that may come in the future.

    After reaching out, keeping in touch with your connections is just as important. Continue to build these relationships by checking in every few months through email or direct message, even sharing their content on social media. Being genuine and consistent goes a long way.

    If you cannot join an association or organization, you can still search for RDs through social media and Google and build relationships in the same way. Find commonality by reading their biography and checking out their LinkedIn profile.

    Example

    Similar to my story about reaching out to sports RDs, I had a friend interested in holistic nutrition. She followed a private practice RD, introduced herself, and told her she loved what she did as an RD. This friend shared that the RD then asked her to send a resume, and she then started virtually interning with her and creating social media content. This virtual internship served as an excellent experience for her dietetic internship application. Again, a genuine connection and a vast opportunity were the results of a simple email.

    Volunteer 

    As dietetics students, we know that volunteering plays a big part in securing a dietetic internship and landing future jobs as an RD. It is also a great way to get your name out there and build relationships in your field of interest. If you’re applying to distance dietetic internships, relationship building is even more critical as starting with who you know is the best first step to preceptor searching. Reach out to multiple RDs at a time, and provide them with the information they need to secure yourself a volunteer opportunity

    While volunteering can be a great experience, it can be a lot to balance if you’re a dietetics student with a full-time job or a family at home. However, it’s important to note that volunteering does not have to be a long or full-time commitment. Taking the initiative to volunteer for a one-day event can be just as powerful and even better if you made a solid first impression and stayed in contact with the RD you worked with. Also, if you already have a full-time schedule during school months, try volunteering over winter or summer break. You do not have to commit hundreds of hours to make a good impression and build a great relationship.

    Example

    Much of my personal volunteer experience and what I have learned when speaking with peers is that we have built relationships with a specific RD. We have interned for, but these experiences have opened doors to making many other relationships with others. When volunteering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), I was fortunate to get to know and work with two of UCLA’s other sports RDs. I am still in contact with all three of these RDs and have been able to refer to them for mentorship and positive letters of reference. I am incredibly appreciative of their support.

    Be a Go-Giver

    For our future careers as dietitians, it is essential to connect with as many dietitians in the field as possible. Creating relationships and offering your time to work with other dietitians gets your name out into your area of interest, shows other dietitians your dedication, and may even be the key to landing your dream job. To be successful in this, you must be willing to put in extra work. Founder Jenny Westerkamp, RD, CSSD, encourages you to be a go-giver and “think about what you can give instead of what you can receive.” She firmly believes that what you give, you will get back in return. It is a constant flow.

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    About the author:

    Thanks for reading! My name is Brittni Whitesides, and I am a dietetic intern. I am so grateful that I practiced these tips in building relationships as a student at California State University, Los Angeles. Through doing all of these things, I have gained tons of experience in my field of interest (sports nutrition) through volunteer work and interning and have made numerous connections with sports RDs. I have spoken to several RDs who currently are in the position I dream about being in one day, and I am confident that they know who I am, my passion, commitment, and interest in the field. As a current dietetic intern, I plan to continue building relationships while maintaining my already made ones. So, what are you waiting for? Start sending out those direct messages and emails to begin building relationships today!

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  • 27 Skills to Highlight in the Dietetic Internship Application

    Both soft skills and hard skills can be incorporated into your dietetic internship application to help you land the program of your dreams!

    Developing your skillset before applying to dietetic internship programs is key to success for a happy Match Day. Seeking out volunteer, work, and leadership opportunities can help you gain skills that will make you a stand-out applicant and strong dietetic intern. Plus, these skills will lead you to achieve in your career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist! But what skills should you aim to highlight on your DI application?

    If you need help selling yourself to dietetic internship selection committees, our coaches have the tools and strategies you need to take your application to the next level.

    Here are 27 skills that you should be SHOWING in your application.

    1. Communication Skills
      • Verbal
      • Written
    2. Honesty and Integrity
    3. Interpersonal Skills
      • Relates well to others
    4. Motivation and Initiative
    5. Strong Work Ethic
    6. Teamwork Skills
      • Works well with others
    7. Analytical Skills
    8. Flexibility and Adaptability
    9. Computer Skills
    10. Detail Oriented
    11. Professionalism
    12. Positive Attitude
    13. Time Management
    14. Dedication
    15. Discipline
    16. Goal Setting
    17. Commitment
    18. Multi-cultural Experience
    19. Leadership Skills
    20. Organizational Skills
    21. Self-confidence
    22. Friendly and Outgoing Personality
    23. Tactfulness
    24. Well Mannered and Polite
    25. Creativity
    26. GPA (3.0 or better)
    27. Entrepreneurial Skills

    What are your unique skills and qualities that let you stand out from the crowd? Sound off in the comments!

    P.S. Are you applying to the dietetic internship program of your dreams? Schedule your free call with Jenny to discuss your background, address any of your concerns, and decide on the next step for your dietitian journey!

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  • Advice from Dietitians to Future Dietitians

    Becoming a Registered Dietitian certainly isn’t easy. We’ve compiled advice from dietitians for nutrition students, dietetic interns, and all future RD’s.

    We all have a clear recollection of why we wanted to get into the nutrition field and become registered dietitians.  Some of those reasons are near and dear to our hearts, and some of those reasons are very simple- we love nutrition!  When on the journey to become a registered dietitian, there are plenty of bumps along the road. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget why we are doing what we are doing.  

    “Why did I decide to volunteer again this week when I have a test tomorrow?”  Why am I taking six classes this semester?”  How is summer almost over when all I did was a volunteer and work?” These are common questions I’ve both asked and heard during my years as a student.

    Since becoming an RD (yay!) in July 2016, I often thought about what I wish I knew along the way to make things a little easier for me.  Honestly, the best advice that I could give would only begin and end with two words: networking and volunteering.  So important.  Not only do these things look amazing on your resume, but they will also help you navigate your way through dietetics with a bit of ease.  

    Networking can lead to you shadowing multiple RDs in different fields, learning about nutrition from another point of view, and making your name known in the dietetics field early.  

    Volunteering will make your resume and your DICAS application look amazing.  I asked one dietetic intern and one dietitian about what they would have liked to know before starting a nutrition career. This is what they had to say.

    “Network as much as possible, take on as many volunteer opportunities as you can, big or small.”

    “If you’re struggling in academics, then definitely seek out a tutor, your professor, or other resources that your University provides for extra help. When trying to get into an internship and meet with the director, whether it’s one-on-one or in a group setting, come prepared with questions.  Don’t forget to update your resume and LinkedIn as you go continually”. – Jess Mirkin, Dietetic Intern at the University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT.

    “Becoming a dietitian is a long road, but it will all be worth it in the end; keep going!”

    The dietetics community is tiny and close-knit. Never burn bridges; you never know who knows your potential internship director or future boss.  Volunteer as much as you can; it’s the best and sometimes the only way to get experience in nutrition as a student. Be persistent; dietitians are super busy and may not respond to questions right away but typically respond well to those who show they are ready to work, learn, and show that they have something to offer.  Being a dietitian can sometimes feel like a thankless job; remember why you started in the first place and how important what you’re doing is”.  – Hailey Beiner, RDN, C-DN.

    The consensus seems to be the same- networking, persistence, volunteering, never feeling like you can’t ask for help, and always remembering why you started this journey.  Never give up, and remember that it’s worth it!

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  • How to Survive a Group Project

    As a nutrition major, you will work on many group projects. They may sound grueling, but you will be scoring “A’s” in no time with our tips and tricks.

    If two words can put dread into the heart of any student, they are: “group project.” We all know that there are probably good reasons why professors make us do them, but does that make them any less painful?

    Fortunately, I’ve got some tips for you on how you can get through those grueling group projects!

    1. Take the lead.

    Leadership is an excellent quality that can be developed inside and outside of the classroom. Group projects are a perfect opportunity for you to work on this skill even more.

    2. Set deadlines (WAY before the actual deadline!).

    A practice deadline can help your team figure out what’s missing beforehand so that you’re not panicking on the project’s due date. Preparedness is a skill that will come in handy outside of your DPD program, too.

    3. Figure out the best way to contact each other.

    Maybe everyone prefers to text in a group message. Or, perhaps someone who only has a computer and a social media platform is more accessible to check in on. GroupMe is the latest app that makes it easy to communicate with all members of your team. If all else fails, use your school email address to create an email chain!

    4. Clarify goals and roles.

    Delegating tasks is essential, so all team members participate and learn from the project. After all, the point of a group project is for everyone to play a role. Delegating goals and functions will help everyone on your team find their niche and stay active in the project.

    5. Create a positive atmosphere.

    Positivity is essential, and a successful team is always a positive team. Don’t dread a group project, but reset your mind to see it as an opportunity to connect with your classmates and learn something new.

    What are your favorite tips on surviving a group project? Sound off in the comments!

    P.S. If you are applying for the dietetic internship check out our DI Toolkit!

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  • How to Choose What Dietetic Internships to Apply To

    Take the time to investigate your options and think about what you want to get out of your dietetic internship. Follow these tips to help you decide.

    What do you want out of an internship? This is a big question that can help you find your best path to becoming a Registered Dietitian. In this post, I will go through some ways to help you make that decision.

    Schedule a free call with Jenny today to discuss your backgrounds, address any concerns, and decide on the next steps of your dietitian journey!

    Define What you Want

    What do YOU want out of your dietetic internship? We all know by now that there is a great possibility we might not get matched with our first choice, but do you want to sit back and wonder what if? I have heard of students who decided not to apply somewhere because they thought it was too tough to get in, even though it may have been their dream internship.

    Keep in mind that this is a time in your life where you can afford to be a little selfish. I realize that many people are not in a situation where they can move around the country, but if you are, embrace it! Be sure that you are choosing internships that are right for you based on your needs and wants, not based on convenience or the desires of others. If your top choice happens to be across the street or happens to be the same one that your best friend is ranking first, then that’s great! If not, listen to your gut– it’s usually right.

    Many factors differentiate each internship program from the other. Consider what you can realistically afford to do and choose from programs that match your interests and experiences. I was willing to look across the country for internships.

    I knew I wanted a general emphasis, was attracted to teaching hospitals, did not want a graduate degree yet, and wanted the option to do an elective rotation in Chicago (my hometown). Massachusetts General Hospital offered all of that to me, and that is where I got matched. When you apply to programs that match what you are interested in, your genuine enthusiasm for the program will shine through to the selection committee and reflect well on your application. The match works two ways—both you and the program should fit well with each other. Proving you are the perfect fit is what the application is for! Let’s dive deeper into defining what you want in an internship.

    Deciding Factors

    • Location
    • Cost
    • Emphasis
    • Grad School
    • Electives
    • Affiliation
    • Rotation Sites

    Final Thoughts

    Have an open mind, and don’t be limited by the internship location, unless you desire to live in a particular area. Also, keep that open mind as you go through your internship; you could start with a passion for pediatrics and end with a passion for geriatrics!

    Visit the internship program if it is logistically and financially possible. Meet the internship director; let the director put a face with your name! Also, observe the surrounding location of the internship and what that city has to offer. If you don’t like the site, it will make the internship that much harder. Contact previous interns and get their feedback about their experience beyond the workday. Past dietetic interns are more likely to tell you about how they de-stressed from the internship than directors. And again, have an open mind when applying and as you go through your internship program.

    Make it Happen

    • Develop your list of deciding factors and define what you want out of an internship.
    • Keep these deciding factors in mind as your narrow down your list of worthy programs.
    • Start going through options early on! The earlier you start, the better off you will be.
    • Create a top-10 list, and narrow it down to your final 4-5 choices at least two months before the deadline.

    P.S. Want someone to tell you exactly where you should apply to increase your chances of getting matched? Get Matched Coaching is for you.

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  • Exam Study Strategies for #RD2Be’s

    Studying for exams as a nutrition major can be difficult. These study strategies can help you succeed in becoming a Registered Dietitian.

    P.N. and EN equations, Krebs cycle enzymes and intermediates, the steps in the Nutrition Care Process-  there’s a lot of information that a future dietitian must know.  Future RD’s must get good grades in classes and excel in the internship and then pass the R.D. exam. Gone are the days that you have only your textbook and pen and paper to study. Now there are so many online tools that are designed to help you get better grades. Here are five strategies that will help you be more focused and better prepared for your exams.   

    1. Use Flashcards

    You can even save yourself the money you typically spend on 3X5 cards to make flashcards using Study Stack. You can search for flashcards that other students have already made, create your flashcards, and then practice and play games with your online flashcards. Flashcards are a great way to study for any exam. 

    2. Avoid Distractions

    How many times have you clicked on Facebook when you should be studying for that next biochemistry exam? Use ways to help monitor your distractions, like StayFocusd. StayFocusd is an extension for Google Chrome that allows you to configure how much time you spend on specific pages. Once your allotted time has been used, the site will be inaccessible for the rest of the day. With nearly 5,000 reviews, this support tool has helped a lot of people stay focused. 

    3. Create Study Groups

    If you live close to your classmates, form a regular study group with study goals set at the beginning of each session. If you would like to connect and study with students virtually, you can use  StudyRoom. StudyRoom allows you to communicate with your classmates by setting up a dashboard and sharing materials or asking questions. You need your school email address, and then you click into specific classes.

    4. Plan studying into your Calendar

    Cramming for a test lowers your ability to retain information. Create a balanced study schedule to help your brain keep what you learn. GoConqr allows you to create a study schedule and manage and track tasks. It also allows you to develop other study tools to gain insight into which topics you are mastering and which ones you need to study more.

    5. Take Breaks to Eat and Move During your Study Sessions

    When you study, you are using energy, so take time to refuel. And take time to stretch and move your body. If you need a reminder, Stand Up! is a flexible work break timer that allows you to set timers within your schedule.

    Finding the right study tools and techniques may be a trial and error process but find what works for you. Have you found an online study tool that has helped you master your nutrition classes?

    P.S. The Study Smarter Method has helped hundreds of RD’s pass the exam. Learn more about Pass The Exam Prep. 

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  • 10 Thoughts Every Nutrition Major Has During Class

    Maybe you’re in a lecture, and you let your mind wander- we’ve all done that! As a nutrition major, these thoughts will run through your head.

    There’s nothing like sitting in class and dreaming about what you’ll have for dinner when you’re supposed to be focused on TPN calculations. As a nutrition major, you’re only human, and you might get off topic sometimes. You might find yourself thinking these now and again – but you aren’t the only one!

    1. Is it time for lunch yet?

    Time to check the clock… again.

    2. Should I sleep or study after this?

    Be productive or take some me-time? I can’t decide.

    3. I understand, Ochem!

    Keep paying attention, or it might just get away from me again.

    4. Of course, the person next to me brings celery…

    Plain celery. Is that even tasty?

    5. That reminds me… what should I make for dinner?

    Leftovers vs. takeout vs. trying a new recipe from that blog?

    6. Glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and glycogenolysis… yup, I got this.

    I will need to study this again later.

    7. If I don’t get an internship, I can be some Krebs cycle expert.

    Maybe that job exists!

    8. Or write a book with PES statements for any possible situation.

    Now this one could be helpful. I’m onto something!

    9. Maybe I should’ve picked an easier major?

    I’m sure there is something easier out there than this.

    10. No way, I love being a nutrition student.

    And I wouldn’t change it for the world. Even during the chaos of finals, I was applying to a dietetic internship and completing 1200 hours of supervised practice. It will all be worth it to become a Registered Dietitian!

    P.S. Give your application a complete makeover with Get Matched Coaching!

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  • Stand Out Male Dietitians

    Male dietitians are few and hard to come by. But, they are making an incredible impact in nutrition and dietetics. Learn about these rockstar R.D.s!

    Where are all our male # RD2be’s at?! Dietetics is a great career path for both males and females alike. Although the field is currently female dominant, male dietitians are having great success in dietetics, doing exciting things, and making their mark on the area. While we couldn’t possibly give credit to ALL of the fantastic dietitians out there, we do want to give a special shout-out to a select few stand-out male dietitians.

    1. David Grotto

    David has been in the nutrition field for over 25 years. He has a wide range of experiences, including hosting a live radio show on health and nutrition, serving as a national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and serving as the president and founder of a nutrition consulting firm in Chicago.

    2. Christopher Gunning

    In 2012, Christopher was recognized by the New Jersey Dietetic Association and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as the 2012 Outstanding Dietetic Student for New Jersey. Since his recognition, Chris has continued to make a positive impact. He is currently the clinical nutritionist for the New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health and Rutgers Health Services.

    3. Brett Singer

    Brett is a sports dietitian for Memorial Hermann Ironman Sports Medicine Institute, Houston Baptist University Athletics, and the Sugar Land Skeeters. He is a pioneer in bringing sports nutrition to high school athletics programs in the Houston area. Brett also spends time in the classroom educating graduate students on sports nutrition as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston.

    4. Chris Vogliano

    Chris is an environmentally-focused R.D. and works as a clinical research associate for a Seattle-based biotech startup focused on nutrigenomics and scientific wellness. He was selected to be the first Agriculture, Nutrition, and Health Research Fellow with The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2014. Chris was also awarded “Young Dietitian of the Year” by Washington State.

    5. Angel Planells

    Angel is the lead dietitian in the Home Based Primary Care program at the Veterans Administration in Puget Sound, a Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and owner of private practice and consulting firm ACP Nutrition. In 2016, he was recognized by the Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as Outstanding Dietitian of the Year.

    6. Jim White

    In addition to being an RD, Jim is an ACSM Health Fitness Instructor. He is also an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics National Spokesman and owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios. He has received multiple prestigious awards, including the 2014 Young Entrepreneur Award and 2009 Virginia’s Young Dietitian of the Year.

    7. Jonathan Valdez

    Jonathan is very actively involved in the field of dietetics, serving many roles. He is a Registered Dietitian at Genki Nutrition, Diversity Leader for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Diversity Leaders Program, treasurer and secretary for the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Public Policy Coordinator Co-Chair for the Greater New York Dietetic Association.

    Bonus

    Bonus, check out this ‘Men in Dietetics’ video from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

    P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? Join the future dietitian newsletter to receive monthly webinar invitations, free resources, exclusive experience opportunities, and so much more!

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  • How to Mentally Recover After an MNT Exam

    Imagine this. You finish your MNT exam, with time to spare, and you hand it in to your professor with the biggest smile on your face and you turn around and walk out the door knowing that you are an exceptional student and totally aced it.  Has this ever happened to you?  The anxiety of finishing on time, the worry and second guessing of whether you did that tube feed calculation right, did you give your “patient” enough protein? AH. The mental toll that MNT exams have can last for a while. Here are five tips to help you recover from after an MNT exam:

    1. ONLY REVISIT YOUR NOTES ONCE.

    Your first instinct when you leave the room after your exam is usually to check your notes to see if you got an answer correct. This is ok, but limit this time.  Dwelling on something that you can’t fix won’t do you any good.  Be confident in your answers.  Adjust your focus to the positive.

    2. EXERCISE.

    As nutrition majors, we know that a healthy and balanced lifestyle includes exercise.  Although this may not be something that you want to do right after your test, the endorphins that are released will help with the stress you just endured. 30 minutes of moderate physical activity will do wonders.

    3. YOGA.

    Breathe in, breathe out. Yoga is the perfect de-stressor.  Whether you go to your local studio or find a great podcast that prompts you with the movements, yoga will help you declutter your mind and center yourself. Stretching out your body and letting go of the day will help you mentally recover from that MNT exam.

    4. HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS.

    DON’T talk about the exam! Out of sight, out of mind. This is easier said than done, but try focusing on other aspects of your life.

    5. TREAT YOURSELF.

    You deserve it! You studied for hours, rewrote your notes a million times, and stayed up late cramming in every last bit. Reward yourself with something that will make you feel great. Get a mani/pedi, go out for fro-yo, buy that new shirt that you’ve been obsessing over. Knowing that you’ve done your best is all that you can do at this point and treating yourself to something will give you a sense of accomplishment.

    P.S. Now that exams are over, it’s time to start preparing for Match Day! 

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