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Student Life

6 Ways I Learn Something New Every Week

Helpful hints on how to easily be smarter.

Taylor Jones Curtis

Apr 09, 2018

UNC Greensboro

676

Unsplash

Each week I make it my personal mission to learn something new. Sometimes we passively move through the world. We take in what's given to us without being purposeful about what we are "picking up." Sometimes we also only specialized in what is relevant to us in the "day-to-day." If you work as a swim coach, it is advantageous to fill your day with swimming stats and techniques.

These things help you improve your job, but how can you be a balanced and whole person if you don't take in information about 'how to improve your credit score' or 'conversational American Sign Language' you won't be able to interact with new people while growing as a person.

I know you may feel overwhelmed with the idea of learning something 'new' each week, but calm down and take a breath. You won't be tested! The point is to take in something that is interesting TO YOU and be able to use it within your free time or apply it to your day-to-day. Below I will go over the possible ways you can take in new information depending on your interest.

1. Podcasts

So at this point with the Podcast boom, I'm sure you know what they are. However, if you don't --It's basically talk radio! You are able to get opinions, but also to gain research that others are doing. There are websites that offer different podcasts, but whatever phone you have you can go to your Applications store and download whatever medium you use.

I myself have a favorite three podcasts where I am always being introduced to new things: Black Minimalist (a sustainable podcast focused on maximizing your life with less), Daily Boost ( A podcast that breaks away from the traditional norms of Personal Development without being cheesy), and Another Round (this podcast covers everything from race, gender and pop culture to squirrels, mangoes, and bad jokes).

2. TED Talks

Hopefully, in some form, you have encountered TED talks, but if you haven't they are short or long presentation videos on "ideas worth sharing". Because the times range it can be really easy to find one that fits into the time you have allotted for learning. TED has a website, but you can also go to Youtube and find TEDx talks which are events that take more of a focus on a local community and voices. “Officially, the 'x' stands for independently organized TED event.

3. "The Google"

This one is simple. Take the topic you choose to gain information about and use the all-powerful Google! My best friend keeps a list of things she wants to research later.

For instance, we were discussing how churches teach Sex education and I asked her if she had ever searched for information on or examples of Sex Positive Christians. Her eyes grew large and she let out a loud "hmmm" then added it to her list of things to later Google. Learning something weekly can be as simple as having a conversation with a friend and deciding to look something up later AND FOLLOWING THROUGH.

4. Duolingo Phone App

If you are interested in learning a language, I recommend the app Duolingo or the desktop version on the website. It is fun games that help using a new language. They have a bunch! (though I am waiting for American Sign Language to be added!) You can add friends and start a friendly competition to help motivate you to do it daily!

5. Daily fact app/Word of the Day

I am famous for being that annoying person that posts new things I learn from daily fact apps or quotes that impact me from daily quote apps! I apologize in advance!

However, this is a really easy way to take in new information and a start point for researching around something arbitrary. Just make sure to check the facts before you go spreading fake news!

6. Visit your local library!

I know you may cringe at the thought of going to the library because most of us were forced to go as children. I ask you, what is so bad about the library? I am sure there is at least one book you want to read & If there is, why not check your local library? I know some of you have Amazon lists with books you are considering buying — 8 times out of 10 the library has it or has it on audio-book for free!

Your final qualm may be "Taylor I can't even find a Library near me!" Well, have no fear this link will help you find any library nationally!

I hope by the end of this you are convinced at how easy it is to take in something new weekly! Trust me your brain will thank you later and do a little dance! (dance depicted below!)

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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6 Ways I Learn Something New Every Week

Helpful hints on how to easily be smarter.

1. Podcasts

2. TED Talks

3. "The Google"

4. Duolingo Phone App

5. Daily fact app/Word of the Day

6. Visit your local library!

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No, I can't help you.

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

1. When you meet new people, they automatically assume you hate them or are rude.

2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

Please hold your blonde joke.

1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

2. "Is that your natural hair color?"

3. "Oh wow, you get good grades at school?"

4. "You must really like the color pink!"

5. "You’re probably not into sports, right?"

6. "You must have such a bubbly personality."

7. "Your wardrobe must consist of all things preppy."

8. "What sorority are you in?"

9. "You were probably a cheerleader in high school."

10. "You look like you’re from L.A. because your hair is so light."

11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

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