Mom is expecting you to show up at home with a fistful of flowers, but you’re up to your eyebrows studying for your chemistry final. How are we supposed to handle Mother’s Day long distance?No worries. I have compiled a few tips that can make gift giving simple for moms of all kinds.Sporty Mom. This gal wakes up
after a night out in the city and runs 10 miles while still managing to
maintain supermom mode. For this one of
a kind lady, you need to think practical and functional. If you have deep pockets, get online and
ship some Lululemon running pants or a cute headband. Gifting Lulu might break the bank, but the
payoff is that you’ll quickly become the favorite child in her
heart. Maybe resist one or two late
night Antonio runs to save up.
Chocaholic Mom. How much easier can it be than arranging for
delivery of a few pounds of Fannie May chocolates? Warning: by the time you finish finals and
show up at home, she may be cranky due to the extra pounds that serve as a
reminder of your very thoughtful, high calorie gift. While chocolate is an easy choice, beware.
Aging Sorority Girl Mom. Ever wonder if the best day of her life was
her own bid day multiple decades ago, instead of the day you were born? Bring back the good memories for her by
updating her Greek wardrobe with a quick trip to Tee Shurt. Send
her a noodie or maybe a coffee mug emblazoned with her Greek letters. You do know her sorority right? Both are guaranteed to transport her back to the wild, happy and
carefree days before you were born. Maybe
even throw together a basket with a neon frat tank and a hot pair of running
shorts – letters on the backside optional – to make her feel young again.
Pet Lover Mom. You know that cute pup you fell in love
with last week at the Humane Society? Now’s the time to go for it. Tell Mom you wanted to give her a furry,
four-legged friend to cuddle while you are away at the U of I, working hard to
pursue your degree. You might even want
to throw in a doggie stroller to appeal to her inner mommy.
Traveler Mom. Summer (otherwise known as vacay season) is right around the corner. Make sure
that any long hours she plans to spend on an airplane will fly by for her by
gifting her with a cushy neck pillow, comforting eye mask and a snuggly, rollable
micro-fleece blankie so she has sweet dreams on her next trip. Maybe she’ll even take you along.
Illini Alum Mom. If your girl is anything like my mom, she is
likely to still be craving the good ol’ Papa Del’s pizza. Send a sweet, “I owe you,” text on Mother’s Day
and make sure she knows you’ll be bringing her a frozen pizza, with her choice
of toppings, when you arrive home after finals.
Gifting dilemma solved.
Now, get back to the books because you know that the second most
important gift your mom wants is for you to graduate, which will lead you to
the gift she wants most of all: for you to find a good job.
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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Luckily, many colleges offer a number of ways to take part in campus and community life, without forcing you to dedicate all of your time to these organizations. Here are a few ideas!
1. Look into Housing and Dining.
Many first-year students start off college life in residence halls, and the Housing & Dining network throughout campus often provides multiple opportunities for students throughout the year. Many buildings have student community councils that work to create policies and events that make the dorms a more welcoming home for residents. Becoming a community assistant (or the students who work the desks at the front of many halls) is another easy way to have a consistent, well-paying job only minutes away from your room.
If you really enjoyed your housing experience, consider applying to be an RLA, or, if the school offers it, help to teach the first-year community. You'll get the chance to help support new and returning students over the year, and many of these positions also cover major costs like board and meal plans.
2. Pay attention to campus postings.
This advice is more obvious, but it still gets overlooked a fair amount. Even on a busy day, taking the time to stop around campus and look at the flyers advertising clubs and events can draw your attention to something that you never would've noticed otherwise. Students on many campuses also chalk the sidewalk to catch students' attention while they walk to class. Just make sure that the event you're interested in hasn't taken place already!
3. Find common interest groups.
One way to find friends and get involved is to focus on what you're passionate about. Have you always loved to sing? Do you enjoy playing video games? Is photography your favorite past-time? Have you always wanted to join Greek life? Whatever you love devoting your time to, chances are there are organizations around school who are focused on the same thing. Check the student life section of your university's website, or stop by a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
If you're the athletic type, you've probably heard of intramural sports. Often offered through the Rec Center or the residence halls, most colleges often offer various indoor and outdoor sports to take part in throughout the year. Personal favorite? Mini golf.
5. Work on a cause that you care about.
Whether you're passionate about a political group, a social cause, or a religion, working with people who value beliefs similar to yours can be an easy way to meet people, get a better sense of your own identity, and promote causes that are important to you. Look into getting involved with College Democrats, Republicans, or whatever party that you belong to. Find a club that supports social issues, from women's rights to protecting the environment. If you're religious, look into student organizations based on your faith.
6. Join a club related to your major.
Even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do after school, finding a club or organization related to your field of studies can benefit you long after you leave the classroom. From career-related workshops to conferences to professional connections, these groups have a lot to boast.
7. Get an on-campus job.
If you have the time, need to work, or want to save a few extra dollars, finding a job on or near campus is a time-effective way to build up your bank account and gain work experience. Check in your residence hall (see #1), at local businesses and offices, or make an appointment with your school's career center.
8. Volunteer.
When you're caught up in school life, it can be hard to think about the bigger picture. Volunteering your time to people (or animals/an environment) in need puts things in perspective and allows you to feel good while making a positive difference. Check if your college town has a volunteer page, or look up local organizations requesting help.
Best of luck this year! Get out, and get busy.
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