If you’re grappling with your mental health, know that you’re not alone. The statistics certainly agree. College can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. According to a study by the American College Health Association:

•  77% of undergraduate students experience some sort of psychological distress.
• Loneliness grips 54% of students.
• Suicidal behavior affects 30% of college students.

Mental Illness Is Treatable, And Suicide Is Preventable

Amidst these challenges, organizations like our NSCS Partner, Active Minds, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health in college students, and among young adults, provide statistics and spearhead efforts to destigmatize mental health. 

Consider these compelling facts:

• Suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among young adults.
• For every tragic loss, 280 individuals choose life.
• 67% of young adults first confide in a friend about suicidal feelings before seeking help elsewhere.

Understanding Our Stress and Anxiety

According to Active Minds, most people may feel stressed or anxious about some aspect of their lives, in good times and bad.

STRESS: a response to a threat, situation, person, or interaction.

ANXIETY: a reaction to the stress; more long-term and chronic.

Anxiety is different and more severe than stress, which is adaptive and can be protective. Stress before a test or a big game helps our body and mind focus and perform, for example. However, untreated anxiety or persistent stress can be debilitating (learn more here).

How to Know When You Need Help

Recognizing when you or a friend may need help is crucial. Active Minds suggests listening for specific statements that may indicate that seeking help is necessary:

• “It’s just so hard to get out of bed lately.”
• “I just can’t deal with life right now.”
• “I just want to sleep and never wake up.”
• “Everything is too much.”

If you or someone you know resonates with these statements, seeking support from a trusted individual or professional can make a significant difference.

[Image credit: Active Minds]

What Can I Do About Stress and Anxiety?

Feeling overwhelmed? Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small. Take small steps like:

• Take a Walk: Stepping outside for a brisk walk, even just around campus, can help clear your mind and boost your mood.
• Practice Deep Breathing: Take a few minutes to focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat several times to promote relaxation.
• Journaling: Grab a notebook and jot down your thoughts and feelings. Writing can be a therapeutic way to process emotions and gain perspective on stressful situations.
• Yoga or Stretching: Engage in gentle yoga poses or simple stretching exercises to release tension and improve flexibility. Even a short yoga session can help you feel more centered and calm.
• Listen to Music or Podcasts: Create a calming playlist or tune in to your favorite podcast for a mental escape. Music and podcasts provide a welcome distraction and help shift your focus away from stressors.

These activities can be easily incorporated into your daily routine and can make a significant difference in managing stress during college.

Seeking Help Is Truly Worth It

Numerous places offer advice, support, and treatment. Taking that step can lead to feeling better. Visit the Active Minds Referral Resources page for additional mental health resources.

Amidst the chaos of college life, self-care isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. Prioritize moments of nourishment for your mind, body, and soul. Remember: You’re worthy of care and compassion.

As a college student, you are undoubtedly working hard to make the most of your academic experience and build a strong foundation for your future career. One way to enhance your college experience and give yourself an edge in the job market is by joining the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS).

Founded in 1994, NSCS is a non-profit honors organization that recognizes and celebrates high-achieving undergraduate students. Membership in NSCS provides students with numerous opportunities and benefits, including:

1. Leadership Development: NSCS provides students with leadership development programs and opportunities to help them develop the skills they need to succeed both in college and in their careers.

2. Scholarship Awards: NSCS offers scholarship awards to its members, helping them offset the cost of tuition and other expenses associated with attending college.

3. Networking Opportunities: NSCS hosts numerous events and activities designed to connect members with one another, as well as with alumni, leaders in their field, and other professionals. This can be a great way to build relationships, expand your network, and gain valuable insights and advice from experienced professionals.

4. Career Resources: NSCS provides members with career resources and support, including resume and cover letter reviews, job search advice, and more. These resources can be especially valuable for students who are just starting out in their careers and looking for guidance and support.

5. Recognition and Honor: By joining NSCS, you are demonstrating to others that you are a dedicated and accomplished student. This can be a great way to gain recognition and respect from others, and to build your reputation both on and off campus.

In addition to these benefits, NSCS also offers members access to exclusive discounts and perks, such as discounts on textbooks, insurance, and travel.

In conclusion, if you are a college student who is dedicated to your academic and career success, then joining the National Society of Collegiate Scholars is a great way to get ahead. With its numerous benefits, opportunities, and resources, NSCS can help you achieve your goals and succeed in all areas of your life. So why wait? Join today and start taking advantage of all that NSCS has to offer!

Leadership Positions

Many students, when they first enter college, have never been in a leadership role before. Yet, developing leadership skills is an important part of college. It’s hard for undergraduates to develop as leaders through coursework alone, so NSCS membership gives them extra opportunities to lead.

There are a few different ways to NSCS members to become leaders. Some become chapter officers. This position is available to any current member; students don’t need to have been enrolled for any amount of time before becoming an officer. As such, the positions are welcoming and beneficial for students who are just starting out.

Other students develop their leadership skills through volunteer work. They collaborate with organizations like their local YMCA chapter to do good in the community. Leading activities like this is an excellent introduction to managing a team.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a wonderful way for students to step outside their comfort zone and expand their horizons. However, studying abroad can be expensive without support. NSCS offers several scholarship programs and study abroad arrangements that make this sort of experience more accessible for students.

Former study abroad students have moved abroad after graduation. Some have made international connections allowing them to work abroad. Others have learned foreign languages and put those skills to use.

Speaking Opportunities

Those who can speak clearly and confidently in front of a group are far more likely to be hired into management positions, excel in the workplace, and find success in political roles.

For many students, NSCS membership presents some of the first public speaking opportunities they encounter in college. Some students speak at induction. Others give speeches to their chapters during meetings. The best thing about these speaking engagements is that they are a chance for students to hone their skills in a low-pressure environment. Learning to public speak well is life-changing.

Friendships

The importance of friendship cannot be understated. Friends are people you can bounce ideas off of, turn to for career advice, and collaborate with on school projects. Many people meet people in college who become life-long friends. And NSCS membership is just one more opportunity to make friends who share your passion for academic excellence, service, and leadership.

One struggle some students face in college has to do with meeting students outside of their major. You probably have classes with all of the same people, over and over again. Since NSCS welcomes students from all majors, joining gives you a chance to meet people with more diverse interests. Maybe you’re an engineering student; you can meet people in English and history. Or perhaps you’re an English major. NSCS may be your chance to meet students studying psychology or math.

It can take students some time to adapt to college life. Those who seek out new experiences and always seek to excel tend to get the most out of the experience. Joining NSCS is one way to achieve that. It’s a great way to change your life as an undergraduate.

So, what does NSCS founder, Steve Loflin, have to say about the organization, its growth, and its success over the years? We asked Steve a few questions, and there’s a lot to be learned from his responses.

What Does NSCS Stand For?

Steve points out that when he first started NSCS, one of the most important factors was the organization’s pillars. As members know, these three pillars are scholarship, leadership, and community service. As NSCS has grown and expanded, these three pillars have remained central to all that the organization does.

How Is NSCS Different From Other Honor Societies?

When asked this question, Steve is the first to admit that there are hundreds of honors societies students can join. In other words, students have a choice. What Steve thinks is most unique about NSCS is that it gives students an opportunity to be recognized early in their college experience. Even freshmen are invited to join, whereas other honors societies are often only open to more advanced students.

What Is the NSCS Impact?

Steve is really pleased with the tremendous impact NSCS has had over the years, and he really deserves to be! Even though NSCS is the youngest honor society, it has become one of the largest, which means more opportunities for more students to succeed.

What Should Parents Know?

Parents sometimes wonder whether it’s worthwhile for their students to join NSCS. Steve responds to this query by explaining that when a parent commits to sending their child to an academic institution, they are investing in that student’s future. NSCS is a good addition to that experience. Membership helps supplement the college experience, giving students opportunities to work with mentors, network, and apply for additional scholarships and internships.

Is NSCS Legitimate?

Even though this question is asked often, Steve does not mind responding since he is confident in his response. In a single word, “yes.” NSCS is legitimate. We are an established organization with chapters all over the country. They have an entire staff dedicated to members’ success. NSCS also took the step of becoming certified by the Association of College Honor Societies, which also speaks to the organization’s legitimacy and high standards of membership. 

Why Is There a Fee to Join?

Steve says it is completely reasonable for students to wonder why they have to pay a fee to join NSCS. However, he wants to remind students that the fee is a once-in-a-lifetime fee that covers administration costs. You’ll never have to pay again, but you’ll have a lifetime of access to NSCS’ benefits. Steve also points out that every college honors society charges a membership fee. NSCS is not unique in this regard, and students get a lot for their money by joining.

As large and influential as NSCS is today, it is remarkable to think back on a time when Steve Loflin was just beginning to plan and set up the organization. We would all like to thank Steve for his dedication to the society over the years, and for the time he took to answer the interview questions above. Thank you, Steve!

Where to Buy NSCS Regalia

You can shop for NSCS regalia and graduation attire at store.NSCS.org. The website clearly displays all of the items available to NSCS members. Make sure you plan ahead! Orders need to be placed by September 30th in order to be received by December 1st.

NSCS Regalia Options

So, what are the best items to wear in order to honor your NSCS membership on graduation day? Here are a few suggestions.

NSCS Honor Cord

The NSCS Honor Cord is a simple, subtle way to honor your NSCS membership on graduation day. Made in the NSCS colors purple and gold, the cord will look stunning with your robe. It’s made in the USA, and you can easily pair it with other items mentioned here, like the honor stole.

NSCS Honor Stole

If you really want to make a statement, the NSCS Honor Stole is the way to go. This gold stole looks luxurious and special. It will really help you stand out in graduation photos, especially when there’s a whole group of students wearing the same color robes. The stole is printed with the NSCS logo and full name — the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. It’s the ultimate way to signify your dedication to the NSCS principles of scholarship, leadership, and service.

NSCS Honor Medallion

The NSCS Honor Medallion is available to all members and looks lovely when layered over the NSCS Honor Stole. The medallion is strung on purple material and features and emblem that says “The National Society of Collegiate Scholars.” This is a popular option among Chapter Presidents and other members in leadership roles.

If you’re interested in all three of the items above, NSCS also sells them as a package. You’ll really look your best on graduation day with a cord, medallion, and stole.

Other Ways to Graduate in Style

In addition to dressing the part, there are other ways to include NSCS in your graduation celebrations. Talk to your university about giving a speech about your NSCS involvement as a part of the graduation ceremony. Or, work with your chapter leadership to organize an additional ceremony or celebration specifically for NSCS members at your college or university.

Once you do graduate, also remember to spread the word about NSCS members. As an alumna, you can encourage other members to take advantage of all NSCS has to offer. Share with them how your NSCS membership shaped you, and encourage them to embrace the same opportunities.

NSCS membership is a powerful addition to the college experience. With the right attire and attitude, there are plenty of ways to honor your NSCS involvement as a part of your college graduation. Visit the NSCS shop, and prepare for a lovely day.

1. Respond to Chapter Emails

Soon after you’re accepted as a member, you should begin getting emails from your Chapter President. Keep an eye out for these emails as they include important updates about your chapter’s events and activities. Don’t hesitate to respond to the emails, either. Let your Chapter President know whether you can attend an event, or ask a question. Interacting with your leadership in this way is a great way to start getting to know people and familiarizing yourself with all that NSCS has to offer.

2. Attend Social Events

When you see that your NSCS chapter is hosting a social event, make plans to attend! This is a great way to meet other members.

One of the great things about NSCS is the organization’s ability to bring together students from various majors and specialties. So, if you’re used to seeing the same people in your classes time and time again, attending NSCS events is a good way to meet new people with different perspectives from your own. In the work world, different professions need to come together to meet common goals. As an NSCS member, you can get ahead of the game when it comes to multi-discipline work and interaction.

3. Research Scholarships

Scholarships opportunities are one of the key benefits of joining NSCS. We award 26 national scholarships each year. They total more than $500,000 in value. We also partner with programs like Semester at Sea and Absolute Internship.

Upon joining, we recommend visiting the NSCS website to research the various scholarships available to you, and the qualifications. Keep in mind that students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be considered for scholarships. We select recipients across all fields and career paths based on or core values of academics, leadership, and service.

4. Explore Leadership

NSCS chapters need leaders. If you are interested in developing your own leadership abilities, then we recommend getting involved in chapter leadership. You don’t necessarily need to run for President. There are numerous other positions, from Secretary positions to VP roles. 

Leadership skills will pay off indefinitely once you enter the workforce. In fact, companies want to hire strong leaders straight out of college. So, if you take advantage of the leadership opportunities offered through NSCS, you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes time to apply for your first job.

It is an honor to be nominated for and to accept NSCS leadership. However, this is only the beginning. If you follow up by taking the steps above, you’ll be well on your way towards success. Communicate with your leaders, socialize and meet others, and look into the scholarship and leadership opportunities available to members like you.

Learning to negotiate a salary is not always easy for recent graduates or soon-to-be graduates. However, Adam Carroll offered a few very useful tips that can really help.

1. Create a Budget First

The first step in negotiating a salary is to figure out how much you need to ask for. It’s far better to make a budget up-front rather than simply hope a job pays you enough to cover you bills.

As you create a budget, make sure you account for all regular expenses including rent, phone bills, student loan payments, insurance premiums, utility bills, and grocery expenses. Also keep in mind that approximately 30% of your paycheck will be diverted to pay taxes and other deductions. So, if you need $2,000 a month to cover your bills, you need to earn at least $3,000 a month, total.

2. Research What Jobs Like Yours Pay

Negotiating a salary is a lot easier when you know what jobs like the one you’re applying for pay, on average. Use resources like Glassdoor to research the average salary for similar positions in your area. You can use this to guide you as you negotiate.

For example, if research shows that the average starting salary for a certain job is $45,000 a year, and company offers you $42,000, then you can negotiate up by bringing up the average. 

Researching the average salary beforehand also helps you get an idea of what a company may offer before they offer it. You’ll be able to negotiate more successfully if the first number doesn’t come as a surprise.

3. Know How Ranges Work

Often when companies post a job, they include a salary range. The bottom number of that range is often the first offer they’ll make. You can negotiate that number up by pointing out the skills and experience you bring to the job. Keep in mind, however, that most companies do not plan on paying the top number in the range. They like to pay a bit less than that so they have some wiggle room to provide bonuses and raises later on, as needed.

4. Take Time to Think Over the Offer

When a company gets back to you with an offer, thank them for the offer, and tell them you need 24 hours to think it over. Then, once some time (24 hours or less) has passed, you can come back and ask them for a little bit more. For instance, if they offer you $50,000, you could explain how, based on your research on average salary and the cost of living, you’d like to be closer to $52,000. 

Companies expect you to negotiate the initial amount they offer you, so failing to do so is just leaving money on the table.

Negotiating your first salary may feel a little uncomfortable, but if you go into the situation knowing what you need to earn and how much you can expect to be paid, you’ll feel confident and prepared. Keep the tips above in mind, and good luck!

Mentorship Opportunities

College students meet professors and administrators every day. While students can absolutely learn a lot from these educators, it can also he helpful for students to interact with and learn from professionals in other fields. Through their experiences in an honors society, college students can meet alumni who are working in various industries. They may develop mentor-mentee relationships with some of these alumni. Over the years, they can turn to these mentors for help making decisions and shaping their careers. If a student wants to work in the legal field, for example, they can interact with other honors alumni in the legal field.

Exposure to Other Viewpoints

Honors society membership gives students a chance to interact with students in other majors. Especially at larger universities, students may really only interact with others in their major when they attend classes. At honor society events, on the other hand, business majors, science majors, humanities majors, and others all come together and work together. Students are exposed to other perspectives and come to understand the value of those perspectives.

Internship Opportunities

Internships are often the launch point for careers. A student might later get a job at the company where they intern. Or, they may make connections through their internship that later help them find a job with a different company. Finding internship opportunities is not always easy these days, though. Honor societies like NSCS open the door to internships that are not available to other students. One internship, facilitated by an honors society, can transform a student’s entire college experince and their path once they graduate.

Scholarship Opportunities

College can be expensive. There are plenty of scholarships out there that can help defray the cost, but like internships, they are not always easy to find. NSCS and other honor societies typically offer scholarships specifically for their members. Additionally, membership in an honors society can really make a student stand out among other applicants when they apply for scholarships. An honor society member comes off as someone who is confident, dedicated, and hard-working — that’s the type of student who often wins scholarships.

A Lasting Network

Honor societies don’t just benefit a student while they are in college. They continue to benefit students after they graduate. The fellow students and mentors a student meets in their honors society will remain an active network for the student as they continue along their career path. The student can later leverage that network when they want to find a new job, transition into a new career field, or pursue other new opportunities. One day, the student can start serving as a mentor and helping out other members!

Joining an honors society is a smart choice for many students. It can help round out their college experience in both academic and extracurricular ways. From internships, to mentorship, to scholarships, there are so many ways an honors society helps shape a student for the better. 

Public speaking skills come in handy across a variety of industries. Politicians draw on their public speaking skills when they hold public events and explain their positions to their constituents. Scientists present their research at formal conventions. Lawyers speak publicly in court. Unfortunately, though, many college students do not get ample opportunities to practice their public speaking in class. If college students want to become great public speakers, they need to seek out opportunities on their own. Joining NSCS is one way to open the door to so many different public speaking opportunities.

Public Speaking Opportunities With NSCS

NSCS members get a chance to practice their public speaking from day one! New members are invited to speak at their chapter’s induction ceremony each year. This is a good chance to speak about a subject you’re passionate about in front of your peers. 

As NSCS members become more involved, they’ll discover many more opportunities to speak in public. Some members become very involved in community volunteer events, and through that involvement, they get to stand up in front of an audience and speak about their work. Other members intern for political campaigns, which may involve speaking to other groups of students and constituents.

If a member decides to become involved in chapter leadership, they’ll have many opportunities to speak publicly on their campus. Some of these speaking engagements will center around telling other students about NSCS and its benefits. Others will involve motivating and informing fellow NSCS members of new opportunities.

The Benefits of Public Speaking Experience

So, why do so many NSCS members seek out opportunities to practice their public speaking? As it turns out, public speaking is a highly sought-after skill that makes one a true asset in graduate or professional school, and in the workplace.

Graduate School

Most graduate school programs involve a lot of seminar classes. Students may also need to present their own research at a convention or seminar. As such, graduate schools look for candidates who they know will be capable of speaking publicly in these settings. A student with plenty of NSCS public speaking experience on their graduate school application is more likely to be accepted. Also, once that student is in graduate school, they’ll find that a lot of the required public speaking already comes naturally to them.

The Professional Setting

Students who enter the workforce directly after college also benefit from the public speaking experience they get as NSCS members. They may be called upon, early in their career, to lead training sessions or seminars for other employees. In some industries, these employees may even be asked to speak at public events. Adapting to life as a professional is challenging enough already. New employees who are already confident speaking in public have one less skill to develop. Employers seek out students with speaking experience for this reason!

Whether you’re planning to enroll in graduate school or enter the workforce after college, the public speaking experience you gain as an NSCS member is sure to serve you well. The best advice we can give current and prospective members is this: say “yes” to every speaking opportunity that comes your way. Over time, your public speaking skills and confidence will grow, and before long, you’ll be the talented public speaker your employer can depend on.

Each NSCS member gets to craft their own experience within the organization. They can pick and choose which professional development activities they participate in based on their own needs and weaknesses. The following are a few of our most popular opportunities for professional development.

Internships

Working as an intern can go a long way in helping students transition from college to the workforce. Internships don’t just teach students specific skills. They help them adapt to a professional environment, learn to collaborate with a team, and find their place in the company culture. NSCS members have access to members-only internships across a variety of fields. Our alumni and mentors can also help members find other internships to suit their needs and interests. Some students intern for one semester, and others intern for a year or two years. 

Sometimes, a student internship turns into full-time employment post-graduation. However, even when internships don’t directly lead to employment, they go a long way in helping students develop the professionals skills needed to start a successful career.

The National Leadership Council

Leadership skills are a big part of professional development. Not everyone is born a natural leader, but most people can become effective leaders with the proper practice and training. The NSCS National Leadership Council is a student advisory board that works alongside the organization’s Board of Directors to create policies for members. Students who join this council learn to advocate, collaborate, and lead — all of which are skills that will come in handy throughout their professional careers.

Chapter Leadership

Some members seek professional development by joining their university’s chapter leadership. Each chapter has a full panel of leaders who work together to make decisions, organize events, and recruit new NSCS members. Serving in chapter leadership really helps members develop their social interaction skills. They learn to make decisions as a part of a team, support others on their journeys, and play up their own strengths for the betterment of the group. Students who wish to one day serve in managerial roles can really benefit from including chapter leadership as a part of their professional development.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Sometimes professional development means stepping outside of your comfort zone and learning how to navigate new terrain. Study abroad programs are excellent for this. NSCS offers numerous study abroad programs for members in various majors. There are even scholarships awarded to several NSCS members specifically to assist them in funding their study abroad experiences. Additionally, NSCS is proud to partner with Semester at Sea, a program that invites students to spend a semester on a ship, sailing from port to port as they learn and see the world. Experiences like this can help students develop a more informed, international mindset that is important in today’s professional culture.

Professional development is an important part of the college experience, but students really need to step outside the classroom to pursue that development. NSCS facilitates this process for members through our leadership opportunities, study abroad programs, internships, and more. You want to be ready to enter the workforce. NSCS can help you get there.